Although US shoe sizes are separate for men, women, and children, you also find unisex shoe sizing for unisex shoe styles. What size shoes should you get if the boots are unisex? Is unisex shoe sizing the same shoe size as the standard sizes?
If it seems confusing, unisex shoe sizing versus standard sizes, relax; this article answers all your questions. We even explained which international shoe sizing systems are unisex.
What Does Unisex Mean In Sizing Shoes?
In shoe sizing, unisex shoes are worn by men and women. Back in the 1960s, the word unisex was relatively a new word not used that often. Unisex means the design or size isn’t specific for males or females but suitable to be worn by both.
The Latin prefix unus means single. However, the word unisex was more influenced by words like united or universal, where uni means shared rather than single. Therefore, the word unisex means shared by sexes; it is an adjective showing products like shoes, clothes, or toys are not gender-specific.
Do Unisex Shoes Run Small or Large?
For women, unisex shoes run large, but for men, it is their standard shoe size. Unisex sizing charts are based on men’s regular sizes, men generally have a larger foot than women. However, unisex shoes can run small for men with large feet.
How Do I Know My Unisex Shoe Size?
US unisex shoe sizing is based on men’s standard shoe sizes, which means men will fit the shoe size they usually do for the brand and shoe style. Depending on the brand and type of shoe, women will select unisex shoes 1.5 to 2 sizes smaller than their standard shoe size.
What Do I Do If I Bought The Wrong Unisex Size Shoe?
If you bought the wrong size shoe, check the retail stores’ returns policy. Most online and physical retail stores accept the exchange or return of shoes. It is good practice to test how the new shoe fits by wearing it for a short time and on a clean surface to avoid marks or dirt on the shoe soles. If the shoe doesn’t fit correctly, you can return the shoes in good condition.
International Shoe Systems Shoe Size Conversions
Most shoe stores have a size guide showing the standard sizes for their shoes. The size chart also display the size difference between regular sizes and others.
Shoe sizes vary between brands and shoe types. Online stores have brand-specific shoe sizing guides. The shoe size conversions indicate the shoe size system and gender size difference.
Is EU Shoe Sizing Unisex?
Yes, the EU shoe sizes (the European shoe size system) are unisex; European sizes are not age or gender-specific, but the fashion style may vary between male and female shoe fashion trends. The EU shoe sizes range from small to large, incorporating shoes for kids, women, and men; a man with a small foot could be wearing the same shoe size as a woman with a large foot.
Is UK Shoe Sizing Unisex?
Unlike the unisex European sizes, the UK and the US have different shoe sizes for men, women, and children. However, shoes in the UK shoe sizing can be unisex in styles and design. UK shoe sizes convert to two sizes smaller than US shoe sizes.
Is Japanese Shoe Sizing Unisex?
Yes, the Japanese shoe sizing is unisex. The shoe sizes are measured in centimeters with no separate shoe sizing charts for men, women, or children. It is straightforward to select the correct shoe size; the only conversion you may require is inches to centimeters.
Is Mexican Shoe Sizing Unisex?
No, Mexican shoe sizes aren’t unisex. However, the sizes are according to foot length measured in centimeters, which makes conversion easy. For example, a 20 cm foot length equals a size 20 shoe.
How Do I Select The Correct Unisex Running Shoe Size?
When selecting the right running shoes, runners often prefer one-half to one size larger than dress shoe sizes. The same rules apply to unisex running shoe sizes as other types of unisex shoes. Women should choose half to one size smaller than their standard shoe size for running shoes.
Is A Men’s Size 7 Medium Running Shoe The Same As A Women’s Size 7?
No, it isn’t. Before selecting a pair of unisex running shoes, make sure you know what standard-sized running shoes you wear. A men’s size medium running shoe is equivalent to a women’s size eight wide.
Although women’s shoe sizes are generally between 6 and 11 and men’s shoes larger sizes between 8 and 13, there is more to selecting the correct running shoe size. Running shoe designs often differ between the sexes; men’s running shoes are wider and larger, whereas the women’s running shoes are wider on the forefoot and narrower in the heel.
