Sneaker Size Guide: EU / US / UK (with Chart)

One of the most common reasons for returns in the sneaker world is the wrong size. The EU, US, and UK systems differ from one another, and even experienced buyers sometimes get confused when buying a pair from an unfamiliar brand. In this guide, we’ll lay everything out clearly: how to measure your foot, how to read conversion charts, and what to look out for when buying premium models. Our goal is for you to order a pair online with the same confidence as if you were trying it on in a brick-and-mortar boutique, and for the shoebox not to make its way back to the warehouse.

Why Sizes Differ

Each system has its own logic, and this is not a whim of the manufacturers but history. The European system (EU) is based on the length of the last in Paris points (one point equals about 6.67 mm), the American one (US) is based on inches with a 1/3-inch step between sizes, and the British one (UK) has its own starting point, with the US size usually being one unit larger than the corresponding UK size. Because of this, the same physical foot size has completely different numbers in different systems. That is exactly why relying solely on the number you are used to is dangerous — for example, your US 9 in one brand may become a US 9.5 in another. Always check against centimeters, because the insole length in cm is the most precise common denominator across all three systems.

How to Measure Your Foot Correctly

An accurate measurement takes five minutes and saves you from a mistake worth hundreds of hryvnias. Follow this sequence:

• Measure your foot in the evening, when it is slightly swollen — this gives the most realistic result for everyday wear.
• Put on the socks you plan to wear with the sneakers — their thickness affects the result.
• Stand on a sheet of A4 paper and shift your body weight onto the foot — under load the foot becomes a few millimeters longer.
• Trace it with a pencil, holding it strictly perpendicular to the paper, without tilting inward or outward.
• Measure the distance from the rearmost point of the heel to the longest toe (which is not always the big toe) in millimeters.
• Measure both feet and go by the larger one — they are almost always slightly different.
• Add 0.5–1 cm of allowance for comfort and free flexing of the foot as you walk.

Size Conversion Chart

Below is a basic conversion for men’s models. Use it as a guide, but always check the size chart of the specific brand, because even within one system manufacturers interpret sizes in their own way:

• EU 40 — US 7 — UK 6 — 25 cm
• EU 41 — US 8 — UK 7 — 25.5 cm
• EU 42 — US 8.5 — UK 7.5 — 26.5 cm
• EU 43 — US 9.5 — UK 8.5 — 27.5 cm
• EU 44 — US 10 — UK 9 — 28 cm
• EU 45 — US 11 — UK 10 — 29 cm

How to Use the Chart

First find your foot length in centimeters, and only then look at which size it corresponds to in the system you need. Not the other way around. If your result falls between two values (for example, 26 cm), for most sneakers it is wiser to round up, to EU 42. Women’s sizes in the US system are usually 1.5 units larger than men’s for the same foot length, so this is worth keeping in mind when buying unisex models.

The Quirks of Different Brands

Sizing policy differs even within one system, so keep the brands’ reputations in mind:

• Nike and Jordan often run about half a size small, especially narrow models like the Air Force 1 and Air Max.
• Adidas generally holds to standard, but the Yeezy line is known for its narrow fit — many people go half a size up.
• New Balance is known for wide lasts and often offers width options (D, 2E, 4E) for a single model.
• Converse traditionally runs about a full size large.
• Vans are mostly true to size, but for a narrow foot they may be too large in the instep.

Before buying a specific model, read fit reviews. In our sneaker catalog we provide fit recommendations for each pair.

Common Mistakes When Choosing

The worst thing is buying for growth or hoping the pair will break in. Leather gives a little, but mesh, textile, and synthetics hardly do at all. Avoid these missteps:

• Going by a size from a decade ago — the foot changes with age, especially in width.
• Ignoring the width of the foot and looking only at the length.
• Comparing sizes across different footwear categories (sneakers, boots, and trainers fit differently).
• Ordering without a 0.5–1 cm allowance in front of the toe.
• Believing that “brand” sizes are always the same — even within one brand the lasts differ between silhouettes.

If you find yourself between two sizes, for sneakers it is usually better to choose the larger one — a too-tight pair cannot be fixed, while a slightly loose one is saved by an insole or thicker socks.

Summary and Help with Your Choice

Knowing the EU / US / UK systems and an accurate foot measurement save time, nerves, and money. Go by centimeters first and foremost, account for the brand’s quirks, and leave an allowance for comfort. If you are unsure, our team will help you pick a size individually — just write to us via contacts, give your foot length and the desired model. Choose verified models at the POGO store and get the perfect fit the first time.