EU 39 to UK – Shoe Size Conversion Guide and Charts

Finding the right shoe size when shopping across European and British retailers can save time, prevent returns, and ensure a comfortable fit. EU 39 to UK conversion is one of the most frequently looked-up size ranges, particularly for shoppers navigating between EU and UK sizing systems. This guide provides accurate conversion charts for men, women, and children, along with brand-specific notes and measurement details in centimetres and inches.

EU and UK shoe sizing systems differ in their base increments and measuring methods. While EU sizes are based on the metric system and measured in centimetres, UK sizes traditionally use the “barleycorn” unit—approximately one-third of an inch. Understanding these differences helps when purchasing shoes from international brands or when sizes fall between standard increments.

What is EU 39 to UK shoe size?

EU 39 typically converts to UK 5.5–6 for both men and women, though some retailers list it as UK 6. The corresponding foot length is approximately 24.1–25.0 cm, or about 9.5 inches. Women’s and men’s sizing diverge slightly at this size range, making it important to check whether you are consulting a men’s or women’s conversion chart.

EU 39 to UK overview grid

Key conversion insights

• EU sizes generally run 5–6 sizes ahead of UK equivalents, though the offset varies slightly by brand and gender.
• EU 39 is considered a mid-range size, falling between EU 38 and EU 40, and often overlaps in both men’s and women’s charts.
• Foot measurement in centimetres provides the most reliable conversion method, as it directly reflects actual foot length.
• ShoeCity and Grivet Outdoors charts show close alignment between EU and UK sizing for the sizes covered in their reference tables.
• Adding 0.5–1.5 cm to your foot length accounts for the internal shoe allowance, ensuring a more comfortable fit.
• UK sizes tend to be consistent within 0.5 across most retailers, including Steve Madden, Grivet Outdoors, and Rogerson Shoes.

Snapshot facts: EU 39 to UK

EU 40 to UK shoe size conversion

EU 40 converts to UK 6.5 across most retailers. This size corresponds to a foot length of approximately 25.4 cm or 10 inches. EU 40 is commonly available in both men’s and women’s ranges and is one of the more frequently stocked sizes by European and British retailers.

Men’s EU 40 to UK

For men’s footwear, EU 40 maps to UK 6.5. According to size charts from Grivet Outdoors and ShoeCity, this translates to a foot length of 25.4 cm (9.625 inches). Men’s sizing charts typically begin at EU 39, with some retailers starting at EU 40 for standard adult ranges. RunRepeat’s analysis of over 190 brands indicates that athletic footwear often runs slightly wider, particularly for Nike models, which may affect fit beyond the numeric conversion.

Women’s EU 40 to UK

Women’s EU 40 converts to UK 6.5, matching the men’s conversion at this size. The corresponding foot length is 25.4 cm. Retailers like Rogerson Shoes and ASOS list this conversion consistently across their women’s size charts. However, some European brands may run 0.5 sizes large compared to UK brands, which is worth noting when purchasing from EU-focused retailers.

Adjacent sizes: EU 41 and EU 43

EU 41 typically converts to UK 7.5–8 for men’s and UK 7 for women’s, with foot lengths of 25.4–25.8 cm. EU 43 maps to UK 9.5 for men and UK 9 for women, corresponding to approximately 27.0 cm. ShoeCity, Grivet Outdoors, and Steve Madden size charts show these conversions with high consistency across sources. When moving between adjacent sizes, the UK increment is typically 0.5–1 size per EU full size.

UK size to EU shoes (including women’s)

Reversing the conversion from UK to EU sizes requires adding approximately 0.5–1 sizes to account for the systematic difference between the two sizing systems. UK 6 converts to EU 39–40, UK 7 to EU 40–41, and UK 8 to EU 41–42, with variations depending on whether the footwear is designed for men or women.

UK 8 to EU shoe size

UK 8 corresponds to EU 41–42 for men’s footwear, with a foot length of approximately 26.0–26.5 cm. Rogerson Shoes, a UK-based retailer, emphasizes that measurements should guide the selection rather than relying exclusively on numeric labels, as last shapes and width options vary. For women’s shoes, UK 8 typically maps to EU 40–41 depending on the brand’s sizing philosophy.

UK 5.5 to EU shoe size

UK 5.5 converts to approximately EU 38–39, with a foot length of around 24.1–25.0 cm. This size represents the lower end of the overlapping range between men’s and women’s charts, and some retailers list it as EU 38 for women’s and EU 39 for men’s. Checking the specific gender category on retailer’s websites helps avoid confusion at this crossover point.

