# Shoe Size Converter: Complete International Guide
Buying footwear from international stores can be a logistical challenge. The shoe size converter is an essential tool to avoid unnecessary returns and ensure every purchase is a success.
# How do shoe size equivalences work?
The world of footwear is not unified. Historically, each region developed its own system based on local units of measurement such as inches or the "Paris point".
- EU sizes (Europe): Based on the "Paris point", equivalent to 2/3 of a centimetre. The most common system in Spain and much of the continent.
- US sizes (United States): Use inches with a different starting point for men's and women's shoes.
- UK sizes (United Kingdom): Also imperial-based, but with scales that are typically one unit smaller than US for the same foot.
- CM / Mondopoint size: The most precise. Uses the actual foot length in centimetres directly.
# Guide to measuring your foot and finding your exact size
Before using the converter, it is vital to know your actual foot measurement. The fundamental measurement is the length from your heel to your longest toe.
Professional Tip
Measure your feet at the end of the day. Feet tend to swell with activity and heat, so a morning measurement could result in shoes that feel tight in the afternoon.# Why sizes vary between sneaker brands
Why are you a 42 in Nike but a 41 1/3 in Adidas? Brands use their own "lasts" (3D foot models). Some sports brands tend to run small, requiring you to size up by half a number.