Despite being a relatively mundane activity, shopping for shoes isn’t as straightforward as you think. It becomes even more complex when you add different countries’ shoe sizing standards to the equation. So, if you’re shopping for shoes from Mexico, you will need to follow the right Mexican shoe size and size chart in this guide.
The Mexican Shoe Size System
Mexico, like many other countries, predominantly uses the metric system, meaning shoe sizes are often measured in centimeters. A characteristic feature of this system is its straightforwardness.
Typically, the Mexican shoe size corresponds to the length of the foot in centimeters. For example, if your foot measures 26 centimeters in length, you’d likely wear a size 26 in Mexican shoes.
However, not all shoe brands in Mexico adhere to the same sizing standards. While there is a general consensus around the centimeter-based system, there can still be slight variations among different manufacturers.
- Brand Specifics: Some well-known brands might run slightly larger or smaller than the standard Mexican size. Check any available size guides or customer reviews when considering a particular brand.
- Manufacturing Differences: Even within a single brand, there might be variability. This can be due to different manufacturing locations or design updates.
- Type of Footwear: Athletic shoes, formal shoes, and casual footwear might all fit differently, even if they’re labeled the same size. The intended use of the shoe often dictates its fit.
Mexican Shoe Size Charts
The following sections will describe common shoe sizes for men, women, and children.
Men’s Shoe Size Chart
| Shoe Size | Length in inches | Length in cm |
| 0.5 | 7-2/3 in. | 19 cm |
| 1 | 7-5/6 in. | 19.5 cm |
| 1.5 | 8 in. | 20 cm |
| 2 | 8-1/6 in. | 20.5 cm |
| 2.5 | 8-1/3 in. | 21 cm |
| 3 | 8-1/2 in. | 21.5 cm |
| 3.5 | 8-2/3 in. | 22 cm |
| 4 | 8-5/6 in. | 22.5 cm |
| 4.5 | 9 in. | 23 cm |
| 5 | 9-1/6 in. | 23.5 cm |
| 5.5 | 9-1/3 in. | 24 cm |
| 6 | 9-1/2 in. | 24.5 cm |
| 7 | 9-5/6 in. | 25.5 cm |
| 7.5 | 10 in. | 26 cm |
| 8 | 10-1/6 in. | 26.5 cm |
| 8.5 | 10-1/3 in. | 27 cm |
| 9 | 10-1/2 in. | 27.5 cm |
| 9.5 | 10-2/3 in. | 28 cm |
| 10 | 10-5/6 in. | 28.5 cm |
| 10.5 | 11 in. | 29 cm |
| 11 | 11-1/6 in. | 29.5 cm |
| 11.5 | 11-1/3 in. | 30 cm |
| 12 | 11-1/2 in. | 30.5 cm |
| 12.5 | 11-2/3 in. | 31 cm |
| 13 | 11-5/6 in. | 31.5 cm |
| 13.5 | 12 in. | 32 cm |
| 14 | 12-1/6 in. | 32.5 cm |
| 14.5 | 12-1/3 in. | 33 cm |
| 15 | 12-1/2 in. | 33.5 cm |
| 15.5 | 12-2/3 in. | 34 cm |
Women’s Shoe Size Chart
| Shoe Size | Length in inches | Length in cm |
| 1 | 7-1/3 in. | 18 cm |
| 1.5 | 7-1/2 in. | 18.5 cm |
| 2 | 7-2/3 in. | 19 cm |
| 2.5 | 7-5/6 in. | 19.5 cm |
| 3 | 8 in. | 20 cm |
| 3.5 | 8-1/6 in. | 20.5 cm |
| 4 | 8-1/3 in. | 21 cm |
| 4.5 | 8-1/2 in. | 21.5 cm |
| 5 | 8-2/3 in. | 22 cm |
| 5.5 | 8-5/6 in. | 22.5 cm |
| 6 | 9 in. | 23 cm |
| 6.5 | 9-1/6 in. | 23.5 cm |
| 7 | 9-1/3 in. | 24 cm |
| 7.5 | 9-1/2 in. | 24.5 cm |
| 8 | 9-2/3 in. | 25 cm |
| 8.5 | 9-5/6 in. | 25.5 cm |
| 9 | 10 in. | 26 cm |
