Shopping for shoes online means you cannot try before you buy, so knowing how to measure EU shoe size correctly is the single best way to avoid a return. This matters even more when shopping pre-owned designer shoes, since sizing can shift slightly between eras, countries, and brands. A few minutes with a ruler and a size chart will save you the hassle of guessing and the disappointment of a pair that does not fit.

Why EU Sizing Feels Confusing at First

European sizing is based on the Paris Point system, which measures the length of your foot in centimeters and multiplies it by roughly 1.5. This is different from the US system, which is based on inches and adds a fixed number depending on gender. That is why a US size 8 does not automatically translate to a round number in EU sizing, and why relying on memory or a quick online chart without double checking can lead to the wrong purchase.

Vintage and pre-owned pairs add another layer, since sizing standards were not always consistent decades ago the way they are today. A pair labeled EU 39 from the 1990s might fit closer to a modern EU 38.5. 

Step 1: Measure Your Foot at Home

Grab a piece of paper larger than your foot, a pen, and a ruler or tape measure.

1. Place the paper on a hard floor against a wall.

2. Stand on the paper with your heel touching the wall and your weight evenly distributed.

3. Trace the outline of your foot, keeping the pen straight up and down rather than angled.

4. Measure the longest distance from your heel to the tip of your longest toe, in centimeters.

5. Repeat for the other foot, since most people have one foot slightly larger than the other.

Always use the larger measurement when shopping, and measure in the evening when feet are typically at their largest after a day of standing and walking.

Step 2: Convert US Size to EU Shoes

Once you have your foot length in centimeters, you can convert to EU sizing using a general formula, though a printed conversion chart is more reliable for everyday shopping.

As a rough guide for US size to EU shoes conversions in women's footwear:

• US 6 is close to EU 36

• US 7 is close to EU 37 to 37.5

• US 8 is close to EU 38 to 38.5

• US 9 is close to EU 39 to 40

• US 10 is close to EU 40.5 to 41

Men's conversions run about one and a half sizes smaller in EU numbers than women's for the same foot length, so always check whether a listing is using men's or women's sizing before you convert.

Step 3: Understand Brand Variations in EU Size Shoes

Not every designer house sizes the same way, even within the same country of origin. Some EU size shoes run narrow through the toe box, especially Italian brands with a pointed silhouette, while others are cut wider to accommodate a rounder foot shape. If you already own a pair from a particular designer, note how that size fits and use it as your personal benchmark for future purchases from the same house.

Materials matter too. Leather stretches gradually with wear, while structured materials like patent leather or exotic skins hold their original shape longer. A pre-owned pair in leather may have already broken in slightly to the previous owner's foot, which can shift the fit by a half size in either direction.

Step 4: Check the Listing Details Closely

A detailed product listing should include actual measurements, not just a size label. Look for:

• Insole length in centimeters or inches

• Width measurements if available

• Heel height, which affects how your foot sits in the shoe

• Condition notes about stretching, creasing, or prior repairs

When shopping pre-owned shoes, these details are especially important because you cannot rely on trying on a fresh, unworn pair straight from the factory. A seller who provides exact measurements alongside the labeled size is giving you the tools to make a confident decision.

Step 5: Account for Sock and Insert Preferences

Think about how you plan to wear the shoes. If you typically wear thicker socks or add cushioned inserts, you may want to size up slightly from your measured length. If you prefer a snug, barefoot fit for sandals or flats, staying true to your measured size or even sizing down a touch can work better.

Half sizes matter more than people expect in EU sizing, since the jump between whole sizes is roughly six to seven millimeters. If your measurement lands between two sizes, sizing up is usually the safer choice, particularly for closed-toe styles where a tight fit is harder to fix later.

When in Doubt, Ask Before You Buy

If a listing does not include enough detail to feel confident, reach out and ask. Reputable sellers of pre-owned luxury shoes are used to sizing questions and can often provide extra measurements or comparisons to help you decide. Buying secondhand should feel just as informed as buying new, and a quick question can prevent a return down the line.

We know that sizing uncertainty is one of the biggest hesitations people have about buying shoes online, which is why our team at The Vault Luxury Resale includes detailed measurements and condition notes on every pair we list. Every item that comes through our doors is inspected and authenticated before it goes up for sale, so you can shop with confidence. 

If you want to see the process for yourself, our authenticity guarantee explains exactly what we check before a pair reaches you. Ready to find your next pair? 

Browse our shoe collection and use your measurements to shop with confidence.