Schoenmaten

Schoenmaten are numeric or coded indicators used to determine the appropriate size of footwear for a given foot. In Dutch-speaking contexts they are part of a broader European and international system that helps shoppers compare sizes across brands and countries. While the term often implies the common European system, several sizing schemes coexist, which can lead to mismatches when buying online or abroad.

The main sizing systems include Mondopoint (ISO 9407), the European (EU) system, and the United States and United Kingdom systems. Mondopoint expresses size by foot length in millimeters and is used in some technical and athletic footwear, offering a straightforward length-based measure. The EU system, widely used in Europe and the Netherlands, assigns whole numbers or half numbers that roughly correspond to foot length in centimeters. US and UK systems use distinct scales with different numbers and often require brand-specific conversions. In addition to length, shoe width is also a factor, with width codes or letter designations varying by region and brand.

Measuring a foot typically involves recording the longest length from heel to the end of the longest toe, often with the person wearing light socks. Both feet should be measured, and the larger measurement used for sizing. For best results, consult a brand’s size chart and consider width, arch support, and the shoe’s last, as fit can vary between models.

In practice, schoenmaten serve as a practical guide, but the correct size may still require trying on footwear or returning items when online purchases do not fit as expected. Differences between brands and periods of production can influence fit.