Why should I measure my foot in centimetres before choosing a SA women's running shoe size?

We use centimetres because foot length in cm maps directly to size charts across brands and reduces guesswork between US/UK/EU systems; this is the most reliable starting point when buying running shoes online.

How do I measure my foot correctly at home?

Stand with your heel against a wall on paper, mark the longest toe, measure from the wall to the mark in centimetres, and record both feet - we recommend using the larger value when converting to size charts.

How should I convert my measured centimetres to a South African/UK size?

Round your foot length up to the nearest 0.5 cm, allow 0.5-1.0 cm extra room for running, then check the brand’s size chart to find the SA/UK equivalent, trusting the cm measurement if charts disagree.

What if an item description only lists US or EU sizes instead of centimetres?

We advise converting your measured cm value using the brand’s published conversion chart; when in doubt, prefer the centimetre measurement and step up by about 0.5 cm if user reviews note the model runs small.

What should I check when the shoes arrive to make sure the fit is right?

Try them on indoors with your running socks, stand and jog in place to check toe space and heel hold, and if toes feel tight swap for the next 0.5-1.0 cm up; if replacing a pair that fit well, compare the new insole length to your measured foot length.

Convert your measurements to SA women's running shoe sizes (cm)

Learn how to convert your foot measurement to South African women's running shoe sizes using centimetres. Step-by-step method, examples and practical tips.

Published:July 11, 2026

Updated:September 3, 2026

5 min read

Image supplied by 123RF

Measure in centimetres

Measure both feet, use the larger value, and round up to 0.5 cm.

Sources

NHS - Foot health: measuring your feet
Wikipedia - Shoe size
Consumer Reports - How to buy running shoes

Why converting to centimetres matters for women's running shoes

We know how frustrating it is to order running shoes and worry about the fit. Brands use different number systems (US, UK, EU) but most reliable fitting starts with the length of your foot in centimetres. Converting to SA sizes in cm helps you choose the right pair whether you're browsing trainers for a morning run or replacing a well-loved pair. Where helpful, we point you to our product categories so you can try options once you have your size.

Before you start: what you'll need

Plain paper, a pen and a ruler (or tape measure that shows mm/cm)
A wall to rest your heel against
The pair of socks you plan to run in
A helper if you prefer (they make measuring easier)

Step A - Measure your foot length in centimetres

Stand with your heel against the wall on the paper, weight evenly distributed. Mark the longest toe, then measure from the wall (0 cm) to that mark in centimetres. Record two measurements: one for each foot. Use the larger value when converting - most people have one foot slightly longer.

Quick comparison: two common sizing approaches

Feature	Measured foot length (cm)	In-shoe / footboard length
Accuracy	High when measured correctly; directly maps to size charts.	Medium - useful for older shoes but may be smaller than foot with socks.
When to use	Buying new running shoes online or cross-brand shopping.	When replacing an existing pair you already own and trust.
Conversion example	24.8 cm → use size chart to find SA/UK/EU equivalent.	Measure insole - often 0.5-1.0 cm shorter than foot length with socks.

How to convert centimetres to South African women's running sizes

We use centimetres as the neutral measure. Many SA retailers and brands label shoes using UK or EU sizes; most UK women’s sizes line up closely with South African numeric sizing. The simple process is: measure in cm, round up to the nearest 0.5 cm, then look up the brand's size chart. As a practical rule, allow 0.5-1.0 cm of extra room for running (toe-splay and downhill running).

Common conversion reference (example)

Below is a brief reference you can use as a starting point. Always compare to a brand-specific chart when available.

Foot length (cm)	Approx. SA/UK women’s size	Notes
22.5-23.0	4-5	Smaller foot; allow 0.5 cm extra for socks.
23.5-24.0	6-7	Common middle range for many women.
24.5-25.5	8-9	If between sizes, choose the larger and use insoles if needed.

Note: the table above is a practical example. Brands vary by about ±0.5 size. Always check the brand's published chart when you select a specific model.

When you’re ready to browse, our Sneakers collection and the broader Shoes hub are good places to compare models and view brand size charts.

Add as a preferred source on Google

Practical tips to make the conversion reliable

We recommend a small checklist you can repeat whenever buying women's running shoes online.

Checklist - before you buy

Measure both feet and use the larger value.
Round measurement up to the nearest 0.5 cm before checking a chart.
Allow 0.5-1.0 cm extra for running shoes (longer for wide feet or heavy downhill running).
Check brand-specific notes about narrow/wide fits or recommended running distance use.
Compare with an in-person pair you already own - measure that insole length if unsure.

If a brand provides US/EU sizes only

Convert centimetres to the listed system using the brand chart. When charts differ, trust the cm measurement over the number. If a model runs small in user reviews, step up by one half-size (≈0.5 cm).

What to do after the shoes arrive

Try them on indoors on a clean surface with your running socks.
Stand and walk, then jog briefly in place to check toe space and heel hold.
Check for pressure points - a new shoe should feel snug but not tight.
If they feel tight at the toes, swap for the next 0.5-1.0 cm up.

If you're replacing an older pair that fit well, measuring the insole and comparing that to your foot length often gives the fastest match. We also keep helpful product pages and brand hubs where size charts are shown for many models.

When you want to explore options, try our Women landing page for curated collections or the Brands hub to find manufacturer size charts. These pages make it easier to compare several models once you know your centimetre measurement.

We hope this makes converting your measurements into South African running shoe sizes easier. Measure in cm, allow a little room for running, and use brand charts when available - that approach gives the most consistent fits across the many trainers we list on Bash.

Last updated: September 3, 2026

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Convert your measurements to SA women's running shoe sizes (cm)

Measure in centimetres

Sources

Why Choose Bash?

Free Delivery

30-Day Returns

Nationwide Support

Why Choose Bash?

Free Delivery

30-Day Returns

Nationwide Support

Allow extra room

Check brand charts

Why converting to centimetres matters for women's running shoes

Before you start: what you'll need

Step A - Measure your foot length in centimetres

Quick comparison: two common sizing approaches

How to convert centimetres to South African women's running sizes

Common conversion reference (example)

Practical tips to make the conversion reliable

Checklist - before you buy

If a brand provides US/EU sizes only

What to do after the shoes arrive

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