A 42-43 shoe size in US generally corresponds to about US men’s 9–10, depending on whether the original size is EU 42 or EU 43. In common Indian/UK sizing, EU 42 is approximately India/UK 8 and US men’s 9, while EU 43 is approximately India/UK 9 and US men’s 10.
To understand 42-43 shoe size in US, it really depends on what size you have in EU 42 and EU 43 and whether it is a men’s or women’s shoe. For the Indian customer, this is also confusing because Indian brands mainly use UK sizes for shoes, whereas the Indian market shows EU or US sizes online.
The best bet is actually not to just work by a conversion factor. Measure the length of the foot (in cm), then check the size chart provided by the shoe’s manufacturer.
What Does 42-43 Shoe Size in US Mean?
EU 42 and EU 43 are European size shoe. They are two sizes different even the difference may look minimal on a product’s page.
For men’s footwear, a useful general conversion is:
- EU 42 ≈ US men’s 8.5–9
- EU 43 ≈ US men’s 9.5–10
- EU 42 ≈ India/UK 8
- EU 43 ≈ India/UK 9
As an illustration, a size chart for Indian footwear notes EU 42 to UK/India 8 and U.S. 9; EU 43 is size U.K./India 9 and U.S. 10.
42-43 Shoe Size in US Conversion Chart
| EU Size | India/UK Men’s Size | Approx. US Men’s Size | Approx. Foot Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 42 | 8 | 9 | 26.5 cm |
| 43 | 9 | 10 | 27.3 cm |
These are practical conversion figures rather than a guarantee of fit. Different manufacturers can use different lasts and fitting profiles.
Is EU 42 the Same as US 9?
Most men’s shoes would translate EU42 to US9, but some charts list EU42 as US 8.5. If, for example, we used Foot Locker, where men’s EU 42 is charted as US 8.5 and UK 8, one can readily see how brand choice and charting can vary and lead to confusion
This means you shouldn’t take for granted that a US 9 is automatically what you should buy just because it is indicated as such on a general conversion table.
Is EU 43 the Same as US 10?
For men’s footwear, EU 43 is commonly around US 9.5–10. Indian footwear charts frequently list EU 43 as India/UK 9 and US 10.
If the product is from a US brand, use its own measurement chart whenever possible.
How to Convert Shoe Size: A Simple Workflow
Use this process before ordering footwear online.
Step 1: Identify the original size system.
Check whether the label says EU, UK/India, US or CM.
Step 2: Measure both feet.
Place your foot on paper against a wall and mark the heel and longest toe. Measure both feet because they may not be identical. Nike also recommends using the longer foot when selecting a size.
Step 3: Record the measurement in centimetres.
This provides a useful cross-check when comparing international sizes.
Step 4: Check the manufacturer’s chart.
Prioritise the brand’s own CM or foot-length measurement over a generic conversion.
Step 5: Consider width and intended use.
A running shoe, formal shoe and casual trainer can fit differently even when the label shows the same size.
42 vs 43: Which Size Should You Choose?
If your measurement falls between EU 42 and 43, do not choose solely by the number.
| Situation | Better approach |
|---|---|
| Foot clearly matches EU 42 measurement | Start with EU 42 |
| Foot clearly matches EU 43 measurement | Start with EU 43 |
| Measurement falls between sizes | Check brand recommendation |
| Wide feet | Check width/fitting information |
| Running or sports footwear | Allow appropriate toe room |
| Online purchase | Check returns/exchange policy |
Nike recommends measuring both of your feet and using the larger number. Nike also recommends taking the next largest size if your measurement falls between sizes.
Expectations: Why Shoe Conversions Are Not Exact
A conversion chart should be treated as a starting point, not an absolute guarantee.
Shoe sizing systems do not map perfectly because manufacturers can use different lasts, shapes, widths and construction methods. ISO sizing standards provide relationships between systems, but individual footwear still needs to accommodate the wearer’s foot appropriately.
That means two shoes labelled US 10 may not feel identical.
Width is particularly important. A person with a broad forefoot may need a wider version rather than simply moving to a longer size.
Pros and Limitations of Using Conversion Charts
Advantages
- Makes international shopping easier.
- Provides a quick starting point.
- Helps compare EU, US and Indian/UK labels.
- Useful when buying from overseas retailers.
Limitations
- Brands can vary in fit.
- Men’s and women’s US sizing differs.
- Half sizes may not have a direct EU equivalent.
- Width is often missing from simple conversion tables.
- The labelled size does not describe every aspect of fit.
How Foot Length Helps
No sizing systems correspond perfectly because manufacturers may use a variety of lasts (forms around which the shoe is made), dimensions, widths and construction techniques. The standards provided by ISO detail inter-system correlations, but individual shoes must still fit well.
For example, a commonly used men’s chart gives approximately:
- EU 42 → 26.5 cm
- EU 43 → 27.3 cm
However, these figures should still be checked against the manufacturer’s own chart before purchasing.
Who Should Use This Conversion Guide?
This guide is particularly useful for:
- Indian shoppers buying international footwear
- People ordering shoes from US websites
- Travellers comparing shoe labels
- Online shoppers switching between EU and US sizing
- Anyone unsure whether their EU 42 or 43 converts to US 9 or 10
It is less suitable as the sole basis for specialist footwear such as ski boots, safety footwear or medically prescribed footwear, where manufacturer-specific fitting is more important.
Buying Tips for Indian Shoppers
Before ordering shoes online, check these five details:
- Look for the brand’s official size chart.
- Measure your feet in centimetres.
- Compare the longer foot measurement.
- Check width or fit descriptions.
- Review the retailer’s exchange policy.
For sports footwear, also consider the socks you normally wear and the activity for which the shoe is designed.
FAQ: 42-43 Shoe Size in US
What is 42-43 shoe size in US?
For men’s shoes, EU 42 is generally around US 8.5–9, while EU 43 is around US 9.5–10. The exact conversion varies between brands.
Is EU 42 a US 9?
Often, yes. Many Indian and international conversion charts use US men’s 9 as the approximate equivalent of EU 42, although some charts list US 8.5.
Is EU 43 a US 10?
For men’s footwear, EU 43 is commonly approximately US 10, although a brand may use US 9.5 or another equivalent. Always check its size chart.
What is EU 42 in Indian shoe size?
A common Indian conversion is EU 42 = India/UK 8 for men’s shoes.
What is EU 43 in Indian shoe size?
A common conversion is EU 43 = India/UK 9 for men’s shoes.
Should I choose 42 or 43 if I am between sizes?
Take the measurement of your foot that you calculated and use the manufacturers guide. Some manufacturers tell you to go up one size if you have an in-between size, then use this information as a direct conversion is not needed.
Final Takeaway
Understanding 42-43 shoe size in US is straightforward once you separate EU, Indian/UK and US sizing systems. As a general men’s conversion, EU 42 is around US 9 and EU 43 is around US 10, but some brands use slightly different equivalents.
For the most reliable purchase, measure both feet, use the longer measurement and check the specific manufacturer’s chart. The number printed on the shoe is useful, but actual foot length and the shoe’s individual fit should have the final say.
