Children's Shoe Sizes the Easy Way! (2024)

We analyzed hundreds of clothing items from various brands, conducting thorough research to produce detailed size charts. Learn about our methodology and laboratory.

Here’s everything you need to find the right kids’ shoe sizes for your children – be it toddler shoe size charts, kids shoe size charts or youth shoe size charts. Find perfectly fitting shoes for your kids! You can even convert US kids’ shoe sizes to UK or EU sizes.

We analyzed hundreds of clothing items from various brands, conducting thorough research to produce detailed size charts. Learn about our methodology and laboratory.

How do Kids Shoe Sizes work in the US?

  • There is no gender gap for kids’ shoe sizes, no difference between sizes for boys and girls, not even for those sparkly princess gels.
  • Shoe sizes for kids are divided into different age groups: small or little kids’ shoe sizes (grouped under the categories of newborn, infants and toddler shoe size chart), big kids shoe size chart for children aged 4 – 6 years and youth shoe size chart.
  • Youth shoe sizes run from 1Y to 7Y (7 – 12 years). If your child needs larger sizes than 7Y, then it’s time to step up to adult shoe sizes.
Children's Shoe Sizes the Easy Way! (1)

Toddler Shoe Size Chart (1 to 3 years)

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Ranging from size 4.5 to 9.5C, toddler shoes are sometimes additionally tagged with a “T” for toddler following the shoe size number. So, for instance, an 8T would be a shoe suitable for a 2-year-old toddler. Find all details in our toddler shoe size chart:

US Toddler Shoe sizeFoot length in InchesUK Shoe Size ToddlerEuro Shoe Size ToddlerCenti­meters
US 4.5C4 7/8"UK 4EU 2012.3 cm
US 5C5"UK 4.5EU 20.512.7 cm
US 5.5C5 1/8"UK 5EU 2113.0 cm
US 6C5 1/4"UK 5.5EU 21.513.3 cm
US 6.5C5 1/2"UK 6EU 22.513.8 cm
US 7C5 5/8"UK 6.5EU 2314.2 cm
US 7.5C5 3/4"UK 7EU 23.514.6 cm
US 8C6"UK 7.5EU 24.515.0 cm
US 8.5C6 1/8"UK 8EU 2515.4 cm
US 9C6 1/4"UK 8.5EU 25.515.7 cm
US 9.5C6 3/8"UK 9EU 2616.0 cm

Kids Shoe Size Chart (4 to 6 years)

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For US children aged 4 to 6, shoe sizes range from 10C to 13.5C. If purchasing international brands, note that UK sizes run a half size smaller – for instance, a US size 11C is equivalent to a UK size 10.5. In European sizing, add 17 to the US size. For more accuracy, refer to our kids shoe size chart.

US Kids Shoe sizeFoot length in InchesUK Shoe Size KidsEuro Shoe Size KidsCenti­meters
US 10C6 5/8"UK 9.5EU 2716.6 cm
US 10.5C6 3/4"UK 10EU 27.516.9 cm
US 11C6 7/8"UK 10.5EU 2817.3 cm
US 11.5C7"UK 11EU 28.517.6 cm
US 12C7 1/8"UK 11.5EU 2917.9 cm
US 12.5C7 1/4"UK 12EU 3018.5 cm
US 13C7 3/8"UK 12.5EU 30.518.8 cm
US 13.5C7 1/2"UK 13EU 3119.2 cm

Point to ponder: Kids’ feet grow rapidly, potentially two shoe sizes per year. Always measure their feet regularly for well-fitted shoes to avoid foot damage. If unsure, choose the bigger size.

Youth Shoe Size Chart (7-12 years)

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In general, shoe sizes for youths vary considerably from adult sizes. Marked 1Y through 6Y, youth sizes will usually fit children ages 7 to 12 years. See this youth shoe size chart:

US Youth Shoe sizeFoot length in InchesUK Shoe Size YouthEuro Shoe Size YouthCenti­meters
US 1Y7 5/8"UK 13.5EU 31.519.5 cm
US 1.5Y7 7/8"UK 1EU 32.520.0 cm
US 2Y8"UK 1.5EU 3320.4 cm
US 2.5Y8 1/4"UK 2EU 3421.0 cm
US 3Y8 3/8"UK 2.5EU 34.521.3 cm
US 3.5Y8 1/2"UK 3EU 3521.7 cm
US 4Y8 5/8"UK 3.5EU 35.522.0 cm
US 4.5Y8 7/8"UK 4EU 36.522.6 cm
US 5Y9"UK 4.5EU 3723.0 cm
US 5.5Y9 1/4"UK 5EU 3823.6 cm
US 6Y9 3/4"UK 5.5EU 3924.7 cm

How much room should children have in a shoe?

When your child’s shoes have less than a half-inch (12mm) of space from the toes to the shoe end, it’s time for a new pair. Ideally, new shoes should provide at least 3/4 inch (17mm) of room for foot movement.

