Indian shoe sizes: why the same number fits differently

Footwear sold in India carries UK numbers, EU numbers, or an unlabelled “Indian size” that usually follows UK. The same number from two makers can differ by a full size.

Measure once, in centimetres

Stand on a sheet of paper against a wall, mark the longest toe, and measure heel to mark. Do it in the evening — feet swell during the day. That centimetre figure is the only number that does not change between brands.

Then read the chart, not the number

Every style we list has the supplier’s size chart. Compare your centimetre measurement with the chart for that style rather than assuming your usual number carries across.

Width is the part nobody checks

Length is where people focus, but most discomfort in chappals and sandals comes from width. If your foot is broad, a strap that sits right on length can still cut across the widest part. Where a style runs narrow or wide, we say so on the page.

Between two sizes

For closed footwear, take the larger. For open chappals and sandals, the smaller usually sits better, because an oversized sole lets the foot slide forward and the strap ends up doing work it was not designed for.