Why Chinese Shoe Sizes Are So Different
Here’s the thing – Chinese shoe sizes are actually based on how long your foot is in centimeters. So if you see a size 25, that means the shoe is made for a foot that’s 25 centimeters long. Pretty simple, right?
US sizes, on the other hand, are just random numbers that don’t really mean anything specific. A size 8 doesn’t tell you how long the shoe actually is.
This is why:
- Chinese sizes use your actual foot measurement.
- They don’t split between men’s and women’s the same way we do.
- The numbers actually make sense once you get it.
We choose the right size
The Size Charts You Actually Need
Men’s Sizes
| Chinese Size | US Men’s Size | Your Foot Length |
|---|---|---|
| 38 | 5 | 9.4 inches |
| 39 | 5.5 | 9.6 inches |
| 40 | 6.5 | 9.9 inches |
| 41 | 7 | 10.1 inches |
| 42 | 8 | 10.4 inches |
| 43 | 9 | 10.6 inches |
| 44 | 10 | 10.9 inches |
| 45 | 11 | 11.2 inches |
| 46 | 12 | 11.4 inches |
| 47 | 13 | 11.7 inches |
Women’s Sizes
| Chinese Size | US Wowen’s Size | Your Foot Length |
|---|---|---|
| 35 | 5 | 8.7 inches |
| 36 | 6 | 9.0 inches |
| 37 | 6.5 | 9.2 inches |
| 38 | 7.5 | 9.4 inches |
| 39 | 8.5 | 9.6 inches |
| 40 | 9.5 | 9.9 inches |
| 41 | 10.5 | 10.1 inches |
| 42 | 11.5 | 10.4 inches |
| 43 | 12.5 | 10.6 inches |
Kids’ Sizes
| Chinese Size | US Kid’s Size | Age |
|---|---|---|
| 16 | 2 | 1-1.5 years |
| 17 | 3 | 1.5-2 years |
| 18 | 4 | 2-2.5 years |
| 19 | 5 | 2.5-3 years |
| 20 | 6 | 3-3.5 years |
| 21 | 7 | 3.5-4 years |
| 22 | 8 | 4-4.5 years |
| 23 | 9 | 4.5-5 years |
How to Measure Your Feet the Right Way
Don’t just guess your size from the charts above. Here’s how to actually measure your feet:
What You Need
- A ruler or tape measure
- A piece of paper
- A pen
- The socks you’ll wear with the shoes
Step by Step
- Put on your socks
- Put the paper on a hard floor (not carpet)
- Stand on the paper with your full weight
- Have someone trace around your foot, or do it yourself carefully
- Measure from your heel to your longest toe
- Do both feet – they’re probably different sizes
- Use the measurement from your bigger foot
- Add about half an inch for comfort
Best Time to Measure
Measure your feet in the evening. Your feet swell up during the day, so evening measurements are more accurate for how your feet will feel in shoes.
Quick Math for Size Conversion
If you like doing math, here are some rough formulas:
For men: Take the Chinese size, subtract 33, then divide by 1.5
For women: Take the Chinese size, subtract 31, then divide by 1.5
These aren’t perfect, but they’ll get you close.
Mistakes Everyone Makes (Including Me)
Thinking All Asian Sizes Are the Same
Chinese, Japanese, and Korean sizes are all different. Don’t mix them up.
Not Thinking About Shoe Style
- Sneakers usually follow the charts pretty well
- Dress shoes might run small
- Boots are often bigger to fit thicker socks
- Sandals might run big since your foot can move around
Not Reading Reviews
Always scroll down and read what other people say about sizing. If five people say “runs small,” believe them.
Tips for Shopping Chinese Shoe Sites
Before You Buy
- Look for customer photos and comments about fit
- Check if the seller has their own size chart
- Message the seller if you’re not sure
- Make sure you can return them if they don’t fit
Bottom Line
Chinese shoe sizing actually makes more sense than US sizing once you understand it. The key things to remember:
- Chinese sizes are based on your actual foot length
- Measure your feet properly – don’t guess
- When in doubt, go with your foot measurement, not size conversion
- Read reviews from other buyers
- Make sure you can return them
I’ve been using this system for a couple years now, and I haven’t gotten the wrong size since. It takes a few extra minutes to measure your feet, but it’s way better than dealing with shoes that don’t fit.
Next time you’re browsing shoes on a Chinese site, bookmark this page so you can check the charts. Your feet will thank you!