Children's Shoe Size Guide for Parents
Finding the perfect shoe size for your child can be challenging. Our comprehensive children's shoe size guide helps you convert between UK, US, EU, and centimetre measurements, ensuring your little ones get the right fit for healthy foot development.
Quick Parent Tip
Children's feet grow rapidly - check their shoe size every 2-3 months, especially during growth spurts between ages 2-5 and 10-14.
Quick Size Reference by Age
Toddlers (1-3 years)
UK: 3-8 | US: 4-9 | EU: 19-25
Growing 1-2 sizes per yearPre-School (3-5 years)
UK: 6-11 | US: 7-12 | EU: 23-29
Growing 1-1.5 sizes per yearSchool Age (5-8 years)
UK: 9-1 | US: 10-2 | EU: 27-33
Growing 1 size per yearTweens (8-12 years)
UK: 12-6 | US: 13-7 | EU: 31-39
Growing 0.5-1 size per yearComplete Children's Shoe Size Conversion Chart
Use this detailed chart to convert your child's shoe size between different sizing systems. Ages are approximate guides only - always measure your child's foot for accuracy.
| Age Range | UK Size | US Size | EU Size | Foot Length (CM) | Foot Length (Inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2 years | 3 | 4 | 20 | 15.5 | 4.5" |
| 2-3 years | 4 | 5 | 21 | 16 | 4.5" |
| 3-4 years | 5 | 6 | 22 | 16.5 | 4.5" |
| 4-5 years | 6 | 7 | 23 | 17 | 4.5" |
| 5-6 years | 7 | 8 | 24 | 17.5 | 4.5" |
| 6-7 years | 8 | 9 | 25 | 18 | 4.5" |
| 7-8 years | 9 | 10 | 26 | 18.5 | 4.5" |
| 8-9 years | 10 | 11 | 27 | 19 | 4.5" |
| 9-10 years | 11 | 12 | 28 | 19.5 | 4.5" |
| 10-11 years | 12 | 13 | 29 | 20 | 4.5" |
Important: These are average measurements. Children's feet vary significantly, so always measure your child's actual foot length for the most accurate sizing.
How to Measure Your Child's Feet Properly
Step 1: Prepare for Measuring
- Measure feet in the afternoon when they're slightly swollen (more accurate)
- Have your child wear the same type of socks they'll wear with the shoes
- Use a flat, hard surface against a wall
- Have a ruler or measuring tape ready
Step 2: Measure Length
- Place a piece of paper against the wall
- Have your child stand with their heel against the wall
- Mark the longest toe on the paper
- Measure from the wall to the mark in centimetres
- Repeat for both feet (one is often larger)
Step 3: Add Growing Room
- Add 12-17mm (about a thumb's width) to the longest measurement
- For rapidly growing toddlers, add closer to 17mm
- For older children, 12mm is usually sufficient
- Use the measurement for the larger foot
Essential Tips for Parents
Shopping Tips
- Shop for shoes in the late afternoon
- Bring the child along - never buy shoes without trying them on
- Check for wiggle room for toes
- Ensure the heel doesn't slip when walking
- Look for adjustable features (velcro, laces)
Signs Shoes Don't Fit
- Red marks or indentations on feet after wearing
- Complaints of pain or discomfort
- Toes touching the front of the shoe
- Heel slipping out when walking
- Child refusing to wear the shoes
When to Replace Shoes
- Every 2-3 months for toddlers (ages 1-3)
- Every 4-6 months for preschoolers (ages 3-5)
- Every 6-12 months for school-age children
- When you notice wear patterns or damage
- If your child complains of tightness
🏃 Activity-Specific Sizing
- School shoes: Standard fit with growing room
- Sports shoes: May need half a size larger
- Boots: Consider thicker socks
- Sandals: Adjustable straps are essential
- Wellington boots: Room for thick socks
Supporting Your Child's Foot Development
Healthy Foot Development
Children's feet are still developing until around age 18. Proper fitting shoes are crucial for healthy bone and muscle development. Shoes that are too tight can cause permanent deformities, while shoes that are too loose can cause blisters and instability.
Common Foot Problems in Children
- Flat feet: Normal in toddlers, usually develops arch by age 6
- In-toeing/Out-toeing: Often corrects itself as child grows
- Growing pains: May be related to rapid foot growth
- Ingrown toenails: Often caused by shoes that are too tight
When to Consult a Professional
See a podiatrist or your GP if you notice persistent pain, unusual walking patterns, significant differences between feet, or if your child frequently complains about foot discomfort.
Brand-Specific Sizing Notes
Remember: Sizing can vary between brands. Popular children's shoe brands like Clarks, Start-Rite, and Nike may fit differently even in the same size. Always check the brand's specific size chart when available.
UK Brands (Clarks, Start-Rite)
Generally true to UK sizing. Clarks offers half sizes and width fittings (E-H) for better fit.
US Brands (Nike, New Balance)
Convert carefully from US sizing. Sports brands may run larger to accommodate athletic socks.
European Brands (Geox, Superfit)
Follow EU sizing. Often provide detailed foot measurements for accuracy.