If you’ve ever tried to buy shoes online from a European brand while living in Ireland, you’ve hit the same wall: the size tag says 39, but your shoes at home say 6. The gap between UK and EU sizing is full of small variations that trip up shoppers.

4 related posts

UK size 6 in men’s EU shoes: 39 :
UK size 6 in women’s EU shoes: 39 (common, some brands 40) :
EU 39 to UK: 6 for both men and women :
Ireland shoe size: Same as UK (size 6 UK = size 6 Ireland) :
Shoe size variation by brand: Up to 0.5 size difference

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Seven key facts at a glance: one pattern — UK size 6 consistently maps to EU 39 for both genders, but women’s charts show occasional variation.

Label Value
UK Size 6 EU 39 (men and women)
EU 39 UK Size 6
Ireland Same as UK
Women’s UK6 EU 39 (some brands 40)
Men’s UK6 EU 39
US size equivalent (women) 8
US size equivalent (men) 7

This table shows that the core conversion for EU 39 to UK 6 is consistent, but women’s sizing carries a caution.

What is size 6 in EU?

UK size 6 corresponds to EU 39 for both men and women in standard shoe-size charts, according to ASOS’s men’s shoe size guide and Famous Footwear’s women’s chart. The conversion is straightforward for most brands, but there is a catch: women’s sizing sometimes shifts to EU 40 depending on the manufacturer.

Is UK 6 EU 39 or 40?

The upshot

Most Irish shoppers buying men’s shoes can confidently order EU 39 for a UK 6. Women’s shoppers: check the brand’s chart, as some labels size UK 6 as EU 40. The difference is not a mistake — it reflects different lasts (the moulds shoes are built on) and target markets.

Is EU 39 a UK size 6? Yes, in standard conversion charts, EU 39 is the direct equivalent of UK size 6. Grivet Outdoors notes that EU sizing uses a continental scale where each whole size equals about two-thirds of a centimetre of foot length. This means EU 39 represents a foot length of roughly 24.5 cm, which corresponds to UK 6.

What is women’s size 6 in EU? Women’s UK 6 is EU 39 for most brands. Famous Footwear’s chart confirms this mapping, and Foot Locker adds that EU 40 generally corresponds to UK 6.5 in women’s shoes, reinforcing that 39 is the standard for 6. If you see a women’s shoe labelled EU 40 for UK 6, it’s likely a brand using a different fit profile.

Bottom line: The implication: women shopping for UK size 6 in EU have a higher chance of encountering mismatch because brands use different lasts for women’s shoes. Men’s sizing is more uniform across manufacturers.

Is UK 6 EU 39 or 40?

UK 6 is EU 39 in most standard men’s and women’s shoe charts, but some brands may label women’s UK 6 as EU 40. This difference arises from different sizing systems and fit allowances.

What is a 39 in the UK?

EU 39 is a UK size 6 in both men’s and women’s shoes, according to ASOS’s size charts. Zappos advises that shoe-size conversion should be treated as a guide and that results should be checked against the specific brand’s size chart. Wikipedia’s shoe-size article gives direct conversion formulas between UK and European systems and notes that the systems are not identical linear equals, which explains brand-level variation.

The catch: if you buy a shoe labelled EU 39 expecting a perfect UK 6, you might find it fits slightly differently because the conversion formula approximates rather than matches exactly. That is why Zappos recommends always checking the brand’s own sizing guide.

What is a size 6 in Ireland?

Ireland uses UK shoe sizes, so a size 6 in Ireland is the same as UK size 6 — which converts to EU 39.

How to convert EU shoe size to Irish size?

EU shoe size to Irish (UK) size conversion is simple: subtract about 33 from the EU number, but exact conversion depends on the system. For example, Guineys Ireland’s size guide confirms Irish shoe size guides show UK sizing. Specifically, EU 39 = Irish/UK size 6. If you are buying shoes in Ireland from a European brand, use the EU number and match it to the conversion chart. Grivet Outdoors adds that EU sizing uses a continental scale where each whole size equals about two-thirds of a centimetre of foot length, which helps understand the physical basis of the conversion.