Women’s specific conversions

Women’s UK to EU conversions follow the same principles but with gender-specific charts. UK 4.5 maps to EU 37, UK 5 to EU 38, UK 6 to EU 39–40, and UK 7 to EU 40–41. ASOS provides gender-specific size charts that adjust for the narrower width common in women’s footwear. Rogerson Shoes notes that EU 39 for women corresponds to 25.0 cm, matching the standard measurement across most UK retailers.

UK size to EU clothing sizes

Shoe sizing operates independently from clothing sizing, despite the numeric systems appearing similar. EU 38–40 in clothing corresponds approximately to UK 10–12 for women’s clothing, but this has no direct correlation to shoe sizing. Clothing measurements focus on body dimensions—bust, waist, and hips—whereas shoes are sized according to foot length in centimetres.

For boots and athletic footwear, width considerations introduce additional complexity. Wider fits may require sizing up by half a size, creating overlap between adjacent EU sizes. Beggshoes, a UK retailer, notes that shoe sizing is not a direct translation between systems and recommends measuring foot length as the primary method for accuracy.

Separating shoe and clothing sizing

• EU clothing sizes use body measurements; shoe sizes use foot length in centimetres.
• A UK 10 dress does not correspond to any specific shoe size—these are entirely separate systems.
• Boots and athletic wear may vary by width, requiring fit adjustments beyond standard length conversions.
• Some European brands use different base measurements for clothing versus shoes, compounding the potential for confusion.

Factors affecting conversion accuracy

Several variables influence how accurately a numeric conversion reflects actual fit. Brand-specific last shapes—the molds used to shape footwear—create natural variation even within the same numeric size. Regional sizing conventions also differ; EU-focused brands tend to run 0.5 sizes large compared to UK brands, as noted by Steve Madden and Famous Footwear.

Why brands differ

RunRepeat’s analysis examined over 190 brands and found that even within the same sizing system, actual dimensions can vary by 0.1–0.5 cm. Nike footwear tends to run wider, particularly in cross-training models, which may necessitate going down half a size for a snugger fit. Adidas models often fit narrower, meaning some wearers prefer sizing up. This variation extends beyond simple numeric conversion and highlights the value of trying on footwear or consulting brand-specific guides.

Width and fit considerations

Standard width (D for men, B for women) is assumed in most conversion charts. However, wide-fit options (EW for men, C/D for women) often require sizing up, which can shift the effective conversion. Athletic brands like Nike and New Balance offer multiple width options that do not always align perfectly with standard conversion tables.

Established information versus uncertainties

Understanding EU and UK sizing systems

The EU sizing system uses the metric system, with each full size representing approximately 6.6 mm of toe-to-heel length. UK sizing historically uses the “barleycorn” unit, with one barleycorn equalling approximately one-third of an inch (8.47 mm). The different base units explain why conversions between systems involve fractional rather than whole numbers.

The UK system historically begins at size 0 for infants, while the EU system uses centimeter-based sizing starting from newborn sizes. Adult sizes in both systems follow continuous numbering, but the offset between them remains approximately 5.5–6.5 sizes depending on the gender chart consulted. This systematic difference means that a direct 1:1 translation between systems is not possible without accounting for the underlying measurement base. For a comprehensive guide on EU 39 to UK shoe size conversion, check out this French tip nails guide. French tip nails guide

Most retailers, including those operating in both EU and UK markets, provide conversion charts that bridge these systems for consumer convenience. These charts synthesise the underlying measurements and present them in accessible formats. Grivet Outdoors and Steve Madden maintain detailed tables that reflect these conversions for their customers.

“Shoe sizing is not a direct translation between systems. Always measure your foot in centimetres and compare against the specific brand’s size chart.”

— Beggshoes, UK footwear retailer

Summary: finding the right size

Converting EU 39 to UK requires understanding that this size typically corresponds to UK 5.5–6, with a foot length of approximately 24.1–25.0 cm. The conversion holds across most retailers, though minor variations of 0.5 sizes occur depending on the brand, gender chart, and width option selected. Always prioritising foot measurement over numeric label ensures the most accurate fit.

For the best results, measure your foot at the end of the day, account for the 0.5–1.5 cm shoe allowance, and consult the specific brand’s size chart before purchasing. When comparing international retailers, verify whether the chart is gender-specific and note any brand-specific guidance about fit. Understanding these nuances helps navigate the differences between EU and UK sizing systems with confidence.

For related guidance on international measurements, see our resource on Biggest City in the World – 2025 Rankings by Population and Area.

Frequently asked questions