Finding the perfect fit for your feet can be a perplexing task, especially in the age of increasing online shopping. Consumers increasingly rely on shoe sizes, placing their trust in the numbers on the screen. Unfortunately, this trust can be misplaced, as shoe sizes are notoriously unreliable due to brand variations. The distinction between UK and EU shoe sizes is a classic example of this challenge.
The Evolution of Shoe Sizing
Shoe sizes are a critical bridge between the buyer and the product when shopping for footwear online. The discrepancy between UK and EU shoe sizes underscores the complexity consumers face in this digital age.
UK and EU adult sizes are based on the size of the “last,” a foot-shaped template used in the manufacturing of shoes. However, the two systems diverge in fundamental ways, causing confusion for consumers navigating the virtual aisles of e-commerce.
UK Shoe Sizes: The 8.33-inch Starting Point
In the UK shoe size system, the last size of 8.33 inches serves as the zero point, anchoring the sizing scale. Sizes then increment by one-third of an inch. For example, a UK size 6 corresponds to a last size of approximately 10.33 inches, a UK size 7 to 10.67 inches, and so forth.
EU Shoe Sizes: The Consistent Approach
In contrast to the UK system, EU sizes are more straightforward regarding conversion. The EU system does not employ a zero point. Instead, it employs a consistent approach to sizing across the board, encompassing children and adults.
EU sizing incrementally increases by 6.67 mm (two-thirds of a centimetre, approximately one-quarter of an inch) between each size. For example, an EU size of 39 corresponds to a last size of 26 cm, a size of 40 to 26.67, and so forth.
Sizes Across Brands
Shoe size differences between brands can be a perplexing challenge for consumers. While numerical sizes provide a common language for shoe fitting, variations often occur due to differences in the lasts, manufacturing techniques, and even regional preferences employed by different brands. As a result, a person who wears a size 8 in one brand might find that they need a size 9 in another.
The chart above shows that Nike and Asics convert UK sizes to higher EU values, whilst Rebook and Converse convert to lower EU values.
| Sizes (UK) | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 |
| Fred Perry (EU) | 39 | 40 | 41 | 42 | 43 | 44 | 45 | 46 | 47 | ||||
| Adidas (EU) | 39 | 40 | 41 | 41.3 | 42 | 42.7 | 43 | 44 | 45 | 45.3 | 46 | 46.7 | 47 |
| Nike (EU) | 40 | 40.5 | 41 | 42 | 42.5 | 43 | 44 | 44.5 | 45 | 45.5 | 46 | 47 | 47.5 |
| Asics (EU) | 40 | 40.5 | 41.5 | 42 | 42.5 | 43.5 | 44 | 44.5 | 45 | 46 | 46.5 | 47 | 48 |
| Rebook (EU) | 39 | 40 | 40.5 | 41 | 42 | 42.5 | 43 | 44 | 44.5 | 45 | 45.5 | 46 | 47 |
| Converse (EU) | 39 | 39.5 | 40 | 41 | 41.5 | 42 | 42.5 | 43 | 44 | 44.5 | 45 | 46 | 46.5 |
| Skechers (EU) | 39.5 | 40 | 41 | 41.5 | 42 | 42.5 | 43 | 44 | 45 | 45.5 | 46 | 47 | 47.5 |
| Vans (EU) | 39 | 40 | 40.5 | 41 | 42 | 42.5 | 43 | 44 | 44.5 | 45 | 46 | 47 |
The table above shows the variation of shoe sizes between brands. For example, if your Nike shoes are EU size 45, which converts to UK size 10, your Converse shoes will be UK size 11.
Easing the Confusion
Online shoppers must be vigilant when navigating the labyrinth of shoe sizes. The variance between brands shows the challenges of the consumers when seeking the perfect fit. It underscores the need for comprehensive size charts provided by manufacturers and online retailers, which can help mitigate the confusion of converting sizes between brands.
The lesson here is clear: trust in the numbers, but remain vigilant. Understand the differences between sizing systems, know your size in UK and EU sizing systems, consult size charts, and read customer reviews. After all, comfort and fit are paramount in footwear, and a well-informed shopper is a step ahead in the quest for the perfect fit.
Summary
Finding the perfect fit for your feet can be a perplexing task. With online shopping becoming increasingly popular, consumers have to trust shoe sizes more and more when placing their orders. Customers can ensure that the shoes they’re purchasing will provide an ideal fit by checking the sizes in both systems.