How To Measure and Fit Kids’ Feet
From their first pair to school footwear, keep scrolling for our handy shoe fit guide and foot measuring hacks.
With back to school season almost here, our kids' shoe measuring guide has arrived at a very fitting time... Searching for school shoes, black school shoes, or black sneakers, our handy guide is here to show you how to figure out what shoe size they need and how to check that their shoes fit correctly.
Kids' Shoe Size Chart and Fit 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 the printable version of the shoe size guide or head in-store for our helpful floor vinyl they can stand on themselves to help find what size they need for their new kicks.
When printing this sheet, make sure you select "Print to 100%" and not "Shrink to fit" on your printer properties to make sure it's to scale. We suggest also making sure the blue box in the image measures ten centimeters.
Measure Up
Place their foot on the chart while they're standing. Make sure their heel lines up with the heel on the chart.
Using the size chart, identify the shoe size and related color which lines up with the marked line. Pick an appropriate shoe from the display and put it on the their foot.
After 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 your kiddo knows what size feet they have, it’s time to check that the shoes they choose fit well on those tiny toes. Follow these four steps to make sure their newest pair of shoes is just right.
Shoe Length Check
- Check the length while they're standing: make sure there's enough growing room above the toe. We recommend a thumb width.
Shoe Width Check
- While they're standing, feel across their foot to check there's no pressure on it. They should be able to wiggle their toes.
Shoe Depth Check
- Make sure there's 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 that the edge of the shoe supports the foot and isn't gaping. Check that the top edge of the shoe isn't rubbing against the ankle bone, which can cause discomfort.
Choose Your School Shoes
While black school shoes and all black sneakers might not spark big joy, following school uniform rules and regulations in style is where we come in... Black ballerina flats? Black Velcro sneaks? Black Chelsea boots? You name it, we have 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 They 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 their longest toe and the tip of the shoe. This gives them correct toe movement and room to grow.
Should You Go Up A Half Size In Kids' Shoes?
Not necessarily. While it's common to leave extra room for growth, the exact amount can vary for each child. We usually recommend having a thumb’s width (about half an inch of space between the end of their longest toe and the tip of the shoe.
How Long Do Toddlers Stay In Each Shoe Size?
Toddlers can outgrow their shoes fast. On average, they might 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 for a correct 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 in these years, with some having rapid growth spurts and others growing more slowly.
How Do You Measure Kids’ Feet In Inches?
To measure kids’ feet in inches you'll need to:
Place a piece of paper on a flat surface.
Position their foot on the paper. Make sure their heel is against a wall or straight edge.
Trace around their foot with a pen or pencil.
Use a ruler or tape measure to measure the distance from their heel to the tip of the longest toe.
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 their 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 need adult shoe sizes earlier than boys due to earlier growth spurts.