Overview
ISO 19407:2023 - Footwear - Sizing - Conversion of sizing systems provides standardized conversion guidance between the major shoe sizing systems: Mondopoint, European (EUR), United Kingdom (UK) and the sizing used in China, Japan, the Republic of Korea and the United States (US). The standard is foot‑length based and delivers three conversion tables:
- Table 1: Adults’ technical shoe size conversion (detailed, technical mapping);
- Table 2: Adults’ recommended shoe size marking (simplified for labelling);
- Table 3: Children’s size conversion (includes toe allowance).
ISO 19407:2023 replaces ISO/TS 19407:2015 and is produced by ISO/TC 137 (Footwear sizing designations and marking systems).
Key topics and technical requirements
- Foot length as the common denominator: All conversions are aligned to measured foot length - the logical starting point for sizing and marking.
- Size grading intervals: The standard documents the grading intervals used by each system:
- Mondopoint (often 5 mm or 7.5 mm intervals; commonly expressed in mm or cm)
- European (EUR) - 6.67 mm (Paris point)
- UK/US - 8.47 mm intervals (different starting points and offsets between UK and US)
- Conversion methodology: Table 1 uses precise mathematical relationships based on how systems are implemented in practice; Table 2 offers simplified, label‑friendly conversions tailored to the system used in manufacture.
- Children’s sizing rule: Children’s sizing uses foot length plus a toe allowance of 8% of foot length.
- Effective last length: The tables include effective last length ranges (see ISO 19408 for last‑length definitions). The standard explicitly does not assess width, volume or other fit properties - practical fit testing is still required.
- Guidance, not absolute: Because sizing systems evolved differently, the conversion tables are guidance to benefit consumers and industry rather than an absolute technical fix.
Practical applications and users
Who uses ISO 19407:
- Footwear manufacturers and pattern/last designers for international product grading and labelling
- Retailers and e‑commerce platforms to create accurate size charts and converters
- Product managers, merchandisers and QA teams managing multi‑market assortments
- Fit technicians and orthotics specialists needing consistent reference data
- Regulators and trade bodies supporting labeling and consumer information
Typical applications:
- Creating multilingual shoe size labels and online size guides
- Converting manufacturer grading (EUR/Mondopoint/UK) for export markets
- Standardizing internal size‑grading rules and last selection across regions
Related standards
- ISO 9407 - Mondopoint footwear sizing (referenced)
- ISO 19408 - Definitions and methods for last / effective last length
- DIN 66074‑2:1975 - Mondopoint grading intervals (historical reference)
Keywords: ISO 19407, shoe sizing conversion, Mondopoint, European sizing, UK sizing, US sizing, footwear sizing standard, shoe size tables, children’s shoe sizing, effective last length.
