What Size is 40 in Women's Shoes? (With Sizing Chart)
Freaky ShoesWhat size is 40 in women's shoes is a common question, and usually, this European size is equal to a US 9 or 9.5. Because different brands make shoes on different shapes, that number can sometimes feel tight or loose. The best way to be sure is to trace your foot on paper in the evening when your feet are at their biggest and measure the length in centimeters.
This simple habit stops the guessing game and keeps your feet happy.
Keep reading to learn the best way to get a perfect fit every single time you shop.
Key Takeaways
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A European size 40 is typically a US 9 or 9.5.
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Measure your feet at the end of the day when they are slightly swollen.
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Use a piece of paper against a wall to trace your feet accurately.
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Always measure both feet and use the larger one for your size.
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Record your length in centimeters to match it with brand size charts.
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Look for wide-width options if you often feel pinched in standard shoes.
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Always check the store's specific size guide before buying anything online.
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If you are stuck between two sizes, it is smarter to choose the larger one.
What Size is 40 in Women’s Shoes?

If you see a size 40, you are looking at a European size. In US women’s sizes, this is usually a 9 or 9.5.
Because every shoe brand makes their shoes differently, a size 40 might feel tight in one pair and loose in another. To get it right, measure your foot in centimeters. A size 40 is meant for a foot that is about 25 centimeters long.
If you are shopping online, always check that specific brand's size chart. If you are ever unsure, it is usually better to buy the slightly larger size so you can add an extra cushioned insole if needed.
Simple Size Conversion Chart
Use this quick guide to find your size across different countries.
|
EU Size |
US Size |
UK Size |
|
36 |
6 |
3.5 |
|
37 |
6.5 |
4 |
|
38 |
7.5 |
5 |
|
39 |
8.5 |
6 |
|
40 |
9.5 |
6.5 |
|
41 |
10 |
7.5 |
|
42 |
11 |
8 |
How to Measure Right Foot Size (Women)

Measure your feet at the end of the day when they are biggest. Stand on a piece of paper with your heel against a wall. Draw a line at the tip of your longest toe. Use a ruler to measure the distance from the wall to that line. This gives you an accurate length for a perfect fit every time you shop online.
Trace Your Foot
Place a piece of paper on the floor against a wall. Stand on the paper with your heel touching the wall. Keep your weight even on both feet.
Use a pen to trace around your foot. Keep the pen straight up and down while you move. Do not tilt the pen inward or outward.
Trace both your left and right feet. Your feet are often different sizes. Always use the measurement from your larger foot.
Measure the Length
Use a ruler to measure from the edge of the paper where your heel was to the tip of your longest toe. Write down the length in centimeters. This number is your most important guide.
If you are between two sizes, always pick the larger one. You can wear thicker socks if the shoe feels a little roomy. It is much harder to fix a shoe that is too tight.
Keep your measurements in your phone. This makes shopping online very fast and easy. You will never have to guess your size again.
Check the Width
Look at your drawing to see how wide your foot is. Does it look wider than your current shoes? If your feet feel tight in standard shoes, you might need a wide size.
Narrow or wide feet need special attention. Standard shoes may pinch your toes or cause blisters if they are not the right shape. Choosing the right width makes walking feel much better.
Compare your drawing to your favorite pair of shoes. If your foot looks wider than the shoe base, try searching for wide options. This small step helps you avoid painful feet.
Use the Size Chart
Every shoe brand has its own size rules. A size 40 in one store might feel different in another. Always check the size chart on the specific website.
Find the column that lists foot length in centimeters. Match your measurement to the chart to find your match. This is the secret to buying shoes that actually fit.
Using the chart will save you from having to return packages. It gives you the confidence to buy new styles without worrying about the fit. Stick to these steps for the best experience.
Check Other Shoe Sizing Guides To Avoid Troubles
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Not sure what SP stands for? This guide explains it in a simple, no-confusion way. |
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Learn what PS means in shoe sizing and who it’s actually meant for. |
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Confused about the “B” width? Here’s a quick and clear explanation. |
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Find out what deadstock really means and why sneaker lovers care about it. |
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If you have wider feet, this explains what 2E sizing means for your fit. |
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Here’s what EP means and why it matters, especially for certain shoe versions. |
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A simple explanation of SE and how it’s used in different shoe releases. |
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Extra-wide feet? This guide helps you understand what 4E sizing offers. |
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Learn what “reps” are in sneakers and how they differ from original pairs. |
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DS is common in sneaker talk. Here’s what it actually means. |
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A quick guide to what “C” stands for and who it usually fits. |
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Not sure about “H” sizing? This clears it up in a very simple way. |
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Learn what 7Y means and how youth sizes compare to adult sizes. |
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GS stands for grade school. Here’s what that means in sizing and fit. |
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Find out what “retro” means in shoes and why older styles keep coming back. |
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A simple guide for parents to understand what TD sizing means for kids. |
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Learn what “D” width means and whether it’s considered standard. |
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Not sure about “Y” sizing? This explains it in a clear and simple way. |
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Another helpful take on SE so you fully understand how brands use it. |
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A quick explanation of “M” and how it relates to standard sizing. |
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In sneaker slang, “bricks” has a specific meaning. Here’s what it refers to. |
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Learn what EW stands for and how it compares to other wide sizes. |
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QS releases are special. This explains what makes them different. |
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Here’s what CN sizing means and how it compares with other regions. |
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Understand EUR sizing and how it matches up with US and UK sizes. |
Conclusion
Finding the right shoe size doesn't have to be confusing. By knowing that a 40 is roughly a US 9 or 9.5 and using your own measurements as a guide, you take the risk out of online shopping. No more dealing with painful shoes or the headache of shipping items back. Now that you have the tools to measure correctly, you can shop for your favorite styles with total confidence.




