How to Convert Shoe Sizes

Imagine finding the perfect pair of shoes that isn’t available in your size. Let’s say you typically wear youth shoes, but the pair you want is only available in adult sizes. Perhaps you usually wear women’s shoes, but you fancy a pair of men’s hiking boots.

Fortunately, you can easily convert your current shoe size to a size in another shoe category using simple math. Understanding how to make these conversions ensures you can purchase the shoes you want, regardless of the style or category. This guide explains how to convert women’s shoe sizes to men’s and youth’s to adult sizes.

Step 1: Confirm Your Shoe Size

Before starting the shoe conversion process, it’s important to know your foot size, since it can change over time. A mismeasurement of just half an inch can mean the difference between comfortable shoes and a pair that doesn’t fit properly.

Confirming your current shoe size is a quick and easy process.

Start by tracing each foot onto a piece of paper. If you have someone to help you, stand firmly on the paper and have your friend trace the whole way around each foot. If you’re alone, you can complete this process by sitting on a chair, placing your feet firmly on the paper, and tracing around each foot.

Next, use a ruler to measure the size of your feet. Measure the length of each foot from top to bottom and the width from side to side. To be safe, subtract 1/16-inch from your measurements to adjust for any errors. Once that step is complete, you can use Shoe Carnival’s online size chart to confirm your regular shoe size.

Conversely, you can use Shoe Carnival’s printable shoe sizing chart. Simply print the chart and follow the instructions to confirm your shoe size.

Step 2: Convert

Once you know your current shoe size, use simple calculations to determine what size you should purchase in another category.

Youth to Women’s Shoe Sizes

If you typically wear youth shoes but find yourself drawn to a pair of women’s shoes, finding the right size is as easy as adding 2 to your current size. For example, if you currently wear a size 6 youth shoe, you want to look for a women’s size 8.

While this simple conversion works for most people, it’s not always exact, especially if your shoe size is on the brink of moving to the next level. In these cases, you should consider going up half a size. For example, using the example above, if you’re currently wearing a size 6 youth shoe, but it’s starting to get tight, you may want to try a women’s size 8.5. This alternative accommodates the gap between sizes to ensure the shoes fit more comfortably.

Youth to Men’s Shoe Sizes

The process is even easier if you want to convert your youth shoe size to a men’s shoe size. In most cases, men’s shoe sizes and youth shoe sizes are the same. So, if you’re currently wearing size 8 youth shoes, you can purchase size 8 men’s shoes. However, men’s shoes don’t usually go lower than size 6.

If your youth shoe size is under 6, you may have a hard time finding any men’s shoes that fit. Instead, you may have to stick with youth shoes until your feet get a little bigger or check to see if you can have the shoes customized in your size.

Women’s to Men’s Shoe Sizes

It’s not uncommon for women to want to purchase men’s shoes. Whether you’re looking for men’s dress shoes, sneakers, hiking boots, or snow boots, one simple calculation can help you find the perfect size for your feet.

To convert your women’s shoe size to men’s, you can subtract 1.5 or 2 from your current size. For example, if you currently wear a size 8 women’s shoe, you can purchase a men’s size 6 or 6.5. It’s always a good idea to look at the store sizing chart to find the shoe size that most closely matches the precise measurements of your feet. This extra step can help you determine whether to subtract 1.5 or 2 to find the most comfortable shoe.

The opposite calculation is necessary if you convert from a men’s shoe size to a women’s shoe size. Instead of subtracting, you need to add 1.5 or 2 to your current shoe size.

Step 3: Stop by Shoe Carnival

Now that you know how to convert your current shoe size to one in another category, it’s time to head to Shoe Carnival and start shopping. You no longer have to stick to just one type of shoe — your options are nearly endless.

It’s always a good idea to double-check a store’s sizing chart to ensure it aligns with your size selection. Shoe Carnival’s sizing chart makes it easy to verify your shoe size when you’re shopping online.

If you’re shopping in-store, try the shoes on before making your final selection to ensure they fit comfortably. Be sure to go up or down half or even full sizes if necessary to find the best fit for your feet.

Shoe Carnival has more than 400 stores in 35 states and Puerto Rico. We carry a large selection of women’s, men’s, and youth shoes from popular brands, including Nike, adidas, Crocs, Vans, Skechers, and HEYDUDE.

Visit your nearest Shoe Carnival store today to find your next favorite pair of shoes.