Switching between men’s and women’s shoe sizes can be confusing, especially when different brands fit differently. Whether you’re buying unisex sneakers, shopping for a limited color only available in another gender category, or converting a size 9 shoe in women’s to men’s, this guide covers everything you need to know.
This article explains how to convert men’s shoe size to womens, how to convert womens to mens shoe size, and how major brands like Nike, Adidas, New Balance, Vans, and Converse compare in fit.
Why Men’s and Women’s Shoe Sizes Are Different
Even though the size numbers look similar, the construction of men’s and women’s shoes is different.
Width Differences
Men’s shoes are built wider. Women’s shoes are designed with a narrower heel and midfoot.
Shape Differences
Women often have higher arches and slightly different toe shapes. Brands use different molds for men’s and women’s styles.
Brand Variations
Even with a conversion formula, shoes from Nike, Adidas or Converse can feel different.
How to Convert Men’s to Women’s Shoe Sizes
The standard US conversion is:
Women’s size = Men’s size + 1.5
Example conversions
- Men’s 6 → Women’s 7.5
- Men’s 7 → Women’s 8.5
- Men’s 9 → Women’s 10.5
- Men’s 10 → Women’s 11.5
This is the most accurate formula for conversion shoe size mens to womens.
How to Convert Women’s to Men’s Shoe Sizes
To convert in the opposite direction:
Men’s size = Women’s size – 1.5
Example: Size 9 shoe in women’s to men’s
Women’s 9 converts to Men’s 7.5.
This formula works across most brands unless otherwise noted.
Complete Men’s to Women’s Shoe Size Conversion Chart (US)
| Men’s Size | Women’s Size |
|---|---|
| 4 | 5.5 |
| 5 | 6.5 |
| 6 | 7.5 |
| 7 | 8.5 |
| 8 | 9.5 |
| 9 | 10.5 |
| 10 | 11.5 |
| 11 | 12.5 |
Use this chart for both men’s to women’s and womens to men shoe size conversion.
Nike Men’s to Women’s Shoe Size Conversion
Nike uses the same standard sizing formula, but the shoes often fit slightly smaller and narrower compared to other brands.
| Nike Men’s | Nike Women’s |
|---|---|
| 6 | 7.5 |
| 7 | 8.5 |
| 8 | 9.5 |
| 9 | 10.5 |
| 10 | 11.5 |
| 11 | 12.5 |
Nike fit notes
- Runs narrow
- Often feels half a size smaller
- Snug in the toe box
Because Nike fits smaller than average, many people size up slightly in both men’s and women’s categories.
Adidas Men’s to Women’s Size Conversion
Adidas also follows the standard conversion, but its fit is slightly wider than Nike.
| Adidas Men’s | Adidas Women’s |
|---|---|
| 6 | 7.5 |
| 7 | 8.5 |
| 8 | 9.5 |
| 9 | 10.5 |
| 10 | 11.5 |
Adidas fit notes
- True to size
- Slightly wider fit
- Comfortable for regular and wide feet
How Other Brands Compare to Nike in Fit and Sizing
Many people notice differences not in the conversion numbers but in how the shoes feel on the foot. Below are the brands that fit differently compared to Nike.
New Balance Men’s to Women’s Size Conversion
New Balance uses standard sizing but is known for wide toe boxes.
| New Balance Men’s | New Balance Women’s |
|---|---|
| 6 | 7.5 |
| 7 | 8.5 |
| 8 | 9.5 |
| 9 | 10.5 |
| 10 | 11.5 |
New Balance fit notes
- Wider than Nike
- Roomier toe area
- Excellent for wide feet
Converse Men’s to Women’s Size Conversion
Converse fits longer and bigger than Nike, even though the chart stays the same.
| Converse Men’s | Converse Women’s |
|---|---|
| 6 | 7.5 |
| 7 | 8.5 |
| 8 | 9.5 |
| 9 | 10.5 |
| 10 | 11.5 |
Converse fit notes
- Runs 1 size larger in feel
- Long, narrow shape
- Many people size down
Vans Men’s to Women’s Size Conversion
Vans run true to size but slightly wider than Nike.
| Vans Men’s | Vans Women’s |
|---|---|
| 6 | 7.5 |
| 7 | 8.5 |
| 8 | 9.5 |
| 9 | 10.5 |
| 10 | 11.5 |
Vans fit notes
- True to size
- Slightly wide
- Great for casual everyday wear
Reebok Men’s to Women’s Conversion
Reebok fits more naturally and roomy compared to Nike.
| Reebok Men’s | Reebok Women’s |
|---|---|
| 6 | 7.5 |
| 7 | 8.5 |
| 8 | 9.5 |
| 9 | 10.5 |
| 10 | 11.5 |
Reebok fit notes
- Balanced width
- True to size
- Roomier than Nike
International Shoe Size Conversion (UK and EU)
UK Conversion Chart
| Men’s UK | Women’s UK |
|---|---|
| 3 | 4.5 |
| 4 | 5.5 |
| 5 | 6.5 |
| 6 | 7.5 |
| 7 | 8.5 |
| 8 | 9.5 |
EU Conversion Chart
| Men’s EU | Women’s EU |
|---|---|
| 36 | 37.5 |
| 38 | 39.5 |
| 40 | 41.5 |
| 42 | 43.5 |
| 44 | 45.5 |
How to Measure Your Foot for Accurate Conversion
- Stand on a sheet of paper.
- Trace your foot from heel to longest toe.
- Measure the length in centimeters or inches.
- Compare the measurement with the brand’s chart.
- Measure both feet and use the larger measurement.
Feet naturally swell throughout the day, so evening measurements are more accurate.
Common Mistakes When Converting Shoe Sizes
Assuming all brands fit the same
Even with identical conversions, Nike, Adidas, Converse, New Balance and Vans all feel different.
Ignoring foot width
Women switching to men’s shoes may benefit from extra width.
Men switching to women’s may need a wider option.
Not checking brand size guides
Each brand has slight variations.
Forgetting socks
Thicker socks require extra space.
Final Thoughts
Converting men’s shoe size to womens or switching womens to mens can be simple when using the standard 1.5-size formula. While the conversion chart remains consistent across brands, the way a shoe fits can vary significantly. Nike runs narrow and slightly small, while brands like Adidas, Vans, New Balance and Reebok offer a roomier, true-to-size experience.
Always check the brand’s official size guide and consider your foot width, arch height and preferred fit before buying. With this complete guide, finding the right size in any brand becomes much easier. For know more about toddler shoes size chart visit the fashion fest.