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Chinese shoe size to US conversion often confuses buyers because China uses a centimeter-based sizing system, while the United States uses a numerical length-and-width system. As a result, Chinese shoe sizes do not directly match US sizes without proper conversion.
If you are buying shoes made in China—whether for personal use, e-commerce, or wholesale—understanding Chinese shoe size to US conversion is essential to avoid costly returns and unhappy customers.
For sellers and importers sourcing footwear from China, sizing errors are one of the most common and expensive mistakes.Because wholesale websites like Alibaba don’t always provide this information.
How Chinese Shoe Sizes Work
Before converting Chinese shoe size to US, it’s important to understand how Chinese sizing is defined.
Chinese Shoe Size Basics
- Based on foot length in centimeters (cm)
- Sometimes shown as millimeters (e.g., 250mm = 25.0cm)
- Usually does not include width information
For example:
- Chinese size 250 = foot length of 25.0 cm
This system is more precise than US sizing, but it requires accurate measurement and confirmation with suppliers.
Most Chinese shoe factories rely on foot length (cm), not US size labels.
Chinese Shoe Size to US Conversion Chart (Men & Women)
Men’s Chinese Shoe Size to US
| Foot Length (CM) | China Size | US Men Size |
|---|---|---|
| 24.5 cm | 245 | 6.5 |
| 25.0 cm | 250 | 7 |
| 25.5 cm | 255 | 8 |
| 26.0 cm | 260 | 8.5 |
| 26.5 cm | 265 | 9 |
| 27.0 cm | 270 | 9.5 |
| 27.5 cm | 275 | 10 |
| 28.0 cm | 280 | 10.5 |
| 28.5 cm | 285 | 11 |
Women’s Chinese Shoe Size to US
| Foot Length (CM) | China Size | US Women Size |
|---|---|---|
| 22.5 cm | 225 | 5 |
| 23.0 cm | 230 | 6 |
| 23.5 cm | 235 | 6.5 |
| 24.0 cm | 240 | 7 |
| 24.5 cm | 245 | 8 |
| 25.0 cm | 250 | 8.5 |
| 25.5 cm | 255 | 9 |
📌 Always confirm with the supplier — some factories round sizes differently or use custom lasts.
For wholesale or private-label orders, always request the factory’s own size chart.
👉 Contact us to verify shoe sizing with factories in China
Why Chinese Shoe Size to US Conversions Vary
Even with charts, Chinese shoe size to US conversion can vary between suppliers.
Common Reasons
- Different shoe lasts used by factories
- No universal width standard
- Brand-specific sizing adjustments
- Differences between fashion shoes and athletic shoes
This is why foot length in centimeters is the most reliable reference when sourcing from China.
How to Measure Foot Length Correctly (For China Sizes)
To ensure accurate Chinese shoe size to US conversion, proper measurement is essential.
Measurement Steps
- Stand on a piece of paper
- Mark the heel and longest toe
- Measure the distance in centimeters
- Add 0.5 cm for comfort
Chinese suppliers usually request foot length rather than US size labels.
Accurate measurements reduce returns, rework, and sizing disputes.
Chinese Shoe Sizes vs US vs EU (Quick Comparison)
| Foot Length (CM) | China | US Men | US Women | EU |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24.0 | 240 | 6 | 7 | 38 |
| 25.0 | 250 | 7 | 8.5 | 40 |
| 26.0 | 260 | 8.5 | 10 | 42 |
| 27.0 | 270 | 9.5 | 11 | 43 |
This comparison is especially helpful for global e-commerce sellers serving multiple markets.
Tips When Buying Shoes From China
When dealing with Chinese shoe size to US conversion, follow these best practices:
Buyer Tips
- Always ask for cm-based size charts
- Request pre-production samples
- Clearly separate men’s and women’s sizing
- Confirm whether sizes run small or large
- Test multiple sizes if selling online
For bulk or private-label orders, sizing mistakes can be extremely expensive.
Professional sourcing support helps prevent size-related losses in bulk orders.
👉 Get help sourcing and testing footwear from China
Chinese Shoe Size to US for Wholesale & E-commerce Sellers
If you are sourcing shoes for Amazon, Shopify, or retail distribution, sizing clarity is critical.
Best Practices for Sellers
- Display US size + CM measurement
- Add a clear sizing disclaimer
- Include printable or visual size guides
- Expect higher return rates without sizing clarity
Many professional sellers also use size inserts or fit notes to reduce customer confusion.
Is Chinese Shoe Size Smaller Than US?
Generally speaking:
- Yes, Chinese shoes often run slightly smaller than US sizes
- This is especially common in fashion and low-cost footwear
Sizing up by 0.5–1 US size is common practice unless otherwise confirmed by samples.
Final Thoughts: Chinese Shoe Size to US Made Simple
Understanding Chinese shoe size to US conversion is essential when buying or sourcing footwear from overseas. The key takeaway is simple:
👉 Always rely on foot length in centimeters, not just size numbers.
With proper measurement, clear communication, and accurate charts, converting Chinese shoe sizes to US becomes straightforward—and helps you avoid sizing issues, returns, and unhappy customers.
If you are sourcing shoes from China for wholesale or e-commerce, working with an experienced sourcing partner can save significant time and cost.
👉 Contact us to support your footwear sourcing in China
