Quick Reference Size Chart: UK, US & EU Conversion
UK sizing is based on the 'barleycorn' measurement system dating back to the 14th century, where one barleycorn equals ⅓ inch. This creates a unique progression that doesn't neatly align with US or EU systems.
UK to US to EU Size Conversion Chart
| UK Size | US Men's | US Women's | EU Size | Foot Length (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK 6 | US 7 | US 9 | EU 40 | 24.5cm |
| UK 7 | US 8 | US 10 | EU 41 | 25.5cm |
| UK 8 | US 9 | US 11 | EU 42 | 26.5cm |
| UK 9 | US 10 | US 12 | EU 43 | 27.5cm |
| UK 10 | US 11 | US 13 | EU 44 | 28.5cm |
| UK 11 | US 12 | - | EU 45 | 29.5cm |
| UK 12 | US 13 | - | EU 46 | 30.5cm |
Note: This chart shows general conversions. Individual brands may vary slightly from these measurements.
Note: This is a simplified chart. For detailed brand-specific sizing, see our dedicated guides.
Understanding UK Sizing History
The UK sizing system is one of the oldest standardized shoe sizing systems in the world. It dates back to the 14th century when King Edward II decreed that the 'barleycorn' would be the official unit of measurement for footwear.
The Barleycorn System
Each UK shoe size represents a difference of ⅓ inch (8.46mm), which is the average length of a barleycorn. This historical quirk explains why UK sizing doesn't convert neatly to other international systems.
1 UK Size =
⅓ inch (8.46mm)
Origin:
14th Century
Standard:
King Edward II
UK to US Size Differences
Men's Conversion
For men's shoes, UK sizes are typically 1 size smaller than US sizes:
- UK 8=US 9
- UK 9=US 10
- UK 10=US 11
Women's Conversion
For women's shoes, UK sizes are typically 2 sizes smaller than US women's sizes:
- UK 6=US Women's 8
- UK 7=US Women's 9
- UK 8=US Women's 10
UK to EU Size Conversion
European sizing uses the Paris Point system, where each size represents ⅔ centimeter (6.67mm). The conversion from UK to EU is approximately:
Common Conversions:
- UK 6=EU 39-40
- UK 7=EU 41
- UK 8=EU 42
- UK 9=EU 43
- UK 10=EU 44-45
Paris Point System:
- • Each EU size = ⅔ centimeter (6.67mm)
- • More precise than UK barleycorn system
- • Used across continental Europe
- • Sometimes shows half sizes as decimals
Foot Length in Centimeters
The most reliable way to find your true size is to measure your foot length in centimeters and use a conversion chart:
Foot Length to UK Size:
- 24.5cm=UK 6
- 25.5cm=UK 7
- 26.5cm=UK 8
- 27.5cm=UK 9
- 28.5cm=UK 10
- 29.5cm=UK 11
- 30.5cm=UK 12
Expert Tip:
When in doubt between two sizes, we recommend measuring your foot in the evening (when feet are slightly larger) and comparing the measurement in centimeters to our chart. This is more reliable than relying on your 'usual size.'
Brand-Specific Conversion Notes
While the charts above provide general conversions, specific brands may have their own sizing quirks:
Nike/Jordan
Generally follows standard UK to US conversion
Adidas
Generally follows standard UK to US conversion
Adidas/Yeezy
EU sizes on the label may differ slightly from standard conversion
New Balance
Offers multiple width options that affect sizing
ASICS
Japanese sizing (cm) is often featured alongside UK/US/EU