Sneaker Size Chart: Converting US, UK and EU Sizes

The wrong size is the most common reason a sneaker gets returned. It's rarely the buyer's fault – it's that every brand uses its own system. A US 9 at Nike isn't the same length as a US 9 at adidas, and an Air Force 1 fits differently than a Samba, even though both say the same number on the box.

This guide covers the US, UK, EU, and CM conversion, how to measure your foot length, and fit notes for the models that get ordered wrong most often.

Why sneaker sizes vary so much

Three factors play together:

1. The origin system. US, UK, and EU are three independent scales. A UK size is roughly half to a full size smaller than the equivalent US size.
2. The last. Every brand develops its shoes on its own last – the shape the shoe is built around. That's why adidas tends to run narrow and New Balance tends to run wide.
3. The model. Even within one brand there are differences. A Dunk Low and an Air Max 90 are both Nike, but they fit noticeably differently across the instep.

That's why the most reliable size isn't the number you usually wear, but your foot length in centimeters.

Measuring your foot length: 3 steps

Measure in the evening – feet swell slightly over the day, which better reflects the real fit while worn.

1. Stand on a sheet of paper wearing socks, heel against a wall.
2. Mark the end of your longest toe with a pen held vertically (this isn't necessarily your big toe).
3. Measure the distance from the wall to the mark in centimeters. Repeat with the other foot.

The longer foot determines your size. Add 0.5 to 1.0 cm of allowance: sneakers need room up front, otherwise your toe hits the end while walking.

Example: measured foot length 26.5 cm + 0.7 cm allowance = 27.2 cm inner length. So you'd look for the row around 27 cm in the table.

Men's sneaker size chart

These values are guide figures for inner length and apply as a cross-brand reference.

CM	EU	UK	US
25.0	40	6	7
25.5	40.5	6.5	7.5
26.0	41	7	8
26.5	42	7.5	8.5
27.0	42.5	8	9
27.5	43	8.5	9.5
28.0	44	9	10
28.5	44.5	9.5	10.5
29.0	45	10	11
29.5	45.5	10.5	11.5
30.0	46	11	12
31.0	47.5	12	13

Women's sneaker size chart

Note: US women's sizes run about 1.5 sizes higher than US men's sizes. A US 8 Women is roughly equivalent to a US 6.5 Men. On models labeled unisex, the size given is usually the men's size.

CM	EU	UK	US (Women)
22.5	36	3.5	6
23.0	36.5	4	6.5
23.5	37.5	4.5	7
24.0	38	5	7.5
24.5	38.5	5.5	8
25.0	39	6	8.5
25.5	40	6.5	9
26.0	40.5	7	9.5
26.5	41	7.5	10

Brand comparison: who runs how?

Brand	Tendency	Recommendation
Nike	True to size to slightly narrow, short toe box	Half a size up for wide feet
Jordan	Like Nike, retro models run a bit longer	Mostly true to size
adidas	Narrow, EU sizes in thirds (41 1/3, 42 2/3)	Half a size up for wide feet
New Balance	Wider last, many models come in D and 2E widths	True to size, check the width
Asics	True to size, well cushioned	True to size
Puma	Slightly narrow	True to size to half a size up

adidas's EU sizes in thirds are a common stumbling block: 42 2/3 isn't a 42 or a 43, it sits in between. Use the CM measurement inside the shoe as your guide here.

Models that get ordered wrong most often

These are experience-based patterns from the community and returns – not a substitute for measuring yourself.

• Air Force 1: runs long. Most people do better going half a size down.
• Dunk Low: true to size in length, but tight across the instep. Wide feet: go half a size up.
• Air Max 90 / 95: true to size.
• Jordan 1 High/Low: true to size, the ankle area runs tight on High models.
• Samba, Gazelle, Spezial: narrow and long. Half a size down is the common recommendation; for wide feet, true to size works better.
• Campus 00s: boxier last, half a size down.
• New Balance 550 / 2002R / 990: true to size, and thanks to width options also suitable for wide feet.
• Yeezy Boost 350 V2: runs small. Half a size up.

Wide feet: what to look out for

If your foot is wide, going up a size only helps so much – the shoe ends up too long at the front without giving you more room at the ball of the foot. Better options:

• Choose brands with a wider last (New Balance, Asics, Nike's Air Max line).
• Look for width indicators: D is the standard width for men, 2E means wide, 4E means extra wide.
• Models with mesh or soft nubuck instead of stiff smooth leather – these give a little after a few weeks.

The 4 most common sizing mistakes

1. Ordering out of habit. "I always wear a 9" doesn't hold up across brands.
2. Mixing up US and UK. The difference is about one full size – that's a full cm.
3. Reading women's sizes as men's sizes. The 1.5-size offset reliably leads to ordering the wrong size.
4. Measuring without allowance. Without the 0.5 to 1.0 cm up front, the shoe pinches while walking.

Frequently asked questions

How much room should there be at the front of a sneaker?

About a thumb's width, so 0.5 to 1.0 cm between your longest toe and the end of the shoe.

What does "true to size" mean?

The shoe matches the size you normally wear – you don't need to go up or down half a size.

What's the difference between US Men and US Women?

US women's sizes run about 1.5 sizes higher. A US 8 Women is roughly equivalent to a US 6.5 Men at the same foot length.

My sneakers are slightly too big – what can I do?

Thicker socks or a thin insole can compensate for up to half a size. For a full size off, an exchange is worth it.

Do sneakers stretch over time?

Leather and nubuck give a bit in width, but practically not in length. If your toe is hitting the end, it won't get better.

What should I know about adidas's third sizes?

41 1/3, 42 2/3, and 43 1/3 sit between the full EU sizes. Use the CM measurement as a reliable guide.

Once the size fits

A well-fitting sneaker also lasts longer – provided it's cared for properly. For how to clean leather, suede, mesh, and canvas without damage, see our guide to cleaning sneakers.