Let’s be real for a second. If you are searching for 36 cm to inches shoe size, you aren’t just looking for a quick math conversion. You’re likely dealing with the logistical nightmare of having exceptionally large feet. Maybe you’re an athlete, maybe it’s just genetics, or maybe you’re buying a gift for someone who towers over the average person.
Conversion is easy. Finding the shoes? That’s the hard part.
Mathematically, 36 centimeters translates to 14.17 inches. In the world of footwear, that isn't just "big." It’s astronomical. Most standard shoe stores stop their inventory at 30 cm or 31 cm. When you hit the 36 cm mark, you are entering the territory of custom builds, specialty NBA-grade suppliers, and specific European luxury brands that cater to the outlier.
Why 36 cm to inches shoe size is a specialized niche
Most people walk around in shoes that are 24 to 28 centimeters long. When you jump to 36 cm, the physics of the shoe changes. The arch support needs to be reinforced. The materials have to withstand significantly more leverage and torque. If you just take a standard sneaker design and "embiggen" it to 14.17 inches, the proportions usually end up looking like clown shoes because the width-to-length ratio doesn't scale linearly.
It's massive. Seriously.
To put this in perspective, a foot that is 36 cm long typically requires a US Men's size 18 or 19. In the UK, you’re looking at a size 17.5. In the European (EU) system, you are off the standard charts, likely landing somewhere around a size 53 or 54.
I’ve seen people try to squeeze into a 13.5-inch shoe because they liked the style, only to end up with chronic ingrown toenails and plantar fasciitis. Don't do that. Your feet are the foundation of your entire kinetic chain. If the foundation is cramped, your knees and lower back will pay the price within months.
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The conversion math you actually need
Here is the breakdown. One inch is exactly 2.54 centimeters.
To get your number, you take $36 / 2.54$. That gives you $14.1732...$ inches.
But wait. Shoe sizing isn't just the length of your foot. You need "wiggle room." Industry experts like those at the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) generally suggest leaving about half an inch (1.27 cm) of space between your longest toe and the front of the shoe. This means if your foot is 36 cm, your shoe internal length should technically be closer to 37.2 cm.
If you buy a shoe that is exactly 14.17 inches internally, your toes will hit the end every time you take a step. That's a recipe for bruised nail beds.
Where do you even buy these?
You won't find these at a local mall. Even "Big and Tall" shops often cap out at size 15 or 16.
- 2BigFeet: This is a go-to for many. They specialize in the size 14 to 22 range. They understand that a size 18 buyer needs a different level of cushioning than a size 9 buyer.
- Oddball Shoe Company: Based in Portland, they’ve been the savior of the giant-footed community for decades. They carry actual athletic gear, not just dress shoes.
- Nike and Adidas Player Exclusives: Sometimes, these brands release "PE" overstock. You can occasionally find size 18 or 19 kicks on secondary markets like GOAT or StockX, though they are often priced as collector items.
- Friedman's Shoes: Located in Atlanta, this legendary spot has been the "shoe store to the stars" (specifically NBA stars) for years. If you need a size 18 dress shoe that doesn't look like a boat, they are the authorities.
The common mistakes with 36 cm feet
People often confuse "foot length" with "insole length."
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If you pull the insole out of a shoe and measure it, it should be longer than your foot. Period. For a 36 cm to inches shoe size transition, if the insole is exactly 14.17 inches, the shoe is too small. You need that extra clearance.
Width is the other killer.
Big feet are rarely narrow. Usually, a foot that long is also quite wide (2E, 4E, or even 6E). A lot of manufacturers make long shoes but keep them on a "D" width last, which makes the shoe feel like a literal pipe. It’s tight on the sides and empty at the front. You have to check the width measurements. Brands like New Balance are famous for offering multiple widths in their larger sizes, which is a lifesaver for the 36 cm crowd.
Does the brand matter?
Absolutely. Sizing is not a universal law.
A Nike size 18 is not the same as a dress shoe size 18. Formal shoes (think Allen Edmonds or Johnston & Murphy) tend to run "large," meaning you might actually need a size 17. Sneakers usually run "small," so you might need to hunt for a 19. It is frustrating. It’s inconsistent. It's the reality of the footwear industry.
Professional measuring is non-negotiable
Go find a Brannock Device. That’s the silver metal sliding thing you see in old-school shoe stores. But here’s the catch: most standard Brannock devices only go up to size 15. You need to find a "Large Size" Brannock device.
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If you can't find one, use the "wall method."
- Place a piece of paper against a wall.
- Stand on it with your heel firmly touching the wall.
- Mark the tip of your longest toe (usually the big toe, but sometimes the second toe).
- Measure that distance in millimeters.
- If it’s 360mm, you are exactly at our target.
Engineering a shoe for a 14-inch foot
Think about the leverage involved. A person with a 36 cm foot is likely heavy or very tall. Every step puts immense pressure on the midfoot. Cheap shoes will "bottom out" quickly because the foam isn't dense enough to support that kind of weight distribution.
Look for shoes with polyurethane (PU) midsoles rather than just standard EVA foam. PU lasts longer and doesn't compress as easily. You also want a solid shank—that's the structural piece in the arch—to prevent the shoe from folding in half under your weight.
Critical Action Steps for 36 cm Feet
Stop guessing. If you are at the 36 cm mark, you are in the 99.9th percentile of foot size. You cannot shop like a normal person.
- Measure at night. Your feet swell throughout the day. A 36 cm foot in the morning can easily be 36.5 cm by 6:00 PM. Always measure when your feet are at their largest.
- Ignore the "Size" number. Focus on the "CM" or "JP" (Japanese) sizing on the tag. It is the most accurate measurement of the shoe's internal length. If the tag says 36.0, and your foot is 36.0, put the shoe back. You need a tag that says 37.0.
- Invest in socks. Don't buy "one size fits all" socks. They will overstretch, pull on your toes, and cause circulation issues. Look for "XL" or "XXL" socks specifically designed for sizes 16+.
- Verify the return policy. Since you’ll likely be ordering online, ensure the retailer offers free returns. Shipping a box that fits a size 18 shoe is expensive because of the "dimensional weight." You don't want to be stuck with a $150 pair of shoes that are 2mm too short.
- Consult a podiatrist. If you are having trouble finding comfortable shoes at this size, a specialist can create custom orthotics. This allows you to buy a slightly larger, neutral shoe and "fill it" with the specific support your unique arch requires.
Navigation of the 36 cm to inches shoe size world is about precision. It is about accepting that you won't find shoes on the clearance rack and that you'll likely pay a premium for the extra material and specialized engineering required to keep you mobile. Stick to the CM measurement on the tongue of the shoe—it is the only truth in a world of varying international size charts.