Shoe Size Conversion Charts – Do They Actually Work?

Why Shoe Sizes Are So Confusing

If you’ve ever Googled ladies shoe size conversion chart or foot length to shoe size chart, you already know how frustrating sizing can be. A EU 38 in one brand might feel like a US 7, while in another it fits more like a 7.5.

The truth is: shoe sizes are not universal.

Shoe Size Conversion Systems Explained

So why don’t shoe sizes match up everywhere? It comes down to how different regions measure them:

Europe (EU sizes): These are simply numbered, like 37 or 38, but the numbers don’t always match up neatly with other countries.
US & UK sizes: They use their own systems, so a US 7 isn’t the same as a UK 7.
Japan/China sizes: These are often measured directly in centimeters, so if your foot is 24 cm long, your size is around 24.

👉 The tricky part is that these systems don’t convert perfectly. That’s why when you check a foot length to shoe size chart, the number you get might still feel a little off depending on the brand.

How the Shoe Last Affects Fit

Every shoe is built on a mould called a last. Brands design their lasts for what they consider the “average” foot.

Narrow lasts → better for slim feet.
Wide lasts → more room for wide fleshy feet or bunions.
Toe box shape (pointy vs round vs square) → changes how the same size feels.

This is why a size 38 heel from one brand can feel tighter than a 38 ballet flat from another.

Foot Nuances That Conversion Charts Miss

Conversion charts only measure length, but your feet are more complex:

Bunions need extra width.
Fleshy feet fill more volume.
Bony feet may slip even in the “right” length.
Upturned toes may need a deeper toe box.

So while a ladies shoe size conversion chart is helpful, it can’t capture these unique differences.

So Do Shoe Size Conversion Charts Actually Work?

Short answer: they work as a starting point.

For example, if your foot length is 241 mm, charts will suggest EU 37 / US 7.

But in practice:

Round-toe ballet flats might fit true to that size but you might fit differently in a pointed to heel
If you feet are extra wide in front, you may need to size up, leaving a gap at the back
Different brands interpret “average foot” differently.

How to Find Your True Shoe Size

✔ Measure your foot length – heel to longest toe in millimeters.
✔ Check the brand’s size chart – not all charts are equal.
✔ Know your foot type – wide, narrow, fleshy, or bony.
✔ Use conversion charts as a guide – not a guarantee.

The Oleah Difference

At Oleah, we design with real women’s feet in mind, especially women with wide feet who struggle with traditional sizing.

Our lasts are built with more room where it matters.
We size based on both foot length and foot shape.
Take our Size Quiz to help you find your true Oleah size so you don’t need to guess between brands.

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