Children’s Shoe Size Mexico US

The Children’s shoe size mexico us chart below will help you to convert your US Kids Shoe Size to the Mexico Kids Shoe size.

Mexican Kids' Shoe SizesUS Size KidsFoot LengthShoe width
11.54C11.6 cm
(4.56 in)
5.38 in
12.55C12.4 cm
(4.88 in)
5.5 in
136C13.3 cm
(5.23 in)
5.75 in
147C14.1 cm
(5.55 in)
5.87 in
158C15 cm
(5.90 in)
6.01 in
169C15.8 cm
(6.22 in)
6.25 in
1710C16.7 cm
(6.57 in)
6.50 in
17.510.5C17.1 cm
(6.73 in)
6.62 in
1811C17.5 cm
(6.89 in)
6.63 in
18.511.5C18 cm
(7.08 in)
6.75 in
1912C18.4 cm
(7.24 in)
6.87 in
19.512.5C18.8 cm
(7.40 in)
7.12 in
201319.2 cm
(7.56 in)
7.25 in
2113.5C19.7 cm
(7.76 in)
7.37 in

How to measure kids shoe sizes?

Place the foot flat, sole down on a sheet of paper and trace the circumference of the foot, keeping the pencil straight up and down and the toes together. Then measure the foot lengthwise with a ruler and look up the size in our shoe size chart. More detailed explanations of how to measure shoe sizes can be found here.

Printable Sizing Guide: Shoe Sizes for Kids

Want to find out the right size without a measuring tape or ruler? Download this handy children’s shoe size printout/sizing guide.

Printable kids shoe size chart (PDF)

Children’s shoe sizes by age

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FAQ

What are Kids Shoe Sizes?

Small kids’ shoes range from size 0C – 1.5C (for newborns), to infant sizes (2C – 4C), and then to toddler sizes (4.5C – 9.5C). Big kids’ sizes range from 10C – 13.5C for children aged 4 – 6 years, and youth sizes from 1Y – 6Y (7 – 12 years). After that, kids have to move up to men’s shoes, sizes 7.5 and up, or women’s, sizes 8.5 and up. See our kids shoe size charts here.

1

Kids Shoe Size Chart

A kids’ shoe size chart provides a helpful guideline for determining the correct shoe size for children of various ages. The chart typically includes age group, foot length in inches or centimeters, and corresponding shoe size based on US, UK, or European measurement systems, ensuring a proper and comfortable fit.

1

Toddler Shoe Size Chart

A toddler shoe size chart is a chart that helps parents and caregivers determine the appropriate size of shoes for their toddler. This chart typically includes a range of sizes for toddlers, from the age of 1 to 3 years old. The size chart may also indicate the corresponding age range for each shoe size.

1

Is US Kid’s Shoe Size Same As UK?

Close but not quite. UK’s children’s shoe sizes are, as a rule, 1/2 size smaller than the corresponding US size. A size 8 US shoe is a size 7.5 in the UK, and so on. Consult the above charts and calculators to make sure you choose the right UK shoe size, based on your US shoe size.

1

How do Shoe Sizes for Kids work?

Children's Shoe Sizes the Easy Way! (6)
Understanding kids’ shoe sizes: Shoe sizes for kids bear little relation to adult shoe sizes. First of all, there is no difference in sizing by gender. Boys and girls use the same sizing system (unlike women’s and men’s sizes, which differ greatly). But kids’ shoe sizes are divided into different age groups: small or little kid shoe sizes vs. big kids/youth shoe sizes. Small kids are newborn, infant and toddlers. Big kids shoe sizes are from size 10C (approx. 4 years) up to size 6Y.

1

Are Boys and Girls Shoe Sizes the same?

Yes, boys’ and girls’ shoes are the same. Unlike with adult sizes, there is no separate boys’ shoe size chart.

1

How do Euro Shoe Sizes for Kids work?

EU Sizes (European Sizes/Euro Sizes) are used throughout Europe, including France, Italy, Germany, Sweden, etc., and are all unified under the rubric of “Euro Shoe Sizes.”

Following this kids’ shoe size chart, we can see that a US 9C shoe size is a Euro size 26.

1

Is US Kid’s Shoe Size Same As Canada?

Yes. Canadian size for children’s, men’s and women’s shoes are identical to US sizes, so there is no conversion necessary. As long as you know your child’s US shoe size, you’ll know their Canadian size.

1

What shoes does the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) recommend?

The APMA has a quick three-question test to help you determine if your children’s shoes/baby walking shoes “make the grade”:

1.) Does the shoe have a stiff heel? The shoe shouldn’t collapse when you press on both sides of the heel counter.

2.) Is the toe flexible? The shoe shouldn’t be too stiff in the toe area, but it shouldn’t fold up too easily when pressed either.

3.) Does the shoe have a rigid middle to support your foot? The shoe shouldn’t twist or sag in the middle.

