how are shoe sizes measured in the us

 

Shoe sizes are measured in inches in the United States. To convert inches to centimeters, multiply the number of inches by 0.39, times two; then multiply the result by ten. For example, a size 8 is 39 × 2 × 10 or 208cm.

A US shoe size has traditionally been based on their width and height with a half-size adjustment for European feet (i.e., an extra toe length). As such, US sizes are roughly a half-size larger than shoe sizes in many other countries. In addition, the shape of shoes and boots changed to accommodate the new sizing method, whereas some areas within Europe (such as the United Kingdom) retained more traditional sizing methods.

 

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Shoe manufacturers generally use either U.S. sizing or size conversion tables based on U.S. sizing for their product labeling (though some use their own system), and the results can be quite confusing for consumers when different brands use different conversion rules for their products (even within the same brand's product line).

In addition, the width of shoes or boots is measured in quarts with a half-size adjustment for European feet (i.e., an extra toe length). The "shortening" of this measurement to inches may have arisen from when shoe sizes were based on the length instead of the width, and so manufacturers are often confused about how to report these measurements.

It should be noted that foot size is not necessarily related to gender and can vary for people between different age groups. Women's shoe brands typically use smaller foot sizing compared to men's (due to different styles and types of footwear), though in some instances this can also occur within men's shoes.

 

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Shoe sizes are typically based on the length of the foot, not the width like most other shoes. The "one size fits all" approach to shoe sizing is a relatively recent phenomenon and was introduced through manufacturing, marketing, and distribution changes by several major shoe companies. Before then, shoes could be sized differently across brands for different types of footwear. The British Footwear Association has reported that foot measurements have been used in shoe sizing since at least 1879.-guide-2nd EDITION-web-only-marthasville-en091005nk1.pdf] Foot size is still used today in the fitting of ski boots, dance shoes and some types of work boots.

The "one size fits all" approach to shoe sizing was the result of manufacturing and marketing changes made by several major shoe manufacturers in the 1950s. Prior to this change, shoes were sized differently for different types of footwear (e.g., men's shoes vs. women's shoes). Some shoe companies continued to offer their products as "differently sized" until the mid-1990s but all eventually discontinued that practice as it became more difficult to obtain stock from overseas suppliers due to differences in footwear manufacturing standards around the world; "one size fits all" models, however, were typically manufactured overseas anyway.

"One size fits all" sizing has since been adopted by some manufacturers who market shoes for both genders and all types of outdoor activities. Some shoe manufacturers have retained a more traditional approach, with different styles available in different sizes.

Shoe manufacturers use U.S. shoe sizing to label their products because it is an established system that does not need translation in foreign markets (unlike converting from any other system).