How should we measure our foot at home to get the most reliable size?

We place a blank sheet on a hard floor, stand with our heel against a wall wearing the socks we’ll use with the sneaker, mark the longest toe, and measure from the wall to the mark in centimetres; we repeat for both feet and use the larger measurement.

How do we convert our foot length in cm to a South African shoe size if the brand doesn’t provide a chart?

We use foot-length bands as a practical starting point-for example 26.0-26.9 cm typically converts to EU 41 / UK 7-8 / US 8-9, and retail labelling in South Africa will most often show size 41-then we cross-check with the product’s listed cm measurement where possible.

What should we do if our measurement falls between two sizes?

If we’re between sizes, we generally choose the larger size for casual sneakers and step down only for very slim-fit fashion styles if we prefer a snug fit; for wide feet we consider stepping up half a size or selecting a wide-fit option.

How do we check width and fit for running or daily-wear trainers?

We look for brand notes about narrow or wide lasts and allow roughly a thumb’s width (about 1-1.5 cm) from the longest toe to the shoe’s front when standing, and we size up one full size if we have high arches or plan to wear thick socks.

How should we size kids’ and infant sneakers to allow for growth and activity?

For children we measure them standing and add about 1-1.5 cm of growth room for active wear, while for infants we allow roughly 0.5-1 cm of extra space to account for natural growth.

Sizing guide for sneakers in South Africa - convert

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Sizing guide for sneakers in South Africa - convert | Bash

Why international size conversions matter

Buying sneakers from international brands or global product pages can mean seeing US, UK or EU sizes rather than the size label you expect locally. We’ve seen shoppers get the wrong fit when a US 9 looked like a SA 9 on a label but measured differently. This guide shows practical, repeatable steps to convert between systems and checks to reduce returns and discomfort.

A quick rule of thumb

The most dependable measurement is your foot length in centimetres (cm). Converting by length and then cross-checking that result with brand size charts (when available) gives the best chance of a good fit. Below is a simple conversion table you can use as a working reference.

Conversion snapshot

Feature	International (US / UK / EU)	South African reference
Typical men’s running sneaker	US 9 / UK 8 / EU 42	SA generally sold as 42 (measure to confirm)
Typical women’s sneaker	US 7 / UK 5 / EU 38	SA generally sold as 38 (check brand chart)
Kids’ sneaker example	US 3 / UK 2.5 / EU 35	SA usually labelled 35 (confirm with foot cm)

Why we used length rather than labels

Labels vary by brand and by gender split. A US 9 in one brand can measure slightly different to a US 9 in another. Measuring foot length (in cm) and comparing it to a brand’s measured-toe-to-heel chart is the most reliable method. We recommend doing this every time you buy from a brand you haven’t tried before.

Tools you’ll need

Ruler or measuring tape that reads in centimetres
Blank paper and pen
Regular socks you’ll wear with the sneaker
Calm space to stand straight for the measurement

If you prefer to shop by category first, explore our Sneakers or Sneakers category pages to compare product descriptions and see which listings include detailed size charts.

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Step-by-step: measure and convert at home

1. Measure your foot to the nearest millimetre

Place the paper on a hard floor and stand with your heel against a wall. With socks on, mark the longest toe and measure from the wall to the mark in centimetres. Repeat both feet and use the larger measurement. Note it down (for example: 26.7 cm).

2. Convert centimetres to the label size

Use the brand’s chart if it’s provided. If it’s not, a practical conversion for adults is:

Foot length 24.1-24.9 cm → EU 38 / UK 5-6 / US 6-7
Foot length 25.0-25.9 cm → EU 39 / UK 6-7 / US 7-8
Foot length 26.0-26.9 cm → EU 41 / UK 7-8 / US 8-9

These are practical bands not exact science - treat them as a starting point. If you’re between sizes, pick the larger size for casual sneakers and the smaller for very slim-fit fashion styles only if you prefer a snug fit.

3. Check width and intended use

Some brands use narrow or wide lasts. If you have a wide forefoot, step up half a size or choose a wide-fit option. For running and daily-wear trainers, allow about a thumb’s width (roughly 1-1.5 cm) from the longest toe to the shoe’s front when standing.

4. Confirm with product photos and reviews

Read listing notes about fit (runs small, true to size, room in toe box) and customer reviews mentioning size. When available, look for an in-page brand size chart and compare the listed cm against your measured foot length.

If you plan to buy multiple pairs or different styles, keep a short personal chart: your foot length, the size you buy for that brand, and whether it fit. Over time that note saves returns and gives better confidence for online shopping.

Examples: converting common international labels to SA practice

Example: you measure 26.3 cm. Many brand charts will show this around EU 41 / US 8 / UK 7. In South Africa retail labelling you’ll most often see that as size 41. Always cross-check with the product’s cm measurement.

If you’re buying kids’ sneakers, measure with the child standing and add 1-1.5 cm growth room for active wear. For infants, choose about 0.5-1 cm of extra space.

When to size up or down

Size up one full size if you have high arches or plan to use thick socks (especially in winter).
Consider half a size up for long-distance running shoes to avoid toe impact (hill descents).
Downsize only when brand notes say the model is roomy and you prefer a tighter, fashion fit.

Need curated sneaker options after you convert? Try browsing our Brands hub or the Sneakers category to filter by size availability and see product size charts where provided.

Returns and testing at home

When your order arrives, test indoors on carpet first. Wear the socks you measured in, stand and walk a few steps, and check for heel slip and toe room. If it’s wrong, follow the seller’s returns process quickly - many brands in South Africa allow returns within a set period if packaging is intact.

Practical South African examples

At Bash we see shoppers buying international-brand sneakers and choosing the wrong size by assuming label names match across regions. For a local commuter who measured 25.6 cm, converting to an EU 40 / US 7.5 and checking the product’s cm chart avoided a return - a small practical win that costs nothing but a minute to check.

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Sizing guide for sneakers in South Africa - convert US, UK and EU sizes

Measure in centimetres

Sources

Why Choose Bash?

Free Delivery

30-Day Returns

Nationwide Support

Why Choose Bash?

Free Delivery

30-Day Returns

Nationwide Support

Use brand charts

Allow room for activity

Why international size conversions matter

A quick rule of thumb

Conversion snapshot

Why we used length rather than labels

Tools you’ll need

Step-by-step: measure and convert at home

1. Measure your foot to the nearest millimetre

2. Convert centimetres to the label size

3. Check width and intended use

4. Confirm with product photos and reviews

Examples: converting common international labels to SA practice

When to size up or down

Returns and testing at home

Practical South African examples

Mmaphefo

Ukhona

Sambesiwe

Kamo

"Micayla"

Sabelo

Meagan

Bat

Anotha

Tshepiso

Elisa

Nqobile

Nicky

Melaney

Thina

Gwayimane

Phumelelo

Fenkie

Roxanne

Charlize

Refilwe

Dimane

Seth

Neil

Kirsti

Fatima

Nicolette

Ronel

Inge

Valerie

Adri

Chadley

Makhosonke

Mabel

Simo

Sharon

Nobuhle

Angelique Davis

Thabile

Arlene

Kgomotso

Kgosi

Steven

Kago

Reitumetse

Anina

Azwihangwisi

Marlene

Nkensane

Moreblessings

Palesa

Nonkasazana

Talifhani