In the US, it is widely known that the average shoe size for men is 10.5. There is also a relationship between men’s shoe sizes and height. Let’s find that connection.
Have you ever asked yourself if you have an extremely small or exceptionally large foot? In fact, it is not difficult to find the average shoe size for men as a lot of studies have analyzed this issue.
Accordingly, shoe size usually tends to be proportional to height, although it is impossible to use one size to forecast the other. Hence, the average shoe size for men is different, depending on height, age, and location, among many other contributing elements.
In this article, I will explain everything about the average shoe size for men, different factors affecting this average size, as well as the way you can measure your foot size at home.
For women, you can check out this article about average shoe size for women, where you can find information about shoe size in different countries too!
Average Shoe Size For Men
Even though there are no formal figures on the average shoe size for men in the United States and other nations, sizes are usually determined using figures. And the most common indexes used in shoe sizes are those of the United States, United Kingdom, and European Union.
So, what is the average shoe size for men? In fact, these sizes are often divided into several groups. Accordingly, some shoe size groups are more popular among the majority of the male population and tend to sell out faster than other groups. Eventually, this indicates the average shoe size for men.
As mentioned above, there is no official shoe size for men. However, it is widely believed that the average shoe size for men in the world is from 9 to 12 in 2014, while it is 10.5 for American men. Nevertheless, the variation between different sizes is not much, and it is only around a 1-inch difference.
Depending on different locations around the world, you might find a difference in sizes. For instance, the average shoe size for men in Europe will be a little bit different from that in the US. In particular, the men’s shoe sizes in European countries usually start from 32 to 50, which is equal to the 0.5 to 15.5 size range in the US. In other words, the average shoe size for men in Europe is from 42 to 43, whereas it is about 10 in the US.
To see more conversion charts between men’s and women’s shoe sizes, please check the link.
Average Male Shoe Size By Height
In the United States, the average men’s shoe size by height is usually around size 11, while it is size 9 for women. To find out your correct shoe size, simply measure your foot around the largest part from the heel’s bottom to the longest toe. And this will be your most accurate shoe size.
Even though you can easily find out your shoe size according to your feet size, it is still useful to know the average male shoe size by height. That being said, it can help you determine which shoe style will be the best option for you and if you really need a narrower or wider pair of shoes or not.
In fact, it is believed that the average shoe size for men varies by height. For example, if your height is 5ft 1in, you are likely to wear a size 11 in male shoes and a size 7 in ladies’ shoes. However, if you are 6ft 4in, the ideal shoe size for you is 12 in men’s shoes and 9 in women’s shoes.
Bigger shoe sizes are getting more and more common as lots of people want to fit larger clothes. However, they still want to maintain some level of comfort by wearing narrower shoes to make up for their longer feet. But basically, the average shoe size for men by height ranges between 6.8 and 10.5 inches.
In addition, there are so many different elements affecting shoe sizes, including foot shape and size, weight, height, etc. But it is advised to consider all of these factors after you understand your average shoe size by height. This way, you will get the best fit possible when picking shoe sizes.
When it comes to the average male shoe size by height, it usually refers to two different height measurements. In particular, the average shoe size for men, as you might know, is between 7 and 12. And this size range varies based on the measurements for the toe to heel. However, some shoe brands also offer an average range for men’s shoe sizes from 5 to 13, but most are from 7 to 12.
For more detail, let’s have a closer look at the following shoe size chart for men by height:
| Men’s average height | Average shoe size for men |
| Under 5ft 5in | 7 – 9 |
| 5ft 6in – 5ft 9in | 9.5 – 10.5 |
| 5ft 10in – 6ft 2in | 11 – 12.5 |
| Over 6ft 3in | 13 – 20+ |
You might also want to know the men’s international shoe size conversion chart in case your favorite brands are from different countries.
