Kids Shoe Size Guide: Measurement & Conversion Chart

In this guide, we’ll show you newborn babies, walkers, toddlers, little kids, and big kids’ shoe size charts. The goal is to help parents find the right size shoes for their children. We have added shoe size charts, shopping tips, and FAQs in the guide that help your kid get the perfect match.

Have you ever wondered what kind of shoes your child will wear when they start to learn to walk? The most precious asset of any woman’s life is her child, and she would like to bring the best and most comfortable things for them. Among such things, shoes are the most important. A mother should know about the size of their kids’ feet and the shoe size they should buy. Finding perfectly fitted, comfortable shoes for children is challenging. Here’s your guide to learning everything about kids’ shoe sizes.

The very first thing you need to know is your kids’ shoe size. Measure your child’s feet at home with our step-by-step guide and then compare the measurements with the size charts given below to determine your child’s shoe size. If you are traveling internationally or living abroad, you can compare US size with EU, UK, or other sizing systems, easily and quickly.

Article Highlights

  • New Born Baby Chart
  • Walker Chart
  • Toddler Chart
  • How to Choose Healthy Shoes (Video)
  • Little Kid (4-8 Years) Chart
  • Big Kid (8-12 Years) Chart
  • How to Measure Kids Shoe Size
  • Parenting Tips
  • FAQ’s

If you already know your child’s feet measurements, then compare with the below charts to find the correct shoe size. But if you don’t, read kid’s shoe measurement guide to learn how to measure their feet comfortably and quickly at home.

Kids Shoe Size Chart Conversion

While newborns do not require shoes, they wear socks or booties to avoid cold weather. In general, baby socks are constructed of soft and respirable hypoallergenic fabrics, such as cotton or acrylic. They are cute and comfortable. However, it is okay to make them wear shoes. For the perfect size, please follow this scale comparison. It is an approximation based on average sizes and specific in all manufacturers! Brand by brand, the size may vary.

Infant-New Born-Baby Shoe Size Conversions (Age 0-12 Months)

Below is the infant/newborn converter chart in inches and centimeters. Compare US size with EU, UK, Canadian, or Japanese shoe sizes easily.

InchesUSEUUKCanadianJapaneseCM
3 1/8015007.57.8
3 1/40.5160.50.588.2
3 1/21160.518.58.8
3 5/81.51711.599.3
3 3/4217129.59.4
42.5181.52.51010.3
4 1/83182310.510.4
4 1/43.5192.53.51110.7
4 1/24193411.511.3
Baby One Month to 24 Month Shoe Size Chart

Even for babies, shoes have different purposes. For example, once children start walking, their growing feet are protected by shoes. After all, the feet of the kids are a mass of cartilage that grows ultimately, not before their late adolescence, and it is also essential to have the right shoes. Follow the chart for the correct size.

Walker (Age 12-24 Months) Sizes

Below is the walker children’s comparison chart in inches and centimeters.

USEUUKCanadianJapaneseInchesCM
4203.54.5124 5/811.7
5204512.54 3/412.1
5214.55.513512.7
6225613.55 1/813
6225.56.5145 1/413.3
7236714.55 1/214

Most people consider finding the perfect shoe size for toddlers challenging. Too tiny is one size, and too broad is the next level. The ideal match for your toddler goes above the scale of fourths. Don’t rush. Please see the chart below if you are not sure what size shoe you need to order for your toddler.

Kids shoes on Amazon

Toddlers (Age 2-4 Years) Sizes

Toddler shoe size comparison chart in inches and centimeters.

USEUUKCanadianJapaneseInchesCM
7.5246.57.5155 5/814.3
8247815.55 3/414.6
8.5257.58.515.5615.2
92589166 1/815.6
9.5268.59.516.56 1/415.9
1027910176 1/216.5
10.5279.510.517.56 5/816.8
11281011186 3/417.1
11.52910.511.518.5717.8
1230111218.57 1/818.1

VIDEO OF THE DAY

How to Choose Healthy Shoes for Kids

Your little kid is fragile and unable to handle foot strains. If the shoe is not perfect, your child may feel uncomfortable, which may also cause foot injuries. You need to know the right size of their feet to compare with the chart to get the perfect match. The chart is not believed to be 100% accurate, and it is only accessible for knowledge purposes. It aims to help you select the shoes that close to suit your feet perfectly.

Little Kids (Age 4-8 Years) Sizes

USEUUKCanadianJapaneseInchesCM
12.53011.512.5197 1/418.4
1331121319.57 1/219.1
13.53112.513.5207 5/819.4
13213120.57 3/419.7
1.53313.51.5218 20.3
2331221.58 1/820.6
2.5341.52.521.58 1/421
33423228 1/221.6

The shoe sizes for big kids, grade school, or youth sizes fall in the same category. Big kids wear grade school or youth shoe sizes from the age of 8 to 12. Comfortable and well-fitted shoes for your grade school-going kids will not only provide additional strength but can help avoid foot injury all day long. But how do you choose those shoe suit well and have adequate support? It is simple –all you need to know about the correct size of your big baby’s foot and take a little help from the chart mentioned below. Here’s an international shoe size conversion chart for all major size systems in the world, including the United States, Europe, United Kingdom, Canada, and Japan.

