Sizing guide
Understanding the US shoe size chart and footwear conversion
Finding correct American footwear requires understanding the Brannock device scale, demographic offsets, and last width ratings.
How the US shoe size system works: the Brannock standard
The standard American shoe size system relies on the Brannock Device, developed by Charles F. Brannock in 1927 in Syracuse, New York. The scale uses the English barleycorn increment of 8.46 mm (1/3 inch) per full size and 4.23 mm (1/6 inch) per half size. Men and women numbering scales start from different baseline offsets. A foot measuring 26.0 cm fits a US Men 8.0, whereas that same length corresponds to a US Women 9.5.
Women and men shoe size: the 1.5 size offset and width mechanics
Converting between US men and women models follows a 1.5 size difference in length:
- Men to women: Add 1.5 to the men size (US Men 9.0 plus 1.5 equals US Women 10.5).
- Women to men: Subtract 1.5 from the women size (US Women 8.5 minus 1.5 equals US Men 7.0).
Width profiles also differ between categories. Standard men shoes use a D width last, while standard women shoes use a narrower B width last. A woman buying a men sneaker will experience a wider heel cup and midfoot chamber. A man purchasing a women sneaker will experience a narrower fit that often requires a half size increase in length.
Decoding the 36 shoe size in US women's
An EU 36 corresponds to a US Women 5.5 to 6.0, UK 3.5, and 22.5 to 23.0 cm foot length. Footwear built on European lasts runs true to unisex metric lengths. When wearing athletic or winter socks, selecting US Women 6.0 provides adequate space across the toe box.
How to measure your foot using a feet size chart
Follow four steps to measure your feet accurately:
- Measure late in the day: Feet expand slightly after daily walking and standing. Measuring in the afternoon ensures comfortable fit.
- Place paper against a flat wall: Tape a blank sheet to a firm floor flush against the baseboard.
- Stand with weight evenly distributed: Stand upright with your heel touching the wall. Have a partner mark the outermost tip of your longest toe.
- Measure the distance: Measure from the paper edge to the mark in millimeters, then check the reference chart. Measure both feet and size your footwear to fit the larger foot, because most individuals have slight size differences between their left and right feet.