Why Shoe Sizes Vary Between Brands
If you've ever been a size 7 in one brand and a size 8 in another, you're not imagining things. Shoe sizing isn't universal — it varies depending on where a brand is based, where the shoes are manufactured, and the brand's own interpretation of sizing standards.
Understanding these differences saves you from ordering the wrong size and dealing with returns. This guide explains why brands fit differently and links to our detailed size guides for every brand we stock.
How Brand Origin Affects Fit
UK Brands
British brands typically use UK sizing as their base and tend to offer more generous fits. Many UK heritage brands were designed with comfort and practicality in mind.
Expect: True to UK size, often roomier toe boxes, good width options available.
US Brands
American brands use US sizing, which runs approximately one size larger than UK sizing. A US 9 is roughly a UK 8. Some US brands have adopted UK sizing for the British market, but always check.
Expect: Check the size chart carefully. US brands often have more athletic, snugger fits. Width can vary significantly.
European Brands
German, Dutch, and Scandinavian brands often run wider and more generous. Southern European brands (Italian, Spanish) tend to run narrower and sleeker. All use EU sizing, which requires conversion.
Expect: German brands = wider fit. Italian brands = narrower fit. Always convert EU to UK carefully.
Quick Conversion Reference
| UK | EU | US (Men) | US (Women) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 37 | 5 | 6 |
| 5 | 38 | 6 | 7 |
| 6 | 39 | 7 | 8 |
| 7 | 40-41 | 8 | 9 |
| 8 | 42 | 9 | 10 |
| 9 | 43 | 10 | 11 |
| 10 | 44 | 11 | 12 |
| 11 | 45 | 12 | 13 |
Note: This is a general guide. Always check brand-specific sizing as it can vary.
Size Guides by Brand
Click on any brand below for detailed sizing information, fit advice, and tips for getting the right size first time.
Popular Comfort Brands
| Brand | Origin | Typical Fit | Size Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skechers | USA | True to size, relaxed fit options run roomy | View Size Guide → |
| Hush Puppies | USA/UK | True to size, width options available | View Size Guide → |
| Rieker | Germany | EU sizing, runs slightly generous, wider fit | View Size Guide → |
| FitFlop | UK | True to size, anatomical footbed | View Size Guide → |
| Crocs | USA | Roomy fit, size down if between sizes | View Size Guide → |
| Birkenstock | Germany | EU sizing, narrow and regular widths | View Size Guide → |
| ECCO | Denmark | EU sizing, comfortable fit | View Size Guide → |
| Gabor | Germany | EU sizing, wider fit, quality construction | View Size Guide → |
| Josef Seibel | Germany | EU sizing, generous fit | View Size Guide → |
| Padders | UK | True to size, wide fit specialists | View Size Guide → |
Fashion & Lifestyle Brands
| Brand | Origin | Typical Fit | Size Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| UGG | USA | Snug initially, stretches with wear | View Size Guide → |
| Tommy Hilfiger | USA | True to size, European cut | View Size Guide → |
| Polo Ralph Lauren | USA | True to size, classic American fit | View Size Guide → |
| TOMS | USA | Runs slightly small, consider sizing up | View Size Guide → |
| Dr Martens | UK | True to size, break-in period required | View Size Guide → |
| Timberland | USA | Can run large, consider sizing down half | View Size Guide → |
| Lacoste | France | True to size, slim European fit | View Size Guide → |
| Ted Baker | UK | True to size, modern fit | View Size Guide → |
| GEOX | Italy | EU sizing, can run narrow | View Size Guide → |
| Fly London | Portugal | EU sizing, fashion fit | View Size Guide → |
Outdoor & Work Brands
| Brand | Origin | Typical Fit | Size Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amblers Safety | UK | True to size, safety footwear | View Size Guide → |
| CAT | USA | True to size, rugged fit | View Size Guide → |
| DeWALT | USA | True to size, work boot fit | View Size Guide → |
| Timberland Pro | USA | True to size, safety rated | View Size Guide → |
| Skechers Work | USA | True to size, comfort focused | View Size Guide → |
| Grafters | UK | True to size, work boots | View Size Guide → |
| Grisport | Italy | EU sizing, hiking and outdoor | View Size Guide → |
| Hi-Tec | UK | True to size, outdoor footwear | View Size Guide → |
| Muck Boots | USA | True to size, Wellington style | View Size Guide → |
| Hunter | UK | True to size, allow room for socks | View Size Guide → |
Formal & Smart Shoes
| Brand | Origin | Typical Fit | Size Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base London | UK | True to UK size, medium width | View Size Guide → |
| Goor | UK | True to size, standard fit | View Size Guide → |
| Club Cubano | UK | True to size, Cuban heel specialist | View Size Guide → |
| Dune London | UK | True to size, fashion forward | View Size Guide → |
| Lotus | UK | True to size, classic styles | View Size Guide → |
