Japan Shoe Size Guide

Complete guide to Japanese shoe sizing (JIS) with conversion charts for US, EU, UK sizes and Japanese brand sizing

Understanding Japanese Shoe Sizing (JIS)

Japan uses the JIS (Japanese Industrial Standards) sizing system for shoes, which is based on actual foot measurement in centimeters. Unlike US or UK sizing that uses arbitrary numbering systems, Japanese sizes directly correspond to your foot length, making it the most straightforward sizing system in the world.

How It Works: If you measure your foot and it's 25.5 centimeters long, you wear a Japanese size 25.5 (or sometimes labeled as 255, which means 25.5 cm). There's no complex conversion or formula - the size IS your measurement.

Japanese shoes typically come in 0.5 cm increments (24.0, 24.5, 25.0, 25.5, etc.), though some brands offer 0.25 cm increments for very precise fitting. This precision is one reason Japanese shoes often fit more consistently than Western brands.

Why Japanese Sizing is Better

The Japanese sizing system offers several advantages:

• Universal: Same for men and women - size 26 is 26 cm regardless of gender
• Accurate: Based on actual measurement, not arbitrary numbers
• Consistent: Less variation between brands compared to US/EU sizing
• Easy Conversion: Just measure your foot in centimeters and you know your size
• No Confusion: No separate systems for athletic vs dress shoes

Japan to US Size Conversion Chart

Men's Sizes

Women's Sizes

Japanese Shoe Brands and Their Sizing

Asics

Asics, one of Japan's most famous athletic shoe brands, generally fits true to Japanese size. An Asics size 27 fits a 27 cm foot accurately. Asics shoes tend to run narrow to medium width, which suits the average Japanese foot shape. If you have wide feet, consider sizing up 0.5 cm or looking for Asics wide width options (marked as 2E or 4E).

For international Asics shoes, the sizing can vary slightly from Japanese domestic models. Import Asics from Japan tend to fit more narrow and true-to-size compared to Asics sold in US stores, which are adapted for wider Western feet.

Mizuno

Mizuno running and athletic shoes fit true to Japanese sizing with a slightly narrow to medium width. Mizuno Wave series runs true to size. Mizuno also offers wide width options (2E, 3E) for their Japanese market shoes. Like Asics, Mizuno shoes sold in Western markets may fit differently than Japanese domestic models.

Onitsuka Tiger

Onitsuka Tiger (Asics' lifestyle brand) generally fits true to Japanese size. Their retro-style sneakers like Mexico 66 and California run true to size with medium width. These shoes have a snug, performance-oriented fit typical of Japanese athletic heritage shoes.

Moonstar

Moonstar, a traditional Japanese shoe manufacturer, fits true to Japanese sizing. They're known for quality construction and comfortable fits. Moonstar offers various width options in their Japanese market shoes.

Japanese Luxury Brands

Japanese luxury shoe brands like Hender Scheme, Visvim, and Comme des Garçons typically use Japanese sizing. These high-end shoes usually fit true to size with precise construction. Always check the specific brand's size chart as luxury brands may have unique sizing.

Shopping for Shoes in Japan

Measuring for Japanese Shoes

To find your Japanese size, simply measure your foot length in centimeters. Stand on paper, trace your foot, and measure from heel to longest toe. This measurement IS your Japanese size. For example, if your foot measures 26.2 cm, you would wear size 26 or 26.5 (round up to nearest 0.5 cm available).

Japanese Shoe Store Tips

When shopping in Japanese shoe stores:

• Sizes are always listed in centimeters on shoe boxes
• Width options are common - look for E, 2E, 3E, 4E markings
• Staff will usually measure your feet if you ask
• Japanese shoes tend to run narrow compared to Western shoes
• Try shoes on both feet - Japanese stores expect this

Online Shopping from Japanese Retailers

When buying from Japanese online stores like Rakuten, Amazon.jp, or Zozo:

• Check if sizes are listed in cm (Japanese) or converted to US/EU
• Read product descriptions for fit notes (narrow, wide, true-to-size)
• Check return policies - international returns can be complicated
• Look for products with customer reviews mentioning fit
• Be aware that Japanese domestic sizes may differ from export versions

Japanese Sizing vs Other Systems

Japan vs US Sizing

US sizing uses barleycorn units (1/3 inch increments) and has different scales for men and women. A US men's 9 is roughly 27 cm, while a US women's 9 is about 26 cm. Japanese sizing eliminates this confusion - size 27 is 27 cm for everyone.

Japan vs EU Sizing

European sizing uses a formula: (foot length cm × 1.5) + 2 = EU size. So a 26 cm foot equals roughly EU 41. While EU sizing is also based on centimeters, it's not as direct as Japanese sizing. EU sizes can vary slightly between brands.

Japan vs UK Sizing

UK sizing is similar to US but offset by approximately 1 size. Like US sizing, it uses barleycorn units and has gender-specific scales. A UK 8 (men's) is approximately 27 cm, similar to a Japanese 27.

Japan vs China Sizing

Chinese sizing also uses centimeters but may be labeled differently. Chinese sizes might be marked as "250" for 25.0 cm or "41" (borrowing from European system). Some Chinese brands use millimeters (255 mm = 25.5 cm). Always check the measurement unit.

Japanese Shoe Width System

Japanese shoes often come in multiple widths for the same length size:

• B: Narrow width
• D or E: Standard width (most common)
• 2E (EE): Wide width
• 3E (EEE): Extra wide
• 4E (EEEE): Extra extra wide

This width system is similar to US width designations but more commonly used in Japan. Having multiple width options ensures better fit, especially important given that average Japanese feet tend to be narrower than Western feet.

Common Questions About Japanese Shoe Sizing

Do Japanese shoes run small?

Japanese shoes don't run small if you're using Japanese sizing correctly. However, if you're converting from US sizes, you might think they run small because the numbers are different. A US men's 9 is approximately Japanese 27 cm. Also, Japanese shoes tend to run narrow, which can make them feel small if you have wide feet.

What if my foot is between sizes?

If your foot measures between standard sizes (like 26.3 cm), round up to the next available size (26.5). It's better to have slightly more room than too little. You can use insoles or thicker socks to fine-tune the fit.

Are Japanese shoe sizes the same as Korean?

Korean sizing is very similar to Japanese sizing - both use centimeters. However, Korean shoes may have slightly different fit characteristics. Always check the specific brand's size chart.

How do I convert mm to Japanese shoe size?

Divide millimeters by 10 to get centimeters. For example, 265 mm = 26.5 cm = Japanese size 26.5.