Shopping in the UAE is an experience like no other. As an international hub for business and tourism, you can find almost anything you need. From small markets to luxury boutiques, the UAE has it all, and Yas Mall and Dubai Mall are among the top shopping spots, drawing residents and travellers alike.
With such a large variety of shoppers from around the world, you’ll find some pretty diverse sizing in UAE shops, especially for shoes. That means you might quickly find yourself searching online for “UK shoe sizes Europe” to figure out your size. And you still might walk away with shoes that don’t fit quite right.
At Remitly, accuracy matters. And we know that understanding shoe sizing can save time and money: no need for exchanges or returns. Our guide to UK and EU shoe sizes provides clear conversions, measurement tips, and answers to common shoe-sizing questions.
Why shoe size conversion matters
There are plenty of shoe conversion charts online, especially for UK sizes to European sizes. But you might have noticed that even those charts can differ from each other, depending on the brand or store.
The first step to understanding the UK shoe size-to-European conversion is that they’re two different measurement systems. Once you become familiar with the different systems, it’ll be easier to find your size.
The UK system: a shoe-size history lesson you didn’t expect
Did you know that UK shoe sizing is based on barleycorns? Yes, grains of barley.
In ancient times, measurements were often based on body parts, such as the thumb. It wasn’t until King Edward II of England’s time that a standard practice of measurement was established. Enter the barleycorn.
The reality is that shoes used to be made according to each foot. Many people have one foot slightly bigger than the other—and slight differences in each foot’s shape, length, and width. So there are multiple factors to consider when determining shoe size. From arches to width, trying to take everything into account and get a perfect fit can sometimes feel impossible.
As measurements have evolved, so has the standardization of shoe sizes, but even today, many countries have different sizing methods. While we may not need pockets full of barleycorns anymore, a conversion chart is necessary when you’re trying to figure out what a UK size is in EU sizing.
The EU system: metric, modern, and more uniform
In the EU, measurements follow the Paris point, where one unit equals two-thirds of a centimetre.
Because the EU uses the metric system for measurements, you’ll find their measurements are more consistent overall; however, differences still exist, especially for Italian, German, and Spanish shoes.
Why shoe size conversions matter in the UAE
The UAE has one of the most diverse shoe markets in the world. As an international hub, the UAE is home to many British retailers, European designers, American chains, Asian brands, and even online marketplaces.
This means you can see UK sizes in one store and EU sizes in another, depending on the brand. It can make shopping trickier. If you’re new to the UAE or visiting, finding your shoe size can feel confusing if you’re not familiar with all the different sizing systems.
Buying the wrong shoe size can lead to:
- Discomfort during long days walking around the UAE’s giant shopping malls and many other sights
- Painful foot issues
- Wasted time and money
Even if you’re just visiting the UAE to see the sights and do some shopping, understanding size conversion can be incredibly helpful.
How to convert UK shoe sizes to European sizes
Different brands use different moulds to shape their shoes. Even within the same brand, one style may run small, and another large. That’s why using a proper conversion chart is the safest way to choose the right size when shopping for international brands in the UAE.
If you research online, you might feel like each brand or website offers different conversions—and indeed they might. However, there is at least a general consensus among retailers and brands, so in general, sizing for shoes from the UK to the EU is fairly consistent.
Tip: Trying shoes in the physical, high-street stores can help you better understand how sizing conversion works, and which sizes truly fit you best. You’ll also become familiar with brands and which ones run larger or smaller on your feet.
UK to EU shoe conversion charts
Since there’s no official site for shoe sizing and conversions, you’ll need to check stores, brands, and Google to figure out your size. The charts below, for instance, can serve as a reference when you’re out shopping.
EU shoe sizes are measured in centimetres, unlike those in the UK. It’s always good to keep this in mind when browsing the shoe aisles.
The charts below have been broken down so you can clearly reference women’s, men’s, and kids’ sizes when converting. Let’s take a closer look. Size can vary slightly by brand, as we’ve said, but these should work as a general reference:
Men’s UK to EU shoe sizes
| Men’s UK size | Men’s EU size |
| 6 | 40 |
| 7 | 41 |
| 8 | 42 |
| 9 | 43 |
| 10 | 44 |
| 11 | 45 |
| 12 | 46 |
Women’s UK to EU shoe sizes
| UK size | EU size |
| 3 | 36 |
| 4 | 37 |
| 5 | 38 |
| 6 | 39 |
| 7 | 40 |
| 8 | 41 |
Children’s UK to EU shoe sizes
| UK size | EU size |
| 7 | 24 |
| 8 | 25 |
| 9 | 26 or 27 |
| 10 | 28 |
| 11 | 29 |
| 12 | 30 |
| 13 | 31 or 32 |
Kids’ shoe sizes are without doubt the most challenging. Since children’s feet grow so quickly, sizing can vary between stores. So when it comes to children’s shoes, it’s best to take them to the store and have their feet measured there.
