How To Measure & Fit Kids’ Feet

With back to school season fast approaching, our kids shoe measuring guide has arrived at a very fitting time! Whether you’re searching for kids school shoes, black school shoes, or black trainers for school, our handy guide is here to show you how to figure out what shoe size you child is and how to check that their shoes fit properly.

Kids Shoe Size Chart & Fitting Guide

Take the stress out of figuring out how to measure kids’ feet with the help of our easy-to-use footwear size guide. Either click here to download our printable version of the shoe size guide or head in-store where you’ll find our helpful floor vinyl that they can stand on themselves to help determine what size they’ll need for their new kicks!

Please ensure you select ‘print to 100%’ and not ‘shrink to fit’ on your printer properties when printing this sheet off to ensure it is to scale. We suggest also checking to make sure the blue box in the image measures ten centimetres.

Measure Up

• Place the child’s foot on the chart whilst standing. Make sure the child’s heel lines up with the heel on the chart.

• Using the size chart, identify the shoe size and relating colour which lines up with the marked line. Select an appropriate shoe from the display and put on the child’s foot.

Once you have followed these two simple steps to find the correct shoe size, keep reading for how to check that the shoes fit comfortably on their feet.

Kids’ Shoe Size Guide

Baby

• 0-3 Months – EU (16). US (1)

• 3-6 Months - EU (17). US (2)

• 6-9 Months EU (18). US (3)

• 9-12 Months EU (19). US (4)

• 12-18 Months EU (20-21). US (5)

Younger Kids

• UK (3). EU (19). US (4)

• UK (4). EU (20-12). US (5)

• UK (5). EU (22). US (6)

• UK (6). EU (23). US (7)

• UK (7). EU (24). US (8)

• UK (8). EU (25-26). US (9)

• UK (9). EU (27). US (10)

• UK (10). EU (28). US (11)

• UK (11). EU (29). US (12)

• UK (12). EU (30-31). US (13)

Older Kids

• UK (13). EU (32). US (1)

• UK (1). EU (33-34). US (2)

• UK (2). EU (35). US (3)

• UK (3). EU (36). US (4)

• UK (4). EU (37). US (5)

• UK (5). EU (38). US (6)

Older Boys

• UK (6). EU (39). US (7)

How To Check The Fit Of A Shoe

Now that your little one knows what size feet they have, it’s time to check that the shoes they choose fit properly on those tiny toes! Follow these four steps to ensure their newest pair of shoes stands the test of time.

Shoe Length Check

• Check the length as the child stand by ensuring there is enough growing room above the toe. We recommend a thumb width.

Shoe Width Check

• As the child stands, feel across the foot to check there is no pressure on the child’s foot. They should be able to wiggle their toes.

Shoe Depth Check

• Ensure there is enough room above their toes. Gently press the top of the shoe down. They should be able to wiggle their toes.

Shoe Comfort Check

• Check the edge of the shoe supports the foot and is not gaping. Check that the top edge of the shoe is not rubbing against the ankle bone which can cause discomfort.

Choose Your School Shoes

While black school shoes and all black trainers may not spark huge excitement when it comes to kids’ footwear, following school uniform rules and regulations in style is where we come in! Black ballerina flats? Black velcro trainers? Black Chelsea boots? You name it, we’ve got it, so shoes wisely! Browse our kids’ footwear options available in junior sizes UK 5-2 (EU 22-35) and older child sizes 13-5/6 (EU 32-38/39) — (5/38 for girls and 6/39 for boys).

FAQs:

How Much Space Should A Child Have In Their Shoes?

There should be approximately a thumb's width (about half an inch or 1.3 cm) of space between the end of the child's longest toe and the tip of the shoe. This allows for proper toe movement and growth.

Should You Go Up A Half Size In Kid’s Shoes?

Not necessarily. While it is common to allow extra room for growth, the exact amount can vary for each child. It’s generally recommended to have about a thumb’s width (about half an inch or 1.3 cm) of space between the end of the child's longest toe and the tip of the shoe.

How Long Do Toddlers Stay In Each Shoe Size?

Toddlers can outgrow their shoes quickly. On average, they may need a new shoe size every two to three months due to rapid growth.

How Often Do Pre-Schoolers (Ages 3-5) Change Shoe Sizes?

Pre-schoolers usually change shoe sizes every three to four months. Their growth rate starts to slow down compared to toddlers, but regular checks are still necessary to ensure proper fit.

How Long Do School-Aged Children (Ages 6-10) Stay In Each Shoe Size?

School-aged children tend to stay in each shoe size for about four to six months. However, growth spurts can cause changes more frequently, so it's important to monitor their shoe fit regularly.

How Frequently Do Preteens And Teenagers (Ages 11-18) Need New Shoe Sizes?

Preteens and teenagers may need new shoes every six to 12 months. Growth rates can vary widely during these years, with some experiencing rapid growth spurts and others growing more slowly.

How Do You Measure Kids’ Feet In Inches?

To measure kids’ feet in inches you will need to:

• Place a piece of paper on a flat surface.

• Position your child’s foot onto the paper. Ensure their heel is against a wall or straight edge.

• Trace around your child’s foot using a pen or pencil.

• Use a ruler or tape measure to measure the distance from their heel to the tip of the longest toe.

• You can measure the width with a ruler or tape by measuring the widest part of the foot outline.

• Record both distances in inches.

How Do I Convert The Measurement To Shoe Size?

After measuring their feet in inches, you can use our kids' shoe size chart to convert the measurements to your child’s appropriate shoe size.

When Do Kids Start To Wear Adult Size Shoes?

Kids typically start wearing adult size shoes between the ages of eight and 14, depending on their individual growth patterns. Girls often reach adult shoe sizes earlier than boys due to earlier growth spurts.