Shoe size
Shoe size is a standardized alphanumeric designation indicating the dimensions of footwear, primarily the length from the heel to the longest toe of the foot it is intended to fit, and secondarily the width across the ball of the foot, to ensure comfort and prevent injury.[1] Measurements are typically taken in millimeters or inches while standing, as feet expand during the day and vary between left and right, with the larger foot determining the size; proper fitting accounts for about 1-1.5 cm (0.4-0.6 inches) of additional space in the toe area to accommodate movement.[2] Numerous shoe sizing systems exist worldwide, reflecting historical and regional differences in measurement standards, which complicates international comparisons and often requires conversion tables. The Mondopoint system, endorsed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in ISO 9407:2019, uses direct metric measurements of foot length (e.g., 250 mm) and optionally width (e.g., 100 mm) without gender distinctions, making it a universal approach primarily used for children's shoes, ski boots, and some athletic footwear.[3] In contrast, the British (UK) system originates from the barleycorn unit—a historical English length of one-third inch (approximately 8.46 mm)—established in the 14th century under King Edward II, where each full size increment adds this amount to the foot length, starting from size 0 for a 4-inch last and scaling up for adults and children separately.[4] The United States (US) system, derived from the British model in the 19th century, maintains the one-third-inch increment per full size but shifts scales: men's sizes begin at 1 (equivalent to UK 0) for a roughly 8 1/3-inch foot, while women's sizes start at 4 (about 1.5 sizes smaller than men's for the same length) to account for average gender differences in foot proportions, with half-sizes adding 1/6 inch.[5] The European (EU) system, based on the Paris point (two-thirds of a centimeter, or 6.67 mm) developed in 19th-century France, measures the length of the shoe last (the mold used to shape the shoe) rather than the foot directly, resulting in unisex sizing where the size number approximates 1.5 times the foot length in centimeters (e.g., EU 40 for a foot length of about 25.7 cm); it covers both adults and children without separate scales.[6][7] Other regional systems, such as those in China, Japan, and Korea, blend metric and traditional elements, but ISO 19407:2023 provides conversion tables across major systems (Mondopoint, UK, EU, US, China, Japan, Korea) to facilitate global standardization and reduce sizing discrepancies.[8] Beyond length, shoe width is denoted by letters (e.g., B for medium in US women's, D for medium in men's, ranging from AAA narrow to EEE wide), as foot shape varies significantly and ill-fitting widths can cause blisters, deformities, or pain; width increments are typically 3-5 mm per letter grade.[9][5] Modern manufacturing employs grading—proportional scaling of the shoe last—to produce size ranges, ensuring consistency, while tools like the Brannock Device (invented in 1925) remain standard for precise US measurements of length, width, and arch.[10] Despite these standards, variations occur due to brand-specific lasts, material stretch, and foot morphology, underscoring the importance of trying on shoes for optimal fit.[11]Fundamentals of Shoe Sizing
Foot Measurement Basics
Foot measurements for shoe sizing begin with identifying key anatomical landmarks to capture the foot's essential dimensions. The primary length is determined by measuring from the rearmost point of the heel to the tip of the longest toe, which is typically the hallux or big toe, as this represents the overall longitudinal extent of the foot.[12] The ball of the foot girth involves measuring the circumference around the metatarsal heads, the widest part of the forefoot just behind the toes, to assess lateral volume.[13] Additionally, instep height quantifies the vertical dimension from the plantar surface to the dorsal apex of the instep, approximately at 50% of foot length, providing insight into the foot's medial-lateral and superior-inferior profile.[14] Standard tools for these measurements include a straightedge ruler or tape measure for basic length and girth assessments, allowing for straightforward application along the foot's contours.[15] A more precise instrument is the Brannock device, a mechanical foot-measuring tool featuring a pivoting heel cup, adjustable width slide, and multiple graduated scales to align and record dimensions in a single setup.[16] Invented in 1925, this device facilitates consistent positioning of the foot for reliable baseline data.[17] Measurements are commonly expressed in inches or centimeters, depending on the regional system, with the exact conversion defined as 1 inch equaling 2.54 centimeters. To convert inches to centimeters, multiply the inch value by 2.54; conversely, divide centimeters by 2.54 to obtain inches. For optimal accuracy, foot dimensions should be taken while the individual is standing with weight evenly distributed, as this position causes the foot to elongate and widen by up to 0.5-1 cm compared to sitting, reflecting natural load-bearing deformation.[18] These baseline measurements inform subsequent adaptations, such as those applied to shoe lasts during construction.[12]Shoe Last and Construction
