How to Find Your Size
Finding the right fit is challenging . If you're keen to understand the history and mechanics behind different sizing systems, read on. Alternatively, go down to How to Measure Your Feet at Home below to measure your feet and find your size right away.
We all have unique feet—different shapes, widths, and proportions. At A.G. Meek, we recognise this individuality, but it does present a challenge: there's no universal shoe sizing standard. From ancient barleycorns to modern Paris points, sizing systems vary across regions. Understanding how they work helps you choose footwear with confidence.
Understanding Shoe Lasts And Sole Units
Every shoe is built on a last—a mould that determines the shoe's shape, style, and internal volume. The same size in different lasts can feel completely different on your feet. A last that suits one person perfectly might feel too narrow or too roomy for another. This is why fit varies so much between brands and styles.
Th next thing to effect the shoe fitting is the shape of the sole unit as these days they are often one moulded shape. again these vary from brand to brand and style to style
The best brands insist on consistent size fittings which can make them more expensive. Though the fit will stay the same year after year.
Your Shoe Size Can Change
If you lose or gain weight your shoe size will change. Also as you get older the ligaments in your feet relax so your feet get longer and wider. This also happens during pregnancy and your feet may not return to their original size.
UK and EU Sizing Systems Explained
The UK sizing system traces back to the 13th century, when King Edward II standardised measurement using the barleycorn—a unit equal to 1/3 inch (8.46mm). Each UK shoe size increases by one barleycorn in length, working backwards from a UK 13 (equivalent to a 12-inch foot). This system remains in use today, though most shoes sold in the UK are actually made using EU lasts.
The EU system uses Paris points, where each size increases by 2/3cm (6.67mm). Here's the catch: because barleycorns and Paris points are different lengths, UK and EU sizes don't align perfectly. A UK 4 isn't exactly the same as an EU 37—there's always a slight variation. The International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) has created conversion tables to bridge this gap, making cross-sizing more reliable.
How to Measure Your Feet at Home
Accurate measurement is the foundation of finding your correct size. You'll need just two things: a tape measure and a heavy book. Follow these simple steps:
- Remove your shoes and socks, then position your heel against a wall
- Place the heavy book parallel to the wall and slide it gently up to your longest toe (ask someone to help if needed)
- Step away carefully without moving the book or wall
- Use your tape measure to find the distance in millimetres between the wall and the book.
- Record your measurement
- Repeat for your other foot—they're rarely the same size
Take your time with this process. Measure both feet and note which is longer. When ordering, always use the larger measurement to ensure a comfortable fit. If one foot measures a size 6 and the other a size 7, opt for the size 7.
Please note that United States and UK sizes are completely different with UK Ladies sizes around two sizes smaller than a UK size and United States Men's sizes around half a size smaller than the UK size.
UK And EU Size Comparison Chart
| UK | Foot Length (mm) | EU |
| 220 | 35 | |
| 3 | 220.13 | |
| 226.6 | 36 | |
| 4 | 228.6 | |
| 233.3 | 37 | |
| 5 | 237.06 | |
| 240 | 38 | |
| 6 | 245.53 | |
| 246.6 | 39 | |
| 6.5 | 249.76 | |
| 253.3 | 40 | |
| 7 | 254 | |
| 260 | 41 | |
| 8 | 262.46 | |
| 266.6 | 42 | |
| 9 | 270.93 | |
| 273.3 | 43 | |
| 10 | 279.4 | |
| 280 | 44 | |
| 10.5 | 283.63 | |
| 286.6 | 45 | |
| 11 | 287.86 | |
| 293.3 | 46 | |
| 12 | 296.3 | |
| 300 | 47 |