Lee
Chinese shoe sizes and US shoe sizes use completely different measurement systems. Chinese sizes are based on foot length in millimeters (the Mondopoint system) or a numbered system that looks similar to European sizes but is not identical. US sizes use the barleycorn system, where each size represents one-third of an inch. Converting between them requires either a conversion chart or your foot length measurement in centimeters or millimeters.
This guide provides the complete conversion charts for men’s, women’s, and children’s shoes, explains the two Chinese sizing systems you will encounter, and covers the width and fit issues that cause the most returns when buying Chinese-made shoes.
The Two Chinese Sizing Systems
This is the most important thing to understand before using any conversion chart: China uses two different shoe sizing systems, and they produce different numbers for the same shoe.
Old Chinese System (Numbered Sizes)
This system uses numbers like 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, etc. These numbers look almost identical to European (EU) shoe sizes, and many people assume they are the same. They are not.
Around size 40 (foot length approximately 250mm), the old Chinese system and the EU system happen to produce the same number. But at larger sizes, the gap widens. An old Chinese size 44 fits a foot of approximately 270mm, while a true EU 44 fits a foot of approximately 280mm. That is a 10mm (one full size) difference.
If a Chinese shoe is labeled with a two-digit number (36, 39, 42, etc.), it is using the old Chinese system. Do not assume it is the same as an EU size.
New Chinese System (Mondopoint / GB/T 3293.1)
This system uses the actual foot length in millimeters: 230, 235, 240, 245, 250, 255, 260, etc. If you see a three-digit number on a Chinese shoe (like 250 or 270), the shoe is labeled in millimeters of foot length. This is the more straightforward system to convert from because you are working directly with a measurement rather than an arbitrary number.
How to Tell Which System a Shoe Uses
- Three-digit number (230, 245, 260, etc.): Mondopoint system. The number IS the foot length in millimeters.
- Two-digit number (35, 38, 42, etc.): Old Chinese numbered system. Looks like EU but is not identical. Use the conversion charts below.
- Some shoes show both: A label might read “42 / 265” meaning old Chinese 42 and 265mm foot length. When both are shown, use the millimeter number for conversion — it is more reliable.
Women’s Chinese Shoe Size to US Conversion Chart
| Foot Length (mm) | Foot Length (cm) | Chinese (Old) | US Women’s | EU (Approximate) | UK Women’s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 220 | 22.0 | 34 | 4 | 34 | 2 |
| 225 | 22.5 | 35 | 5 | 35 | 2.5 |
| 230 | 23.0 | 36 | 5.5 | 36 | 3.5 |
| 235 | 23.5 | 36.5 | 6 | 36.5 | 4 |
| 240 | 24.0 | 37 | 6.5 | 37 | 4.5 |
| 245 | 24.5 | 38 | 7.5 | 38 | 5 |
| 250 | 25.0 | 39 | 8 | 39 | 5.5 |
| 255 | 25.5 | 39.5 | 8.5 | 39.5 | 6 |
| 260 | 26.0 | 40 | 9 | 40 | 6.5 |
| 265 | 26.5 | 41 | 9.5 | 41 | 7 |
| 270 | 27.0 | 41.5 | 10 | 41.5 | 7.5 |
Quick formula (approximate): US Women’s size = (foot length in mm – 210) / 5
Example: foot length 245mm → (245 – 210) / 5 = 7. Closest US Women’s size: 7 or 7.5.
Men’s Chinese Shoe Size to US Conversion Chart
| Foot Length (mm) | Foot Length (cm) | Chinese (Old) | US Men’s | EU (Approximate) | UK Men’s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 240 | 24.0 | 38 | 6 | 38 | 5.5 |
| 245 | 24.5 | 39 | 6.5 | 39 | 6 |
| 250 | 25.0 | 39.5 | 7 | 39.5 | 6.5 |
| 255 | 25.5 | 40 | 7.5 | 40 | 7 |
| 260 | 26.0 | 41 | 8 | 41 | 7.5 |
| 265 | 26.5 | 42 | 9 | 42 | 8.5 |
| 270 | 27.0 | 43 | 9.5 | 43 | 9 |
| 275 | 27.5 | 43.5 | 10 | 43.5 | 9.5 |
| 280 | 28.0 | 44 | 10.5 | 44 | 10 |
| 285 | 28.5 | 44.5 | 11 | 44.5 | 10.5 |
| 290 | 29.0 | 45 | 11.5 | 45 | 11 |
| 295 | 29.5 | 46 | 12 | 46 | 11.5 |
| 300 | 30.0 | 47 | 13 | 47 | 12 |
Quick formula (approximate): US Men’s size = (foot length in mm – 215) / 5
Example: foot length 270mm → (270 – 215) / 5 = 11. Closest US Men’s size: 9.5-10 (the formula gives an approximation; always cross-check with the chart).
Note: These formulas provide estimates. Always use the chart for the most accurate conversion, and when in doubt, measure your foot and match to the foot length column.