A shoe last is a three-dimensional mold, traditionally crafted from wood or more recently from plastic or composite materials, designed to replicate the contours of the human foot and serve as the foundational form around which the shoe's upper and sole are constructed.[19] Its primary purpose is to impart the shoe's internal shape, ensuring the final product accommodates the foot's anatomy while incorporating stylistic elements, thereby bridging the gap between raw materials and a functional, aesthetically pleasing footwear item. By stretching and molding the leather or fabric upper over the last during assembly, it defines the shoe's fit, stability, and comfort characteristics from the outset of production.[20] Shoe lasts vary significantly to suit different footwear types and user needs, with common classifications including straight, curved, and anatomical designs. Straight lasts feature a symmetrical alignment from heel to toe, promoting stability and often used in athletic or motion-control shoes to minimize pronation.[21] Curved lasts, by contrast, incorporate a more pronounced medial arch and toe spring, ideal for dress shoes or running footwear that encourages natural foot roll during gait.[22] Anatomical lasts closely mimic the foot's irregular contours, including asymmetries between left and right feet, and are employed in orthopedic or high-performance applications to enhance precision fit.[23] The design of the last profoundly influences key shoe components, such as the toe box, arch support, and overall internal volume. A wider or more rounded toe box on the last reduces forefoot pressure and allows natural toe splay, as evidenced by studies showing decreased interdigital neuromas in shoes with voluminous toe regions.[24] The instep and heel portions determine arch height and counter fit, providing necessary support to prevent slippage or excessive strain on the foot's medial arch.[25] Additionally, the last's girth and depth control the shoe's volume, accommodating variations in foot swelling or orthotic inserts without compromising breathability or weight distribution.[26] Basic foot length measurements provide essential input for scaling the last's proportions during initial design. Historically, shoe lasts evolved from hand-carved wooden forms prevalent in the 19th century, when bespoke shoemaking relied on manual shaping to match individual foot tracings, enabling the mass production of standardized sizes amid industrial growth. The mid-20th century introduced plastic lasts and duplicating lathes, revolutionizing efficiency by allowing rapid replication and reducing material waste in factory settings.[27] Contemporary advancements include 3D-printed lasts, which use scanned foot data for bespoke customization, enabling complex geometries and shorter production cycles compared to traditional milling.[28]Length Determination
The primary determinant of shoe size is the length of the foot, measured from the back of the heel to the tip of the longest toe, with the shoe's internal length designed to exceed this by a specific allowance to accommodate toe movement, wear, and potential growth. In the Paris point system, which originated in France during the mid-19th century, the fundamental unit of measurement is the Paris point, equivalent to 2/3 centimeter (approximately 6.67 mm). This system derives from French shoemaking traditions and was standardized to facilitate consistent production across Europe, with the shoe size corresponding directly to the length of the shoe last expressed in Paris points.[29][11] The formula for determining shoe size in the Paris point system is based on the foot length in centimeters, adjusted for allowance: shoe size (in Paris points) = (foot length in cm × 1.5) + 2, where the factor of 1.5 accounts for the 2/3 cm per point, and the added 2 Paris points provides the standard allowance of approximately 1.33 cm for the shoe to extend beyond the foot. This allowance typically ranges from 1 to 1.5 cm in adult shoes to ensure comfort without excess slippage, though it may increase to 1.5-2 cm for children's footwear to support growth. For instance, a foot measuring 25 cm would yield a shoe size of about 39.5 Paris points, corresponding to a last length of 26.33 cm.