Japanese Shoe Size Comparison Charts

Measure foot size In Japan, larger shoe sizes can be very difficult to find other than in stores selling imported brands. Men's shoes tend to be available only up to size 28/29. Women's shoes tend to be up to size 25. We are one of the few online stores where you can find larger Japanese footwear items (up to 30cm) in a variety of style. Please read the following information carefuly before choosing your size. If in doubt, contact us for assistance.

Tabi & Jikatabi Sizes

Tabi and jikatabi are form-fitting, more like a sock than a shoe or boot. But unless they're described specifically as "stretch tabi," there is little or no stretch to them. So the size needs to be the same or slightly larger than the actual size of your foot. To get this size, measure both feet (they're not always the same!) from the heel to the tip of the big toe. Drawing an outline on a sheet of paper is one good way to do this. The size in centimeters is the size you should order, making any allowances for thick/thin socks if you plan to wear them. If your size is borderline, go for a half-centimeter or full centimeter size larger. This is particular important with the cushion models, as the extra insole padding can make the fit more snug. We will exchange a pair that don't fit (as long as they are returned undamaged and in their original packaging), but the customer is responsible for shipping both ways.

Most tabi and jikatabi are secured with "kohaze," metal fasteners that slip into cotton loops that run up the back of the ankle (a small number have velcro fasteners or slip on like socks). Jikatabi have four rows of loops so they can be adjusted for a perfect fit. The number of kohaze on jikatabi varies from 3 to 15. But they are adjustable only around the ankles and calves, while the foot size is fixed. Tabi usually have 4 or 5 kohaze.

Please note that these charts should be considered as a rough guide. There is always a risk when buying footwear online, so if you're unsure we'd be more than happy to answer any questions you have about a particular model or size.

Men's Shoe Size Comparison Chart

UK 4½ 5 5½ 6 6½ 7 7½ 8 8½ 9 9½ 10 10½ 11 11½ 12

US 5½ 6 6½ 7 7½ 8 8½ 9 9½ 10 10½ 11 11½ 12 12½ 13

Eur. 37½ 38 38½ 39 40 40½ 41 42 42½ 43 44 44½ 45 46 46½ 47

Jpn. 23.5 24 24.5 25 25.5 26 26.5 27 27.5 28 28.5 29 29.5 30 31 32

Women's Shoe Size Comparison Chart

UK - - - 3 3½ 4 4½ 5 5½ 6 6½ 7 7½ 8 8½

US 4 4½ 5 5½ 6 6½ 7 7½ 8 8½ 9 9½ 10 10½ 11

Eur. 34 34½ 35 35½ 36 37 37½ 38 38½ 39 40 40½ 41 42 42½

Jpn. - - - 22 22.5 23 23.5 24 24.5 25 25.5 26 26.5 27 27½

Youth's Shoe Size Comparison Chart

UK 1 1½ 2 2½ 3 3½ 4 4½ 5 5½ 6 6½

US 2 2½ 3 3½ 4 4½ 5 5½ 6 6½ 7 7½

Eur. 33 34 34½ 35 35½ 36 37 37½ 38 38½ 39 40

Jpn. 20 20.5 21 21.5 22 22.5 23 23.5 24 24.5 25 25.5

Infant's and Children's Shoe Size Comparison Chart

UK 2 3 4 4½ 5 6 7 8 8½ 9 10 11 11½ 12 13 13½

US 3 4 5 5½ 6 7 8 9 9½ 10 11 12 12½ 13 1 1½

Eur. 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 32½

Jpn. 12 12.5 13 13.5 14 14.5 15 15.5 16 16.5 17 17.5 18 18.5 19 19.5