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Original guide / reviewed June 2026

Chinese shoe sizes and foot length

Chinese shoe listings often look simple because the label resembles an EU number, but the best check is still foot length in centimeters. That matters for adults, kids and marketplace shoes with uncertain brand charts.

Adult and kids shoes Source methodology

Quick answer: convert the CN label, then compare the listed insole or foot length with your measured foot before buying.

01 /Why label numbers are not enough

A Chinese shoe listing may show CN 40, CN 42 or CN 45. In many retail contexts those labels sit close to EU sizing, which is why a quick converter can estimate the nearest US and UK size. But shoe fit depends on the inside length, toe shape, width and brand last.

For that reason, China Converters shows foot length next to the converted US size. If a product page provides a measurement in centimeters, that number should usually carry more weight than the label alone.

02 /How to measure before converting

Stand on paper, mark the heel and longest toe, then measure the distance in centimeters. Measure both feet and use the larger one. For kids, add growth room and check the seller's chart because children can outgrow shoes quickly.

When the listing says "insole length", treat it as the inside shoe length, not the exact foot length. A shoe normally needs a little extra room. Tight dress shoes, sandals and winter boots may need different allowances.

Adult shoes

Start with the Chinese shoe size to US converter, then compare foot length in centimeters.

Kids shoes

Use the Chinese kids shoe size chart because child size ranges do not map like adult shoes.

Reverse lookup

If you only know your US size, use US shoe size to Chinese and then confirm the centimeter length.

03 /Common mistakes

  • Assuming CN 42 always means the same US size for every brand.
  • Using sneaker fit rules for leather dress shoes or pointed shoes.
  • Buying kids shoes from the adult chart because the listing uses a CN number.
  • Ignoring width when a chart only lists length.

A converter helps you get oriented quickly. The final decision should come from the product chart and your own measurement.

04 /Related tools