Shoe Sizing Systems

Different types of Footwear sizing systems

• English Sizing System

• French Sizing System
• American Sizing System
• Mondopoint
• International Shoe size chart
• Keys to proper shoe fit
 English sizing system
The UK System starts from zero, at 102 mm with
8.4mm (1/4 ") between whole sizes (4.2mm
between half sizes). Adults sizes range from size
1 to size 15 (equivalent to 12"). The UK Shoe Size
System for children is divided into 13 parts. Sizes
start at five inches long and every fourth part of
an inch thereafter until, size 12. Size 13 or short
13 and consists of length of 8 inches and a
quarter. This also starts the Adult size 1.
 French size scale (Paris Points)

The Europeans use a metric system and hence

each full size (or two thirds of a centimeter) is
less than a full size but more than the half size.
French system does not support half sizes. Infant
sizes start at size 15 (equivalent to 0) and each
size then progresses by two thirds of a
centimeter.
European Size Men’s American Size Women’s American Size

36
37 7

38 4.5 – 5 8

39 5.5 – 6 8.5 – 9
40 6.5 – 7 9.5 - 10

41 7.5 – 8 10.5 – 11

42 8.5 – 9 11.5 – 12

43 9.5 – 10
44 10.5 – 11

45 11.5 – 12
46 12.5 – 13

47 13.5 – 14

48 14.5 – 15
 USA size scale
The only standardization is each full size is 1/3 of
an inch longer than the previous size. Women's
shoes are marked 1 ½ sizes different than men's
(a size 9 women's shoe is equal in length to a
size 7 ½ men's shoe).
 MONDOPOINT
Mondo Point provided a uniform system of shoe
sizes among the nations of the world. The sizes
were based on millimeters. Shoes were
described as 255/98 or 255 millimeters long and
98 millimeters broad. Sizes progressed from the
smallest to the largest, from children's through
to adults without interruption.
Not generally used but it is still used in sizing ski
and snowboard boots.
Size comparisons
 Girth measurements
The Girth Grade is the amount by which the last
circumference grows from one size to another around the
joint position.
As a general rule there are two main girth grades
Children’s range – Sizes 0 – 10½= 3/16 (4.76mm)
= 3/16” Girth Grade.
For this range the amount between fittings is 3/16”
(4.76mm).
Adult’s Range - Size 11- onwards = 1/4” (6.35mm) =1/4”
Girth Grade.
For this range the amount between fittings is ¼” (6.35mm).
 Girth measurements
On medium-grade shoes the equivalents are likely to be:
A=1 Fitting D=4 Fitting
B=2 Fitting E =5 Fitting
C=3 Fitting EE-6 Fitting
The measurement at the Joint for a Size 4 is likely to be:
A B C D E EE
Fittings ¼” 1 2 3 4 5 6
_ _ _ _ _ _
Inches 7½ 7¾ 8 8¼ 8½ 8¾
The number of people with very narrow or very wide feet is small and
between 60% and 70% of the population can be fitted by the three
middle fittings, C, D and E.
As the Girth (or joint) Grade on the Adults range is ¼”, from the above
table it can be seen that a Size 8C Fitting joint measurement would be
9”
 International Shoe Size Chart

• American Women’s shoe sizes are the same as American Men’s shoe
sizes plus 1 ½.
• Canadian shoe sizes are equivalent (identical) to American shoe
sizes for both Adult and Children’s, Men and Women.
• Mexican shoe sizes plus 1 ½ are the same as American Men’s shoe
sizes.
• Japanese shoes sizes are American Men’s shoes sizes plus 18. (some
companies say add 19).
• Europe uses a system that came from the French called Paris Points
One Paris Point equals two-thirds of a centimeter. The system starts
at zero centimeters and increases. There are no half sizes. American
size 0 is the same as 15 Paris Points.
 Keys to Proper Shoe Fit

 Have your feet measured 1 to 2 times per year. Make sure to

measure the length, width and arch length of your feet.
 Measure the arch length. The arch length is measured from
your heel to the ball of your foot (where your big toe joint
bends).
 Shop for shoe later in the day. Most everyone develops some
swelling in their feet by the end of the day.
 Fit shoes to the larger foot. No two feet are the same. One
foot is usually slightly larger than the other foot.
 Wear appropriate socks/hosiery. It is important to wear the
socks, nylons, etc. that you would normally wear with the type
of shoes you are trying on.
 Stand when measuring. Be sure to stand up when measuring
your feet. When standing, your feet will spread out more.
 Keys to Proper Shoe Fit
 Leave 1/2 inch at the front of shoe
 Leave 1/8 inch at the back of shoe
 Room in the toe box
 Walk with both shoes on
 Size does not matter. Sizes vary from one company to another.

Tips:
1. Shoes should be comfortable in the store.
2. Shoes with laces are easier to adjust and easier to keep on the feet
rather then without laces.
3. The height of the heel should be no more than 1½ inches which may
lead to pressure on the forefoot and hence foot problems.