I will soon be returning to the UK for a trip and I wanted to ask the ever-so experienced users their opinion as I can't think or research for myself.

I have purchased a lot of shoes while here in the US and I wanted to check if they will still work in the UK and how I need to get them there.

Will the UK size difference cause an issue while I'm in the UK?

Will I be able to take them on the plane or should I ship them (I have an old UK pair I can wear on the flight) via UPS to meet me when I land?

Do I have to declare them at customs?

Your help would be appreciated as I am so mentally retarded, I find it surprising that I ever made it here in the first place.


Disclaimer: Sarcasm is completely intentional

England is 5 sizes forward of EST

you'll need a converter me thinks.

Bad news I'm afraid...you will find your US shoes will be waaaay too big when you land in the UK. I would advise you take one pair of laced shoes and several thick pairs of socks to get you from the airport to the nearest shoe shop.

They don't wear shoes in the UK anymore. They only wear crocs. You'll need a step up, step down convertor.

But then, with the current exchange rate, he'd only get one British shoe for every two U.S. shoes so he'd have to hop everywhere.

Plus he'd have to drive his left shoe with his right foot. Very messy.

Christ - at this rate he'd be best off walking everywhere on his hands.

Will he be travelling on a UK passport? If so, he can just wear Jesus Sandals, stop to don his grey ankle socks before passing thru customs - problem solved!

You must sterilise your shoes in an autoclave to be sure you are not carrying rabies, snakes, or crop-destroying fungi into the UK.

I recommend stilts

i'd go the whole hog and sterlise your whole feet too ! paint it with that nasty orange stuff they use in operating theatres - could pretend your orange dyed feet were orange shoes anyway.

Remember when taking your shoes as hand (foot?) luggage, to make sure their volume is no bigger than 3 fl oz and are they kept in a clear container.

Dear mentally retarded poster,

Please ensure they have received their vaccinations, particularly the "MMR" against Moldy Muddy Runners, and the "TB upper test", which will prevent you contracting terrible bunions from your shoes.

Also you need to prepare for a interview at Clarks Headquarters as this will be the deciding factor in your shoes being able to stay in the UK.


Please be aware shoe sizes are bigger in the US then UK and you'll have to prepare packaging to accommodate this. Your UK born shoes are fine, but each US pair should have their own box, this must be big enough for your shoes to lie in a natural position, side by side. It should have good Ventilation.

Unless you plan on selling them out the boot of your car for personal gain, there is no reason to declare them

the UK, is that a place?

Personally I wouldn't take your US shoes but rent shoes when you get to the UK (try www.easyshoe.com). You may find them smaller than the shoes you're used to here but the upside is you'll get significantly more steps out of them.