Children's Shoe Size by Age

Children's feet grow rapidly, especially in the first few years. While age can provide a rough starting point, foot length is always the most accurate way to determine shoe size. Use the age ranges below as a general guide, and always measure your child's feet for the best fit.

Baby & Infant (0-12 months)

Babies don't need hard-soled shoes until they start walking. Soft-soled shoes or socks with grips are ideal for pre-walkers.

• 0-3 months — US 1, EU 16, UK 0.5 (foot ~9.5cm)
• 3-6 months — US 2, EU 17, UK 1 (foot ~10.5cm)
• 6-9 months — US 3, EU 18, UK 2 (foot ~11.5cm)
• 9-12 months — US 4, EU 19, UK 3 (foot ~12.5cm)

Toddler (1-3 years)

Toddler feet grow approximately half a size every 2-3 months. Check shoe fit regularly during this period.

• 12-18 months — US 5-6, EU 20-22, UK 4-5
• 18-24 months — US 6-7, EU 22-23, UK 5-6
• 2-3 years — US 7-9, EU 23-25, UK 6-8

Little Kid (4-7 years)

Growth slows slightly but children still outgrow shoes every 4-6 months on average.

• 4 years — US 10, EU 27, UK 9
• 5 years — US 11, EU 28, UK 10
• 6 years — US 12, EU 30, UK 11
• 7 years — US 13, EU 31, UK 12

Big Kid (8-12 years)

Around age 10-12, children begin transitioning to adult shoe sizes. Girls typically transition earlier than boys.

• 8 years — US 1Y (Youth), EU 32, UK 13
• 9 years — US 2Y, EU 33, UK 1
• 10 years — US 3Y, EU 35, UK 2
• 11-12 years — US 4Y-6Y, EU 36-38, UK 3-5

How to Measure Children's Feet

1. Have your child stand on a piece of paper against a wall
2. Mark the longest toe and measure from the wall to the mark
3. Measure both feet — use the larger measurement
4. Add 1-1.5cm for growing room
5. Measure every 2-3 months for toddlers, every 4-6 months for older children

Tips for Buying Children's Shoes

• Shop in the afternoon — feet swell during the day
• Check the thumb rule — there should be about a thumb's width between the longest toe and the shoe tip
• Watch for signs of poor fit — red marks, blisters, reluctance to walk, or curled toes
• Don't hand down worn-out shoes — worn shoes mold to another child's foot shape and can cause problems
• Choose flexible soles — children's shoes should bend at the ball of the foot