| US | EU | UK | Japan | Korea | China | CM | IN |
| 3.5 | 3 | 35 | 21.5 | 228 | 35 | 22.8 | 9 |
| 4 | 3.5 | 35.5 | 22 | 231 | 36 | 23.1 | 9.12 |
| 4.5 | 4 | 36 | 22.5 | 235 | 37 | 23.5 | 9.25 |
| 5 | 4.5 | 37 | 23 | 238 | 38 | 23.8 | 9.37 |
| 5.5 | 5 | 37.5 | 23.5 | 242 | 39 | 242 | 9.5 |
| 6 | 5.5 | 38 | 24 | 245 | 39.5 | 24.5 | 9.62 |
| 6.5 | 6 | 38.5 | 24.5 | 248 | 40 | 24.8 | 9.75 |
| 7 | 6.5 | 39 | 25 | 251 | 41 | 25.1 | 9.87 |
| 7.5 | 7 | 40 | 25.5 | 254 | – | 25.4 | 10 |
| 8 | 7.5 | 41 | 26 | 257 | 42 | 25.7 | 10.12 |
| 8.5 | 8 | 42 | 26.5 | 260 | 43 | 26 | 10.25 |
| 9 | 8.5 | 43 | 27 | 263 | 43.5 | 26.3 | 10.37 |
| 9.5 | 9 | 43.5 | 27.5 | 267 | 44 | 26.7 | 10.5 |
| 10 | 9.5 | 44 | 28 | 270 | 44.5 | 27 | 10.62 |
| 10.5 | 10 | 44.5 | 28.5 | 273 | 45 | 27.3 | 10.75 |
| 11 | 10.5 | 45 | 29 | 276 | 46 | 27.6 | 10.87 |
| 11.5 | 11 | 45.5 | 29.5 | 279 | – | 27.9 | 11 |
| 12 | 11.5 | 46 | 30 | 283 | 47 | 28.3 | 11.12 |
| 12.5 | 12 | 46.5 | 30.5 | 286 | 47.5 | 28.6 | 11.25 |
| 13 | 12.5 | 47 | 31 | 289 | 48 | 28.9 | 11.37 |
| 13.5 | 13 | 47.5 | 31.5 | 292 | – | 29.2 | 11.5 |
What Determines A Man’s Foot Size?
It is widely known that your feet size is a major factor determining your shoe size. In addition, there is a close association between your feet and your height that is largely controlled by genes. And in the matter of height, there is a relationship between height and shoe size.
As all of you might know, our feet are the key part supporting our bodies. They are made up of ligaments and muscles that help us stand up and move. So, the taller you are, the larger your feet are likely to be to support your weight and keep you stable.
The average foot-to-height ratio is 1:6, which means every 1 inch in your foot length is equivalent to your 6 inches in height. Of course, this is just an estimation. In fact, several people can wear wider or narrower than the measurements from this calculation. What’s more, lifestyle, diet, and life events might also affect your foot size.
For example, consuming foods with more vitamins, protein, and other crucial nutrients might make you taller. Some studies also show that this can determine your foot length and size.
Brand Sizing – An Essential Point to Consider for Your Shoe Size
As noted earlier, shoe sizes from different brands of sneakers vary. Hence, it is important to double-check your shoe size using a certain shoe brand’s sizing chart.
The fact is that you might find that a particular pair of shoe size that perfectly fits you at some point or another can end up being either larger or narrower when you are trying shoes on from another shoe brand. The key reason for this is the shortage of common standardization across different brands. For example, even internationally famous shoe brands such as Adidas and Nike with size 9 shoes will not share the same foot length measurements as other brands.
Sometimes, the variation in shoe size standardization can make it hard for you to track your shoe size for any shoe brand. Having said that, this can be a good thing too. Specific shoe brands have their own shoe size charts and guidelines so that you can double-check before deciding which size to buy.
This is particularly helpful if you are going to shop online instead of at stores as it allows you to determine the right size and fit for your feet type and size.
In addition to the brand sizing, shoe type size is another crucial thing to remember when it comes to the average shoe size (for men). You should keep in mind that bots, sneakers, running shoes, or normal shoes will have different sizes.
Most of the time, boots and sneakers are designed to be a little bit bigger than your casual shoes. So, always consider the shoe type sizes as well as brand sizes determining your final shoe size.
How To Know Your Right Shoe Size?
Generally speaking, shoe sizes are usually measured in both width and length. Accordingly, the number marked on the shoes is the shoe length. If there is any letter (such as A, B, D, E, 2A, 4E, etc.) following the number, then it indicates the shoe width. Men’s shoes are mainly of medium/standard width, for instance, D. There are also other special widths for male’s shoes, ranging from A to 4E or more.
In fact, there are so various ways to find the right shoe size for you. If possible, you can go to local stores that measure feet. You can also find the correct size at home by yourself. In this case, all you need is a tape measure, a piece of paper, and a pen.
Wear your socks if you want. Then stand straight on the paper that is put on a flat floor.
Draw a line or mark a dot on the paper with your longest toe and heel positions. Also, mark two dots of the distance between the widest parts of your foot.
