EU 39 to UK – Your Complete Size Conversion Guide

EU 39 is one of the most commonly searched European shoe sizes among UK shoppers. It typically converts to UK 5.5 for women or UK 6 for men, but the exact number shifts depending on the brand, the gender line of the shoe, and the specific size chart used. Understanding how the conversion works — and where it can differ — helps avoid ordering the wrong size when buying from international retailers.

What is EU 39 in UK Shoe Size? (And Other Direct Conversions)

For quick reference, here are the most reliable equivalents for EU 39 and neighbouring sizes across key categories.

• Women’s EU 39 – Typically UK 5.5, but some charts show UK 6 or even 6.5 depending on the fit model.
• Men’s EU 39 – UK 6 is the most consistent mapping across multiple retailers.
• Children’s EU 39 – Not a standard children’s size; EU 39 sits in adult ranges.
• Clothing alert – EU 39 is not used in women’s clothing; EU 38 usually corresponds to UK 10.

Five facts that help put EU 39 in context:

• EU 39 is the most searched European size for UK conversion; it typically maps to UK 5.5 (women) or UK 6 (men).
• No universal conversion formula exists – you must consult a branded size chart for accuracy.
• EU sizes are based on foot length in centimetres; UK sizes are length plus an additional width adjustment.
• For clothing, EU 39 is rare – women’s apparel uses EU 36, 38, or 40.
• EU 39 corresponds to a foot length of approximately 24.5 cm for women and 25 cm for men.

The table below summarises the most frequently requested EU‑to‑UK shoe conversions:

For women’s sizing, Laughing Hens place EU 39 at UK 5.5, while Zappos shows a range of US 8 / UK 5.5 to US 8.5 / UK 6. For men’s, Foot Locker lists EU 39 as UK 6. The Wikipedia entry on shoe sizes confirms that EU‑to‑UK mapping is not a single fixed relationship across brands and systems.

How Do I Convert EU Shoe Sizes to UK? The Formula & Method

Is there a simple formula?

Roughly, UK size ≈ (EU ÷ 1.5) plus an offset that changes with gender and brand. In practice, the relationship is non‑linear because each EU size increment is about 0.67 cm, while each UK size increment is about 0.85 cm. This means the conversion cannot be expressed in one simple equation that works for all sizes. Begg Shoes notes that “EU sizes do not translate directly to UK sizes” and that “they typically jump around 5/6 of a UK size for every EU size on the scale.”

How do I convert UK size to EU for women’s shoes?

To go from UK to EU for women, reverse the typical chart: a UK 5.5 is roughly EU 39, and a UK 6 is roughly EU 40. For precise conversion, use a retailer’s chart such as ASOS’s women’s footwear size guide.

How do I convert US to UK shoe sizes?

A typical US women’s size 8 converts to UK 5.5, while a US men’s size 6 converts to UK 5.5. Because US and UK systems differ for men and women, it is safer to convert via a universal chart that includes both scales.

Is EU 39 a UK 5.5 or 6? Understanding the Fit and Accuracy

Is EU sizing the same as UK sizing?

No. EU sizes are based on the Paris point system (2/3 cm per size), while UK sizes use the barleycorn system (1/3 inch per size). The two systems do not align perfectly, which is why the same EU number can yield different UK equivalents.

Is EU sizing consistent across brands?

It is not. Zappos’s women’s chart shows ranges such as EU 38–39 and EU 39–40, which is why EU 39 can appear as either UK 5.5 or UK 6 depending on the shoe style. Laughing Hens also illustrates that women’s and men’s charts do not use the same EU‑to‑UK mapping even when the EU number is identical.

How do I measure my foot for shoe size?

Place your foot on a sheet of paper, mark the heel and longest toe, and measure the distance in centimetres. Compare that length with the brand’s size chart. Measure both feet and use the larger number.

How Did the EU and UK Sizing Systems Develop?

The mismatch between EU and UK sizes has historical roots in two different measurement traditions.

1. Pre‑1970s: The UK used the barleycorn system, where one size equals one‑third of an inch.
2. 1970s: The EU (then largely continental Europe) adopted the Paris point system, where one size equals two‑thirds of a centimetre.
3. Modern era: Global brands now use hybrid charts that incorporate both systems, but no universal standard exists across all manufacturers.

What Can We Be Certain of When Converting EU 39 to UK?

Why Do EU and UK Shoe Sizes Differ?

The difference is systemic: EU sizing grew from the Paris point system, which uses a 2/3 cm increment, while UK sizing evolved from the barleycorn system, which uses a 1/3‑inch increment. Because the step sizes are not the same, the relationship between EU and UK numbers is non‑linear. Users who rely on online conversions often end up with ill‑fitting shoes because brand‑specific adjustments are not reflected in generic tables. This is most noticeable when shopping across international brands or second‑hand platforms.

Where Can I Find Reliable Size Conversion Information?

“Contrary to common understanding, EU sizes do not translate directly to UK sizes. Typically they jump around 5/6 of a UK size, for every EU size on the scale.”

— Begg Shoes, EU to UK Conversion Guide

Two other trusted resources are Grivet Outdoors’ comprehensive chart, which covers men, women, and children, and ASOS’s women’s footwear size guide for brand‑specific advice.

What Is the Best Way to Convert EU 39 to UK?

For men’s shoes, start with EU 39 ≈ UK 6. For women’s shoes, expect either UK 5.5 or UK 6, and check the brand’s chart before buying. Measuring your foot in centimetres and comparing it with the manufacturer’s size guide remains the most reliable method. For more on how sizing affects specific sneaker models, see New Balance 9060 Black – Sizes, Colourways and UK Prices. And for understanding how other measurements convert, 6 Foot in cm: Exact Conversion and Height Comparisons offers a clear methodology.

Frequently Asked Questions