UK vs. US Shoe Size Comparison

2025-03-28 18:34:59

Let’s be real—shoe sizes can get confusing. Especially when you’re shopping from global brands, travelling abroad, or even sending shoes as a gift. You spot a style you love, but then the drop-down shows “UK 6 / US 8” and suddenly you're second-guessing your size. This is especially relevant for online shopping since for any such confusions offline, you can just try the shoe on yourself. 

Whether you're shopping for shoes for boys, shoes for girls, men shoes, or women shoes, this guide will help you understand the UK vs. US shoe size difference like a pro. We'll cover how sizing works, conversion charts, key differences, helpful tips, and more—so your next step is the right one. By the end of it, we hope you never face any issues about figuring out the right size for yourself again. 

Size Conversion Chart 

First things first—let’s break down the numbers. Here's a quick and clear UK shoe size vs US shoe size chart to help you convert your size quickly when switching between regions. Keep this handy if you’re about to go shoe shopping soon. 

Women's Shoe Size Conversion 

UK Size	US Size
3	5
4	6
5	7
6	8
7	9
8	10
9	11

 

Men's Shoe Size Conversion 

UK Size	US Size
6	7
7	8
8	9
9	10
10	11
11	12
12	13

 

Kids' Shoe Size Conversion 

UK Size	US Size
10	11
11	12
12	13
13	1
1	2
2	3
3	4

Note: Sizes may slightly vary by brand, but this chart works as a solid baseline for conversion. Keep it handy for your shopping plans. 

Key Differences Between UK and US Shoe Sizes 

If you're still wondering what’s the difference between UK and US foot size?—here’s a breakdown to make it crystal clear. Go through it to understand what makes them different. 

1. Size Starts Differently 

• For men, the US size is typically 1 size larger than the UK size. 

• For women, the US size is usually 2 sizes larger than the UK size. 

Example: If you wear a UK 6, you’re a US 7 in men’s sizing and a US 8 in women’s. Does that help make the conversion easier for you to remember off the top of your head. 

2. Different Base Measurements 

US and UK sizes use slightly different starting points when it comes to measurement. That’s why the size labels don’t match even though the shoes may look the same on the outside. Don’t get confused by that and keep referring to the size chart above for help. 

3. Children's Sizes Are Also Off 

Kids' sizes follow a similar pattern—the US size is one number ahead of the UK equivalent. This matters a lot when you're shopping online for shoes for boys or shoes for girls, especially when trying to size up for growing feet. You don’t want to get the wrong size and make the tiny tots uncomfortable. 

4. Brands May Vary 

The American vs British shoe sizes rule isn't 100% consistent across all brands. For instance, some American brands have slightly roomier fits, and certain fashion-forward brands may cut narrower. That's why it's always a good idea to try them on or check the brand-specific size guide when possible. Always check for return policies before ordering online from brands where you’re not confident about the size. 

Tips for Converting Shoe Sizes Like a Pro 

1. Know Your Foot Length 

Measure your foot from heel to toe in centimeters or inches. This is the most accurate way to convert between UK vs US shoe sizes, because many international sizing charts are based on foot length. Use this to check against the illustrations in the size chart online. 

2. Use a Conversion Chart (Like Ours!) 

Bookmark this page or screenshot the UK vs US size guide. It’s especially helpful when you're online shopping and can't try the shoes on. It can make the difference between a good shopping experience and a hassle. 

3. Differentiate Between Men’s and Women’s Sizes 

A US men's size 8 is not the same as a US women’s 8. Women’s shoes are typically about 1.5 sizes bigger than men’s for the same foot length. So a men’s US 8 would be a women’s US 9.5. 

When you’re exploring men shoes or women shoes, keep this in mind if the website doesn’t clearly separate the categories. There are some websites selling unisex designs so do remember to apply this logic there as relevant. 

4. When in Doubt, Size Up 

It’s safer to go half a size up if you’re unsure—especially if you plan to wear thicker socks or need extra room. Tight shoes are a no-go and can cause blisters and discomfort fast. 

5. Be Careful with Half Sizes 

Some brands don’t offer half sizes. If your foot falls between two whole sizes, go up and use an insole if needed. This is a great trick when shopping online where returns can be a hassle. 

Conclusion 

Shoe shopping across borders doesn’t have to be confusing. Now that you’ve got the lowdown on UK vs. US shoe size, you can shop confidently, whether you're browsing men shoes for a wedding, new women shoes for work, or back-to-school shoes for girls and shoes for boys. 

Just remember: 

• US sizes are usually 1 (men) or 2 (women) sizes bigger than UK sizes 

• Kids' sizes follow a similar +1 rule 

• Always measure your feet for the best fit 

• Use the chart and tips in this guide to avoid sizing mishaps 

At Mochi, we offer stylish footwear for all occasions—with sizing that works for you. Check out our size guide while shopping, and find your perfect fit no matter where you are in the world. 

Ready to step into something new? Browse the full collection of shoes for men, women shoes, and more on Mochi Shoes. 

With the right size in mind, you’ll always walk tall. 

Common FAQs: UK vs US Shoe Sizes 

1. Why is there a difference between UK and US shoe sizes? 

The sizing systems were developed separately and use different base measurements. The US system typically starts from size 0 as an infant size, while the UK system has different origins altogether. So even though both regions use similar numbers, the actual size they represent differs. 

2. Can I use my UK size to shop for US shoes directly? 

Yes, just subtract 1 size (men) or 2 sizes (women) from your US size to get your UK equivalent—or refer to our size chart above. For kids, subtract 1 size from the US number to get the UK size. 

3. Is shoe width affected in conversion? 

No, most size conversions focus only on length. If you need wide or narrow shoes, be sure to check that separately as widths (like D, E, EE, etc.) may not align perfectly across countries.