Overview
ISO 9407:2019 - "Footwear sizing - Mondopoint system of sizing and marking" defines a simple, universal method for designating and marking shoe sizes based on measured foot dimensions. Applicable to all types of footwear, the standard specifies how to measure the foot, how to express sizes in the Mondopoint system (millimetres), and how to mark shoes and packaging so size information is consistent and internationally understood.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Primary and secondary measurements: Mondopoint is based on two defined foot measurements - foot length (primary) and linear width of the foot (secondary). Both are measured in millimetres and expressed as integers.
- Measurement method: Foot length is the maximum horizontal distance from the centre of the back of the heel to the most prominent toe, measured with the subject standing and weight evenly distributed. Linear width is the maximum horizontal distance between the outside swells of the first and fifth metatarsal heads, measured under the same conditions.
- Expression of size: Sizes are shown using the numeric millimetre measurement for length, optionally followed by linear width. Units need not be printed; for clarity the prefix "MP" (upper-case) or "Mondo" should precede the size (examples: MP263, MP263/94, Mondo263(94)).
- Marking format and location: Mondopoint marking must be clearly separated from other information and be visible/legible on each shoe and on packaging (shoe boxes or similar).
- Manufacturer discretion on marking form: Methods to apply markings (punch, stamp, adhesive label, etc.) are left to the manufacturer provided durability and legibility requirements are met.
- Transition guidance: Conversion from other national sizing systems (UK, US, EU, etc.) should be done by converting to the corresponding foot length; relationships to these systems are covered in ISO/TS 19407.
- Grading intervals: Typical length grading intervals used by manufacturers are normally 5 mm; specialist applications sometimes use 7.5 mm.
Practical applications and users
ISO 9407 is essential for:
- Shoe manufacturers and last designers standardizing size tables and internal grading
- Retailers and e-commerce platforms presenting unambiguous shoe-size information to customers (reducing returns)
- Importers/exporters and international brands seeking consistent cross-border sizing
- Product compliance teams ensuring marking on footwear and packaging meets international best practice
- Footwear labs and sizing researchers collecting anthropometric data for market-specific lasts
By adopting Mondopoint, businesses simplify size communication across markets and improve the online/multi-market shopping experience.
Related standards
Keywords: ISO 9407, Mondopoint, footwear sizing, shoe size marking, shoe measurements, shoe manufacturers, e‑commerce shoe sizing.
