UK Size 5 in EU – Complete Shoe and Clothing Conver ion Guide
For anyone shopping online or traveling, knowing what UK size 5 translates to in European sizing is essential. The short answer is that UK size 5 is most commonly EU 38 for women’s shoes and EU 39–40 for men’s shoes, but these conversions can vary by brand and by whether you are looking at a women’s or men’s chart.
Shoe size conversion is not an exact science. Different manufacturers use different lasts, and even the same brand may size a boot differently than a running shoe. This guide breaks down the most reliable conversions for UK size 5, explains why variations occur, and provides a reference for related sizes.
Online shopping has made size conversion charts more important than ever. Whether you are buying footwear or clothing, understanding how UK and EU sizing systems relate to each other can save time and reduce the frustration of returns.
What is UK Size 5 in EU?
The conversion from UK size 5 to EU depends primarily on whether the shoe is for women or men. The charts below offer a quick reference for the most common UK-to-EU conversions.
Women’s EU: 37
Men’s EU: 36.5
Women’s EU: 38
Men’s EU: 37.5 (charts vary)
Women’s EU: 39
Men’s EU: 38.5
Women’s EU: 40
Men’s EU: 39.5
Key insights for UK size 5 conversion:
- UK size 5 converts to EU 38 for women’s shoes, the most consistent mapping across multiple sources.
- UK size 5 converts to EU 37.5 for men’s shoes, though many charts round this up to EU 39–40.
- EU sizes are gender-neutral and run on a continuous numeric scale; UK sizes use different scales for men and women.
- Brands often vary their conversion: some show UK 5 women’s as EU 38.5, especially in athletic footwear.
- Clothing size conversion is entirely different; UK size 5 in clothing does not correspond to EU 38.
| Conversion | Value |
|---|---|
| UK 5 → EU (women’s) | 38 |
| UK 5 → EU (men’s) | 37.5 (often listed as 39–40) |
| UK 5 → EU (children’s) | ~38 (children’s sizing is often separate) |
| UK 5 → US (women’s) | 7 |
| UK 5 → US (men’s) | 5.5 |
| Foot length approx. (women’s) | 237 mm |
| Foot length approx. (men’s) | 240 mm |
How to Convert UK Shoe Sizes to EU Sizes
Converting between UK and EU shoe sizes is not a simple one-to-one mapping because the two systems are based on different units of measurement. Understanding the logic behind each system helps explain why conversions can feel inconsistent.
Understanding the EU Sizing System
The European sizing system is based on the Paris point, which equals two-thirds of a centimeter (approximately 6.67 mm). Each whole EU size corresponds to an increase of 6.67 mm in foot length. The system is linear and gender-neutral, meaning an EU 38 is the same numeric label for women, men, and children.
Understanding the UK Sizing System
UK sizing is rooted in the barleycorn system, where one size equals one-third of an inch (approximately 8.47 mm). This increment is larger than the Paris point, which is why the conversion is not a simple subtraction or addition. UK sizes also use separate scales for men and women, adding another layer of complexity.
Quick Conversion Formula
A general rule of thumb is that a UK women’s size converts to EU by adding approximately 33 to the UK size. For example, UK 5 + 33 = EU 38. However, this formula is an approximation and does not hold perfectly across all sizes or brands. For men, the formula is different and less commonly cited.
Retailers such as Nike and Adidas sometimes show UK 5 women’s as EU 38.5 or EU 39. Always check the brand’s official size chart before purchasing.
What Are the Most Common UK to EU Shoe Size Conversions?
For quick reference, the most frequently searched UK-to-EU shoe size conversions cover women’s sizes 2 through 10 and men’s sizes 6 through 12. The tables below reflect the most common mappings found across major retailers.
