Kids’ Shoe Size Guide: Find the Perfect Fit

Let’s face it, kids’ feet grow fast. Like, extremely fast! We’re here to help with shoe sizing. Discover tips and tricks on measuring your child’s foot and finding their exact size thanks to our kids’ shoe size chart. Now’s the time to find a pair of kids’ shoes they’re going to want to wear till the soles fall off.

The Measuring Guide

Click to download and print the kids’ shoe sizing tool to get started. Then, follow these three easy steps. You’ll know everything about kids’ shoe sizing in no time.

1. Printable Kids’ Sizing Tool

2. Make sure pants are rolled up and socks fit properly.

3. Place the sizing tool on the floor next to a wall & have your child stand on it against the wall, with heels at the heel line.

4. Mark where the tip of your child’s big toe ends, then add about a thumb-width space to determine a comfortable shoe size.

5. Use the Kids’ Size Chart below (you can swap between inches and centimeters) to see which size is best.

No Printer? You can still measure your kids’ foot by taking a piece of paper and tracing their feet. Start by having your child stand on a piece of paper, preferably barefoot or in snug socks, and use a marker to outline both feet. Then take a ruler and measure from the heel to the tip of the big toe on both feet (kids’ feet are often different sizes as they are growing) and then write down the measurement in centimeters and/or inches. Use this measurement to guide you as you look at our kids’ size chart below.

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How to Know Your Kids’ Shoes Fit Properly

Ask your little ones the following questions:

1. Can you wiggle your toes?

2. Do your toes touch the end of your shoe?

3. Do your heels slide around or feel too tight? Use your thumb to press down the top of the shoe to make sure there is plenty of space (about the width of your thumb) between the ends of their toes and the tip of the shoe. For toddler and baby shoes, there should be about a half inch of space in the front of the shoe, and a pinky’s amount of space in the heel for them to grow into.

Remember–if you see blisters, it’s time to re-measure!

How Often Will Your Child Need New Shoes?

Since kids’ feet grow fast, you should re-measure your kid’s feet every two months to make sure they haven’t outgrown them.

Quick Tips for Buying Baby & Kids’ Shoes

For Infants & First Walkers:

• Skip shoes until your baby starts walking—booties or soft socks are enough.  

• Choose breathable materials like mesh or leather.  

• Look for anti-microbial linings to keep little feet fresh.  

• First walker shoes should have flexible but structured soles for support.

For Toddlers & Kids:

• Fit matters! Kids’ feet develop rapidly—proper fit helps prevent future foot issues.

• Use a sizing tool to get accurate measurements.

Shop by age range:

• Infants: 0–15 months

• Toddlers: 15 months–3 years

• Little Kids: 4–7 years

• Big Kids: 8–10+ years

Keep in mind - youth sizes can overlap with adult sizes (e.g., Girls’ Youth 3 = Women’s 5). Pro Tip: Always try on multiple sizes—fit can vary by brand!‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