The length from your heel to the furthest spot on your toes is considered the ideal shoe length. And measuring the largest points at either side of your foot will give the ideal shoe width.
Maybe lots of you know this, but it is always recommended to measure your feet in the late afternoon. This is because your feet tend to swell or expand a little bit during this time.
Besides, it is better to wear thinner socks than normal when trying on new shoes. Thereby, you can rest assured that the shoe will not be too narrow after choosing the same size as from a shoe size chart from a specific brand or shoe style you love.
Is 11.5 A Big Shoe Size For Men?
In fact, size 11.5 in men’s shoes is relatively popular, but it is not that strange. In fact, you can easily find men’s shoes with an 11.5 size from different brands and shoe styles. In fact, lots of shoe stores offer shoe sizes for men of up to 12. But it is unlikely to find shoes that are larger than 12 in most stores.
What Is The Average Shoe Size For a 6’2 Man?
The average shoe size for men who are 6ft 2in is usually around 11.5. However, it should be noted that this size is not always true for everyone. In fact, you might want to take or give an inch, depending on the shoe style and brand. So, the ideal average shoe size for a 6’2 man will be between 11 and 12.5.
What Is Shoe Size Considered Big For Men?
These days, shoe size over 14 is considered big for men as a lot of shoe brands offer the biggest shoe sizes for men going up to 13 or 14. However, it is quite difficult to find the right shoe size in the men’s section. But size 13 or 14 is also really big that you can expect to fit. In case you are not fitted with that size, some shoe manufacturers offer made-to-order services that are great for men with extra-large feet.
Why Do Average Shoe Sizes Increase?
Your feet might be growing when you get older because of the weight loss or gain in the tendons and ligaments. Therefore, the chances are you might want to get a larger pair of shoes than before. Accordingly, the average woman’s feet have increased by over one size since the early 20th century. Meanwhile, men’s feet are also getting larger over time.
There are a few reasons causing the increase in our feet. The first reason is because of our eating habits when we were young. We ate a lot of foods with high calories, which are said to make our feet larger.
In the beginning, women usually wore shoes with a size 3.5 or 4, but this size increased to 5.5 in the 1940s. And after around 30 years, women’s average shoe sizes have significantly increased to 7.5. And now, the average shoe size for women has even increased by 1 size, which is 8.5.
Not only in the US but other nations, such as the UK, also see the increase in women’s feet sizes. As a result, lots of women have to purchase bigger shoe sizes, which might cause some discomfort and embarrassment for them.
As a result, a lot choose to wear shoes that are too narrow for their feet. This is not a good idea to do as it can result in foot pain, sores, and other issues, such as knee and back pain, injuries, headaches, etc. In addition, some choose fashion instead of comfort. In fact, they often feel that larger shoes are not as stylish as smaller ones.
The problem here is that many shoe stores don’t offer such extra-large sizes for both women and men even when more and more people now tend to wear larger shoes. And this might make it more difficult when they have to order special sizes that perfectly fit them.
For women, pregnancy might also make their feet bigger. During pregnancy, women’s feet tend to be expanded. This is considered because a kind of relaxing hormone loosens their feet’ ligaments and fonts, making the structure more pliable and getting bigger.
What If Your Feet Are Off The Normal Size Range?
There is no need to worry if your feet are not in the medium/normal size range. It is said that foot size for both men and women is getting larger every year. Nowadays, lots of people prefer to purchase bigger shoes as their feet tend to be larger than ever before.
In addition, the most common sneaker sizes are also increasing. So, if you have large feet now, your foot size might get smaller over time as it tends to get larger all the time.
But the more important thing is to find the right shoe size that fits you well. You should not feel uncomfortable and in pain when wearing your shoes. Even when you choose the corresponding size in a shoe size chart, you can always go up or down one or two sizes to get the most comfortable fit. This is because different types of sneakers and brands may have different size charts.
Conclusion
So, now you know that the average shoe size for men is around 10.5, with the estimated measurement taken from a 5ft 10in man. In fact, there will be a little difference between countries, brands, and shoe styles. However, this variation is not much, which is usually a 1-inch difference.
While your shoe size can be associated with your height, all shoe sizes are considered normal. This means that you can also decide your shoe size based on your height. But everything is just relative. You need to measure your foot length, width as well. Ultimately, choose the shoe size that makes you feel most comfortable all day long, even when it might be larger or smaller than the suggested size in a shoe size chart.