Children’s feet can grow one full size every two to four months between the ages of two and six. Measuring regularly is key to finding the right size, rather than relying on past purchases.
Generally, kids’ shoe sizes in the UK go up to 13 or 13.5, depending on the brand. If your child has outgrown their size 13, it’s probably time to switch them to adult shoes so their toes have room to wiggle and breathe. You’ll often see a UK size one come after children’s UK size 13, which normally converts to an EU size 33.
Tips for getting the perfect fit
Finding the correct shoe size in the UAE doesn’t have to involve guesswork. Charts may vary, but if you apply our tips, you’ll ensure comfort, accuracy, and fewer returns.
Measure your feet correctly
Foot shape changes over time, even for adults. Our feet continue to grow as we age, but can also change due to weight changes or even pregnancy. A lot can affect the size and shape of your foot, especially the width.
Step-by-step foot measurement guide:
- Place a sheet of paper on the floor with the edge against a wall.
- Stand with your heel touching the wall.
- Mark the position of the longest toe.
- Measure the distance in centimetres.
- Repeat with the other foot.
- Use the longer measurement of both feet.
Tip: Feet tend to swell more in hotter climates like the UAE, so it’s a good idea to measure your feet at the end of the day. This can help ensure you find the best-fitting shoes.
Check brand-specific size guides
While there’s a general conversion (as you can see in the charts above), brands can still vary in their shoe sizing and conversion. This is true in many cases for brands that offer half sizes, which are commonly found in the US.
When it comes to big-name brands like Nike, Adidas, Puma, or even stores like Aldo, checking their sizing guides is essential to get the right fit. A UK size 8 or an EU size 41 might fit you well with Nike, but you might need to size down with Puma. Just like with clothing, some trousers fit great in a medium at one store, and in the next store, you’ll need a large.
This can make it difficult to determine the best shoe size. But if you know how to convert UK to EU sizes and have measured your own feet, it all becomes easier. Knowing your specific size helps you understand how different brands will fit, and why some brands won’t work for you at all.
Read customer reviews
Reading customer reviews can be very helpful when ordering shoes, especially when you have to convert from UK to EU sizes. Shoppers who comment on the width, materials, and whether the shoe fits small can be invaluable, as it might save money. No one likes receiving a package only to have to reseal it and take it to the post office to return it.
If the website you’re on doesn’t have reviews for a particular shoe, you can also try researching online.
Consider width
While EU shoes generally follow a single-width system, UK brands often offer more flexibility. Many people have wide feet, which can make it harder to convert shoe sizes and limit your shopping options.
Look for these letters when seeking out shoes that have a greater width:
- D: Standard fit
- E: Wide fit
- EE: Extra wide fit
Just the right size
It’s always exciting when you find a pair of shoes you love. But, especially if you’re replacing a favourite pair that has served you really well and fits perfectly, shopping for shoes can be a hassle. Standing in the store, staring at your phone trying to figure out UK-to-EU shoe conversions, can make the shopping experience much less enjoyable.
However, simple errands like shopping for shoes in the UAE don’t need to take hours: if you familiarise yourself with how to convert sizes, shopping becomes much easier.
Want to find more resources for living abroad? Check out our blog for more.
FAQs
Is a UK shoe size the same as a European one?
No. The UK and EU use completely different measuring systems. A conversion is always required.
What’s the easiest way to convert from UK to EU shoe sizes?
If you’re shopping in-store or online, use the store’s conversion chart to help you understand your size from UK to EU shoes. For a general guide, check out our conversion chart above.
Why do children’s shoe sizes vary so much across brands?
Kids’ feet grow quickly, and each brand tends to make its shoes differently, so taking measurements is essential.
I’m a UK women’s size 5. What’s that in EU sizes?
Most brands convert a UK size 5 for women to an EU size 38, but it’s best to check with the brand or try the shoes on before you actually buy them.