US Shoe Size: What Irish Buyers Need to Know About Fit and Conversion

When you see a US shoe size, a measurement system used primarily in the United States to indicate foot length for footwear. Also known as American shoe size, it’s the standard on many online stores—but it doesn’t match what you’ll find on Irish or UK shelves. If you’ve ever bought boots online and ended up with toes jammed against the front or heels slipping out, you’re not alone. In Ireland, where rain, mud, and cobblestones demand a perfect fit, getting shoe sizing right isn’t about fashion—it’s about function.

Irish shoppers often run into this problem because most local stores use UK shoe sizes, the standard measurement system used across the United Kingdom and Ireland for footwear. Also known as British shoe size, it’s what you’ll see on Clarks, Dunlop, and even Thursday Boots sold here. A US women’s size 8 is a UK size 6. A US men’s size 10 is a UK size 9. That one-size difference might not sound like much, but in wet weather, even a half-size too big means your foot slides around, causing blisters. Too small, and your toes curl on long walks through Galway or Dublin. That’s why so many Irish people who order from US sites end up returning shoes. It’s not the brand—it’s the sizing.

This isn’t just about numbers. It’s about how your foot behaves in Irish conditions. Trainers called runners here need room for thick socks. Boots like Thursday Boots, a popular brand of durable, waterproof work and casual boots favored in Ireland for their snug fit and weather resistance. Also known as Irish weather boots, they’re designed for wet streets and uneven ground. need a little extra width to avoid pressure on the ball of the foot. Nurses in Ireland wear Crocs because they’re easy to slip on and off during long shifts—not because they’re trendy, but because they fit right. And if you’re buying shoes for a 70-year-old man who walks the coast in Donegal, you don’t want a tight fit. You want room for swelling, support for tired arches, and enough grip to handle slippery stones.

There’s no magic formula, but here’s what works: Always check the brand’s size chart—not the retailer’s. Measure your foot in millimeters with a ruler and compare it to the brand’s actual sizing guide. If you’re buying online, look for stores that offer free returns. And never assume your US size matches your UK size, even if the website says it does. The difference isn’t just in the number—it’s in how the shoe is built. Irish-made footwear is often narrower, with more arch support, because the terrain demands it. US-made shoes? They’re built for flat sidewalks and dry climates. That’s why so many people in Ireland stick to local brands or UK-based retailers. They know the fit.

What you’ll find in the posts below aren’t just random shoe reviews. They’re real stories from Irish people who’ve been there—people who learned the hard way that a US size 9 doesn’t mean comfort on a wet Dublin sidewalk. You’ll see why runners are the go-to, why Hey Dudes can hurt your feet in Irish weather, and how even a tiny heel lift in trainers makes a difference when you’re walking for hours. Whether you’re buying for yourself, a parent, or a child, this collection gives you the facts you need to get it right the first time. No guesswork. No returns. Just fit that lasts.