Shoe sizes are not standardised across brands. A US 10 in one brand can fit differently from a US 10 in another. This matters most when buying online or importing.
Why sizes vary
- Different lasts: the mould a shoe is built on varies by brand and model.
- Regional conversions: US, UK, EU and other size systems do not convert exactly, and brands convert differently.
- Men’s and women’s: US men’s and women’s sizes differ.
Measure your feet
- Stand on a piece of paper, heel against a wall.
- Mark the tip of your longest toe.
- Measure the distance in centimetres.
- Do both feet; use the larger.
Measure later in the day, wearing your training socks.
Use the brand’s chart
Compare your measurement with each brand’s size chart in centimetres. It is more reliable than converting from another size system.
Allow room
Add some space for swelling and toe room. See shoe fit for long races.
Reviews
Reviews often mention whether a model runs large or small. Check several.
Imports
Sizing can be especially inconsistent for imports. See buying grey-import shoes.