Short answer: India and Nepal mostly use UK sizes. Men's US is UK + 1, women's US is UK + 2, and a men's UK 8 is about EU 42.
Shopping online from Indian, European or American stores means juggling three sizing systems. Here is how they relate.
The quick rules
- India and Nepal mostly use UK sizes, though some brands label in their home system.
- Men's US = UK + 1. A UK 8 is a US 9.
- Women's US = UK + 2. A UK 5 is a US 7.
- EU sizes don't map exactly. Roughly, a men's UK 8 is EU 42, and a women's UK 5 is EU 38.
Tip: Measure your foot in centimetres, heel to longest toe, standing, in the evening. Most brands publish a size chart by foot length, and it is far more reliable than converting labels.
Why sizes vary between brands
Each system counts from a different starting point and in different steps, and brands then shape their shoes differently. Sports shoes often run small; formal leather shoes often run large. Treat any conversion as a starting point, then check the brand's own chart.
Use our shoe size converter to switch between systems quickly.
Questions people ask
Q: Are Indian shoe sizes the same as UK sizes?
A: For most brands sold in India, yes. Some international brands label in US or EU sizes, so read the label or the size chart before buying.
Q: Should I size up for sports shoes?
A: Often by half a size, since your feet swell during exercise. Leave about a thumb's width of space beyond your longest toe.