[30][31] The zero point in the Paris point system is theoretically at 0 cm, representing the absence of length, but practical application begins with infant sizes around 10-15 Paris points (6.67-10 cm). Historically, the zero point served as a reference from the heel on the shoe last for measurements, with early French implementations aligning the scale to start from a minimal viable length near 10 2/3 inches (about 27 cm) for standardization in adult sizing derivations. Over time, variations in zero point definitions arose due to regional adaptations; the original French system used a fixed offset from the heel for last construction, but modern alignments under ISO 19407:2023 shift toward direct foot length measurements with percentage-based allowances (e.g., 8% of foot length for children), promoting metric consistency and eliminating arbitrary starting points in favor of verifiable foot metrics.[32][8]Width and Girth Integration
Shoe sizing extends beyond length by incorporating width and girth to ensure a comprehensive fit that accommodates the foot's three-dimensional structure. Width measurements capture the breadth at the ball of the foot, while girth assesses the circumference at key points, allowing for adjustments that prevent pressure points and promote comfort. These dimensions are typically denoted relative to the base length size, creating a profile that addresses variations in foot shape.[33] Width scales in shoe sizing use a lettering system ranging from AA (narrow) to EEE (wide), with each letter increment representing an increase in breadth, often by about 1/4 inch (6.35 mm) at the ball. Alternatively, some systems add numerical values to the length size, such as +1 or -1, to indicate wider or narrower fits. These notations build on the length as the primary unit, providing a simple way to specify deviations in breadth.[33][34] Girth measurements focus on the circumference at the ball (around the metatarsal heads) and instep (over the top of the foot at the arch), which inform the shoe's internal volume and flexibility. These are taken using a flexible tape along the shortest path across the foot's widest points, with standards specifying increments of approximately 1/4 inch (6.35 mm) per size or width change to maintain proportional volume.[35][36] Proportional scaling recognizes that wider feet often exhibit greater overall volume, necessitating a longer shoe size in some cases to avoid tightness despite matching length. This adjustment ensures adequate space for toe splay and arch support, as increased width correlates with higher girth demands across the foot's length.[34] Special considerations arise with conditions like bunions, which protrude at the big toe joint and require extra width or girth at the forefoot to reduce friction and pain. Similarly, high arches increase the instep girth and demand shoes with greater depth or volume to prevent compression, often benefiting from flexible uppers that accommodate the elevated structure.[37][38]Sizing Challenges and Variations
Shoe sizing faces significant challenges due to the natural variability in human foot anatomy, which can lead to inconsistent fits across individuals and even within the same person over time. One common issue is diurnal foot swelling, where fluid accumulation from prolonged standing or walking can increase foot volume by up to 5-10%, potentially lengthening the foot by approximately 0.5 cm by the end of the day, making morning-fitted shoes feel tight later.[39] Asymmetry between the left and right feet is common, with about 19% of people having length differences greater than 4 mm (roughly half a shoe size) and 2% greater than 8 mm (about one size), often requiring consumers to size for the larger foot and use fillers for the smaller one.[40] Age-related changes exacerbate these problems, as ligaments and tendons lose elasticity, causing feet to flatten, widen, and lengthen by up to one full size by age 50, while fatty padding on the soles thins by nearly half, altering overall shape and comfort needs.[41] Gender differences further complicate sizing, as women's feet tend to be narrower and have a lower instep height for the same length compared to men's, meaning standard unisex or male-oriented lasts often fail to accommodate female anatomy without custom adjustments.[42] Ethnic variations in foot morphology add another layer of difficulty; for instance, Asian populations, such as Japanese individuals, typically have wider feet relative to length than Caucasoid or Australoid groups, leading to ill-fitting shoes designed for Western averages and higher rates of foot disorders in diverse markets.[43] Environmental factors like heat and physical activity intensify these challenges by promoting temporary swelling through vasodilation and increased blood flow, which can expand foot girth by several millimeters during hot weather or exercise, disrupting fit in rigid footwear.[44] While shoe lasts help mitigate some variations by providing a standardized mold for construction, they cannot fully address the dynamic nature of foot changes, underscoring the need for adjustable or multi-width options in modern sizing.[45]Regional Sizing Systems