UK Sizes 2–10 Converted to EU (Women’s)
| UK Size | EU Size |
|---|---|
| 2 | 35 |
| 3 | 36 |
| 4 | 37 |
| 5 | 38 |
| 6 | 39 |
| 7 | 40 |
| 8 | 41 |
| 9 | 42 |
| 10 | 43 |
UK Sizes 6–12 Converted to EU (Men’s)
| UK Size | EU Size |
|---|---|
| 6 | 40–41 |
| 7 | 41–42 |
| 8 | 42–43 |
| 9 | 44–45 |
| 10 | 45–46 |
| 11 | 46–47 |
| 12 | 47–48 |
Children’s UK Sizes to EU
Children’s sizing follows its own scale and does not map directly to adult conversions. UK children’s sizes are based on the same barleycorn system but with a different zero point. A child’s UK size 5 typically converts to EU 23–24, though this varies significantly by brand.
What Is UK Size 5 in EU for Clothing?
Clothing size conversion is fundamentally different from shoe size conversion. A UK size 5 in clothing does not exist in the same way as a shoe size, because clothing uses numeric scales for different body measurements and often employs letter-based sizing (XS, S, M, L).
Women’s Clothing Size Conversion UK to EU
For women’s clothing, UK sizes 4, 6, 8, 10, and so on are common. There is no UK size 5 for dresses or tops. If you are looking for a conversion for a UK women’s size 6, it generally corresponds to EU 34, and UK 8 to EU 36. The best resource for clothing conversion is the British Retail Consortium sizing guidelines.
Men’s Clothing Size Conversion UK to EU
Men’s clothing uses chest, waist, and inseam measurements rather than a single size number. UK size 5 is not a clothing size for men. For suits and jackets, a UK 38 chest typically converts to EU 48 or 50, depending on the brand.
Do not use shoe size conversions for clothing. UK shoe size 5 and UK clothing size 5 (if it exists) have no mathematical relationship. Always refer to garment-specific size charts.
How Do US Sizes Compare to EU Sizes?
US shoe sizes also differ from UK sizes, even though both are based on the barleycorn system. A US women’s size 5 is not the same as a UK women’s size 5. Understanding the US-to-EU relationship is helpful for global shopping.
US to EU Shoe Size Conversion Chart
| US Women’s | US Men’s | EU |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 3.5 | 36 |
| 6 | 4.5 | 37 |
| 7 | 5.5 | 38 |
| 8 | 6.5 | 39 |
| 9 | 7.5 | 40 |
| 10 | 8.5 | 41 |
US to UK and EU Simultaneous Conversion
For shoppers comparing all three systems, US women’s size 7 is equivalent to UK 5 and EU 38. US men’s size 5.5 is equivalent to UK 5 and EU 37.5, though many charts list US men’s 5.5 as EU 39 due to rounding.
How to Convert EU Shoe Sizes Back to UK
When you have an EU size and need the UK equivalent, the same logic applies in reverse. EU 38 is the most common size queried alongside UK 5.
EU Size 38 in UK (Women’s and Men’s)
EU 38 is typically UK women’s size 5 and UK men’s size 4.5 to 5. This means a man who wears EU 38 may find that UK size 4.5 is a better fit than UK 5, depending on the brand.
EU Size 40 in UK
EU 40 corresponds to UK women’s size 7 and UK men’s size 6.5 to 7. The pattern of a roughly 33-size difference between UK and EU holds for women, but men’s conversion is less linear.
Because conversions are only approximations, retailers like Clarks recommend using their specific size guide and measuring foot length in centimeters or inches before ordering.
How Did UK and EU Shoe Sizing Systems Develop?
The two systems emerged from different historical traditions and measurement units. Understanding this background explains why conversions are not perfectly intuitive.
- 1300s – The UK barleycorn system originated, with one size equal to one-third of an inch. This is one of the oldest standardized shoe sizing systems in the world.
- 1800s – Continental European sizing developed using the Paris point, equivalent to two-thirds of a centimeter. This system spread across mainland Europe.
- 1950s – The Mondopoint system was introduced by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) for sports and military shoes, based on foot length in millimeters.