What to watch

Irish shoppers ordering from UK retailers: you don’t need to convert at all. Ireland uses the same sizing system as the UK. Order your usual UK size. The trap comes when ordering from European or US brands — that’s where the conversion confusion starts.

The pattern: for Irish consumers, the only conversion needed is between UK (Ireland) and EU. US conversions add another layer, but most Irish shoppers buying online from European stores just need the UK-to-EU mapping.

Do feet get wider with age?

Yes, foot width can increase with age due to ligament changes and arch flattening. It is recommended to remeasure feet periodically. Wider feet may require half-size larger or wider-fit shoes.

This matters for Irish shoppers because if your foot width changes, your UK size 6 may no longer fit comfortably in standard-width shoes. You might need to size up or choose wide-fit options. Zappos advises treating size conversion as a guide and measuring your feet regularly to account for age-related changes.

Is 6 xs or s?

Clothing size 6 varies by brand and country. In EU women’s clothing, size 6 typically corresponds to XS or S. Conversion charts exist for dresses, tops, and bottoms separately.

What is a size 6 in EU clothes?

EU clothing size 6 is generally XS for women’s tops and dresses, but this varies significantly by brand. Unlike shoe sizes, clothing sizes are not standardised across European countries. A French size 6 may be different from an Italian size 6. Always check the brand’s specific size chart for the garment type.

Why this matters: shoppers who assume clothing size 6 follows the same rules as shoe size 6 will end up with the wrong fit. The two systems are completely separate — EU shoe sizing uses a length-based scale, while EU clothing sizing uses a different numeric system that varies by country and garment type.

Additional sources

beckshoes.com, veronicabeard.com

For those looking to understand how UK size 6 translates to European sizing, the size 6 EU UK chart offers detailed comparisons for shoes and clothing.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the general formula to convert UK to EU shoe sizes?

There is no single formula because EU and UK systems use different scales. A common approximation is that UK 6 = EU 39. Wikipedia notes that EU size is approximately 1.27 times UK size plus an offset, so UK 6 can land around EU 39 depending on the chart used. For practical purposes, use brand-specific charts.

Are EU shoe sizes the same across all countries?

EU shoe sizes are generally standardised across continental Europe, but there can be slight variations between manufacturers. Grivet Outdoors states EU sizing uses a continental scale where each whole size equals about two-thirds of a centimetre of foot length. Some countries like France and Italy may have slightly different conversions for certain sizes.

How do I know if I need a wider width shoe?

If your shoes feel tight across the widest part of your foot, or if you experience discomfort after wearing them for a few hours, you may need a wider fit. Zappos advises re-measuring your feet periodically, as foot width can increase with age. Many brands offer width options (standard, wide, extra wide) — check the product description.

What is the difference between US and UK shoe sizes?

Foot Locker states that for men’s shoes, a UK size is generally one size smaller than the US equivalent, while for women’s shoes the UK size is generally two sizes smaller than the US equivalent. So UK 6 men’s = US 7, and UK 6 women’s = US 8.

How to measure foot length for shoe size?

To measure foot length, stand on a piece of paper with your heel against a wall, mark the longest toe, and measure the distance in centimetres. Use a conversion chart to find your EU size. Grivet Outdoors explains that EU sizing uses this length-based approach, where each whole size equals about two-thirds of a centimetre.

Is EU size 40 a UK 7?

No, EU 40 generally corresponds to UK 6.5 in women’s shoes and UK 7 in men’s shoes. Foot Locker states that EU 40 corresponds to UK 6.5 for women. For men’s shoes, EU 40 is closer to UK 7.

How to convert EU clothing size 6 to UK?

EU clothing size 6 in women’s wear typically corresponds to UK size 4-6, but this varies by brand and garment type. Unlike shoe sizes, clothing sizes are not directly convertible with a simple formula. Always check the brand’s size chart for the specific item.

For Irish shoppers, the choice is clear: if you wear UK size 6 shoes, order EU 39 with confidence for men, and with one eye on the brand’s chart for women. The shoe size conversion confusion persists because different brands use different lasts and target markets, but armed with this guide, you can navigate the differences and buy the right fit every time.