What Do 1/3 and 2/3 Next to Shoe Sizes Mean

Choosing the correct shoe size is important for both comfort and the longevity of the footwear. Some shoe models feature fractional shoe sizes, such as 38 2/3 or 37 1/3. But what do these numbers mean? 

Not everyone’s feet perfectly match whole shoe sizes, like 37 or 38. Fractional shoe sizes are made for people whose feet fall between standard sizes. 

The 1/3 or 2/3 represents a fractional shoe size, which indicates a third or two-thirds of a size in terms of the shoe’s length in centimeters. For example, a size 40 shoe typically has a foot length of 25 cm, a size 40 2/3 has a length of 25.5 cm, and a size 41 1/3 has a length of 26 cm. 

It might seem confusing, but it’s not as complicated as it sounds. For example, what does size 40 2/3 or 43 1/3 mean? 

• For people with a toe-to-heel measurement of 8.7 cm, size 36 shoes would be suitable. 
• For those with a toe-to-heel measurement of 8.9 cm, size 36 2/3 (or size 36.5) is recommended. 
• If the toe-to-heel measurement is 10.2 cm, a size 42 shoe would be appropriate. 
• For a toe-to-heel measurement of 10.4 cm, size 42 2/3 (between sizes 42 and 43) is preferred. 

When you see 43 1/3, it represents a size 43.5. 

Sizes like 36 1/3 and 36 2/3 indicate a range between 36 and 37, divided into thirds. 

In summary: 

• For example, 36 with 1/3 means size 36.33, 
• 36 with 2/3 means size 36.67,
• 0/3 or 3/3 means a standard full size, like 37. 

Therefore, 37 2/3 would fall between size 37.5 and 38.