How to Convert Men’s to Women’s Shoe Size
A dependable pair of workwear shoes can shield your feet against workplace hazards. However, shopping for one is not easy with all the choices available. What do you do when you find that perfect pair of work shoes only to learn it is designed for the opposite gender? Your initial reaction may be to immediately dismiss the pair, but that may not be necessary. These days, many work shoe brands come in unisex sizes. This is why it is beneficial to understand how to convert men’s to women’s shoe sizes.
Therefore, if you are in the market for a pair of workwear shoes be it steel toes, composite toes, or slip-resistance options, this post is here to help. We have assembled the most pertinent info you will require to convert men’s to women’s shoe sizes.
See also: Shoe Size Vs Boot Size
Table of Contents
Difference Between Women’s and Men’s Shoes
General Difference
Men have broader and longer feet compared to women for a particular stature. However, women’s feet are in general narrower.
Size Difference
Women’s shoes are by and large 1.5 sizes bigger compared to that of men. For example, a women’s size 10 would be a men’s size 8.5, however, the width size stays the same. Always remember that unisex styles are essentially in men’s sizing. Therefore, women should choose 1.5 sizes smaller than their typical size when buying unisex work shoes. For example, unisex size 9 = men’s size 9 & women’s size 10.5.
In Europe, Asia, and the UK, there is no segregation in shoe size among genders. Thus, a Euro size 45 is equivalent for men & women.
See also: Can Women Wear Men’s Shoes
Conversion Chart – Men’s to Women’s Shoe Size
Use the following table to effortlessly convert men’s shoe sizes to their women’s equivalent
Conversion Chart (US, UK, EU)
| US and Canada | UK | Europe | |
| Men | Women | Unisex | Unisex |
| 3.5 | 5 | 3 | 35 |
| 4 | 5.5 | 3.5 | 35.5 |
| 4.5 | 6 | 4 | 36 |
| 5 | 6.5 | 4.5 | 37 |
| 5.5 | 7 | 5 | 37.5 |
| 6 | 7.5 | 5.5 | 38 |
| 6.5 | 8 | 6 | 38.5 |
| 7 | 8.5 | 6.5 | 39 |
| 7.5 | 9 | 7 | 40 |
| 8 | 9.5 | 7.5 | 41 |
| 8.5 | 10 | 8 | 42 |
| 9 | 10.5 | 8.5 | 43 |
| 10.5 | 12 | 10 | 44 |
| 11.5 | 13 | 11 | 45 |
| 12.5 | 14 | 12 | 46.5 |
Conversion Chart & Measurement Guide
| U.S. Men’s | U.S. Women’s | Foot Length in CM |
| 3.5 | 5 | 22.8 cm |
| 4 | 5.5 | 23.1 cm |
| 4.5 | 6 | 23.5 cm |
| 5 | 6.5 | 23.8 cm |
| 5.5 | 7 | 24.1 cm |
| 6 | 7.5 | 24.5 cm |
| 6.5 | 8 | 24.8 cm |
| 7 | 8.5 | 25.1 cm |
| 7.5 | 9 | 25.4 cm |
| 8 | 9.5 | 25.7 cm |
| 8.5 | 10 | 26.0 cm |
| 9 | 10.5 | 26.7 cm |
| 10.5 | 12 | 27.3 cm |
| 11.5 | 13 | 27.9 cm |
| 12.5 | 14 | 28.6 cm |
While this conversion chart will make it simple for you to convert any men’s shoe size to their women’s equivalent, keep in mind that this is a general guideline and not a rigid science. The best method to determine whether a shoe fits correctly or not is by trying on the shoes. This is because shoe sizes differ not just from one producer to another but from one shoe type to another as well.
Nevertheless, if you prefer to purchase your workwear shoes over the internet, or there are no physical shoe stores within your neighborhood, there is an easy way out. All you have to do is measure your feet after which use a shoe size conversion calculator or tool to ascertain your exact shoe size.
See also: How to Measure Your Feet for Shoes
Tips for Measuring your Feet
- Be sure to measure not just your foot length but your arch length and foot width when measuring your feet.
- Do not depend on the foot measurements you took 5 years ago. Tissues and ligaments that connect bones and muscles tend to typically stretch and relax as you age. This generally causes alterations in feet size as well as shape.
- Do your feet measurements later within the day. Most individuals experience some sort of foot swelling as the day progresses. If you do the measurements early during the day, the shoes you eventually select may be excessively tight.
If possible, consider purchasing two different sizes of a particular shoe model to get the appropriate fit for you. If you opt to do this, be sure to check the retailer’s return policy before you make that purchase.
