How to Measure Children's Feet and Choose the Right Shoe Size

How to Measure Children's Feet to Find Their Correct Shoe Size

Finding the right shoe size for your children is key to their comfort and healthy development. Children's feet grow quickly, so it's important to measure them regularly to ensure they always wear the right size. Here's how to do it in a simple way.

Necessary Materials

  • A large sheet of paper

  • A pencil or pen

  • A rule

  • A flat surface

Steps to Measure Children's Feet

1. Prepare the space

Place the sheet of paper on a flat, rigid surface. Make sure the child is standing, with the weight distributed on both feet. It is best to measure in the afternoon, when the feet are most swollen from the day's load.

2. Draw the outline of the foot

Place the child's foot on the sheet of paper and trace around it with a pencil, making sure the pencil is as close to the edge of the foot as possible.

3. Measure the length

Use a ruler or tape measure to measure the distance from your heel to your longest toe. This is your foot length measurement.

4. Measure the width

At the widest part of the foot, usually at the metatarsals (the part of the foot just before the toes), measure the width with the ruler. This step is important because some children have wider or narrower feet, and you want to make sure they have enough room to move their toes freely.

5. Repeat with the other foot

It is normal for one foot to be larger than the other, so measure both feet and use the measurement of the longest and widest foot to

Interpretation of Measures

Using the measurement in centimeters, consult the size chart of the brand of shoes you plan to buy. Some brands also offer special sizes if your child's feet are wider (plus last). To that measurement, you should add between 0.8-1.2cm to the length and between 0.3-0.5cm to the width to ensure you choose the correct size.

Note: Toddlers who are just starting to walk may feel more secure with a smaller length (0.8cm). If your little one is already a beginner or a skilled walker, opt for the 1-1.2cm length .

Regarding the width, if there is more than 0.5 cm left but the shoe fits well around the ankle, don't worry, your little toes will have more freedom, the important thing is that the ankles are well supported.

Tips for Choosing the Right Shoes for Kids

  • Measure often: Children's feet grow quickly, so be sure to measure them every few weeks, especially until age 3. After that, their growth is not as frequent.

  • Leave room for growth: Shoes should leave at least one finger's worth of space (0.8-1.2cm) in the front to allow for natural foot growth.

  • Consider the activity: If your child is very active, opt for sports shoes that offer good support and flexibility. Up to 30 kg in weight, they could use any sports shoes for sports activities; with a higher weight, we should look for shoes more specific to the specific activity to be performed.

Conclusion

Measuring your child's feet is a simple but crucial step to ensure they always wear comfortable shoes that are appropriate for their development. Don't forget to do it regularly!

Back to blog