Converts the length of the foot in centimetres into Japanese, US, UK and EU sizes. The Japanese size is the foot length itself, while the EU size counts the length of the last in Paris points, two thirds of a centimetre. Makers differ, so treat these as a guide.
This converts the length of the foot into the sizing used in each country. The Japanese size is the foot length itself, so that is where measuring starts.
A European size counts the length not of the foot but of the last, in Paris points of two thirds of a centimetre each. A last runs about 1.5 cm longer than the foot, so 1.5 is added before dividing by two thirds. Dividing by two thirds is the same as multiplying by 1.5, which gives the formula above.
Both run on barleycorns, a third of an inch each, but they start from different points, leaving US half a size above UK. Men and women also start differently: a woman's US size is one above a man's, and sits two above the UK figure.
A man with a 25 cm foot takes US 7, UK 6.5 and an EU size of 39.75, marked 40. At 27 cm that is US 9, UK 8.5 and EU 42.75, marked 43. A woman with a 23 cm foot takes US 6, UK 4 and EU 36.75, marked 37.
Makers differ, so treat these as a guide. The same marked size can vary by a full step between brands.
Width matters as much as length for fit. Japanese sizing marks it from A to F and beyond, so two shoes of the same length can feel quite different.