Big Kids (Age 8-12 Years) Sizes

USEUUKCanadianJapaneseInchesCM
3.5352.53.522.58 5/821.9
43634238 3/422.2
4.5363.54.523.59 /22.9
53745249 1/823.2
5.5374.55.524.59 1/423.5
63856259 1/224.1
6.5385.56.525.59 5/824.4
73967269 3/424.8

Boys and Girls International Conversion Chart in Inches

Below is a comprehensive overview of boys’ and girls’ shoe size conversion chart that you can use to compare U.S. or Canada size with Europe, Japan, or U.K. sizes.

InchesU.S./CanadaEuropeJapanU.K.
5.386.5235.5
5.56723.5146
5.757.5246.5
5.88824.5157
6.068.5257.5
6.25925.5168
6.389.5268.5
6.471026.516.59
6.6710.5279.5
6.831127.517.510
6.9811.52810.5
7.141228.518.511
7.3012.52911.5
7.4613301912
7.771312013
7.931.531.520.513
8.09232.5211
8.252.53321.51.5
8.40333.5222

Width Chart – Kids

Shoe manufacturers don’t follow a standard width system for shoe sizing. Sizes vary from one brand to the next. But we’ve put together a standard width chart for kids which helps you determine infant, toddler, junior, and youth width sizes.

Standard WidthMediumWideExtra Wide
Manufacturer’s WidthM, BW, DEW ,2E
Infant 11782142716
Infant 1.51782142716
Infant 22″2382916
Infant 2.52″2382916
Infant 32182716258
Infant 3.52182716258
Infant 423162916234
Infant 4.523162916234
Infant 521425821316
Child 5.521421116278
Child 6251623421516
Child 6.523823421516
Child 72716213163″
Child 7.52122783116
Child 8212215163116
Child 8.529163″3316
Child 92583″3316
Child 9.5211163116314
Child 102343183516
Child 10.52343316338
Child 1121316314312
Child 11.52783516312
Child 12215163383916
Youth 12.53″3716358
Youth 13311631231116
Youth 13.53183916334
Youth 133163583316
Youth 1.531431116378
Youth 2351633431516
Youth 2.5338313164″
Youth 337163784116
Youth 3.5312315164116
Youth 439164″4316
Youth 4.53584116414
Youth 5311164184516
Youth 5.53344316438
Youth 633164144716

How to Measure Shoe Size?

How to Measure Kids Shoe Size

You don’t need expensive measuring tools. Everything can be done in the comfort of your home.  All you need to do is tape the paper on the ground with one point against aside, make your baby stand on the paper with their heel against the wall, and trace the foot outlines. You can use a pencil or paper. Make sure you are not holding the pencil at an angle, as this can result in an improper measurement. Don’t forget to measure the longest and widest parts of the outline with the help of your ruler.

How to Measure Children Feet at Home

Click the icon to watch the kids’ foot measurement step by step video. It takes only 3 minutes at home to complete the process with the help of paper and a pencil.

Many parents pay more attention to their kids’ shoe designs, colors, and overall look. They do matter, but when it comes to comfort, getting the right size shoe becomes a necessity. Don’t make your kid wear some designer shoes that are not matched with their foot length or width. Wearing the wrong shoe size is not good for your kids’ physical and mental health.

Minimize the unsatisfactory shoe-buying experience by knowing the right shoe size of your baby. The easiest way to make sure the shoes match correctly is to check their feet measurements first, and it is not super hard.

If you find it challenging, you can ask someone from your family to assist you.

What Do You Need to Learn Before Measuring Your Baby Feet?

If your baby has already started walking, make sure you do the foot calculation in the evening, as the feet expand through the day. It means that by evening the feet are the widest.

It is wise to use the form of socks or storage that your baby uses in the pair that you want to purchase for them.

Rounding up or down can cut down the measuring precision to some extent. It is because the dimensions of shoe size frequently vary as slightly as 3.2 mm and also the foot scales are as precise as they are.

Tips for Buying Perfectly Fitted Kids Shoes

Children’s feet are different from adults’. Infants’ and toddlers’ feet are sensitive, soft, and flexible because bones are not yet completely matured. So there are more chances that their feet can be easily damaged compared to adults’. The correctly fitted shoes can not only give them energy and confidence but also help prevent serious injuries. So it is essential to buy comfortable shoes to avoid such hassles. Here are some Parenting tips for taking care of your child’s feet.

Kids Shoe Buying Tips

1. Visual Test – See shoes leave no traces and must be comfortable.

2. Check Width – Pick the material at the widest point of your fingertips. They’re too tight if you can’t do it.

3. Toe Check – Measure the shoe tip from the big toe of your infant — the big toe should be within the width of your pinkie and the width of your finger from the shoe it. Don’t go for any longer or any less than that.

Why is it Important for your Kid to Wear the Right Shoe Size?

