African Shoe Size Guide: Men, Women & Kids (US vs Europe, UK, China & More)

Buying shoes from different countries can be confusing because sizing systems vary worldwide. African footwear (Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Senegal, etc.) usually follows European sizing, while US, UK, and Asian sizes use different numbers.

This guide breaks down the differences for men, women, and children, making it easier to choose the right size no matter where the shoes are made.

Women’s Shoe Sizes

Most African women’s shoes (especially sandals, flats, and slippers) follow European sizing (EU).

Quick Comparison (Women)

  • Africa = Europe sizes
  • US sizes run smaller numbers
  • UK sizes run two sizes lower than US sizes
  • China sizes run small and may require sizing up

Women’s Conversion Chart

US Africa/EU UK China
6 37 4 37–38
7 38 5 39
8 39 6 40
9 40 7 41
10 41 8 42
11 42 9 43

Fit notes:

  • African sandals may run slightly wider, especially in Ghana/West Africa styles.

  • China-made women’s shoes usually run one size small.

Men’s Shoe Sizes

Most African men’s shoes (leather slippers, loafers, sandals) also follow EU sizing.

Quick Comparison (Men)

  • Africa = Europe sizes
  • US sizes run larger numbers
  • UK sizes run one size smaller than US
  • China sizes may run small/narrow

Men’s Conversion Chart

US Africa/EU UK China
8 41 7 41–42
9 42 8 43
10 43 9 44
11 44 10 45
12 45 11 46
13 46 12 47

Fit notes:

  • African men’s slippers and sandals often fit true to EU size.
  • China-made men’s shoes frequently fit narrow, so size up if needed.

Kids’ Shoe Sizes

Kids’ shoes vary the most because different regions use different numbering systems.

Quick Comparison (Kids)

  • Africa uses EU sizes
  • The US uses separate toddler/youth sizing
  • China uses length-based systems (mm)
  • UK sizes use lower numbers

Kids’ Conversion Chart

US (Kids) Africa/EU UK Kids China
8 (toddler) 25 7 150–155
9 26 8 160
10 27 9 165
11 28 10 170
12 30 11 175–180
13 31 12 185
1 (youth) 32 13 190
2 33 1 200
3 34 2 210

Fit notes:

  • African-made kids’ sandals usually run true to EU size.
  • China-made kids’ shoes typically run small, so size up by 1.

How to Choose the Right Shoe Size

1. Measure Foot Length

Have the customer measure from heel to longest toe.
This is the most accurate way to compare across countries.

2. Compare to Size Chart

Match the measurement to the size chart on the product page.

3. Consider Width

  • African sandals often fit wider
  • European shoes → regular width
  • Chinese shoes → narrow width

4. Check Style

  • Open-toe sandals → more flexible sizing
  • Closed shoes → more exact sizing needed

Final Tip

African footwear typically follows European shoe sizing, which is one of the easiest systems to match. The key is understanding how US, UK, and Asian sizes compare — and using foot measurements when in doubt.

This helps ensure a comfortable, accurate fit for men, women, and children.

Back to blog