Why do shoe sizes differ between brands?
A 9 in one brand, a 10 in another? There's no enforced global standard for shoe sizing. Here's why.
The three reasons
1. Different lasts. A last is the foot-shaped mould a shoe is built on. Each brand designs its own, so the same size can be longer, shorter, wider or narrower.
2. Different systems. US, UK, EU and Japanese sizing each count differently.
3. Brand habits. Some run small (Nike) or large (Converse), and vary between their own models.
The one number that doesn't lie is your foot length in cm. Every chart has a cm column — match that, not the size number.
Frequently asked questions
Why am I different sizes in different brands?
Each brand uses its own last and some run small or large. Match your foot length in cm instead of the number.
Is there a standard shoe size?
No single standard is enforced worldwide; US, UK, EU and Japanese systems differ, and brands vary on top.