Men's Shoe Size Information

The average women's shoe is usually a size and a half higher in number than a comparable men's shoe. A size 8 women's shoe is the same size as a 6 1/2 men's shoe. Men's shoe sizes have other unique attributes.

U.S. Size Numbers

Men's U.S. shoe sizes start at 3 1/2, and most major shoe companies offer sizes up to 13. Some shoe brands (especially those specializing in basketball shoes) offer sizes larger than 13.

Height

Men's shoes come in two types of heights. Hi-tops provide more ankle support for running activities. Lo-tops work better for lower levels of physical strain (and skateboarding).

Width

Some men with wide feet need to buy their shoes in 'wide sizes.' Most skateboarding shoes are wide. The Converse All Star, which is designed for a thin foot, sits at the other end of the spectrum. Shoe manufacturers may mark wide shoes with an E and thinner shoes with an A.

European Sizes

For European shoes, the sizes usually range from 35 (the equivalent of 3 1/2 in the United States) to 46 1/2 (the equivalent of 12 1/2 in the United States), though you can find shoes in even larger sizes.

Halves

In U.S. men's shoes, the 1/2 sizes only go up to 12 1/2.

References

• Tex Texin: Shoe Conversion Chart
• Men's Flair: Men's Shoe Sizing