Too small shoes or too big shoes — neither can benefit your baby. Many parents choose loose shoes to ensure the longevity of the product. Please avoid this. You have no idea how bothering it can be for your baby to walk in a shoe that is loose. Regardless of your intention, wearing the wrong shoe size can increase the chance of foot, key, knee, lower back pain, and other foot issues.

There is no room for the incorrect size of the shoe as it’s excruciating and can even result in foot injury. The required flow of blood may be prevented; even low foot pressure can contribute to foot defects. When you consider it briefly, shoes feel comfortable for the first time, but when wearing for a long time, your kid may experience pressure on their foot. Do you want this to happen to your baby? Of course, you won’t. 

Make sure about the comfort of your baby. It is important. Don’t fall for labels or designs. Comfort and convenience should be your priority. Also, know that the sizes of the shoe may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Even if you see them claiming that these shoes are easy, you cannot be sure about the authenticity. Don’t be a victim!

Though it is important to wear the right-sized shoe, it is not easy to get the perfect match. The study has found that more than 75% of the total population has shoes that are at least half the size of their right foot, whether bigger or smaller.

You Measure Your Baby Feet for Good Shoe Fit. Why is it?

Your baby is sensitive and cannot tolerate foot pressure. Not perfect size shoe makes your kid feel uncomfortable and can even result in foot injuries. Unfortunately, your baby has no idea how to make you aware of this problem or tackle it on their own. It is all your responsibility to ensure the quality and size of your shoe.

With the right shoe, your baby can make their feet look good and comfortable. The right shoes ensure the comfort of their foot. Pick the incorrect sports shoes, and eventually, your baby will lie on the couch with splits or heels rather. Too tight shoes may cause discomfort and foot problems such as bunions, corns, heel lines, hammers, plantar fasciitis, tension breakage, etc.

Keep in your mind one important thing that you do not have to pick shoes according to the size indicated within the shoe but according to how your baby foot works. It is possible that your baby may have a wider foot than the other, and the shoe suits the larger foot. Choose a boot that you think not only fits them but comforts them. Also, make sure to have ample space at the end of each foot (3/8 “to 1/2”) for the longest toe as you stand up.

Other Facts You Need to Know About Kids Shoe Size

Have you ever noticed that the scales of children are often separated in some places from those of adults? Why not start size 0 and work out afterward? The exact reasoning behind this disparity was lost along the path, but we heard from some sources and accepted the impression that it was very normal in England for some time.

Usually, in England, infant measurements begin at 0 or 1, and the average has a range of about 3-5 centimeters (about the adult knee width and the baby foot). The transition phase to adult (8-9 centimeters) is generally expected to reflect on the length of an adult foot that is perceived to be somewhat close to the infant’s foot scale before puberty began.

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FAQ’s

When do infants begin to wear shoes?

Just after babies begin walking should they get to wear shoes. Before that, infants usually carry boots or booties. For the first time, barefoot walking is always the perfect way for kids to know how they see. Kids know how to walk from the ages of 10-18.

How to get newborns shoes?

At this point, newborns do not need shoes since they are snuggled mainly in bed and are too fragile to support the weight of the foot. Instead, the socks are more fit for warmth and relaxed feet. It is advised to use socks made of cotton, wool, or all of them with ample elasticity.

What are the right children’s shoes?

Children or babies who are yet to learn to walk should wear something easy to keep their feet dry. The same happens to newborns and infants, sometimes using only socks rather than shoes is wise.

What are the right shoes for toddlers?

Lightweight shoes with respirable fabrics and anti-skid functionality can improve muscular strength and balance in children who are starting to walk. Excessive heavy shoes may create imbalance. When they know how to move or walk without slipping, they will advance to firmer soled shoes. Shoes typically have a complement of 1⁄2 to 3⁄4 inches in addition to the foot length and create adequate room for the babies and roll their feet. Flexible and breathable shoes will also have an adequate circulation of air.

Should children carry shoe socks?

In general, it is best to wear socks with shoes for everyone, even the little children. The usage of socks helps reduce pressure between foot and shoe, absorbs moisture, and skin damage from excessive shoe rubbing. Socks should be designed correctly, though, as very tight socks can often have adverse effects, including hampering foot development, especially in babies, and reducing air and blood circulation.

Should shoes be worn by babies as they crawl?

Whether you have got a newborn or an infant, it’s not good to make them wear shoes. Soft socks or at best, non-skid socks with substances work just fine while they’re crawling. It helps them to walk freer and does not care about the weight of the boots. Shoes, too, and even socks, can slip off their tiny feet, no matter how you put them.

How long are babies expected to wear soft sole shoes?

Soft shoes can be useful until a kid is 24 months old. Babies learn to move with confidence and become more comfortable on different surfaces that involve shoes with firmer and tougher materials.

Do pre-walkers help babies walk?

Pre-walking shoes for babies are flexible and comfortable to wear. They are made of cozy fabric that helps babies to crawl and walk. The pre-walkers also balance the weight of the baby and prevent slips and falls.