The Complete Guide to Understanding Kids' Shoe Sizes

Understanding kids' shoe sizes might seem tricky at first. Here are the best tips for finding the right fit for kids and toddlers shoes.

If you’re wondering why your child who just grew out of their size 13 sneakers now needs a size 2, you’re not the only parent feeling a bit lost. Kids shoe sizes can be confusing.

Turns out the shoe companies aren’t just trying to over-complicate things though. Shoes for smaller children are sized differently than those for older kids, and while it might seem counterintuitive, a large number (like size 13) correlates to younger children.

Ultimately, you can’t know for sure if the shoe fits until your child tries it on. But we rounded up a few tips to help you order the size most likely to work for your kid.

How Kids Shoe Sizes Work

When it comes to kids' shoe sizes, there are three age groups to know about. Toddler and little kid sizes begin at size 1 and go up through size 13 and a half. After that, they grow out of their 13s. Your child will then move into big kid sizing, which begins again at size 1. This usually happens around age 7 or 8, but can vary considerably depending on where your child is in their physical development.

Two different sizing groups exist because the shoes have styles and functions specific to their age group. For example, toddler shoes may be more likely to have Velcro straps to make them easier to take on and off and they may have fun embellishments, like cartoon characters. Shoes in big kid sizing may have more lace-up options or more mature styles.

Another frustrating aspect of shoe shopping for kids is that sizing is not consistent. Some brands run small or large. This is because each brand uses their own lasts (wooden shoe molds) and there is some natural variance there. The shoe’s material may also affect its fit.

“If a brand adds a furry lining for winter, that would make the shoe area inside of the shoe smaller, and your child might need a larger size,” says Jodi Gallaer, founder of Just Shoes for Kids.

How to Measure Your Child’s Foot

To measure your child’s foot, have them stand barefoot on a piece of paper and trace around it. They should put their weight onto the foot you are measuring.

Mark a point at the end of their longest toe and measure the length from this point to the heel. Measure the other foot and if they aren’t exactly the same, use the longer of the two measurements to determine your child’s size.

How to Calculate Your Child’s Shoe Size

Once you have measured the length of your child’s foot, use a size chart to figure out your child’s shoe size (you can find one on the website of the brand you want to buy from). Size charts will often allow you to convert between different sizing systems, such as US, UK, and other European sizes. If your child is between sizes, go with the larger of the two.

Just remember that the shoe you ultimately chose is not going to be a guaranteed perfect fit. Size charts will give you a good baseline for which size to try on first.

Tips for Trying on Shoes

“You really need to get the shoes on their feet to see whether the size, fit, and feel are going to be right for your kid,” says Gallaer.

Have your child put the shoes on and stand up. Feel for the end of their big toe in the shoe. There should be about half an inch of space between the toe and the top of the shoe. “You can also slip a finger between their heel and the back of the shoe,” adds Gallaer, to make sure there’s enough space so that their heel doesn’t chafe on the inside, causing blisters.

The shoes need to be comfortable for walking, so have your child take a few strides around the room before deciding whether they fit right.

Many parents buy kids’ shoes online these days, and while it’s certainly convenient, the truth is you just can’t know if the shoes will be the right size until your child tries them on. For online orders, consider purchasing the shoe in two or three sizes and returning the sizes that don’t fit.

What to Consider When Buying Shoes for Kids

Parents should prioritize finding shoes that are practical and support your child’s foot development.

For toddlers and first walkers, look for shoes that have flexible soles. This helps their feet develop properly, because they can bend them in a natural way as they walk. Non-skid soles are also a good idea, so your little one is less likely to slip and fall as they explore.

Little kids like to do things themselves, so opt for shoes that allow for independent dressing. Velcro fasteners and shoes that slip on and off allow young children to dress themselves, boosting their confidence and making it simpler to get them ready to go each morning.

As your child becomes more active and spends most of their time on their feet, accept the fact that their shoes will take a bit of a beating. Buy shoes that you don’t mind seeing signs of wear and tear on, and don’t worry about spending a fortune if you don’t want to because you might need to replace them sooner than you expect.

If your kid doesn’t wear a pair of shoes out first, they’ll grow out of them. “I recommend measuring the feet every 6 to 8 weeks to see if they need a new size,” says Dr. Sarkar.

One way or another, you’ll be buying new shoes frequently. But don’t size up to try and save money. While this may be a savvy idea for shirts or coats, fit is very important for foot development. Plus, your kid is likely to wear the shoes out sooner than they grow out of them anyway.

Key Takeaway

Even though your kids are probably growing fast, don't size up when buying shoes because a proper fit is crucial to their foot development. Be sure to measure their foot every two months to determine if they need a new size.