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Updated by Janine
A US women's size 9 is size 7.5-8 in men's shoes, depending on the make. Usually, a size 9 women's is 7.5 in men's, but it's a men's size 8 for brands which use a different size system. For example, a women's 9 is 7.5 in men's Nike but 8 in men's Adidas.
Why is a women's 9 not always a men's 7.5?
There are actually 2 men's US shoe sizing systems. In the more popular common system, a women's size 9 shoe is the same as a men's 7.5. But some brands use the customary system where a women's 9 shoe is a men's size 8.
Are men's shoes wider than women's shoes?
Yes, men's shoes are usually wider than women's shoes. While sneakers are often unisex, you may need to choose different widths in other men's and women's shoes to get the best fit.
A good rule of thumb is to try a narrower width in men's shoes than women's shoes. So if you wear wide women's shoes, medium men's shoes should fit.
If you wear medium width women's shoes, you may need to go down half a size or one size from your men's size in men's shoes. For example, if you wear women's size 9 shoes, while that's the same as men's size 7.5-8 in length, you may need to size down to a men's 6.5-7 approx because men's shoes are wider.
Women's to Men's Shoe Width Conversion
| Women's Shoes | Men's Shoes |
|---|---|
| Medium Width | Size Down |
| Wide Width | Medium Width |
| Extra Wide Width | Wide Width |
Unisex shoes for women's size 9 (men's size 7.5-8)
Nike
Nike has a huge range of sneakers online, including customisable styles. Women's styles go up to size 12, but there's plenty of cute unisex sneakers for big feet, with select styles fitting up to a women's size 19.5. I find Nike products true to size & they last well.
Nike have free shipping, free returns & a 60 day satisfaction guarantee when you buy online in the US. So you can return sneakers & clothes even after wearing them.
- Women's size 9 is size 7.5 in men's Nike
- Women's shoes: up to size 12 us
- Unisex: up to men's size 18 (women's size 19.5)
Allbirds
Most Allbirds comfy casual shoes are unisex & even come in the same colors. So if you're size 11.5+, you can buy the same shoes from the men's collection. Women should go 1.5 sizes down in men's, but most styles don't come in half sizes unfortunately.
If your ideal size isn't there, their friendly customer service can advise on the best size for you. Allbirds offer free shipping, free returns & a 30 day wear test. So you can send worn shoes back for a full refund if you're not happy.
- Women's size 9 is size 7.5 in men's Allbirds
- Women's shoes: up to size 11 us
- Unisex: up to men's size 14 (women's size 15.5)
Veja
Fashionable Veja sneakers are fully unisex & some go right up to size 49 eu. As a French brand, Vejas are made in European sizing, and often include half sizes which is rare.
Unusually, Veja's men's US shoe sizes are numbered 2 sizes smaller than their women's US sizes, instead of the typical 1-1.5 gap.
I recommend buying by European size for best result. Note: sizing varies slightly throughout the Veja range so they have a style specific size chart on each shoe product page. I'd also suggest contacting them with your foot length measurement if you're unsure of your size.
I love my Veja Campo sneakers but I find they run large. Mine are 42 instead of my usual size 43. Read my in-depth Veja review.
- Women's size 9 is size 7 in men's Veja
- Women's shoes: up to size 16 us
- Unisex: up to men's size 14 (women's size 16)
Cariuma
Cariuma's classic canvas & washable knit sneakers come in a rainbow of colors & statement prints with free 60 day returns. Produced in limited runs, sizes can sell out fast. If your size is gone, if you click on it you can sign up to be notified when it's back in stock.
Fully unisex, both women's & men's ranges include half sizes & go up to 13 us. That's a bit confusing because you might think the sizing is the same. The men's sizes run 1.5 sizes bigger as usual though & fit up to women's size 14.5.
- Women's size 9 is size 7.5 in men's Cariuma
- Women's shoes: up to size 13 us
- Unisex: up to men's size 13 (women's size 14.5)
TOMS
TOMS iconic minimal canvas flats come in lots of cute colors & prints in their women's collection up to 12 us, but the men's range should fit up to a women's 15. It's mainly unisex neutrals available, but that means they go with everything. 🙂 TOMS men's shoes only run 1 size bigger than women's.
TIP: while TOMS advise their shoes stretch with wear, mine never did & are too tight. So, if they feel too small when you try them on, I'd use the free 30 day returns and size up.
- Women's size 9 is size 8 in men's TOMS
- Women's shoes: up to size 12 us
- Unisex: up to men's size 14 (women's size 15)
Are women's and men's EU shoe sizes the same?
Men's and Women's European shoe size lengths are the same, but men's shoes are usually wider than women's. So a man's European size shoe may feel bigger than a woman's shoe in the same size. It's common to wear a wider width in women's shoes than men's. See men's vs women's shoe widths above.
Size 41 eu is the closest match to a women's size 9 us shoe. For other shoe sizes, see the euro shoe size conversions guide.
Are women's and men's UK shoe sizes the same?
UK men's and women's shoe size lengths are the same, but men's shoes are usually cut to a wider fit. So a man's UK shoe usually feels roomier than a UK woman's shoe in the same size and you may need a narrower width in men's shoes. See the men's vs women's shoe widths table.
A women's size 9 us is a uk size 7. See US vs UK shoe sizes for further info.