Shopping for shoes online can be exciting, but when it comes to Korean footwear, many Australians are unsure about sizing, availability, and how to ship purchases home safely. Korean shoe brands have been growing in global popularity thanks to their trendy designs, high-quality craftsmanship, and competitive prices. From sneakers and loafers to sandals and boots, Korean footwear often offers something a little different from mainstream Western brands.
This guide will cover everything Australians need to know about Korean shoe sizing, where to shop, what brands to explore, and how to get your shoes shipped to Australia smoothly with Buy&Ship’s trusted proxy shopping service.
Why Korean Shoes Are Popular
- Trendy and Fashion-Forward – Korean brands often set style trends, producing designs that blend streetwear aesthetics with chic minimalism.
- Affordable Yet Quality – Many Korean shoes are priced more competitively than European or American labels, but still maintain strong craftsmanship.
- Unique Designs – From bold color palettes to limited-edition collaborations, Korean footwear stands out for shoppers looking for something distinctive.
- Growing K-fashion Influence – Thanks to K-pop and K-dramas, footwear featured on screen often becomes an instant must-have.
Understanding Korean Shoe Sizing
Perhaps the most confusing aspect of shopping for Korean shoes is sizing. Unlike Australia’s standard system (based on US/UK/EU conversions), Korea uses millimeter (mm) measurements, also known as Mondopoint sizing.
- Korean Shoe Sizes Are in Millimeters – For example, a size 250 means 250mm, equivalent to the length of your foot.
- Men’s and Women’s Sizes Overlap – Korean shoe stores usually label by mm rather than “men’s” or “women’s,” though some brands may suggest gender-based ranges.
- Half Sizes Available – Many Korean brands provide increments of 5mm, giving a more precise fit.
Conversion Chart (Approximate)
| Korea (mm) | AU Women | AU Men | US Women | US Men | EU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 220 | 5 | – | 5 | – | 35 |
| 230 | 6 | – | 6 | – | 36 |
| 240 | 7 | – | 7 | – | 37 |
| 250 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 6 | 39 |
| 260 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 7 | 40 |
| 270 | 10 | 8 | 10 | 8 | 42 |
| 280 | – | 9 | – | 9 | 43 |
| 290 | – | 10 | – | 10 | 44 |
💡 Tip: Always measure your foot length (heel to toe) and match the mm measurement directly for the best fit.
Where to Shop for Korean Shoes Online
Australians have access to countless Korean online stores, but many do not ship directly overseas. That’s where Buy&Ship’s proxy service comes in handy. Here are some of the top destinations for finding Korean shoes:
- ABC Mart Korea – The largest multi-brand footwear retailer in Korea, offering global and local brands.
- Musinsa – Known as Korea’s fashion hub, Musinsa stocks sneakers, boots, and limited collaborations.
- Coupang – Korea’s biggest online marketplace, often featuring discounts on everyday footwear.
- SSG.com – Department-store-backed shopping site with premium shoe collections.
- Brand Websites – Popular Korean labels like Suecomma Bonnie, Gentle Monster (shoes line), or MLB Korea release limited editions directly on their official sites.
Popular Korean Shoe Brands to Explore
- Suecomma Bonnie – Luxury women’s shoes with bold, statement designs.
- MLB Korea – Streetwear-inspired sneakers with oversized logos.
- Stretch Angels – Youth-oriented brand known for playful designs.
- Musinsa Standard Footwear – Simple, versatile sneakers and loafers at affordable prices.
- Fila Korea – While global, Korean-exclusive releases and limited editions are highly sought after.
Challenges for Australian Shoppers
While Korean shoes are tempting, shopping from Australia comes with a few hurdles:
- Limited Overseas Shipping – Many Korean shoe sites only deliver domestically.
- Language Barriers – Most Korean websites are in Korean with limited English support.
- Sizing Confusion – Without proper conversions, you may risk ordering the wrong size.
- High International Shipping Fees – Even if direct shipping is available, it’s often expensive.
This is where Buy&Ship’s proxy shopping service makes the process easy.
How Buy&Ship Helps Australians Shop Korean Shoes
Buy&Ship is a trusted proxy shopping and forwarding service that bridges the gap between Korean stores and Australian buyers. Here’s how it works:
- Sign Up for Free – Create a Buy&Ship account and receive a personal Korean warehouse address.
- Shop Korean Stores – Use that address when checking out on Korean shoe websites.
- Package Arrival at Korean Warehouse – Once your order arrives, Buy&Ship will notify you and weigh the package.
- Consolidation Option – Combine multiple shoe orders into one shipment to save on costs.
- Shipping to Australia – Packages are forwarded from Korea to Buy&Ship’s Hong Kong hub, then sent to Australia.
- Home Delivery – Your shoes arrive safely at your door with clear tracking along the way.
Tips for Buying Korean Shoes from Australia
- Measure Your Feet Accurately – Don’t rely on AU size conversions alone.
- Check Brand Reviews – Sizing can differ slightly between brands.
- Avoid Restricted Items – Shoes are generally safe to import, but ensure no animal-restricted materials are involved.
- Use Consolidation Wisely – Ordering multiple pairs? Save by consolidating via Buy&Ship.
- Look for Sales – Seasonal sales like Korea’s end-of-season clearance can save you up to 50%.
Import Rules for Footwear into Australia
Most shoes can be imported without issues, but Australians should be mindful of:
- Biosecurity Concerns – Used shoes may be restricted due to soil contamination. Stick to new items.
- Leather & Exotic Materials – Footwear made from restricted wildlife materials may be confiscated.
- Duties & GST – Orders over AUD 1,000 may incur additional taxes.
Why Choose Buy&Ship for Korean Shoe Shopping?
- Lower Fees – Starting at just AUD28 for the first 2lb, plus AUD12 per additional lb.
- Reliable Consolidation – Combine multiple pairs into one shipment.
- Transparent Pricing – Clear service fees starting from 6%.
- Trusted by Shoppers Worldwide – Buy&Ship has become the go-to choice for cross-border shopping.
Korean shoes are stylish, affordable, and increasingly popular among Australians looking for something unique. While sizing and international delivery can feel confusing, Buy&Ship’s proxy shopping service makes it simple to buy directly from Korea and ship to Australia at affordable rates.
By understanding Korean shoe sizing, exploring the best brands, and using Buy&Ship for secure delivery, Aussies can enjoy the latest Korean footwear trends without leaving home.