Shoe size

Shoe size is a numerical indication of the fitting size of a shoe for a person. Often it just consists of a number indicating the length because many shoemakers only provide a standard width for economic reasons. There are several different shoe size systems used worldwide. While all of them use a number to indicate the length of the shoe, they differ in exactly what they measure, what unit of measurement they use, and where the size 0 (or 1) starts. For example, the United States and Canada use different systems; the US sizes are based on inches, and the Canadian system is based on the Paris point, which is two-thirds of a centimeter. In many other countries, such as most European, British, Australian, and Japanese, sizes are measured in centimeters.

Measurement

The length of a person's foot is commonly defined as (a) the distance between two parallel lines that are perpendicular to the foot and (b) in contact with the most prominent toe and the most prominent part of the heel. Shoe sizes do not follow a direct formula, making it difficult to perform a conversion between the various systems used around the world. However, sizes might differ significantly between different manufacturers and even between different styles by the same manufacturer.

Systems

Mondopoint

The Mondopoint system is based on average foot length and foot width for which the shoe is suitable, measured in millimeters. This system is used by NATO and other military services. The Mondopoint system is also used in Russia and other former USSR countries, as well as in Asia.

United States and Canada

The US and Canadian systems are based on inches, with half sizes representing an additional quarter inch in length. These sizes start at 1, not 0, and child sizes are a continuation of adult sizes, making a child's size 13 the next size down from an adult size 1.

United Kingdom

The UK system is based on the length of the last (the foot-shaped template for manufacturing shoes) measured in barleycorns (one-third of an inch) starting from the smallest size deemed practical, which is size zero. It is not directly proportional to the size of the foot but rather reflects the length of the inner cavity of the shoe.

Europe

The European system is a simple continuation of the Paris point, which is two-thirds of a centimeter. Unlike the US system, the European system does not have separate child and adult sizes. The system starts at zero.

Conversion

Conversion between the various shoe size systems is not as straightforward as one might hope and can result in significant differences. A size 8 in the US system does not directly translate to a size 8 in the UK system. As such, it is important to consult a conversion chart or ask the manufacturer for the specific measurements in both systems.

See also

• Foot measurement
• Shoe
• Shoe size systems