Buying Italian shoes online almost always raises the same question: which size should I take?
The good news is that Italian and German sizes follow the same European system, so in most cases the number is identical. Differences appear with UK and US sizes — and with fit, which varies from style to style.
Conversion chart
| Italy (IT) | Germany (DE) | United Kingdom (UK) | United States (US) | Foot length (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35 | 35 | 2 | 5 | 22,5 |
| 36 | 36 | 3 | 6 | 23,0 |
| 37 | 37 | 4 | 6.5 | 23,8 |
| 38 | 38 | 5 | 7.5 | 24,5 |
| 39 | 39 | 6 | 8.5 | 25,2 |
| 40 | 40 | 6.5 | 9 | 26,0 |
| 41 | 41 | 7.5 | 10 | 26,7 |
| 42 | 42 | 8 | 10.5 | 27,4 |
The last column is the most useful of all: the actual length of your foot. If you know that, you have an objective reference worth more than any chart.
How to measure your foot in a minute
- Place a sheet of paper on the floor, against the wall.
- Stand on the sheet with your heel against the wall.
- Mark the longest toe (it is not always the big toe).
- Measure the distance in centimetres from the edge of the sheet to the mark.
Two details that make the difference: measure in the evening, because feet swell slightly during the day and a shoe tried on in the morning can feel tight later. And measure both feet: almost everyone has one slightly longer, and the size should follow that one.
Fit changes with the type of shoe
- Sandals and open shoes: if you are between two sizes, go down. Your foot should not overhang the sole, at the front or the sides.
- Ballet flats: tend to fit true to size. With a high instep, look for styles with elastic or a strap.
- Closed shoes and ankle boots: go up, especially if you plan to wear thicker socks.
- Court shoes and heels: the foot slides forward, so the toes need room. A style that is too short shows immediately.
- Styles with straps or buckles: more forgiving, because they adjust.
- Sneakers: often run half a size more generous than formal shoes.
Wide or narrow feet
Length does not tell the whole story. With wide feet, half a size up often helps, but soft uppers or elastic panels work better. With narrow feet, strapped styles give more stability because they adjust at the ankle.
Italian footwear tends to be built on fairly slim lasts: if you have wide feet, keep that in mind especially with pointed styles.
If you are between two sizes
It happens often, and there is no universal rule. The practical criterion we use in store: go down for open or strapped styles, go up for closed shoes or if you will wear socks. When in doubt, ask for the insole length of the specific style — that is the figure that settles it.
Frequently asked questions
Are Italian sizes the same as German ones?
Yes, both use the European system: an Italian 38 is a German 38. Differences apply to UK and US sizes.
Do Italian shoes run small?
Not systematically. They are often built on narrower lasts, so wider feet may find them more snug at the same size.
Are half sizes available?
Less common in Italian footwear than in the anglophone market. Usually you choose the nearest whole size following the criteria above.
How do I find the insole length of a style?
Just ask: our size guide has the general figures, and if you write to us we will give you the insole length in centimetres.
Try before you buy
If you are in the area, trying on remains the simplest solution: our stores in Bardolino, Lazise and Peschiera del Garda are listed on the Our Stores page, and our Lake Garda shopping guide has opening hours and practical tips.