NZ Shoe Size Conversion Chart (US, UK, EU & cm)

Important note: New Zealand doesn't have its own shoe sizing.

Many NZ stores use US sizing for women's shoes and US based sizing for men's. Use the charts below, as an estimate only, to convert between NZ, US, UK, EU and centimetre sizes for women, men and kids.

Women's Shoe Size Chart

NZ women's sizes are the same as US women's sizes. Foot length in centimetres is the most reliable way to compare.

Women's footwear — UK, US, EU and foot length conversions
UK	US Womens	EU	Foot Length (cm)
4	6	37	23
5	7	38	23.5
6	8	39	24.5
6.5	8.5	40	25
7	9	41	25.5
8	10	42	26
9	11	43	27

Men's Shoe Size Chart

NZ men's sizes now generally follow US men's sizing, though some brands still use UK sizing.

Men's footwear — UK, US, EU and foot length conversions
UK	US Mens	EU	Foot Length (cm)
6	7	39	24.5
6.5	7.5	40	25
7	8	41	25.5
8	9	42	26
9	10	43	27
9.5	10.5	44	27.5
10	11	45	28
11	12	46	29
12	13	47	29.5
13	14	48	30.5
14	15	49.5	31.5
15	16	51	32

Youth Shoe Size Chart (Big Kids)

Youth sizes follow US men's sizing. Because these sizes overlap with women's footwear, the US women's equivalent is shown alongside.

Youth / big kids footwear — US youth, US womens, UK, EU and foot length
US Youth (Mens)	US Womens	UK	EU	Foot Length (cm)
5	6	4	37	23
6	7	5	38	23.5
7	8	6	39	24.5

Junior Shoe Size Chart (Little Kids)

Junior / little kids footwear — US, UK, EU and foot length
US Kids	UK	EU	Foot Length (cm)
11	10	28	17
12	11	29	18
13	12	31	18.5
1	13	32	19.5
2	1	33	20.5
3	2	34	21.5
4	3	36	22

Toddler Shoe Size Chart

Toddler footwear — US, UK, EU, approximate age and foot length
US Kids	Approx. Age	UK	EU	Foot Length (cm)
7	18–24 mth	6	23	13.5
8	2 yrs	7	24	14
9	3 yrs	8	26	15
10	4 yrs	9	27	16

Infant Shoe Size Chart

Infant footwear — US, UK, EU, approximate age and foot length
US Kids	Approx. Age	UK	EU	Foot Length (cm)
4	12–18 mth	3	19	11
5	12–18 mth	4	20	12
6	18–24 mth	5	21.5	12.5

Newborn Shoe Size Chart

Newborn footwear — US, UK, EU, approximate age and foot length
US Kids	Approx. Age	UK	EU	Foot Length (cm)
1	0–3 mth	0	16	8
2	3–6 mth	1	17	9
3	6–9 mth	2	18	10
4	9–12 mth	3	19	11

Always measure to your child's longest toe, and fit to the larger foot — most people have one foot slightly bigger than the other.
Measure feet in the afternoon, when they are at their largest.
Ages are a guide only. Children's feet grow at very different rates, so always measure rather than sizing by age.
EU sizes shown match how footwear is commonly labelled. The international standard (ISO 19407) lists some EU sizes half a size lower, so a brand's own chart always takes priority.

Looking for a specific brand? We also have size guides for Crocs, Bobux, Blundstone, Keen, and more — see the size guide hub.

Shoe Size FAQs

What shoe size system does New Zealand use?

New Zealand doesn't have its own official shoe sizing. There is no regulatory body overseeing the sizes of shoes. Most NZ retailers, including Foot Forward, use US womens sizing for women's shoes and US mens sizing for men's shoes.

UK sizing for mens used to be our standard, and comes from a time when most of our shoes were made in New Zealand or imported from the UK. Now the US mens sizing dominates due to a large number of American brands in our market. Think Skechers, Adidas, Nike. European brands like Birkenstock, Josef Seibel, Pitllos and many others including Bobux now use EU sizing as their standard.

What are New Zealand shoe sizes?

