What Size Is 38 in Women’s Shoes? Chart, Conversions, & Tips

Ever thought, What size is 38 in women’s shoes? It’s usually a US size 7.5–8, UK 5.5–6, and about 9.5–9.625 inches in foot length. But it can vary slightly between brands and shoe types. That’s why knowing the exact conversion matters, especially when shopping online.

Worry not. Here, you’ll get clear charts, easy measuring steps, and our own real-life tips so you always get the perfect fit. Stick with us.

Key Takeaways

• EU size 38 in women’s shoes is usually US 7.5–8.

• In UK sizing, 38 is about a 5.5–6.

• Foot length for 38 is roughly 24–24.4 cm (9.5–9.625 inches).

• Nike’s size 38 often equals US 7.5 and runs slightly snug.

• Always measure your feet before buying, especially online.

• Read customer reviews for “true to size” feedback.

• Different brands and shoe styles can fit differently even in the same size.

• Checking brand-specific charts can save you from returns.

What Size Is 38 in Women’s Shoes? Find Out

In women’s shoes, a European size 38 usually matches a US size 7.5 or 8. In UK sizing, it’s about a size 5.5 or 6. Foot length for size 38 is often around 9.5 to 9.625 inches (24 to 24.4 cm). The exact match can vary slightly between brands.

We’ve learned from years of shoe shopping that size 38 is one of the trickiest to pin down. When we ordered heels from a Spanish brand, the 38 felt perfect. But the same size in sneakers from a US brand felt tighter.

We always tell friends: if you wear a 38, you’re usually safe with US 7.5–8, but don’t just rely on the number. You should always check the brand’s size chart before buying. Some brands like Birkenstock and Adidas run slightly larger in European sizes, while others like Zara and Mango run more fitted.

Is 38 a Size 5?

No, size 38 in women’s shoes is not a size 5 in US sizing. In US terms, a size 38 usually equals a woman’s size 7.5 or 8. In UK sizing, 38 is closer to 5.5 or 6. That’s why it’s easy to get confused, as the UK number is closer to 5, but it’s not the same as the US 5.

European shoe sizes use a completely different measurement system. Instead of inches or US numbering, they’re based on the length of the “last” (the mold the shoe is built on) in centimeters. A 38 is designed for feet about 24 to 24.4 cm long.

If you’re shopping online and see a size 5 in the US chart, that’s actually an EU 35–35.5. So if you wear a US 5 and buy a 38, it will be way too big.

Quick guide:

Bottom line: size 38 is not a US 5. It’s much bigger (about two and a half sizes bigger in US sizing).

If you're comparing size 38 to U.S. sizes, you may also wonder: what size 8 in women is in men’s.

What Size Is 38 in Women’s Shoes in Inches?

A woman’s size 38 in European sizing is usually for feet measuring about 9.5 to 9.625 inches long. That’s roughly 24 to 24.4 cm. In US sizes, that length equals about 7.5 or 8.

We’ve measured our own feet before ordering online, and 38 always lands in that 9.5–9.625 inch range. If your foot is longer, you might need a 39. If it’s shorter, you might need a 37.

To measure your foot:

1. Place your heel against a wall.

2. Put a sheet of paper under your foot.

3. Mark the tip of your longest toe.

4. Measure from the wall to the mark in inches.

If your measurement is between 9.5 and 9.625 inches, a 38 will likely fit.

Here’s a quick conversion:

• 9.5–9.625 inches = 24–24.4 cm

• US 7.5–8

• UK 5.5–6

• EU 38

What Size Is 38 in Women’s Shoes Nike?

In Nike women’s shoes, a European size 38 is usually the same as a US size 7.5. Sometimes it can also be a US size 8, depending on the style. This size is made for feet that are about 9.5 inches, or 24 centimeters long.

Nike shoes often feel a bit smaller than regular fashion shoes. A size 38 might feel tight at first, especially in styles with a narrow front like the Air Force 1 Shadow or some running shoes. After wearing them a few times, the shoes usually become more comfortable.

Here’s Nike’s own women’s size guide for EU 38:

• EU 38 = US 7.5

• Foot length = 24 cm (≈ 9.45 inches)

• UK size = 5

When we bought our first pair of Nike Pegasus in size 38, they felt tighter than our Zara sneakers in the same size. That’s when we learned it’s important to look at Nike’s size chart before buying. Nike makes shoes mainly for sports, so they can fit differently from everyday fashion shoes.

If you are between two sizes, it’s safer to pick the bigger one so your toes do not feel squished. And if your feet are wider, choosing the “wide” option in Nike’s menu can make the shoes much more comfortable.

Bottom line: In Nike women’s shoes, size 38 is usually US 7.5, UK 5, and 24 cm in foot length. Always check Nike’s official chart before buying.

Ever seen 38C or 7C? Don’t guess—this is what C really means in shoes.

How to Know if Size 38 Will Fit You?

The easiest way to know if size 38 will fit you is to measure your foot and compare it to the brand’s size chart. Size 38 in women’s shoes usually fits a foot that is about 9.5 to 9.625 inches (24–24.4 cm) long.

We’ve made enough online shoe returns to know guessing doesn’t work. Brands vary, and even two models from the same brand can fit differently.

Here’s our step-by-step way to check:

1. Measure your foot length: Stand on a flat surface with your heel against a wall. Place a sheet of paper under your foot. Mark the tip of your longest toe. Measure from the wall to the mark.

2. Check both feet: Many people have one foot slightly larger. Use the longer measurement.

3. Compare with the size chart: Find the brand’s official conversion chart. For example, in most brands, 24 cm = EU 38 = US 7.5–8.

4. Consider shoe type: Pointed heels feel tighter than sneakers. Boots can feel looser.

5. Read real customer reviews: Look for “true to size” or “runs small/large” comments. We often rely on these before buying.

6. Know your preference: Some people like a snug fit, others like more room.

We’ve learned this process saves us time and prevents disappointment. The last time we skipped measuring, we ended up with sandals that were half a size too big, and they never felt right.

What Size Is 39 in Women’s Shoes?

A women’s European size 39 usually equals a US size 8.5 or 9. In UK sizing, it’s around a size 6.5. Foot length for a 39 is typically about 9.75 to 9.875 inches (24.6 to 25 cm).

The jump from 38 to 39 in EU sizing is usually half a US size. So, if a 38 is a US 8, a 39 is often a US 8.5 or 9, depending on the brand.

Here’s a quick chart:

• EU 39 = US 8.5–9

• EU 39 = UK 6.5

• Foot length ≈ 24.6–25 cm

One thing we’ve noticed over years of shopping: some brands like Nike make their size 39 feel closer to a US 9, while brands like Mango keep it closer to 8.5. That’s why we always check the store’s own size guide before buying.

Besides the number, letters like “H” in shoe sizes can be confusing. Here’s what H means on shoes.

Final Tips Before Buying Shoes in Size 38

Here’s what we always do now before buying shoes in size 38:

Conclusion

Size 38 in women’s shoes is not always the same across brands, so knowing the exact match is important. Most of the time, EU 38 equals US 7.5–8, UK 5.5–6, and about 24 cm in foot length. Small differences in fit can still happen, which is why measuring your foot and checking size charts are crucial. These steps reduce mistakes and make online shopping easier.

Next time you see “EU 38” on a shoe box, you will know exactly what size it means.

Looking beyond size 38? You might want to know how a woman's 9 converts in men’s sizing.