Shoei Helmet Sizing and Head Shapes

A helmet is the one piece of gear where "close enough" isn't good enough. Shoei makes it easier than most, with a simple chart and a consistent head shape. Here's how to use both.

Step 1: Measure your head

Wrap a soft cloth tape around your head just above your eyebrows and ears, pull it comfortably snug, measure twice and use the largest number [1]. Shoei Europe's fitting instructions describe the same line: about 2 cm above the eyebrows, 2 cm above where your ears meet your head, and around the most protruding point at the back [2]. Keep the tape level, because a sloping tape reads small [3].

Step 2: Match the chart

Shoei size	Head (cm)
2XS	51–52
XS	53–54
SM	55–56
MD	57–58
LG	59–60
XL	61–62
2XL	63–64
3XL	65–66

Source: RevZilla's Shoei helmet sizing [1]. If you fall between two sizes, Shoei Europe says to try the smaller size first [2].

Step 3: Know your head shape

Circumference is only half of it. Shoei itself says a helmet size "cannot be identified by circumference alone," and that the same size can feel different across Shoei models [4]. The other half is shape. RevZilla describes three [5]:

Round oval: the least common, more spherical. These riders tend to feel hot spots at the temples in oval helmets.
Intermediate oval: the most common, slightly narrower than it is long. Most helmets sold in North America follow it.
Long oval: much longer than it is wide. These riders get forehead pressure in rounder helmets.

To find yours, have a friend take a photo of the top of your head with your hair flattened. If you can't tell, intermediate oval is the best bet [6].

Where Shoei fits in

RevZilla says Shoei builds almost everything around an intermediate oval [3], so Shoeis fit most riders. If a Shoei in your measured size presses on your forehead or temples, the problem is probably shape, not size. RevZilla's advice is to try a different brand before a different size [3]. Arai, for comparison, varies shape by model [3].

Model note: Hornet X2

RevZilla's Hornet X2 page says customers have found it runs slightly small and recommend sizing up if you're between sizes [7]. That's the opposite of Shoei's general "try smaller first" advice, which is exactly why model-specific notes matter.

Step 4: The fit test

It should be snug enough that your skin moves with the helmet when you try to shift it [8].
A full-face should grip your cheeks and jaw as well as the top and sides of your head [8].
Wear it for 15–30 minutes before deciding, since pressure points take time to show up [3].
Folded ears going on are normal, as long as they settle and don't hurt [6].

Fine-tuning

Shoei notes that helmets with removable interiors can be tuned by swapping cheek pads and center pads [4]. If one temple aches after a long ride, Shoei suggests testing with a folded handkerchief under the helmet to find whether extra padding elsewhere relieves it [4].

Measure once. We'll do the chart math.

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Sources

Size charts change. Always check the chart on the exact product page before you buy. Last checked October 15, 2026.