Finding the perfect pair of shoes can often feel like a quest for a hidden treasure. One of the most common challenges is deciphering shoe sizes across different countries. For New Zealanders, or anyone purchasing shoes from or within NZ, understanding shoe size conversion is crucial to ensure that you step into comfort and style seamlessly. This guide and accompanying charts will help you navigate the world of shoe sizes, making your next footwear purchase a walk in the park.
Understanding Shoe Sizing
In New Zealand, shoe sizes are typically listed in UK sizes, which are commonly used throughout the country. However, when shopping online or buying international brands, you may encounter US, EU, or even Japanese sizes. Here’s how to convert them accurately.
Basics of Shoe Size Conversion
Shoe size conversion can seem daunting, but it’s relatively straightforward once you have the right information. Generally, there is a standard increment between sizes. For adults, a full shoe size is usually about 1/3 inch (8.46 mm) in length. For children, the increment is slightly less.
NZ Shoe Size Conversion Charts
Below are the conversion charts that will guide you through converting your NZ shoe size to other international sizing standards.
NZ Women’s Shoe Size Conversion Chart
| NZ Size | US Size | UK Size | EU Size | Inches | CM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 6 | 2 | 34.5 | 8.1875″ | 20.8 |
| 5 | 7 | 3 | 35.5 | 8.5″ | 21.6 |
| 6 | 8 | 4 | 37 | 8.875″ | 22.5 |
| 7 | 9 | 5 | 38 | 9.25″ | 23.5 |
| 8 | 10 | 6 | 39 | 9.5″ | 24.1 |
| 9 | 11 | 7 | 40.5 | 9.875″ | 25.1 |
| 10 | 12 | 8 | 42 | 10.1875″ | 25.9 |
| 11 | 13 | 9 | 43 | 10.5″ | 26.7 |
| 12 | 14 | 10 | 44.5 | 10.875″ | 27.6 |
NZ Men’s Shoe Size Conversion Chart
| NZ Size | US Size | UK Size | EU Size | Inches | CM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4.5 | 4 | 37 | 9.25″ | 23.5 |
| 5 | 5.5 | 5 | 38 | 9.5″ | 24.1 |
| 6 | 6.5 | 6 | 39 | 9.75″ | 24.8 |
| 7 | 7.5 | 7 | 40 | 10″ | 25.4 |
| 8 | 8.5 | 8 | 42 | 10.25″ | 26 |
| 9 | 9.5 | 9 | 43 | 10.5″ | 26.7 |
| 10 | 10.5 | 10 | 44 | 10.75″ | 27.3 |
| 11 | 11.5 | 11 | 45 | 11″ | 27.9 |
| 12 | 12.5 | 12 | 46 | 11.25″ | 28.6 |
| 13 | 13.5 | 13 | 47 | 11.5″ | 29.2 |
| 14 | 14.5 | 14 | 48 | 11.75″ | 29.8 |
| 15 | 15.5 | 15 | 49 | 12″ | 30.5 |
NZ Kids’ Shoes Sizes Conversion Chart
| NZ Size | US Size | UK Size | EU Size | Inch | CM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 3 | 2 | 18 | 4.3 | 11 |
| 3 | 4 | 3 | 19 | 4.7 | 12 |
| 4 | 5 | 4 | 20 | 5.1 | 13 |
| 5 | 6 | 5 | 22 | 5.5 | 14 |
| 6 | 7 | 6 | 23 | 5.9 | 15 |
| 7 | 8 | 7 | 24 | 6.3 | 16 |
| 8 | 9 | 8 | 25 | 6.7 | 17 |
| 9 | 10 | 9 | 27 | 7.1 | 18 |
| 10 | 11 | 10 | 28 | 7.5 | 19 |
| 11 | 12 | 11 | 29 | 7.9 | 20 |
| 12 | 13 | 12 | 30 | 8.3 | 21 |
Tips for Measuring Your Feet
Before you use the chart, ensure you’re measuring your feet correctly:
- Measure in the afternoon: Feet typically swell throughout the day.
- Use paper and a pen: Place your foot on a piece of paper, draw the outline, and measure the longest and widest points.
- Wear socks: If you’re buying closed shoes or sneakers, measure your feet with socks on.
- Measure both feet: Sometimes one foot is larger than the other, so use the measurements from the larger foot.
Additional Considerations
- Brand Specifics: Some brands may have slight variations in size. Always check if they provide a brand-specific sizing chart.
- Width: Some people require wider or narrower shoes. NZ shoe stores and charts might also provide a width guide.
- Children’s Growth: Children’s feet grow quickly. It’s advisable to check their size frequently.
- Online Tools: There are many online tools and apps that can give you a virtual fitting experience.
While NZ shoe sizes might be the standard at home, the global marketplace demands a broader understanding of sizing standards. Armed with this guide and the conversion charts, you’re now ready to find your perfect shoe size, whether you’re walking into a store in Auckland or clicking through an international online retailer. Never again will you have to second-guess your shoe size when dealing with international sizes. Go ahead, step out in confidence knowing that your next pair of shoes will fit just as comfortably as they should.