Children’s Chinese Shoe Size to US Conversion Chart
| Foot Length (mm) | Chinese (Old) | US Kids | EU (Approximate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 125 | 20 | 5 Toddler | 20 |
| 130 | 21 | 5.5 Toddler | 21 |
| 135 | 22 | 6 Toddler | 22 |
| 140 | 23 | 7 Toddler | 23 |
| 145 | 24 | 7.5 Toddler | 24 |
| 150 | 25 | 8 Toddler | 25 |
| 155 | 26 | 9 Little Kid | 26 |
| 160 | 27 | 10 Little Kid | 27 |
| 165 | 28 | 10.5 Little Kid | 28 |
| 170 | 29 | 11 Little Kid | 29 |
| 175 | 30 | 12 Little Kid | 30 |
| 180 | 31 | 13 Little Kid | 31 |
| 185 | 32 | 1 Big Kid | 32 |
| 190 | 33 | 1.5 Big Kid | 33 |
| 195 | 34 | 2.5 Big Kid | 34 |
| 200 | 35 | 3 Big Kid | 35 |
How to Measure Your Foot for Accurate Conversion
The most reliable way to convert between Chinese and US sizes is to bypass the numbered systems entirely and use your actual foot length in millimeters. Here is how to measure:
- Wait until evening (feet swell 3-5% during the day)
- Wear the socks you plan to use with the shoes
- Place a sheet of paper on a hard floor against a wall
- Stand on the paper with your heel touching the wall
- Mark the tip of your longest toe with a pen held vertically
- Measure the distance from the wall (heel) to the mark (longest toe) in millimeters
- Repeat for your other foot
- Use the larger measurement
Match this measurement to the “Foot Length (mm)” column in the charts above. This gives you a more accurate conversion than trying to match numbered sizes across systems.
Why Chinese Shoes Often Run Small (and Narrow)
Even with correct size conversion, Chinese-made shoes frequently fit differently than US or European shoes. Two factors account for most fit complaints:
Narrower Lasts
Chinese shoe manufacturers typically use narrower lasts (the mold that determines the shoe’s shape) than Western brands. A Chinese shoe in your correct converted size may fit correctly in length but feel tight across the width. This is especially noticeable for people with wider feet.
If you have average or wide feet by US standards, consider sizing up by half a size when buying Chinese shoes. If you have narrow feet, standard conversion should work well.
Insole Length vs Foot Length
Chinese sizing (especially the Mondopoint system) is based on foot length, not insole length. A shoe labeled 260mm is designed for a foot that measures 260mm. The actual internal space of the shoe is slightly larger (typically 5-10mm longer) to accommodate natural toe movement. This is standard and correct.
However, some Chinese manufacturers label shoes by insole length rather than foot length, which can create confusion. A shoe labeled “260” by insole length would actually fit a foot of approximately 250-255mm. When buying from unfamiliar brands, ask whether the size refers to foot length or insole length.
Platform-Specific Sizing Notes
Taobao and 1688
Sizes are typically shown in the old Chinese system (two-digit numbers like 38, 40, 42). Some listings also show the Mondopoint measurement in millimeters. Always look for the millimeter measurement if available. Product descriptions may include an insole length table; use this for the most accurate sizing.
AliExpress
Listings often show both Chinese and US sizes, but the US size conversions provided by sellers are frequently inaccurate (sometimes by a full size). Do not rely on the seller’s US size conversion. Find the Chinese size or millimeter measurement and convert using the charts above.
DHgate
Similar to AliExpress. Cross-reference the seller’s size chart with your actual foot measurement rather than trusting the US size listed.
Brand-Specific Adjustments
No conversion chart is universal. Different brands use different lasts, and the same Chinese size can fit differently across manufacturers.
Chinese Brands
Li-Ning, Anta, 361 Degrees, Peak: These major Chinese athletic brands generally follow standard Chinese sizing and run true to the conversion charts. Width tends to be slightly narrow compared to Nike or New Balance.
Feiyue: Runs very small. Size up by at least one full US size from the conversion chart.
International Brands Sold in China
Nike (Chinese market): Labeled in both Chinese and US sizes. The US size on the label is accurate. Nike runs slightly narrow in most styles.
Adidas (Chinese market): Generally true to size. The US size on the label is reliable.
Converse (Chinese market): Runs large. Size down by half a US size from the conversion chart.
When buying any brand for the first time, check customer reviews specifically for sizing feedback. Terms like “runs small,” “runs narrow,” or “size up” in reviews from other international buyers are the most reliable indicators.
What to Do When Your Size Falls Between Two Options
Chinese shoes often use full-size increments (5mm steps) while US sizes have half-size increments (approximately 4.2mm steps). This means your exact measurement may fall between two Chinese sizes.
General rules:
- If your foot is between sizes and you have wide feet, choose the larger size
- If your foot is between sizes and you have narrow feet, choose the smaller size
- For athletic shoes, choose the larger size (you want room for movement)
- For formal shoes, choose the closer size (snug fit is expected and leather stretches)
- For boots, choose the larger size (account for thicker socks)
For E-Commerce Sellers: Reducing Size-Related Returns
If you sell Chinese-manufactured shoes through Shopify, Amazon, Etsy, or any other platform, sizing mistakes are one of your highest-cost return drivers.
Provide a foot-length-based size chart on every product page, not just US size equivalents. Showing foot length in both centimeters and inches gives customers the most accurate way to select their size.
State clearly which sizing system the shoe uses. “This shoe is sized in Chinese (CN) sizes. Please measure your foot length and refer to our size chart. CN sizes are NOT the same as EU sizes.”
Include a “how to measure” diagram or link on every product page.
Add 5-10mm to the insole length beyond the stated foot length when listing the actual internal shoe space, so customers with borderline measurements can make an informed decision.
Conclusion
The most reliable way to convert Chinese shoe sizes to US is to measure your foot in millimeters and match that number to the foot length column in a conversion chart. Do not assume Chinese numbered sizes (35, 38, 42) are the same as European sizes. Do not trust the US size listed by Chinese sellers on AliExpress or DHgate without cross-referencing. And expect Chinese shoes to fit narrower than Western brands in most cases.
Keep a record of your foot measurement in millimeters. This number works across every sizing system and every brand, making it the most portable and reliable reference you can have.