| 9.5 | 10-1/6 in. | 26.5 cm |
| 10 | 10-1/3 in. | 27 cm |
| 10.5 | 10-1/2 in. | 27.5 cm |
| 11 | 10-2/3 in. | 28 cm |
| 11.5 | 10-5/6 in. | 28.5 cm |
| 12 | 11 in. | 29 cm |
| 12.5 | 11-1/6 in. | 29.5 cm |
| 13 | 11-1/3 in. | 30 cm |
| 13.5 | 11-1/2 in. | 30.5 cm |
| 14 | 12-1/6 in. | 31 cm |
| 14.5 | 11-5/6 in. | 31.5 cm |
| 15 | 12 in. | 32 cm |
| 15.5 | 12-1/6 in. | 32.5 cm |
| 16 | 12-1/3 in. | 33 cm |
| 16.5 | 12-1/2 in. | 33.5 cm |
| 17 | 12-2/3 in. | 34 cm |
Children’s Shoe Size Chart
| Shoe Size | Length in inches | Length in cm |
| 1 | 3-5/8 in. | 9 cm |
| 2 | 4 in. | 10 cm |
| 3 | 4-3/8 in. | 11 cm |
| 4 | 4-3/4 in. | 12 cm |
| 5 | 5 in. | 12.5 cm |
| 6 | 5-1/4 in. | 13 cm |
| 7 | 5-5/8 in. | 14 cm |
| 8 | 6 in. | 15 cm |
| 9 | 6-1/4 in. | 15.5 cm |
| 10 | 6-5/8 in. | 16 cm |
| 11 | 6-7/8 in. | 17 cm |
| 12 | 7-1/8 in. | 18 cm |
| 13 | 7-3/8 in. | 19 cm |
| 1Y | 7-5/8 in. | 20.5 cm |
| 2Y | 8 in. | 21 cm |
| 3Y | 8-3/8 in. | 21.5 cm |
| 4Y | 8-5/8 in. | 22 cm |
| 5Y | 9 in. | 23 cm |
| 6Y | 9-3/4 in. | 24 cm |
Practical Tips for Shoe Shopping in Mexico
Shoe shopping in Mexico offers a plethora of styles, from vibrant huaraches to modern sneakers. With a few handy tips and a bit of knowledge, you’ll be ready to find that perfect pair.
1. Factors Beyond Size to Consider
- Material: Materials like leather tend to stretch and mold to your foot. If you’re between sizes, you might opt for the smaller size with leather shoes.
- Purpose: The shoe’s intended purpose can dictate the fit. Athletic shoes need to secure your foot, while casual shoes might have a looser fit.
- Style: High heels, boots, sandals, and flats all have unique fit considerations. Remember, it’s not just about size but how the shoe conforms to your foot.
2. Online Shopping
- Check Size Guides: Most online retailers provide size guides. Familiarize yourself with them to make more informed choices.
- Flexible Return Policies: Opt for online stores that offer hassle-free returns. This way, if the fit isn’t right, you can easily exchange or return.
- Use Measurement Tools: Some online retailers offer printable foot measuring tools. By placing your foot on these printed guides, you can get a more accurate sense of your size according to the brand’s specifications. The BURLINGHAM’s Shoe Size Measuring Device (Amazon) can be of assistance here.
- Consult Customer Service: If in doubt, reach out! Many online retailers have customer service representatives knowledgeable about their products. They can offer guidance on sizing or provide additional details not mentioned in the product description.
3. Converting Mexican Shoe Sizes to American and Back
- For Men: If you know your US shoe size and want to find the Mexican equivalent, subtract 2. For example, a US size 10 for men would be a Mexican size 8. Conversely, to convert from a Mexican size to a US size, add 2.
- For Women: For women, the conversion involves a difference of 3 sizes. If you wear a US size 8, you’d look for a Mexican size 5. To find the US size using a Mexican one, simply add 3.