United Kingdom System
The United Kingdom shoe sizing system is based on the barleycorn unit, an ancient English measure equivalent to one-third of an inch (approximately 8.46 mm), with each full size increment representing one barleycorn added to the shoe's internal length.[11] This system originated in 14th-century England, when King Edward II decreed in 1324 that three barleycorns laid end to end constituted one inch, providing a standardized approach to footwear measurement that evolved from earlier medieval practices.[11] It was further refined in the 19th century, notably by shoemaker Robert Gardiner in 1856, who advocated for the one-third-inch increment to replace inconsistent quarter-inch measurements, leading to greater uniformity in production.[11] For children's footwear, the scale begins at size 0, corresponding to an internal shoe length of 4 inches (12 barleycorns or about 10.16 cm), suitable for infants, with sizes increasing progressively by one barleycorn per step up to size 13, marking the transition to adult sizing.[29] Adult men's sizes start at 1, measured from heel to toe and ranging typically from 1 to 13 (spanning approximately 8.25 inches to 12.25 inches), while women's sizes use an equivalent scale but are labeled separately, often starting around 1 to 9 for common fits, reflecting proportional differences in foot shape without altering the underlying barleycorn progression.[11] Half sizes are incorporated by adding one-sixth of an inch, allowing for finer adjustments. Width in the UK system is indicated by letters from A (narrowest) to H (widest), accommodating variations in foot girth at the ball and instep, with designations like 5A denoting extra-narrow fits for specialized needs.[46] Standard widths are typically D for women and F for men, while G and H provide options for wider feet, ensuring better comfort across diverse body types; these indicators have been in use since the early 20th century to address fit beyond length alone.[11]United States System
The United States shoe sizing system is based on the barleycorn, an imperial unit of length equivalent to one-third of an inch, which forms the increment between consecutive sizes.[47] Men's sizes typically range from 1 to 16, where a size 1 corresponds to a foot length of 7 2/3 inches, with each subsequent size increasing by 1/3 inch.[47] Women's sizes generally span 4 to 12, with size 4 equating to a foot length of approximately 8 1/8 inches, also advancing in 1/3-inch steps.[48] For the same foot length, there is a 1.5-size difference between men's and women's scales, meaning a woman's size is 1.5 larger than the equivalent men's size.[49] The Brannock Device, invented in 1925 and widely used in US retail, is the standard tool for determining shoe size by measuring three key dimensions: heel-to-toe length, heel-to-ball (arch) length, and foot width.[50] To find the size, the device compares the heel-to-toe and heel-to-ball measurements, selecting the larger as the basis for the length size, while the width bar provides a corresponding width designation.[50] This integrated approach outputs a direct US size recommendation, accounting for the foot's functional shape rather than length alone.[51] Shoe widths in the US system are denoted by letters, ranging from AA (narrow) to EEEE (extra wide), with D typically serving as the standard medium width for both men and women.[52] Narrower widths like AAA or AA accommodate slimmer feet, while wider options such as EE, EEE, or EEEE suit broader ones; some brands supplement these with numerical equivalents, such as 4A for extra narrow or 4E for extra wide.[53] For children, the US system uses a unified youth scale up to size 6Y (youth), which applies across genders without separation, after which sizing transitions into adult men's or women's scales around 7Y.[54] This approach simplifies early fitting but requires adjustment as children approach adult proportions.[54]Continental European System