Furthermore, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends shoes that are neither too big nor too small. Did you know that over 65% of kids are wearing shoes that are too small for their feet? The concern here is that by wearing poorly fitting shoes, kids can develop foot deformities like “hallux valgus.” If this sounds like some kind of exotic and statistically rare condition, think again. According to the National Institutes of Health, 30 percent of kids have foot deformities that are irreversible.

1

  • 1 How do Kids Shoe Sizes work in the US?
  • 2 Toddler Shoe Size Chart (1 to 3 years)
  • 3 Kids Shoe Size Chart (4 to 6 years)
  • 4 Youth Shoe Size Chart (7-12 years)
  • 5 Children’s Shoe Size Mexico US
  • 6 How to measure kids shoe sizes?
  • 7 Printable Sizing Guide: Shoe Sizes for Kids
  • 8 Children’s shoe sizes by age
  • 9 FAQ
Children's Shoe Sizes the Easy Way! (2024)

FAQs

Children's Shoe Sizes the Easy Way!? ›

A: Yes it is but these run small so you may want to order up one size.

Is size 11 little kid the same as 11 toddler? ›

A: Yes it is but these run small so you may want to order up one size.

What is the order of kids shoe sizes? ›

Baby sizes 0-3.5 typically fit ages 0-11 months. Toddler sizes 4-10 typically fit ages 1-3 years. Little kids' sizes 10.5-3 typically fit ages 4-8 years. Big kids' sizes 3.5-7 typically fit ages 8+.

What is a size 7 big kid in women's? ›

Children's Footwear Size Conversion Chart

The scale children's shoes use is actually the same for men. In other words, a child's size size 7 is the same as a men's size 7, and equivalent to a woman's size 8 or 8½. *These are the approximate lengths of feet in inches.

What shoe size is 7 inches in children's? ›

How to Measure
USInchesApprox. Age
11.57"Children (1 - 5 years) 18 months 24 months 3 years 4 years 5 years
127.125"
6+ Years
12.57.25"Youth (6 - 10 years) 6 years 7 years 8 years 9 years 10 years
39 more rows

What shoe size is 9 inches? ›

US SizesEuro SizesInches
4.5369"
5379.125"
5.5379.25"
6389.5"
12 more rows

Is size 13 the same as size 1? ›

No, size 13 and size 1 are not the same. Size 13 is classed as a little kids' size, while size 1 is the next step up – or the first 'big kids'' size. These bigger sizes then go up to a size 6.

What size is 1 little kid on Amazon? ›

Sizes
U.S.Inches
Little Kid13 M7 1/2
Little Kid13.5 M7 5/8
Little Kid1 M7 3/4
Little Kid1.5 M8
36 more rows

How do kids sizes work? ›

Children's clothes sizes are measured in inches and vary depending on the child's age. Toddler clothes are typically measured by weight, while children's clothing sizes are determined by height. Most children aged 18 months to 8 years wear size 4-7, while children aged 8-14 wear size 7-14.

Where do you measure kids shoe size? ›

To measure foot length, place one mark at the end of your child's longest toe and another at the back of their heel. Use your ruler to measure the length.

Do you buy kids shoes one size bigger? ›

In either case, always go with the bigger size to avoid squishing their feet! Do get involved. You know your kid best. During a shoe fitting, ask your kid how the shoes feel on their feet, and check each area of the shoe yourself to made sure they fit just right.

Do you buy a size up for kids shoes? ›

It is always better to buy kids shoes in a bigger size rather than smaller one, but remember, shoes that are too big can compromise your children's stability and may have a negative impact on their walking. Always keep a minimum gap of 0.5cm between the longest toe and end of the shoes.

How do you convert kids sizes to adults? ›

If you normally wear women's shoes and are trying to figure out what youth size would fit you best, the simple youth size to women's shoes conversion: your US size minus 2 = your youth size. So if you typically wear a US women's size 8, a big kids' size 6 would likely fit pretty well.

What is the biggest youth shoe size? ›

Kids' sizes stop at size 7, followed by a men's 7.5.

Can adults wear kids shoes? ›

Yes! If you're a smaller adult, it might be tempting to buy clothes in the kid's section to save money. They have brighter colors, fun styles, and it's usually half the price. If you can find shoe styles that work for you in a kid's size, go ahead and get them!

Is there an app to measure kids feet? ›

The M&S version of Pinpoint can be found in app stores under 'M&S Foot Measurement (Using Pinpoint Technology)' or 'Pinpoint: Marks and Spencer'. These are the versions calibrated to our children's shoe sizes.

What is the app that determines child's shoe size? ›

Using the RiteFit app, simply take a photo of a child's foot while standing on a reference object, such as an 8.5″x11″ piece of paper. The app then accurately measures the foot's length and width, allowing parents to determine the correct shoe size.

Can you measure your shoe size at home? ›

How to Measure Your Shoe Size at Home. You only need to take two measurements when determining your shoe size: foot length and foot width. To do this, you'll need a flat ruler and a wall. We recommend measuring both feet since one may be larger than the other; if there's a notable difference, buy the larger size.

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