EU Shoe Size: What You Need to Know for Irish Footwear

When you buy shoes in Ireland, you’re not just picking a style—you’re choosing comfort for rain-slicked streets, muddy trails, and long days on your feet. The EU shoe size, a standardized measurement used across Europe for footwear, including Ireland. Also known as Continental size, it’s the number you’ll see on most boots, trainers, and work shoes sold here, even if the brand is American or British. But here’s the catch: an EU 38 doesn’t mean the same thing everywhere. In Ireland, where damp weather and uneven ground demand precise fit, getting the wrong size isn’t just annoying—it’s a safety risk.

That’s why Irish shoppers often cross-reference UK shoe size, the traditional sizing system still widely used in Ireland for casual and outdoor footwear. Also known as British size, it’s the one your local shoe store clerk will ask for when you walk in. A UK women’s size 5 is roughly an EU 37, but that’s just a starting point. Brands like Clarks, Thursday Boots, and Muck Boots all fit differently. One brand’s EU 39 might feel snug, another’s loose. And don’t forget foot width, a critical factor in Ireland where many people need extra room for thick socks, orthotics, or swollen feet after standing all day. Also known as calf width, it’s why so many Irish women swear by Thursday Boots’ roomy fit or why nurses here choose Crocs with a wide toe box. Weather plays a role too. In winter, you’ll want space for wool socks. In summer, your feet swell in the heat. That’s why Irish retailers often recommend sizing up half a size, especially for waterproof boots.

The posts below aren’t just about numbers on a box—they’re about real experiences. You’ll find guides on how Thursday Boots fit Irish feet, why nurses in Galway pick Crocs over fancy heels, and how Kate Middleton’s UK size 6 translates to what actually works for Irish women at evening events. There’s advice on school uniforms that don’t pinch, why runners (not trainers) are the go-to for daily walks, and how to pick summer dresses that don’t make your feet ache after a long day out. This isn’t theory. It’s what people in Cork, Dublin, and Galway have learned the hard way. If you’ve ever stood in a shoe store wondering if EU 40 is right for you, you’re not alone. Let’s get you the right fit.