The Continental European shoe sizing system, commonly referred to as the Paris point system, is a metric-based standard prevalent across much of Europe, excluding the British Isles. It defines each size increment as one Paris point, equivalent to 2/3 centimeter or 6.67 millimeters. This approach originated in France during the mid-19th century as a standardized method for measuring shoe lasts and has since been widely adopted throughout continental Europe, providing a consistent framework for footwear production and sales.[29][55] In this system, the numerical size directly corresponds to the length of the shoe last expressed in Paris points, making it a straightforward metric scale unified across genders and age groups. Children's sizes typically begin at lower numbers, such as size 15 equating to a child size 0, while adult sizes continue upward without interruption, often ranging from 35 to 45 for men and 35 to 42 for women. Half-size increments are standard in many markets, offering finer adjustments of approximately 3.335 millimeters, though some manufacturers and regions limit offerings to full sizes for simplicity.[29][56] Variations occur by country while adhering to the core Paris point structure. France and Italy generally employ the system in its purest form, focusing solely on length without supplementary width notations. In Germany, sizing commonly incorporates width indicators alongside the length, using letters like G to denote a normal fit, F for narrow, and H for wide, accommodating diverse foot shapes more explicitly.[57][58] Length remains the primary metric for determining size in this system.[11]Mondopoint and Asian Variants
The Mondopoint system designates shoe sizes based on direct measurements of the foot in millimeters, with the primary dimension being the foot length and an optional secondary dimension for foot width across the ball of the foot.[59] For example, a size might be marked as 260/100, indicating a foot length of 260 mm and a width of 100 mm.[59] This approach, formalized in ISO 9407:2019, applies to all types of footwear and emphasizes anatomical precision over arbitrary units.[59] In East Asia, adaptations of the Mondopoint system vary by country while retaining metric-based length measurements. Japan employs the Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS), where shoe sizes correspond directly to foot length in centimeters, typically in 5 mm increments (e.g., 26 for 260 mm), without routinely including width unless specified for specialized footwear. China, under the national standard GB/T 43293-2022 effective since May 2023, uses millimeter measurements for foot length combined with girth codes, such as numerical designations like 1.5 or 2.5, to account for circumference at the ball of the foot, replacing earlier standards for broader applicability across shoe categories.[60] The legacy of the Soviet Union persists in Russia and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries through GOST standards, particularly GOST 11373-88, which defines shoe sizes by foot sole length in millimeters, with adult ranges commonly spanning 240–300 mm (e.g., sizes effectively marked as 24–30 in simplified cm notation).[61] These standards remain in use for domestic production and labeling in Russia, ensuring compatibility with metric tools and machinery inherited from the Soviet era.[61] The Mondopoint system's advantages include its metric precision, which allows for exact anatomical matching and reduces sizing ambiguities across borders, while its alignment with ISO 19407 supports global interoperability in footwear terminology and measurement.[62][59]Other Regional Systems
In Mexico, the shoe sizing system is primarily based on foot length measured in centimeters, with sizes denoted as decimal values directly corresponding to the length, such as 24.5 for a 24.5 cm foot. This approach aligns closely with the Mondopoint system's emphasis on metric measurements, though Mexican sizing typically focuses on length without standardized width notations across all brands.[63] Brazil employs a variant of the Paris point system, which originates from the continental European method but subtracts two units from the standard European size to determine the final measurement, effectively making Brazilian sizes approximately two numbers smaller than their European equivalents. For instance, a European size 45 corresponds to a Brazilian size 43. This adaptation reflects historical influences from French sizing conventions while accommodating local foot proportions.[11][64] In India, shoe sizing remains heavily influenced by the British colonial legacy, utilizing the UK system of barleycorn units where sizes increment by one-third of an inch (approximately 8.46 mm), with common ranges for men from UK 6 to 12. Recent surveys have highlighted mismatches with imported Western shoes due to broader Indian foot shapes, prompting proposals for a localized "Bha" system, though the UK-influenced framework persists in most domestic production.