US to EU Shoe Size Converter

European shoe size guide: US to EU conversions

Converting an American shoe size to European standards requires understanding the mathematical, anatomical, and structural distinctions between both systems. In the United States, sizes follow the customary barleycorn scale. Continental Europe uses the metric Paris point.

1. Underlying mathematics: barleycorn and Paris point

American footwear sizing derives from the English barleycorn system, where each full size increment represents 1/3 inch (8.46 millimeters). A half size step represents 1/6 inch (4.23 mm). Learn more in our guide on shoe sizes in inches and barleycorn history.

Continental Europe uses the Paris Point, defined as 2/3 of a centimeter (6.67 millimeters). Because one Paris Point is smaller than an American size increment of 8.46 mm, the numerical offset between European and American sizes shifts across the size scale.

2. Gender differences: unisex European sizing

European footwear sizing is unisex. An EU size 42 uses a 27.0 cm footbed regardless of whether the shoe is labeled for men or women.

American sizing uses separate baseline scales for men and women. In the US, a men's size 8 fits an anatomical foot length of 26.0 cm, whereas a women's size 8 fits a foot length of 25.0 cm. An EU 39 represents a US Men's 6.5 and a US Women's 8.5.

3. Conversion formulas

Standard linear conversion formulas approximate European equivalents:

• For men: add 33 to your American men's size (US Men's 9 + 33 = EU 42).
• For women: add 30.5 to your American women's size (US Women's 8 + 30.5 = EU 38.5).
• To convert EU to US: subtract 33 for men (EU 44 − 33 = US 11) or subtract 30.5 for women (EU 38.5 − 30.5 = US 8).

4. Brand variations

Shoe manufacturers interpret European and American conversions with slight variations:

• Nike and Jordan: on Nike men's tags, US 9 converts to EU 42.5 (27.0 cm), US 9.5 to EU 43 (27.5 cm), and US 10 to EU 44 (28.0 cm).
• Adidas and Puma: German sportswear labels use thirds of a Paris point, such as EU 42 2/3 (US 9) and EU 43 1/3 (US 9.5).
• Birkenstock: uses true unisex sizing where EU 41 fits a 26.5 cm footbed.
• Italian dress shoes: classic leather dress shoes from Italian makers frequently fit roomier than athletic sneakers.

5. Measuring foot length

To find your European size from foot length, measure both feet from heel to longest toe in centimeters. See our step-by-step instructions on measuring shoe size by foot length. A foot length of 27.0 cm aligns with EU 42 and US Men's 9.

6. Half sizes and width considerations

Many European fashion labels produce only whole integer sizes (38, 39, 40, 41, 42). For performance running footwear, buyers typically select the next full European size to maintain toe clearance. For formal leather shoes, leather uppers yield over time. Width standards also vary between US and European lasts.