INTERNATIONAL GUIDE
A Guide to CN Shoe Sizes
Shopping from Chinese brands or platforms? Understand their unique sizing system to find your perfect fit.
The Chinese shoe sizing system uses a unique formula based on foot length in centimeters. Understanding this system is essential when shopping from Chinese retailers like SHEIN, AliExpress, Temu, or when traveling to China. This guide explains how the system works and how to convert Chinese sizes to international standards.
How to Convert Chinese Shoe Sizes
Step-by-Step Guide
- Measure Your Foot Length: Measure your foot length in centimeters (CM). This is the most accurate starting point for Chinese size conversion.
- Apply the Formula: Use the Chinese size formula: Chinese Size = (Foot Length in CM × 2) - 10. For example, a 25cm foot = (25 × 2) - 10 = 40.
- Use the Conversion Chart: Refer to the conversion chart below to find your equivalent size in US, EU, or UK standards.
- Consider Brand Variations: Remember that fit can vary slightly by brand, so use this as a general guide and check brand-specific charts when available.
Understanding the Chinese System
Formula:
Chinese Size = (Foot Length in CM × 2) - 10
This formula is different from the Japanese system, which uses foot length directly.
Common Conversions:
CN 38 ≈ US Women's 7.5 / US Men's 6
CN 40 ≈ US Women's 8.5 / US Men's 7
CN 42 ≈ US Women's 10 / US Men's 8.5
💡 Important: The modern Chinese system also uses millimeter (mm) measurements directly (e.g., 240, 245, 250), which is more accurate than the old formula-based system. Always look for the millimeter measurement on product pages when available.
The Chinese shoe sizing system can be confusing for international shoppers because it's quite different from the systems used in the US, UK, or even most of Europe. However, once you understand the simple formula behind it, conversion becomes straightforward.
How the Chinese Shoe Size System Works
The Chinese system is based on the length of the foot in centimeters (CM), but it uses a different formula than the Japanese (JP) system, which is directly equal to the foot length in cm.
The formula is: Chinese Size = (Foot Length in CM * 2) - 10.
For example, if your foot is 25 cm long (which is a JP size 25), your Chinese shoe size would be (25 * 2) - 10 = 40. This is why a Chinese size 40 often corresponds to a European size 40.
CN to US / EU Conversion Chart
Here is a reference chart to help you convert common Chinese sizes to their approximate US and EU equivalents. Remember that this is a general guide, and fit can vary slightly by brand.
| CN | Foot Length (CM) | US Women's | US Men's | EU |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35 | 22.5 | 5.5 | - | 35.5 |
| 36 | 23 | 6 | - | 36 |
| 37 | 23.5 | 6.5 | - | 37 |
| 38 | 24 | 7.5 | 6 | 38 |
| 39 | 24.5 | 8 | 6.5 | 39 |
| 40 | 25 | 8.5 | 7 | 40 |
| 41 | 25.5 | 9.5 | 8 | 41 |
| 42 | 26 | 10 | 8.5 | 42 |
Future Updates
While our automatic converter doesn't support CN sizes yet, it's on our roadmap! For now, you can measure your foot in centimeters (CM) and use our converter to find your size in other systems, as the CM measurement is universal.
Use Our Converter with Your CM Measurement
Have your foot length in CM? Select "CM" as your region in our converter to find your perfect size in US, UK, or EU.
Go to Shoe Size Converter