- 2010s – EU sizing became dominant for online shopping across Europe. Most retailers began publishing conversion charts as standard practice.
- 2025 – Despite widespread conversion tables, there is still no universal standard. Brands often adjust conversions for fit and style.
What Is Certain and Uncertain About UK Size 5 Conversion?
Some facts about UK size 5 conversion are well established, while other aspects remain dependent on brand and shoe type.
Established Information
- UK size 5 women’s shoes generally convert to EU 38.
- UK size 5 men’s shoes generally convert to EU 37.5.
- UK women’s size 5 is US women’s size 7.
Information That Remains Unclear
- Whether EU 38 will fit exactly—try on or check brand-specific chart.
- EU sizes may be labeled as 38, 38.5, or 39 depending on brand.
- Clothing size conversion is not equivalent to shoe size conversion.
Why Does the Difference Between UK and EU Sizing Matter?
The mismatch between the two systems has practical consequences for online shoppers. EU sizing increments by 2/3 cm (6.67 mm) per size, while UK sizing increments by 1/3 inch (8.47 mm) for adults. This difference means that a UK size 5 may not align perfectly with a single EU size across all brands.
Women’s and men’s UK scales are offset from each other, while the EU scale is gender-neutral. This is why a UK women’s 5 converts to EU 38, but a UK men’s 5 converts to a different EU range. For shoppers buying from international retailers, this distinction is critical.
Shoe sizing is only an approximation and can vary by manufacturer and style. As Zappos and other major retailers note, the best practice is to measure your foot length and consult the brand’s specific conversion chart.
What Do the Sources Say About UK Size 5 Conversion?
Multiple retailers and industry bodies provide conversion data. The consistency of these sources helps confirm the most reliable mappings.
“In women’s sizing, UK 5 = EU 38 is the most consistent result across the charts provided.”
Sources: O’Neill’s, Famous Footwear, Veronica Beard, Remix Vintage Shoes
“In men’s sizing, UK 5 is not the same as women’s UK 5, and the corresponding EU size is generally around 39–40 depending on the brand’s chart.”
Sources: Morgan Shoes, Zappos
“Shoe sizing is only an approximation and can vary by manufacturer and style.”
Sources: Remix Vintage Shoes, Zappos
What Is the Final Takeaway for UK Size 5 in EU?
For the most reliable conversion, remember that UK size 5 is EU 38 for women’s shoes and EU 39–40 for men’s shoes. Always verify with the specific brand’s size guide, especially when buying from international retailers or unfamiliar brands. For a broader reference, our UK to EU shoe size conversion chart covers sizes 2 through 12.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is EU size 38 in UK?
EU size 38 is typically UK size 5 for women and UK size 4.5 to 5 for men.
What is UK size to EU for clothing?
Clothing conversion is different: UK size 5 is not a standard clothing size. For women, UK size 6 is approx. EU 34; for men, UK 38 chest is EU 48–50.
Is UK size 5 the same as US size 5?
No. UK size 5 for women is US size 7. For men, UK size 5 is US size 5.5.
Why do some brands show UK 5 as EU 38.5?
Some brands use half sizes in EU to more closely match foot geometry. Always check the brand’s chart.
How many inches is 38 cm?
38 cm is approximately 14.96 inches (about 15 inches).
How many cm is 7 inches?
7 inches is 17.78 cm.
What is UK size 6 in EU?
UK size 6 is EU 39 for women’s shoes and EU 40–41 for men’s shoes.
What is UK size 4 in EU?
UK size 4 is EU 37 for women’s shoes.
What is US size to EU shoes?
US women’s size 7 is EU 38; US men’s size 7 is EU 40. The US and UK scales differ by about 2 sizes for women and 0.5 sizes for men.
How do I measure my foot for shoe size?
Measure your foot length in centimeters from heel to longest toe. Use that measurement against a size chart. Our guide on how to measure your foot for shoe size provides step-by-step instructions.
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