UK to EU shoe size guide: cross-channel conversion rules
Footwear from Northamptonshire makers like Church's, Loake, or Crockett and Jones uses British sizing, while continental brands from Italy, France, and Germany use European Paris Points. Converting between both systems requires accounting for their differing measurement units.
Measurement systems: barleycorns and Paris points
The British sizing system increments by one barleycorn, which equals 1/3 inch (8.46 millimeters). A half size step equals 1/6 inch (4.23 mm). For full details on imperial sizing history, read our guide on shoe sizes in inches and barleycorn measurements.
Continental European sizing relies on the Paris Point (Point de Paris), which equals 2/3 of a centimeter (6.67 millimeters). Because Paris Points are shorter increments than barleycorns, European sizes scale faster numerically.
Core formulas: converting UK to EU sizes
Linear approximations bridge the gap between British and European scales:
- For adult men, adding 33.5 to the UK size approximates the European number: UK 8 + 33.5 = EU 41.5, UK 8.5 + 33.5 = EU 42, and UK 9.5 + 34.5 = EU 44.
- For UK size 8, a men's UK 8 fits a 26.5 cm foot length (EU 41.5), while UK 8.5 fits 27.0 cm (EU 42).
- For UK size 10, a men's UK 10 fits a 28.5 cm foot length (EU 44.5), while UK 9.5 fits 28.0 cm (EU 44).
- For women's shoes, UK 4 corresponds to EU 36.5, UK 5 to EU 38, UK 6 to EU 38.5, and UK 7 to EU 40.
Converting EU to UK shoe sizes
To convert continental European sizes to British sizes:
- For men: subtract 33.5 from the European number (EU 42 − 33.5 = UK 8.5; EU 44 − 34 = UK 10).
- For women: subtract 33 from the European number (EU 38 − 33 = UK 5; EU 39 − 33 = UK 6).
- When an EU size sits between two UK sizes, running shoes generally warrant the larger half size, while dress loafers warrant the closer fit.
Width and last shapes: British and European footwear
Shoe lasts vary between British and Continental shoemakers:
- British lasts: traditional English makers designate width with letters: C (narrow), D (medium women / slim men), E (standard men), F (medium wide), and G (wide).
- Continental lasts: Italian and French shoes often use tapered toe boxes with low instep profiles. German brands like Birkenstock and Lowa use wider toe boxes.
Measuring foot length
To confirm your size, measure your foot length in centimeters. See our step-by-step instructions on measuring shoe size by foot length. A foot measuring 27.0 cm corresponds to UK 8.5 and EU 42.