Sneaker Size Chart: Converting US, UK, and EU Sizes Correctly

The wrong size is the most common reason for a sneaker return. This is rarely due to the buyer, but rather to the fact that each brand uses its own system. A US 9 at Nike is not the same length as a US 9 at adidas, and an Air Force 1 fits differently than a Samba, even though both have the same number on the box.

In this guide, you will find conversions for US, UK, EU, and CM sizes, instructions on how to measure your foot length, and fit notes for the models that are most frequently ordered incorrectly.

Why Sneaker Sizes Vary So Much

Three factors play a role:

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

Therefore, the most reliable size is not the number you usually wear, but your foot length in centimeters.

Measuring Foot Length: 3 Steps

Measure in the evening – feet are slightly swollen throughout the day, which better reflects the actual wearing condition.

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

The longer foot determines the size. Add 0.5 to 1.0 cm of space: sneakers need space at the front, otherwise your toe will hit when rolling off.

Example: measured foot length 26.5 cm + 0.7 cm space = 27.2 cm inner length. So, you look for the row with approx. 27 cm in the table.

Men's Sneaker Size Chart

The values are guidelines for the inner length and serve as a cross-brand orientation.

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 are about 1.5 sizes larger than US men's sizes. A US 8 Women corresponds approximately to a US 6.5 Men. For unisex labeled models, 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 Fits How?

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

Adidas' EU sizes in thirds are a common stumbling block: 42 2/3 is neither 42 nor 43, but in between. Here, refer to the CM size on the shoe.

Models Most Frequently Ordered Incorrectly

These are experiences from the community and returns – not a substitute for your own measurement.

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

Wide Feet: What You Should Pay Attention To

If your foot is wide, a larger size only helps to a limited extent – the shoe will then be too long at the front without providing more space in the ball area. Better to:

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

The 4 Most Common Mistakes When Ordering Sizes

1. Ordering by habit. "I'm always a 43" doesn't work across brands.
2. Confusing US and UK. The difference is about one size – that's a full cm.
3. Reading women's sizes as men's sizes. The 1.5 size difference reliably leads to incorrect orders.
4. Measuring without allowance. Without the 0.5 to 1.0 cm at the front, the shoe will pinch when walking.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much space should be in the front of the sneaker?

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

What does "true to size" mean?

The shoe corresponds to the size you normally wear – so you don't have to go up or down half a size.

What is the difference between US Men and US Women?

US women's sizes are about 1.5 sizes higher. US 8 Women corresponds approximately to US 6.5 Men for the same foot length.

Sneakers are slightly too big – what to do?

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

Do sneakers stretch?

Leather and nubuck will give a little in width, but practically not in length. If your toe hits, it won't get better.

What should be considered with adidas third sizes?

41 1/3, 42 2/3, and 43 1/3 are between the full EU sizes. Use the CM indication as a reliable orientation.

When the Size Fits

A well-fitting sneaker also lasts longer – provided it is properly cared for. How to clean leather, suede, mesh, and canvas without damage is described in our guide to cleaning sneakers.