How to Convert Euro to United States Shoe Size
Standard measurements help people easily find clothes and shoes that fit. The situation becomes more complicated when you're shopping in a European country or want to order a pair of shoes imported from Europe. As an American, you may not be familiar with continental European shoe sizes. The different shoe sizing systems around the world are primarily based on the length of the foot. Taking accurate measurements and comparing these figures to professional shoe size charts are an accurate way of converting between American and European shoe sizes.
Instructions
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Measure the length of your bare foot with a ruler from the end of the heel to the end of the big toe. Write this figure down on a piece of paper in inches.
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Make sure you are aware of sizing differences. The continental European sizing system uses just one set of measurements that go from a size 16 for small infants to a size 49 for men with large feet. Men's shoe sizes typically range from 39 to 49, while women's sizes are 35 to 43. American sizes are differentiated by gender and age and are typically divided into four shoe size categories: men, women, boys and girls.
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Obtain a shoe size conversion chart online. These are typically a series of charts to allow for the four types of American sizes. A number of shoe stores, shoe brands and shoe importers post shoe size conversion charts on company websites. Zappos has a good one that lists together American shoe sizes, European shoe sizes, foot length in inches and foot length in centimeters.
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Compare the length of your foot in inches to the shoe sizes on the chart. Use the corresponding chart to arrive at your correct American and European shoe sizes.
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Tips & Warnings
The United Kingdom and Ireland have different sizing systems that are completely separate from continental European and American sizing systems.
American and European manufacturers are not required to abide by uniform sizing systems, although many do for economic reasons.
Some shoe sizes in mainland Europe may vary according to country. Even though continental Europe in theory has one unified sizing system, manufacturers in different countries may vary dimensions slightly. As a result, a size 38 shoe in Spain might be slightly smaller or larger than a size 38 shoe in Germany.
References
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