You’re standing in the middle of a shoe aisle, or more likely, staring at a checkout screen with three different tabs open. It’s frustrating. You know you’re a US 7.5, but the drop-down menu is haunting you with numbers like 38, 38.5, and 39. Finding a 7.5 in European size shouldn't feel like solving a quadratic equation, yet here we are.
Sizing is weirdly subjective. Brands like Adidas, Nike, and Birkenstock all seem to have their own "truth" about what a 7.5 actually means when it crosses the Atlantic. If you just grab a 38 and hope for the best, you might end up with pinched toes or a heel that slides out like a flip-flop. Honestly, the industry needs a universal standard, but since we don't have one, we have to navigate the chaos ourselves.
Why 7.5 in European size is so confusing
The math is the first problem. US sizes are based on inches and "barleycorns" (an old English unit), while European sizing—officially known as Paris points—is metric. A single Paris point is roughly 6.67 millimeters. Because the increments don't align perfectly, a US 7.5 often falls right in the "dead zone" between two European whole numbers.
For most women’s footwear, a 7.5 in European size is generally a 38. But wait. If you look at a brand like New Balance, they might point you toward a 38.5. If you’re looking at men’s sizing, a US 7.5 is an entirely different beast, usually landing around a 40 or 40.5.
It gets messier.
European sizes are unisex in theory, but the "last"—the wooden or plastic mold used to shape the shoe—is often narrower for women’s models. So, a 38 in a "men's" sneaker might feel roomier than a 38 in a high-end Italian loafer, even if the length is technically the same. You've probably felt this yourself. One shoe feels like a glove; the other feels like a torture device.
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Let’s talk specifics because generalities don't help when you're spending $150.
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If you are hunting for a Nike sneaker and you wear a US Women's 7.5, their official chart puts you at a EU 38.5. However, if you hop over to Gucci or Prada, a 38 is often the standard equivalent. Why the half-size jump? Athletic brands account for "foot swell" and the thickness of performance socks.
Breaking down the common conversions
- Standard Women’s Fashion (Heels, Boots): US 7.5 is almost always a EU 38.
- Athletic Brands (Nike, Brooks, Asics): US 7.5 usually leans into EU 38.5 to provide that extra 3-4mm of wiggle room.
- European Comfort Brands (Birkenstock, Dansko): These often run "true" to the Paris point. A 38 is the go-to here, but Birkenstock specifically has "regular" and "narrow" widths that change the feel more than the length does.
- Men’s Sizing: A US Men's 7.5 is roughly a EU 40 or 40.5.
I once bought a pair of handmade Spanish leather boots. I’m a 7.5. I bought the 38. I couldn't even get my zip up. It turns out that specific region used a "small last." This is why looking at the centimeter (CM) or millimeter (MM) length on the size tag is the only way to stay sane. If you know your foot is 24.1 cm long, you can ignore the "7.5" or "38" labels and just look for the metric measurement.
The "Pointy Toe" Tax and Other Factors
The shape of the shoe matters as much as the number on the box. If you’re buying a 7.5 in European size for a pair of pointed-toe stilettos, the 38 might be too tight at the front. Most experts suggest "sizing up" to a 38.5 or even a 39 in sharp-toed European shoes to prevent your toes from being crushed into a triangle.
Then there’s the material.
Unlined suede stretches. Stiff, patent leather does not. If you’re on the edge between a 38 and 38.5, and the shoe is a soft Italian suede, go with the 38. It will mold to your foot within three wears. If it’s a heavy-duty hiking boot with a Gore-Tex lining? Take the 38.5. Your toenails will thank you when you’re walking downhill.
Real World Advice: How to Measure at Home
Forget the metal Brannock device at the store for a second. You can do this with a piece of paper and a wall.
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Place the paper on the floor against the wall. Stand on it with your heel touching the wall. Mark the longest part of your foot—usually the big toe or the second toe—with a pen. Measure that distance in centimeters.
For a US Women’s 7.5, your foot is likely around 24 cm to 24.5 cm.
Now, look at the size chart for the specific brand you are buying. Not a general Google chart. The brand’s own chart. If their EU 38 is listed as 23.8 cm, and your foot is 24.1 cm, you absolutely must go up to the EU 38.5. It’s basic physics. You can’t put a 24cm foot in a 23cm shoe without pain.
Common Misconceptions about Euro Sizing
People think Euro sizes are more precise because they use smaller increments. That's kinda true, but also a myth. While the Paris point is a smaller unit than a US full size, the lack of "half sizes" in many European luxury brands actually makes them less precise for some people.
Many high-end designers only make 37, 38, 39, and so on. If you are a 7.5, you are basically "homeless" in those brands. You’re forced to choose between a 37 (too small) or a 38 (slightly big). In these cases, the 38 with an aftermarket insole is usually the winning play.
Also, don't assume UK sizing is the same as US or EU. A UK 5.5 is often the equivalent of a US 7.5, which then maps to a EU 38. If you’re buying from a British site like ASOS or Doc Martens, checking the UK-to-EU conversion is a separate step you can't skip.
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Actionable Steps for the Perfect Fit
Stop guessing. Seriously. If you want to nail the 7.5 in European size every time, follow this protocol.
First, identify the "Origin" of the brand. If it's a German or Scandinavian brand (like ECCO), they tend to have a wider, more generous fit. You can usually stick to a 38. If it's French or Italian (like Saint Laurent), they run narrow. Consider the 38.5.
Second, check the return policy before you click buy. Even experts get it wrong because of how different "lasts" are shaped. If a site doesn't offer free returns or exchanges, and you're guessing on a Euro size, it’s a gamble you probably shouldn't take.
Third, buy an "insole kit." If you find that a EU 38 is just a tiny bit too loose—which happens often with a US 7.5—a thin foam insole or a heel grip can bridge that 3mm gap perfectly. It's often better to have a shoe that is 2% too large than 2% too small.
Finally, ignore the numbers if they hurt. It sounds simple, but vanity sizing is real. If the 39 feels great, buy the 39. Nobody is going to check the label inside your shoe while you're walking down the street. Comfort always looks better than a cramped gait.
Go measure your foot in centimeters right now. Keep that number in your phone's notes app. Next time you're looking at a 7.5 in European size, you won't be guessing—you'll be calculating.