Many people do talk in terms of New Zealand shoe sizing when looking for shoes.

Mostly a New Zealand womens shoe size is considered 'the same' as the US womens size, and the New Zealand mens size is now the US mens size — however there are some that use the UK size as a New Zealand mens size.

What size is EU 39 in NZ?

EU 39 is approximately a US women's 8 (UK 6), or 24.5cm. In men's sizing, EU 39 is approximately a UK 6 / US men's 7.

What size is EU 38 in NZ?

EU 38 is approximately a US women's 7 (UK 5), or 23.5cm in foot length.

Do Birkenstocks run big or small?

Birkenstocks use EU sizing and come in regular and narrow widths. If you're between sizes, most people size down. There should be about 5mm of space at the heel and toe. See our full Birkenstock size guide for details.

Do Skechers run true to size?

Skechers generally run true to size, and many styles come in wide fits. Check our Skechers size guide for exact measurements by style.

How does Dr Martens sizing work?

Dr Martens only come in whole sizes (UK sizing). If you normally wear a half size, we recommend sizing down, as most styles have a roomy fit. See our Dr Martens size guide for full conversion details.

How much growing room should kids' shoes have?

Leave about 1.3cm (a thumb's width) between the longest toe and the end of the shoe. Measure feet in the afternoon, and always fit to the larger foot. See our children's sizing guide for how to measure at home.

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Birkenstock – The original comfort sandal, loved for its contoured cork footbed and timeless two-strap design. Explore styles like Arizona, Mayari, and Gizeh.

Dr Martens – Iconic British boots and sandals built for comfort and attitude. Discover classic 1460 boots and bold new sandal styles.

Los Cabos – Modern sandals and slides designed for effortless style and comfort, inspired by summer living.

Rollie Nation – Lightweight, colourful sneakers and shoes that blend fun design with all-day comfort.

Woden – Scandinavian sneakers crafted from natural and recycled materials for everyday style and sustainability.

Crocs – Casual comfort reimagined. From classic clogs to colourful slides, Crocs make every step easy.

Barbour – Heritage British outerwear and footwear known for quality craftsmanship and timeless country style. Explore classic boots and casual shoes designed for comfort, durability, and sophistication.

Archies – The ultimate comfort flip-flops with built-in arch support. Designed by a physiotherapist for all-day wear — lightweight, supportive, and perfect for summer adventures.

ECCO – Scandinavian-crafted footwear that pairs innovation with elegance. ECCO shoes use premium leathers and anatomical designs for everyday comfort and effortless style.

Blundstone – Iconic Tasmanian boots built to last. Blundstone combines rugged durability, comfort, and easy pull-on style — made for work, weekends, and everything in between.

Bay Lane – Stylish Australian-designed footwear offering everyday comfort with a modern edge. From casual sandals to easy sneakers, Bay Lane makes relaxed dressing effortless.

Teva Kids – Adventure-ready sandals built for play and exploration. Teva Kids combines comfort, durability, and quick-dry materials — perfect for little feet on the move.

Keen Kids – Rugged, water-friendly footwear made for outdoor fun. Keen Kids sandals and shoes protect growing feet with all-terrain grip and signature toe protection.

Bobux – Award-winning New Zealand brand specialising in quality leather shoes for babies, toddlers, and kids. Designed for healthy foot development and natural movement.

Skechers – Global comfort leader blending sporty design with innovation. From performance trainers to everyday sneakers, Skechers brings lightweight cushioning and all-day comfort.

Pretty Brave – New Zealand-designed baby and kids’ footwear with a playful, modern twist. Ethically made, comfy, and stylish for little explorers.

EMU Australia – Premium sheepskin and wool-lined boots designed for warmth, comfort, and natural breathability. EMU footwear blends classic Australian style with everyday durability.

EOS – Contemporary European-inspired leather footwear crafted with soft leathers and modern styling. EOS delivers comfort, confidence, and timeless appeal in every pair.

Ziera – A New Zealand born comfort brand blending podiatry-based design with everyday style. Orthotic-friendly with removable, anatomically contoured footbeds, adjustable arch support, and multiple width options for a personalised, all-day cushioned fit.