The Ultimate Guide to Japanese Shoe Sizes and Shopping

Shopping for shoes in Japan can be confusing for international visitors and online shoppers. Japanese shoe sizes use a completely different system based on centimeters, and understanding these differences is crucial for finding the perfect fit.

Understanding Japanese Shoe Sizing

The Centimeter System

Japanese shoe sizes are refreshingly straightforward—they use the actual length of your foot in centimeters. If your foot measures 25 cm, you wear size 25. This logical system eliminates much of the guesswork found in other sizing standards.

How Japanese Sizes Work

• Direct measurement: Size = foot length in cm
• Half sizes available: 24.5, 25, 25.5, etc.
• Unisex system: Same measurements for men and women
• Precision focused: More accurate than US/EU systems

Size Conversion Charts

Women's Shoe Size Conversion

| Japanese (cm) | US Women | EU | UK | |---------------|----------|-----|-----| | 22.0 | 5 | 35 | 2.5 | | 22.5 | 5.5 | 36 | 3 | | 23.0 | 6 | 36-37 | 3.5 | | 23.5 | 6.5 | 37 | 4 | | 24.0 | 7 | 38 | 4.5 | | 24.5 | 7.5 | 38-39 | 5 | | 25.0 | 8 | 39 | 5.5 | | 25.5 | 8.5 | 40 | 6 | | 26.0 | 9 | 40-41 | 6.5 |

Men's Shoe Size Conversion

| Japanese (cm) | US Men | EU | UK | |--------------|---------|-----|-----| | 25.0 | 7 | 40 | 6 | | 25.5 | 7.5 | 40-41 | 6.5 | | 26.0 | 8 | 41 | 7 | | 26.5 | 8.5 | 42 | 7.5 | | 27.0 | 9 | 42-43 | 8 | | 27.5 | 9.5 | 43 | 8.5 | | 28.0 | 10 | 44 | 9 | | 28.5 | 10.5 | 44-45 | 9.5 | | 29.0 | 11 | 45 | 10 |

Width Measurements in Japan

Japanese shoe retailers often provide width options, crucial for comfort:

Width Categories

• E: Narrow
• EE (2E): Standard/Medium
• EEE (3E): Wide
• EEEE (4E): Extra Wide

How to Determine Your Width

1. Measure the widest part of your foot
2. Compare to the size chart
3. Consider your usual fit preference
4. Try different widths when possible

Measuring Your Feet the Japanese Way

Proper Measurement Technique

1. Prepare:

   • Use a blank paper and pencil
   • Measure in the afternoon (feet swell)
   • Wear socks you'd typically use

2. Measure:

   • Stand on the paper
   • Mark heel and longest toe
   • Measure the distance in cm
   • Round up to nearest 0.5 cm

3. Double-check:

   • Measure both feet
   • Use the larger measurement
   • Add 0.5-1 cm for comfort

Shopping for Shoes in Japan

Popular Shoe Stores

Department Stores:

• Isetan, Takashimaya, Mitsukoshi
• Wide selection, multiple brands
• Professional fitting service
• Higher price range

Specialty Chains:

• ABC-Mart: Affordable variety
• Onitsuka Tiger: Japanese heritage
• MUJI: Minimalist designs
• Uniqlo: Basic footwear

Sports Stores:

• Sports Depo
• Xebio
• Mizuno flagship stores

Shopping Vocabulary

Essential Japanese terms for shoe shopping:

• 靴 (kutsu) - shoes
• サイズ (saizu) - size
• 試着 (shichaku) - trying on
• 大きい (ookii) - too big
• 小さい (chiisai) - too small
• ちょうどいい (choudo ii) - just right
• 幅広 (habahiro) - wide width

Special Considerations

Traditional Japanese Footwear

Geta and Zori Sizing:

• Measured differently than Western shoes
• Heel should extend slightly beyond sandal
• Sizes: S (23-24cm), M (24-25cm), L (25-27cm)

Tabi Sizing:

• Traditional split-toe socks/shoes
• Run smaller than regular shoes
• Order 0.5-1 cm larger

Children's Shoes in Japan

Japanese children's sizes:

• Also in centimeters
• Measured more frequently (fast growth)
• Popular brands: Moonstar, Asics Kids
• School shoes (uwabaki) required

Online Shopping Tips

Buying Japanese Shoes Online

1. Know your exact cm size
2. Check return policies
3. Read size reviews
4. Consider width options
5. Account for brand variations

Reliable Online Retailers

• Rakuten: Vast selection
• Amazon Japan: International shipping
• ZOZOTOWN: Fashion focus
• Brand websites: Nike.jp, Adidas.jp

Common Size Issues and Solutions

Problem: Between Sizes

Solution:

• Choose larger size
• Use insoles for adjustment
• Consider half sizes (0.5 cm increments)

Problem: Width Concerns

Solution:

• Look for EE or EEE options
• Try athletic brands (often wider)
• Consider men's sizes for women with wide feet

Problem: Brand Variations

Solution:

• Check brand-specific charts
• Read customer reviews
• Order multiple sizes when possible

Japanese Shoe Culture

Quality and Craftsmanship

• Attention to detail
• Premium materials
• Comfortable designs
• Durability focus

Popular Japanese Brands

• Onitsuka Tiger: Retro athletic
• ASICS: Performance sports
• Mizuno: Running specialists
• Regal: Business footwear
• Camper: Comfort casual

Shoe Etiquette in Japan

• Remove shoes indoors
• Use provided slippers
• Keep shoes neat and clean
• Face shoes toward exit

Seasonal Considerations

Summer Footwear

• Lighter materials preferred
• Breathable designs popular
• Sandals for casual wear
• Mesh sneakers common

Winter Requirements

• Waterproof options essential
• Non-slip soles important
• Boots popular in snowy regions
• Warm linings appreciated

Price Ranges

Budget Options (¥2,000-5,000)

• Chain stores like ABC-Mart
• Uniqlo basics
• Don Quijote varieties

Mid-Range (¥5,000-15,000)

• Department store brands
• Popular athletic brands
• Quality leather shoes

Premium (¥15,000+)

• Designer brands
• Handcrafted options
• Limited editions
• High-end athletics

Final Shopping Tips

Do's:

✅ Measure feet in cm accurately ✅ Try shoes on in afternoon ✅ Walk around the store ✅ Check return policy ✅ Consider tax-free shopping

Don'ts:

❌ Assume your usual size ❌ Ignore width options ❌ Buy without trying (if possible) ❌ Forget about shoe etiquette ❌ Miss tax-free opportunities

Conclusion

Understanding Japanese shoe sizes opens up a world of quality footwear options. The centimeter-based system, while different, is actually more precise than Western sizing. Whether shopping in Tokyo's trendy districts or ordering online, knowing your Japanese shoe size ensures comfortable, well-fitting footwear.

Remember that Japanese shoes often feature superior craftsmanship and attention to comfort. Take time to get properly measured, understand width options, and don't hesitate to ask for assistance—Japanese retail staff are typically very helpful and patient.

Ready to find your Japanese shoe size? Use our Japanese Shoe Size Converter to instantly convert your size and shop with confidence!