Men's to Women's Shoe Size Conversion
Buying a shoe listed in the other gender's sizing? There's one simple rule — plus a chart and a foot-length method to get it exactly right.
US women's = men's + 1.5, and US men's = women's − 1.5. So a men's 8 ≈ a women's 9.5, and a women's 10 ≈ a men's 8.5.
In the US system, men's and women's shoes are graded on the same length increments but the two scales are offset by about 1.5 sizes. A men's and a women's shoe that fit the same foot will therefore carry size numbers about 1.5 apart. The length itself is standardised by the Brannock Device — the metal foot-measuring tool used in shoe stores — so the most reliable conversion is always through actual foot length, not the number on the box.
Men's → Women's shoe size chart
| Men's US | Women's US | EU | Foot length (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7.5 | 39 | 24 |
| 6.5 | 8 | 39–40 | 24.4 |
| 7 | 8.5 | 40 | 25 |
| 7.5 | 9 | 40–41 | 25.4 |
| 8 | 9.5 | 41 | 25.8 |
| 8.5 | 10 | 41–42 | 26.2 |
| 9 | 10.5 | 42 | 26.7 |
| 9.5 | 11 | 42–43 | 27.1 |
| 10 | 11.5 | 43 | 27.5 |
| 10.5 | 12 | 43–44 | 27.9 |
| 11 | 12.5 | 44 | 28.3 |
| 12 | 13.5 | 45 | 29.2 |
Approximate. Brands vary — when between sizes, match your foot length in cm.
The exact way: foot length
Numbers drift between brands, but your foot length doesn't. Stand on a sheet of paper, mark the back of your heel and the tip of your longest toe, and measure the distance in centimetres. Then match that cm value to the chart — it works the same in men's, women's, EU or UK. Measure both feet at the end of the day and use the larger one.
FAQ
Is a men's 9 the same as a women's 9?
No. A women's US 9 is about a men's US 7.5, and a men's US 9 is about a women's US 10.5. The two scales are offset by roughly 1.5 sizes for the same foot length.
What women's shoe size is a men's 8?
A men's US 8 is approximately a women's US 9.5 (EU 41, about 25.8 cm foot length).
How do I convert women's to men's shoe size?
Subtract 1.5 from the women's US size. For example, a women's US 10 ≈ a men's US 8.5.
Are sneakers sized in men's or women's?
Many sneakers and 'unisex' models are listed in men's US sizing. If you normally wear a women's size, subtract 1.5 to find the men's size to order — or match the foot length in cm.
Sources: Brannock Device foot-measurement standard; US footwear sizing conventions (men's/women's 1.5-size offset). Charts are general references — always check the brand's own size guide.