Finding the perfect pair of shoes can be a challenge, especially if you're shopping in the men's section but need a women's size.If you're wondering what a women's size 11.5 converts to in men's shoes, you're not alone.

This article will clear up any confusion, explain how shoe sizing systems differ, and offer tips for finding the best fit for your feet.

Also Read: What is Women's Size 11 in Men's Shoes? 

 

What is a Women’s Size 11.5 in Men’s Shoes?

A US women's size 11.5 typically converts to a men's size 10 to 10.5. However, this can vary depending on the brand or the shoe’s design.

In most cases, a women's 11.5 corresponds to a men’s 10, but some brands use different sizing systems.

For example, a women’s size 11.5 in Nike shoes equals a men’s 10, but in Adidas, it’s closer to a men’s 10.5.

 

Why the Difference?

There are actually two primary shoe sizing systems used in the US: the more common system where a women’s 11.5 is equivalent to a men's 10, and a second system where the men’s shoe size is slightly larger.

This means that a brand could list the same shoe in two different sizes depending on which system they use.

For instance, if you're buying from Nike, you'll usually get a size 10 in men’s, but other brands like Adidas may lean toward a 10.5.

 

Are Men’s Shoes Wider Than Women’s Shoes?

Yes, in general, men’s shoes tend to be wider than women’s. While this isn’t always true across all brands, the difference in width is something to keep in mind, especially when you’re considering swapping from women’s to men’s shoes.

For example, if you’re used to wearing a wide width in women’s shoes, you may find that the medium width in men’s shoes fits you better.

On the other hand, if you typically wear a medium width in women’s shoes, you may need to size down by a half or full size when shopping for men's shoes due to the wider fit.

Here’s a quick guide to help you with the conversion:

Women’s Shoe Width	Men’s Shoe Width Equivalent
Medium Width	Size Down (approx. 1 size)
Wide Width	Medium Width
Extra Wide Width	Wide Width

Shoe Brands and Their Sizing Systems

Each shoe brand has its own way of handling size conversions, so let’s dive into how some popular brands convert women's sizes to men’s sizes.

 

Nike: A Classic for Sports Shoes

Nike is known for its stylish and comfortable sneakers, and the good news is that many of their shoes are unisex, or at least have a similar sizing system.

If you're a women’s 11.5, expect to wear a men’s size 10. This holds true for most of their sneaker styles, though you’ll want to check specific sizing charts for certain releases.

• Women’s Size 11.5 = Men’s Size 10
• Unisex Sizing: Up to Men’s Size 18 (Women’s Size 19.5)

 

Allbirds: Sustainable and Comfy

If you're a fan of eco-friendly footwear, Allbirds has great options that are often unisex, including their popular Tree Runners and Wool Runners.

When converting from a women’s size 11.5, you’ll need to go with a men’s size 10. Most Allbirds shoes don’t come in half sizes, so keep that in mind when choosing your size.

• Women’s Size 11.5 = Men’s Size 10
• Unisex Sizing: Up to Men’s Size 14 (Women’s Size 15.5)

 

Veja: Fashionable French Sneakers

Veja is known for its stylish sneakers, and many of their models are unisex. They use European sizing, which can be a bit tricky, so it’s always best to check the specific style’s size chart.

For instance, a women’s size 11.5 in US sizing converts to a men’s 9.5 in Veja sizing.

• Women’s Size 11.5 = Men’s Size 9.5
• Unisex Sizing: Up to Men’s Size 14 (Women’s Size 16)

 

Cariuma: Comfortable and Trendy

Cariuma is another excellent choice for sneakers, especially if you're after something comfy and casual.

Similar to Allbirds, Cariuma offers both men’s and women’s shoes, but you’ll need to size down by about 1.5 sizes. For example, a women’s 11.5 would be a men’s 10.

• Women’s Size 11.5 = Men’s Size 10
• Unisex Sizing: Up to Men’s Size 13 (Women’s Size 14.5)

 

TOMS: Classic and Versatile

 

TOMS is known for its comfortable slip-on shoes, and many of their shoes are unisex. If you’re a women’s size 11.5, you'll need to go with a men’s size 10.5.

TOMS shoes tend to stretch slightly over time, but if they feel too tight when you first try them on, it’s a good idea to size up or take advantage of their 30-day return policy.

• Women’s Size 11.5 = Men’s Size 10.5
• Unisex Sizing: Up to Men’s Size 14 (Women’s Size 15)

International Shoe Size Conversions

If you’ve ever shopped for shoes internationally, you know that different countries use different sizing systems. So, if you’re buying from European or UK stores, here's what you need to know.

European Sizes

The European shoe sizing system is based on the length of your foot in centimeters. For a women’s size 11.5 in the US, the closest European equivalent would be a size 44.

Note that European shoes tend to be a bit narrower than US sizes, so it’s always a good idea to check the width and consider sizing up if you have wide feet.

UK Sizes

In the UK, the shoe size system is very similar to the US system, but the numbers are typically one size smaller. So, if you're a US women’s size 11.5, you’d likely wear a UK size 9.5.

Tips for Finding the Right Fit

Always Check the Brand’s Size Chart - Shoe sizes can vary across brands, so it’s essential to refer to the brand-specific size chart when making your purchase. If you’re unsure about sizing, consider ordering from stores that offer free returns and exchanges.

Consider Shoe Width - As mentioned earlier, men’s shoes are generally wider than women’s. If you have narrow feet, you might need to go down half a size or even a full size when choosing men’s shoes.

Try Before You Buy - If possible, visit a physical store to try on the shoes first. This can help you get a better sense of the fit, especially when converting between women’s and men’s sizes.

Read Reviews - Many online retailers allow customers to leave reviews about fit. Be sure to check these for sizing advice from people who’ve already purchased the shoes.

 

Takeaway

Navigating the world of shoe sizing can be tricky, especially when switching between men’s and women’s shoes. 

But with the right knowledge, you can easily convert your size and find the perfect fit, whether you’re shopping for sneakers, casual shoes, or more formal footwear.

 

Also Read: What is a Women's Size 16 in Men's Shoes?