Shoe Size Converter

History of Shoe Sizing

Shoe size systems grew from local cobblers' measures into the national and brand standards we convert between today.

Cobblers and the Foot

Before mass production, shoes were made to fit by cobblers who measured the foot directly. The barleycorn (a third of an inch) was an early English unit for shoe length.

With industrial shoemaking in the 19th century came the need for standard sizes.

National Systems

The UK system counts sizes from a child's baseline of 12 barleycorns; the US system is similar but offset; the EU system uses Paris points (two-thirds of a centimetre).

Each system divides men's and women's sizes differently, which is why direct conversion is needed.

Brand Variants

Even within a system, brands use different lasts and fit, so a Nike and Adidas of the 'same' size can feel different; foot length in centimetres is the most reliable cross-brand measure.

This converter interpolates between systems and offers brand approximations as a guide.