The Complete Shoe Size Guide: From Centimeters to European Sizes

Why Getting Your Size Right Matters More When You're Shopping Online

Buying shoes without trying them on first can feel like a small leap of faith. Every brand fits a little differently, and a size 38 in one pair isn't always identical to a size 38 in another. The good news is that a simple at-home measurement, paired with a reliable size chart, takes almost all the guesswork out of it — and if you still land on the wrong size, that's exactly what a size exchange policy is for.

How to Measure Your Foot Length at Home

What You'll Need

  • A blank sheet of paper (A4 is fine)
  • A pen or pencil
  • A ruler or measuring tape
  • A pair of socks similar to what you'd normally wear with the shoes

Step by Step

  • Place the paper on a hard floor, against a wall.
  • Stand on the paper with your heel touching the wall and your weight evenly distributed, the way you'd naturally stand.
  • Mark the paper at the tip of your longest toe (for most people this is the big toe, but not always — check).
  • Step off and measure the straight-line distance from the edge of the paper (where your heel was) to the mark, in centimeters.
  • Repeat for the other foot — most people have one foot slightly larger than the other, so always size for the longer one.

Centimeters to European Size: The Conversion Chart

Once you have your measurement in centimeters, match it to the closest European size below. This chart is based on the standard length-to-size relationship used across most European shoe brands.

  • 21.5 cm → EU 34
  • 22 cm → EU 35
  • 22.5 cm → EU 36
  • 23.5 cm → EU 37
  • 24 cm → EU 38
  • 24.5 cm → EU 39
  • 25 cm → EU 40
  • 26 cm → EU 41
  • 26.5 cm → EU 42
  • 27 cm → EU 43

It's Not Just About Length — Width Matters Too

Length is only half the story. Two people can have the same foot length but very different foot widths, and a shoe that's the right length but too narrow will still feel uncomfortable after a few hours. If you've ever felt pinching across the widest part of your foot even in the "correct" size, width is probably the culprit. Genuine leather helps here too, since it gradually stretches to accommodate your foot's natural width, something a stiffer synthetic material won't do nearly as well. If you have a wider foot, it's worth going with a leather shoe and, if you're between sizes, sizing up rather than trying to force a narrow fit.

A Few More Tips Before You Order

Measure at the End of the Day

Feet naturally swell a little over the course of the day, especially after standing or walking. Measuring in the evening rather than first thing in the morning gives you a more realistic sense of your true size.

Turkish Sizing vs. European Sizing

Because so much quality leather footwear — including ours — is manufactured in Turkey, it's worth knowing that Turkish sizing generally follows the same European numbering system, but some factories cut slightly narrower or run about half a size smaller than other European brands. If you're between two sizes, it's usually safer to size up rather than down, especially with genuine leather, which will also gently stretch and mold to your foot with wear.

Between Two Sizes? Round Up

If your measurement falls right between two sizes on the chart, choose the larger one. A shoe that's slightly roomy is far more comfortable over a long day than one that's slightly tight — and leather shoes in particular tend to loosen a little as they break in.

One Last Step: Check the Product Page

Alongside this general guide, look at the specific size notes on each product page, since fit can vary slightly between styles — a flat sits differently on the foot than a heel or a sabo. If a particular style tends to run small or large, we'll flag it directly on the page. Combining that detail with your own centimeter measurement is the most reliable way to land on the right size the first time.

Why Free Size Exchange at the Door Matters

Even with a careful measurement, sizing can still be a little unpredictable — which is exactly why we make it easy to exchange your size at the door when your cash-on-delivery order arrives. If the fit isn't quite right, you're not stuck with it. This takes a lot of the anxiety out of ordering shoes online, and it means you can shop confidently even without trying them on first.

Finding Large Sizes Shouldn't Be Hard — Sizes 41, 42, and 43 at ShoeBox

One thing we hear constantly from customers is how hard it can be to find stylish, comfortable women's shoes in larger sizes in Jordan. Many stores simply stop at size 39 or 40. At ShoeBox, we carry sizes up to 43 across much of our collection, with the same orthopedic insole, arch support, and 100% genuine Turkish leather as every other size. If you've struggled to find shoes that fit and still look good, that's exactly the gap we built this range to fill.

Related reading

Size is only part of the fit picture — Understanding Your Foot Type covers how your arch shape affects comfort, too. And if a snug toe box is part of what's making certain sizes uncomfortable, Bunions: What Causes Them and How to Ease the Pressure is worth a read.

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