[65] Australia and New Zealand primarily use the UK system with similar barleycorn increments. Many African and Middle Eastern markets feature hybrid sizing practices shaped by import dependencies, blending UK barleycorn-based systems in countries like South Africa and Nigeria with Mondopoint metric formats for sports and international footwear. In the Middle East, such as in Iran and the UAE, the continental European system predominates for everyday shoes, often alongside UK variants for British-sourced imports, leading to consumer reliance on conversion charts.[66] These non-standard regional systems are becoming rarer amid globalization, as manufacturers increasingly adopt ISO 9407's Mondopoint recommendations to facilitate international trade and e-commerce consistency.International Standards and Conversions
ISO 19407 Overview
ISO 19407:2023, titled "Footwear — Sizing — Conversion of sizing systems," is the first edition of this international standard, published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in June 2023, replacing the previous technical specification ISO/TS 19407:2015.[8] It establishes a global framework for converting between major shoe sizing systems by using the Mondopoint system as the primary reference, which measures foot length and optional width in millimeters, while incorporating conversions to other systems including the European system based on Paris points (where 1 Paris point equals two-thirds of a centimeter).[8][67] The standard provides three conversion tables that align sizes across these systems, including Mondopoint, UK, EU, US, China, Japan, and Korea, promoting consistency in footwear designation worldwide.[8] The scope of ISO 19407:2023 encompasses footwear for all age groups, including adults and children, with tables specifically addressing both categories to ensure applicability across demographics.[8] It focuses on linear measurements in millimeters for foot length and girth, facilitating accurate translations from regional systems like the United Kingdom, United States, China, Japan, and Korea to the metric-based Mondopoint.[8] This approach addresses the fragmentation in traditional sizing by prioritizing objective metric data over disparate national conventions.[67] Key principles outlined in the standard include calculating shoe size and effective last length based on foot length plus a toe allowance of 8% of the foot length for children's sizes to accommodate proper fit.[67] Marking requirements emphasize clear labeling of sizes using the designated systems, recommending the manufacturing system be indicated in bold with conversions in plain font (e.g., Mondopoint as primary, followed by EU, UK, US).[67] These elements ensure that conversions maintain reliability for manufacturing, retail, and consumer use.[8] As of 2025, ISO 19407 serves as the authoritative reference for international shoe size conversions, supporting harmonization efforts across regional systems without supplanting them entirely.[8]Conversion Methodologies
Conversion between shoe size systems relies on establishing the foot length in millimeters as a common intermediary metric, allowing for the application of system-specific offsets and scaling factors to derive equivalent sizes in other systems. This approach aligns with international standards that emphasize foot length measurements for consistency across regions.[8] The process begins by converting the original size to its corresponding foot length using empirical formulas derived from historical sizing units, such as the barleycorn (approximately 8.46 mm) in UK and US systems or the Paris point (6.67 mm) in European systems. For instance, in the UK system, foot length can be approximated as 19.4 cm + (UK size × 0.8467 cm), providing an estimate of the bare foot measurement before allowances for shoe construction.[47] Similar formulas apply to US sizes, where men's foot length in inches is (US size + 22) / 3, converted to millimeters by multiplying by 25.4; for European sizes, the calculation involves adjusting for a 1.5 cm allowance on the last length divided by 0.667 cm per size unit.[47][29] Handling widths during conversions requires proportional mapping, as width designations vary by system and are often relative to the length. In the US system, widths range from AAA (very narrow) to EEE (very wide), with each letter increment representing an increase of about 3.2 mm in girth at the ball of the foot. European systems typically use numerical girth measurements or qualitative labels like "narrow" or "wide," where US AAA approximates a European narrow fit (e.g., girth 5-10 mm less than standard). This mapping ensures that conversions account for overall foot volume rather than length alone, though exact equivalences depend on brand-specific lasts.