You're standing in a boutique, or maybe you're staring at a checkout screen on a site based in Milan. You see the number 37. You think, "Okay, I'm a 6.5, that sounds about right." Then the shoes arrive. They're tiny. Or maybe they’re weirdly loose. It’s annoying. Honestly, converting EU 37 to US size isn't just a simple math problem because shoe brands are notoriously inconsistent.
The truth is that a European 37 is one of those "swing" sizes. Depending on whether you are looking at women's, men's, or kids' footwear, that number 37 starts meaning very different things the moment it crosses the Atlantic.
The Basic Math of EU 37 to US Size
Let's get the standard answer out of the way first. In most cases, a women's EU 37 translates to a US 6.5.
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That’s the baseline. If you look at a brand like Nike or Adidas, they generally stick to this. But here is where it gets messy. Some luxury brands—think Gucci or Prada—cut their shoes slightly differently. In the world of high-end Italian leather, a 37 might feel closer to a US 7 because they use "Paris points" which measure $2/3$ of a centimeter per increment. The US system uses barleycorns, which are $1/3$ of an inch.
Math is weird.
If you are looking at men's sizes, a 37 is quite small by American standards. It usually maps to a US men’s 4.5 or 5. For kids? A 37 is often a "Big Kid" size 4.5Y or 5Y. You see the problem. You can’t just trust a generic chart you found on a random blog. You have to know the context of the shoe.
Why European Sizing is Actually Better (Kinda)
European sizing is unisex. That’s the big secret.
A 37 is a 37 whether it’s a combat boot or a stiletto. The US system splits everything by gender, which adds a layer of confusion that honestly doesn't need to exist. When you convert EU 37 to US size, you are jumping from a metric-based system into a system based on old English units of measurement. It’s like trying to translate a poem from French to English—you get the gist, but the "feeling" (the fit) changes.
Brand Matters More Than the Number
Let’s talk real-world examples. If you buy a pair of Birkenstocks, a 37 is a very specific thing. Birkenstock actually labels their 37 as a US Women's 6-6.5. Because of the molded footbed, they want you to have a bit of "wiggle room" at the toes and heel.
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Compare that to Steve Madden. Their 37 is almost always a strict 6.5. If you have a wider foot, that Madden 37 is going to pinch.
Then there’s New Balance. They are the kings of technical fit. In their world, the conversion for EU 37 to US size is usually a 6.5, but because they offer different widths (B, D, 2E), the length might be right while the volume of the shoe feels totally off.
- Luxury Labels: Often run large. A 37 might fit like a 7.
- Athletic Brands: Often run small. A 37 might feel like a 6.
- Fast Fashion: Highly inconsistent. Zara's 37 is a gamble every single time.
The "Pointy Toe" Tax
If you are buying a shoe with a pointed toe—think pumps or certain Chelsea boots—the EU 37 is going to feel smaller than a rounded-toe US 6.5. This is because the European system measures the length of the last (the foot-shaped mold), not necessarily your foot.
If the last is pointy, your toes can't actually reach the end. You lose about half a size of space. So, if you are an EU 37 in sneakers, you might actually need an EU 38 in a sharp Italian heel just to keep your pinky toe from screaming.
Don't Forget the Centimeters
If you want to be 100% sure, stop looking at the US or EU numbers. Look at the CM (centimeters) or MM (millimeters) measurement. A European 37 is generally designed for a foot that is 23.5 centimeters long.
Go get a piece of paper. Trace your foot. Measure it with a ruler. If your foot is exactly 23.5 cm, the 37 is your soulmate. If you’re at 23.8 cm, you better start looking at a 38.
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Practical Steps for a Perfect Fit
Buying shoes online is a risk, but you can mitigate it. Don't just click "buy" on that EU 37 to US size conversion.
First, check the "Size & Fit" notes on the specific product page. Reliable retailers like Nordstrom or Net-a-Porter will literally tell you "Runs small; order one size up." Trust them. They handle the returns; they don't want your business if the shoe doesn't fit.
Second, look at the material. Leather stretches. Synthetic materials do not. An EU 37 in soft lambskin will eventually mold to your US 7-ish foot. A 37 in patent leather or heavy-duty plastic will stay exactly that size until the end of time.
Finally, check the "Heel-to-Toe" drop. If you're buying a flat shoe, the 37-to-6.5 conversion is usually safe. If it’s a high heel, your foot will slide forward, potentially making that 37 feel cramped in the toe box.
Measure your foot in centimeters during the afternoon. Your feet swell throughout the day. If you measure at 8 AM, you’re getting a "false small" reading. Use that 23.5 cm benchmark as your guide for the 37, but always leave a few millimeters of clearance for socks and the inevitable afternoon puffiness.