Brazil (BR) to Japan (cm) (cm) Conversion
Brazil
Brazilian shoe sizing is closely related to the European Paris Point system but with a consistent offset of approximately 2 sizes: Brazilian size 40 corresponds to approximately EU 38, and BR 42 to EU 40. The system was shaped by Portuguese and Italian footwear manufacturing traditions brought by European immigrants in the 19th and 20th centuries. Brazilian children's sizes use a different scale starting from BR 14 with a different EU offset, adding a layer of complexity for international conversions involving children's footwear.
Japan (cm)
The Japanese shoe sizing system is the most scientifically transparent of all major conventions: sizes are expressed directly in centimetres of foot length, measured from heel to the tip of the longest toe, rounded to the nearest 0.5 cm. A person with a 26 cm foot wears JP 26, regardless of gender. The system also incorporates a width designation (A through F and beyond, with E and EE being most common) that is more systematically defined than in Western systems. This direct foot-length correspondence makes Japanese sizing the easiest to apply from a bare foot measurement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I convert US shoe sizes to European (EU) sizes?
For men's shoes, add approximately 33 to the US size to get the EU size — for example, US Men's 9 equals EU 42. For women's shoes, add approximately 31 — US Women's 9 equals EU 40. However, these are approximations: different brands apply slightly different lasts, so always check the specific brand's size chart. Use our converter above to see all international equivalents simultaneously.
Why do shoe sizes differ so much between countries?
Shoe sizes evolved independently in different regions over centuries, each based on different measurement conventions. European sizes use the Paris Point (⅔ of a centimetre), making EU 40 equal to a foot length of about 25.8 cm. US sizes use a different last-length formula with separate scales for men and women, where a women's size is 1.5 sizes larger than a men's size for the same foot. Japanese sizes are the most intuitive — they directly measure foot length in centimetres. No international standard has ever successfully unified all systems.