If you are running a dropshipping business, especially in the fashion and footwear niche, you already know the "Return Monster" is real. Nothing kills your profit margins faster than a customer receiving a pair of stunning sneakers, only to realize they can’t even get their foot inside because of a sizing mix-up.
Because there is no universal standard for shoe sizing, a "Size 9" in the US is vastly different from a "Size 9" in the UK, and don’t even get us started on the European or Chinese systems.
At EPROLO, we want to ensure your customers are happy from the moment they unbox their order. In this guide, we’ve broken down everything you need to know about shoe size conversion, including detailed charts for men, women, and children, and pro tips to help your customers measure their feet accurately at home.
Key Takeaways
- No Universal Standard: Shoe sizing varies drastically by region. Using only US sizes for international customers is a fast track to returns.
- Centimeters Are King: The most reliable method for accuracy is measuring foot length in cm and comparing it to the manufacturer's specific size chart.
- Fit Goes Beyond Length: Foot width, shoe "last" (mold), and material all impact fit and should be noted in your product descriptions.
- Prevention is Key: A detailed, branded sizing guide and proactive communication are your best defenses against the costly "Return Monster."
Table of Contents
The Challenges of International Shoe Sizing for Dropshipping
Shoe making existed long before mass production. Historically, cobblers made shoes individually for their local customers. Because different regions developed their own tools (like the "last" or the physical form of the foot) and units of measurement, we ended up with a fragmented global system.
Today, we primarily deal with four major systems:
- US/Canada: Based on inches, with different scales for men and women.
- UK/India: Also based on inches but starts at a different baseline than the US.
- EU (European): Based on "Paris Points" (2/3 of a centimeter).
- Mondopoint (Japan/China/Korea): Primarily based on the actual foot length in centimeters or millimeters.
International Shoe Size Conversion Charts
When dropshipping shoes, use these tables to update your product descriptions or as a reference for your customer support team.
1. Women’s Shoe Size Conversion
| US/Canada | UK/India | EU | Japan (CM) | China | Foot Length (Inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 3 | 35 | 22 | 34 | 8.7" |
| 6 | 4 | 36 | 23 | 36 | 9.0" |
| 7 | 5 | 37.5 | 23.5 | 37 | 9.3" |
| 8 | 6 | 39 | 24.5 | 39 | 9.7" |
| 9 | 7 | 40 | 25.5 | 41 | 10.0" |
| 10 | 8 | 41 | 26 | 42 | 10.3" |
| 11 | 9 | 42.5 | 27 | 44 | 10.7" |
2. Men’s Shoe Size Conversion
| US/Canada | UK/India | EU | Japan (CM) | China | Foot Length (Inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 40 | 24.5 | 39 | 9.7" |
| 8 | 7 | 41 | 25.5 | 41 | 10.0" |
| 9 | 8 | 42.5 | 26.5 | 42 | 10.3" |
| 10 | 9 | 44 | 27 | 44 | 10.7" |
| 11 | 10 | 45 | 28 | 46 | 11.0" |
| 12 | 11 | 46 | 29 | 48 | 11.3" |
| 13 | 12 | 47 | 29.5 | 49 | 11.7" |
3. Kids’ Shoe Size Conversion (Ages 5–12)
| US/Canada | UK/India | EU | Japan (CM) | Foot Length (CM) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10.5 | 9.5 | 28 | 17 | 17.1 cm |
| 12 | 11 | 30 | 18.5 | 18.4 cm |
| 13.5 | 12.5 | 32 | 19.5 | 19.7 cm |
| 1.5 | 13.5 | 33 | 20.5 | 20.5 cm |
| 3 | 2 | 35 | 22 | 21.8 cm |
| 5 | 4 | 37 | 23.5 | 23.5 cm |
How to Measure Your Foot at Home (The "Pro" Way)
Encouraging your customers to measure their feet in centimeters is the most reliable way to ensure a good fit. Here is the step-by-step process you should share on your store's "Sizing Guide" page:
- Wait Until the Evening: Feet naturally swell throughout the day. Measuring in the evening ensures the shoe will be comfortable all day long.