[68] Software tools and applications enhance accuracy by using the ISO 19407 standard as an intermediary, automating the conversion from foot length to multiple systems while incorporating user inputs for width and fit preferences. For example, mobile apps like Shoe Size employ ISO formulas to transform a known size across UK, US, EU, and Mondopoint systems, often integrating camera-based measurements for precise foot length determination. These digital intermediaries reduce errors from manual calculations and support real-time adjustments for regional variations.[69] Despite these methodologies, conversions remain approximate due to inherent fit variations, including differences in shoe last shapes, material stretch, and brand interpretations of standards, which can lead to discrepancies of up to 5-10 mm in effective length. Factors such as foot shape, arch height, and intended use (e.g., athletic vs. dress shoes) further limit precision, underscoring the need for in-person fittings or advanced scanning technologies for optimal results.[70][71]Adult Size Equivalence Tables
Adult shoe size equivalences across major regional systems are outlined in the International Organization for Standardization's ISO 19407:2023, which aligns the Mondopoint system (based on foot length in millimeters) with the UK barleycorn, US numeric, and European Paris point systems for adults, as well as China, Japan, and Korea. These conversions approximate foot length equivalences, with actual fit varying by manufacturer due to last shape and allowance for growth or socks (typically 10-15 mm added to foot length for shoe internal length). The tables below cover common adult ranges, starting from UK size 5 to 14 for men and UK size 5 to 10 for women, as higher sizes for women are less standard but follow similar scaling. Note: Equivalences for China, Japan, and Korea are approximate and derived from ISO tables; consult full standard for precise values.Men's Adult Shoe Sizes
| UK | US Men | EU | Mondopoint (mm) | China | Japan | Korea |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 38 | 237 | 37 | 23.5 | 240 |
| 6 | 7 | 39 | 246 | 39 | 24.5 | 250 |
| 7 | 8 | 40 | 254 | 41 | 25.5 | 260 |
| 8 | 9 | 41 | 262 | 42 | 26.5 | 265 |
| 9 | 10 | 43 | 271 | 44 | 27.5 | 275 |
| 10 | 11 | 44 | 279 | 46 | 28.5 | 285 |
| 11 | 12 | 45 | 288 | 48 | 29.5 | 290 |
| 12 | 13 | 46 | 296 | 49 | 30.5 | 300 |
| 13 | 14 | 48 | 305 | 51 | 31.5 | 310 |
| 14 | 15 | 49 | 310 | 52 | 32 | 315 |
Women's Adult Shoe Sizes
| UK | US Women | EU | Mondopoint (mm) | China | Japan | Korea |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 7 | 38 | 240 | 36 | 23 | 235 |
| 6 | 8 | 39 | 245 | 38 | 24 | 245 |
| 7 | 9 | 40 | 250 | 39 | 25 | 250 |
| 8 | 10 | 41 | 255 | 40 | 26 | 255 |
| 9 | 11 | 42 | 260 | 41 | 27 | 260 |
| 10 | 12 | 43 | 265 | 42 | 28 | 265 |
Children's Size Equivalence Tables
Children's shoe sizing systems vary by region, but conversions between major standards such as the United Kingdom (UK), United States (US), Continental European (EU), and Mondopoint (foot length in millimeters) allow for cross-referencing. These equivalences are based on foot length measurements and are outlined in international standards like ISO 19407:2023, which provides conversion tables for children's sizes to facilitate global consistency.[8] The following tables offer representative examples for infants/toddlers and youth, focusing on typical ranges without exhaustive listings.Infants and Toddlers (Ages 0-4, Approximate Foot Length 100-140 mm)
This table covers early childhood sizes, where feet grow rapidly, corresponding to UK 0-5, US infant 1-7 (or 0C-7C), EU 16-22, and Mondopoint 100-140 mm. Note that US infant sizes often use "C" for child, and exact matches may vary slightly by manufacturer.| Foot Length (mm) | Mondopoint | EU | UK | US Infant |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | 100 | 16 | 0 | 0.5-1 |
| 110 | 110 | 18 | 1 | 2 |
| 120 | 120 | 19-20 | 2 | 3 |
| 130 | 130 | 21 | 4 | 5 |
| 140 | 140 | 22 | 5 | 7 |
Youth (Ages 5-12, Approximate Foot Length 210-250 mm)
For older children, sizes transition toward adult scales, with UK 6-13, US youth 8Y-6Y (Y indicating youth), EU 34-40, and Mondopoint 210-250 mm. These provide room for active growth while maintaining fit.| Foot Length (mm) | Mondopoint | EU | UK | US Youth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 210 | 210 | 34 | 6 | 8Y |
| 220 | 220 | 36 | 8 | 10Y |
| 230 | 230 | 37-38 | 9 | 11Y |
| 240 | 240 | 39 | 11 | 4Y |
| 250 | 250 | 40 | 13 | 6Y |