| Steptronic | UK | True to size, comfort dress shoes | View Size Guide → |
| Silver Street London | UK | True to size, smart casual | View Size Guide → |
| Montecatini | Italy | EU sizing, Italian cut | View Size Guide → |
Slippers & Indoor
| Brand | Origin | Typical Fit | Size Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bedroom Athletics | UK | True to size, cosy fit | View Size Guide → |
| Nordikas | Spain | EU sizing, quality slippers | View Size Guide → |
| Haflinger | Germany | EU sizing, wool slippers | View Size Guide → |
| Shepherd of Sweden | Sweden | EU sizing, sheepskin | View Size Guide → |
| Sleepers | UK | True to size, value slippers | View Size Guide → |
| Dearfoams | USA | True to size, memory foam | View Size Guide → |
| Totes Isotoner | USA | True to size, cosy styles | View Size Guide → |
| GBS | UK | True to size, traditional | View Size Guide → |
Sandals & Summer
| Brand | Origin | Typical Fit | Size Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Havaianas | Brazil | True to size, flip flop sizing | View Size Guide → |
| Ipanema | Brazil | True to size, summer styles | View Size Guide → |
| Rider | Brazil | True to size, comfort sandals | View Size Guide → |
| Teva | USA | True to size, outdoor sandals | View Size Guide → |
| Reef | USA | True to size, surf style | View Size Guide → |
| Gumbies | Australia | True to size, eco-friendly | View Size Guide → |
Value & Everyday Brands
| Brand | Origin | Typical Fit | Size Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr Keller | UK | Comfort fit, often runs generous | View Size Guide → |
| Boulevard | UK | True to size, wide fit options | View Size Guide → |
| Cipriata | UK | True to size, comfort focused | View Size Guide → |
| Roamers | UK | True to size, leisure fit | View Size Guide → |
| Fleet & Foster | UK | True to size, comfort styles | View Size Guide → |
| Heavenly Feet | UK | True to size, comfort cushioning | View Size Guide → |
| Lunar | UK | True to size, women's comfort | View Size Guide → |
| Mod Comfys | UK | True to size, wide fit options | View Size Guide → |
All Other Brands A-Z
Can't find your brand above? Here's our complete list:
Amblers • Anne Michelle • Apache • Barbour • Birkenstock Professional • Black Country Shoes • Blakeseys • Blundstone • Calvin Klein • Camper • Carvelos • Catesby Shoemakers • Centek • Chaleur • Chatham • Cincasa Menorca • Cole Haan • Comfort Plus • Comfylux • Comfortology • Cotswold • Crocs At Work • DB Shoes • DEK • Dickies • Dikamar • Divaz • Dunlop • EMU Australia • Flossy • Free Spirit • Front • GANT • GBS Med • Glitz • Hard Yakka • Harley Davidson • HEYDUDE • Homeys • HOS Comfort • HOS Sheepskin • House Of Slippers • Hush Puppies Kids • IMAC • Jack & Jones • Jana • Jo & Joe • Johnscliffe • Joules • Kensington • Kickers • Kizik • Lambretta • Machete • Magnum • Marco Tozzi • Mephisto • Mirak • Mister Carlo • Mokkers • Mud Dogs • PDQ • Pikolinos • Popps • Puma Safety • R21 • Remonte • Rocket Dog • Rohde • Romika • Route 21 • Safety Jogger • Scholl • Scimitar • Sebago • Sendra • Shumo • Skechers Golf • Skechers Twinkle Toes • Sorel • Sperry • Start-Rite • STB • Stormwells • Strive • Superga • Toni Pons • Totes Toasties • Tredflex • US Brass • Vero Moda • Victoria • Waldlaufer • Woodland • Wrangler • XTI • Zedzzz
How to Measure Your Feet
For the most accurate fit, measure your feet properly:
1. Time it right. Measure in the afternoon or evening when your feet are at their largest — they swell during the day.
2. Stand up. Always measure while standing with your full weight on your feet.
3. Measure both feet. Most people have one foot slightly larger than the other. Always buy for your bigger foot.
4. Measure length. Stand on a piece of paper against a wall. Mark the back of your heel and the tip of your longest toe. Measure the distance in centimetres.
5. Consider width. If shoes often feel tight across the ball of your foot, you may need a wide fit. Many brands we stock offer width options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I size up or down if I'm between sizes?
It depends on the brand. For leather shoes that will stretch (Hush Puppies, Base London), go with your normal size. For synthetic materials and trainers (Skechers, Crocs), size up if you're between sizes.
Do shoes stretch over time?
Leather shoes will stretch and mould to your foot shape, typically within 1-2 weeks of wear. Synthetic materials don't stretch as much, so get the right fit from the start.
What if I need help with sizing?
Contact us — our team can advise based on the specific style you're looking at. We're happy to help you find the right fit.
Can I return shoes if they don't fit?
Yes. We offer free returns within 30 days if the fit isn't right. Try them on indoors on a clean surface, and we'll exchange or refund if needed.
Still Not Sure?
Getting the right size matters. If you're unsure about sizing for any brand, contact us — our team can advise based on the specific style you're looking at.
Free UK delivery on orders over £60.
