Japan has one of the most sophisticated sneaker cultures in the world โ and Japanese women set global trends years before the rest of the world catches on. Here's everything you need to know about Japanese sizing, the best Japanese brands, and how to get Japan-exclusive releases from the US.
Japan uses a centimeter-based sizing system that measures actual foot length. This is more precise than US or EU sizing and eliminates much of the sizing guesswork. Japanese women's sizes typically run smaller than US sizes โ a Japanese women's 23.5cm is approximately a US women's 6.
When shopping Japanese brands or Japan-exclusive releases, always check the CM size on the box, not just the JP size number.
| Japan CM | US Women's | EU | UK Women's |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22.0 cm | 5 | 35 | 2.5 |
| 22.5 cm | 5.5 | 35.5 | 3 |
| 23.0 cm | 6 | 36 | 3.5 |
| 23.5 cm | 6.5 | 37 | 4 |
| 24.0 cm | 7 | 37.5 | 4.5 |
| 24.5 cm | 7.5 | 38 | 5 |
| 25.0 cm | 8 | 38.5 | 5.5 |
| 25.5 cm | 8.5 | 39 | 6 |
| 26.0 cm | 9 | 40 | 6.5 |
| 26.5 cm | 9.5 | 40.5 | 7 |
| 27.0 cm | 10 | 41 | 7.5 |
The original Japanese performance sneaker brand โ Onitsuka Tiger predates Nike and Adidas's global dominance. The Mexico 66 and California 78 are iconic silhouettes worn by fashionable women worldwide. Runs slightly narrow โ consider going half a size up if you have wide feet. Available in the US through their official site and select retailers.
One of Japan's oldest shoe manufacturers. The Asahi 603 has become a cult favorite among Japanese women for its ultra-minimal design, quality construction, and affordable price. Difficult to find outside Japan โ proxy services are usually required for US buyers.
New Balance Japan releases exclusive colorways and collaborations only available in Japan. The Japanese market gets special editions of the 574, 990, and 2002R that aren't released globally. Some leak to GOAT and StockX at significant premiums.
Nike Japan releases exclusive colorways of classic silhouettes โ especially the Air Force 1, Dunk, and Cortez. Japanese women's fashion often influences these colorways with softer palettes and premium materials. Check Nike JP's women's section for exclusives.
Onitsuka Tiger โ runs narrow and slightly small. Go half a size up if you have normal to wide feet.
Asahi โ true to Japanese CM sizing. Use our chart above to find your size.
New Balance Japan exclusives โ same as standard New Balance sizing. If you know your NB size, order the same.
Nike Japan โ same as standard Nike sizing. Japanese women often prefer a slightly looser fit so some styles come up slightly large.
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