Quick answer: Women’s shoe sizes are not perfectly interchangeable across EU, US and UK systems. A conversion chart gives you a useful starting point, but the brand’s own size chart and your measured foot length should take priority when available.
For a quick comparison, use our Shoe Size Converter. If you are ordering online, measure your feet first and compare the result with the retailer’s chart rather than relying only on the size printed on a shoe you already own.
Women’s EU, US and UK Shoe Size Chart
The table below is a practical approximate guide. Conversions vary between manufacturers, lasts and styles, so a neighboring size may fit better in a particular brand.
| EU | US Women | UK | Approx. foot length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35 | 5 | 2.5–3 | about 22 cm |
| 36 | 5.5–6 | 3.5–4 | about 22.5–23 cm |
| 37 | 6.5–7 | 4–4.5 | about 23.5 cm |
| 38 | 7.5–8 | 5–5.5 | about 24–24.5 cm |
| 39 | 8–8.5 | 5.5–6 | about 25 cm |
| 40 | 9–9.5 | 6.5–7 | about 25.5 cm |
| 41 | 10–10.5 | 7.5–8 | about 26–26.5 cm |
| 42 | 11 | 8.5–9 | about 27 cm |
Important: Treat the table as an approximate cross-system reference, not a universal sizing standard. If a retailer publishes its own foot-length measurements, use those measurements for that product.
How to Measure Your Foot for Online Shoe Shopping
- Place a sheet of paper on a hard, flat floor.
- Stand naturally with your weight on the foot you are measuring.
- Mark the back of the heel and the tip of the longest toe.
- Measure the distance between the marks in centimeters or millimeters.
- Repeat for the other foot and use the larger measurement when comparing with a brand chart.
Measure while wearing the type of socks you expect to use with the shoes. Foot width and shoe shape also matter, so length alone cannot guarantee fit.
Why the Same Size Can Fit Differently
Brand sizing
Brands can use different lasts, grading systems and internal tolerances. An EU 39 from one manufacturer can feel different from an EU 39 from another.
Shoe style
Sneakers, pointed heels, boots and sandals distribute space differently. Toe-box shape and heel construction can change how much usable room you have.
Foot width and volume
Two feet with the same length can need different sizes or widths. If a brand offers width options, compare both length and width guidance.
US Women’s vs Men’s Shoe Sizes
Do not treat a US women’s size and a US men’s size with the same number as equivalent. The scales differ, and brand-specific conversions can vary. When shopping across gendered sizing systems, use the manufacturer’s conversion chart whenever possible.
Common Conversion Mistakes
- Assuming every EU 38 equals one exact US size.
- Using a generic chart when the brand provides its own chart.
- Measuring only one foot.
- Ignoring width, toe-box shape and sock thickness.
- Confusing US women’s sizing with US men’s sizing.
- Choosing by size number alone instead of measured foot length.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is EU 38 in US women’s shoes?
It is commonly around a US women’s 7.5–8 in general conversion charts, but check the specific brand because conversions are not universal.
What is a US women’s size 8 in UK sizing?
A general chart often places it around UK 5–5.5, but the retailer’s own chart should be used when available.
Should I size up if I am between sizes?
Not automatically. The best choice depends on the shoe shape, material, width and the manufacturer’s fit guidance. Check whether the retailer describes the model as running small, true to size or large.
Use the Shoe Size Converter for a quick comparison, then verify your choice against the brand’s current product-specific sizing information.
Last reviewed: October 2026. Conversion values are approximate because footwear sizing varies by brand and style.
