UK Shoe Size vs EU Shoe Size
Side-by-side comparison, when-to-use-each guide, and instant conversion. Reviewed for 2026.
Shopping in UK or Irish stores, or using UK-based online retailers. All major UK brands (M&S, Next, Clarks) use UK sizing.
All of continental Europe, much of Asia, Latin America.
| Aspect | UK Shoe Size | EU Shoe Size |
|---|---|---|
| Men's UK 9 | UK 9 | EU 43 |
| Men's UK 10 | UK 10 | EU 44.5 |
| Women's UK 5 | UK 5 | EU 38 |
| Women's UK 6 | UK 6 | EU 39 |
| Increment | ⅓ inch per full size | ⅔ cm per size |
Frequently asked
Why aren't EU sizes a clean offset from UK sizes?
They use entirely different measurement systems. UK uses ⅓-inch increments from a 4-inch infant zero point; EU uses ⅔-cm increments from a 0 point. They line up roughly but not cleanly — half-sizes don't always exist in the EU system.
What size is EU 42 in UK?
EU 42 ≈ UK 8 for men's shoes, depending on the brand. Always check the brand's own size chart — Italian, German and French sizing run slightly differently within 'EU'.
Frequently asked questions
Why aren't EU sizes a clean offset from UK sizes?
They use entirely different measurement systems. UK uses ⅓-inch increments from a 4-inch infant zero point; EU uses ⅔-cm increments from a 0 point. They line up roughly but not cleanly — half-sizes don't always exist in the EU system.
What size is EU 42 in UK?
EU 42 ≈ UK 8 for men's shoes, depending on the brand. Always check the brand's own size chart — Italian, German and French sizing run slightly differently within 'EU'.