- Wear Your Usual Socks: If you're buying sneakers, measure with the socks you intend to wear.
- The Paper & Pencil Method:
- Place a piece of paper on a flat, hard floor against a wall.
- Stand on the paper with your heel against the wall.
- Mark the longest part of your foot (usually the big toe or second toe) on the paper.
- Measure the distance from the edge of the paper to the mark in centimeters or inches.
- Measure Both Feet: Most people have one foot slightly larger than the other. Always choose the size that fits the larger foot.
Beyond Length: Other Factors That Impact Fit
While length is the primary metric, it isn't the only one. If you want to provide a "White Glove" experience for your customers, mention these factors:
- Foot Width: Some brands run narrow, while others offer "Wide" (EE) or "Extra Wide" (EEEE) options. If a customer has wide feet, they may need to size up by half a size in standard models.
- The "Last": This is the 3D mold used to build the shoe. Some lasts are pointed (dress shoes), while others are rounded (sneakers). Pointed shoes often require sizing up to avoid toe pinching.
- Material: Leather stretches over time; synthetic materials and mesh typically do not.
- Age: As we age, our ligaments lose elasticity, often causing our feet to become slightly longer and wider.
Tips for Dropshippers: Reducing Return Rates
Since you aren’t physically there to help the customer try on the shoes, your product page has to do the heavy lifting.
- Add a Custom Size Chart: Don’t just rely on the supplier’s default chart. Create a clean, branded table like the ones above.
- Include CM/Inches: Always include the physical measurement of the insole or the recommended foot length. This is the only "universal" language in sizing.
- Specify "Runs Small/Large": If you’ve tested a sample from EPROLO and noticed it’s a tight fit, add a note: "We recommend sizing up for a more comfortable fit."
- Leverage Reviews: Encourage customers to leave feedback on how the shoes fit. "True to size" is the most valuable piece of social proof you can have.
Final Thoughts
Mastering shoe size conversion isn't just about technical accuracy—it's about building trust with your customers. By providing clear, easy-to-read charts and expert advice, you position your brand as an authority in the footwear space.
With the global dropshipping footwear market size is projected to reach USD 588.22 billion by 2030, it is more important than ever to ensure your customers have a seamless shopping experience. Accurate sizing can help reduce returns, improve customer satisfaction, and increase repeat business—crucial factors as the industry continues to grow rapidly.
Ready to scale your footwear brand? Explore EPROLO’s massive catalog of trending shoes and sneakers, and use our global fulfillment network to deliver quality products to your customers faster than ever.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is a US Men's size the same as a US Women's size?
No. In the US system, women’s sizes are approximately 1.5 sizes larger than men’s. For example, a Men’s 7.5 is roughly equal to a Women’s 9.
Q: What is the most accurate way to find my shoe size?
The most accurate method is measuring your foot length in centimeters and comparing it to the manufacturer’s specific size chart.
Q: Why do my Nike shoes fit differently than my Adidas?
Every brand uses a different "last" (foot mold). Different designs and manufacturing processes mean that a size 10 in one brand might feel like a 9.5 in another.
Q: What should I do if I am between sizes?
It is generally better to go half a size up. You can always use an insole or thicker socks to adjust a slightly loose shoe, but a shoe that is too tight can cause pain and injury.
Q: Does China use the same sizing as Europe?
They are similar but not identical. While both use a two-digit system (e.g., 40, 41), the actual dimensions can vary slightly. Always check the CM measurement provided by the supplier.
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Written by Iris
Iris is a digital marketing expert with 3+ years of experience in e‑commerce and dropshipping. She helps online store owners grow their sales through SEO-friendly content, supplier guides, and practical marketing tips, making it easier to run and scale profitable stores.
