How to Convert Chinese Shoe Sizes to US Sizes

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!