Children’s Shoe Size Chart and Growth Guide
Buying shoes for kids can be tricky because their feet grow quickly and often unevenly. I know because I have an almost 12 year old who had average sized feet last year, but is now in shoes 2 sizes up a year later, thanks for a growth spurt. Knowing the average shoe size for each age helps parents like me make better choices, especially when shopping online. This guide explains typical shoe sizes by age, how to measure at home, and how to tell when it’s time for a new pair.
Understanding Children’s Shoe Sizes
Children’s shoe sizes are divided into categories based on age and foot development. Babies and toddlers usually wear “infant” or “toddler” sizes, while older kids transition to “little kid” and later “big kid” sizes. Most brands, including Nike, Adidas, and Stride Rite, follow similar scales, though small variations can occur between manufacturers.
Average Shoe Sizes by Age in the U.S.
Here’s a general guide to average U.S. shoe sizes for children. Use this as a reference—every child’s growth rate is unique, and fit can differ slightly from brand to brand. For UK and European sizes, see conversion table to and from U.S. sizes that is further down the page.
Age | Average U.S. Shoe Size | Approx. Foot Length (inches) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Newborn (0–3 months) | 0–2 | 3.25–3.75 | Ideal for soft booties or socks |
3–6 months | 2–3 | 3.75–4.25 | Flexible pre-walker shoes recommended |
6–12 months | 3–4.5 | 4.25–4.75 | Choose shoes that allow natural movement |
1 year | 4–5 | 4.75–5.25 | Most babies begin walking around this age |
2 years | 5–6.5 | 5.25–6.0 | Expect to size up every few months |
3 years | 7–8 | 6.0–6.75 | Feet strengthen and flatten less |
4 years | 8.5–9.5 | 6.75–7.25 | Boys and girls usually wear similar sizes |
5 years | 10–11 | 7.25–7.75 | Transition to “little kid” sizes |
6 years | 11.5–12 | 7.75–8.0 | Slightly faster growth in boys |
7 years | 12.5–13 | 8.0–8.25 | Between little kid and big kid sizing |
8 years | 1–2 | 8.25–8.75 | Some children begin wearing youth sizes |
9 years | 2.5–3.5 | 8.75–9.0 | Girls’ growth often slows slightly |
10 years | 4–5 | 9.0–9.5 | Pre-teens often share youth sizes |
11 years | 5.5–6 | 9.5–9.75 | Girls may fit women’s sizes |
12 years | 6.5–7 | 9.75–10.0 | Boys’ feet continue to grow faster |
13+ years | 7–9+ | 10.0–11.0+ | Adult shoe sizing begins to apply |
These averages are based on data from the American Podiatric Medical Association, Stride Rite, and major brand size standards.
Kids’ Shoe Size Conversion Chart (U.S.–U.K.–E.U.)
Because families often shop international brands, this conversion chart helps match equivalent shoe sizes across regions.
U.S. Size | U.K. Size | E.U. Size | Approx. Foot Length (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
0 | 0 | 15 | 3.25 |
1 | 0.5 | 16 | 3.5 |
2 | 1 | 17 | 3.75 |
3 | 2 | 18 | 4.25 |
4 | 3 | 19 | 4.75 |
5 | 4 | 20 | 5.0 |
6 | 5 | 22 | 5.25 |
7 | 6 | 23 | 5.75 |
8 | 7 | 24 | 6.0 |
9 | 8 | 25 | 6.25 |
10 | 9 | 27 | 6.75 |
11 | 10 | 28 | 7.0 |
12 | 11 | 30 | 7.25 |
13 | 12 | 31 | 7.75 |
1 (Youth) | 13 | 32 | 8.0 |
2 | 1 | 33 | 8.25 |
3 | 2 | 34 | 8.75 |
4 | 3 | 36 | 9.0 |
5 | 4 | 37 | 9.5 |
6 | 5 | 38 | 9.75 |
7 | 6 | 39 | 10.0 |
How to Measure a Child’s Foot at Home
Getting an accurate measurement is easy with a sheet of paper, a pencil, and a ruler. Have your child stand on the paper, trace around both feet, and measure the length from the heel to the longest toe. Always measure both feet, as one foot is often slightly larger. Choose the size that fits the longer foot and leave about half an inch of space at the toe for comfort and growth.
For toddlers, measure every two to three months. For school-age kids, check every four to six months, especially before back-to-school season.
Tips for Getting the Right Fit
Parents can use a few simple checks to make sure shoes fit properly:
- There should be about a thumb’s width (around half an inch) of space between the longest toe and the shoe tip.
- The heel should feel snug but not tight.
- The shoe should bend at the ball of the foot, not in the middle.
- Have your child walk around to check for rubbing or slipping.
- Avoid buying shoes too large “to grow into”—this can affect balance and walking development.
It’s also smart to shop for shoes in the late afternoon or evening when feet are slightly larger from daily activity.
Recommended Brands for Kids’ Shoes
Certain brands design shoes with growing feet in mind. Parents often favor options that balance comfort, flexibility, and durability.
- Stride Rite Kids Shoes – approved by pediatric specialists with proper arch support.
- New Balance Kids Shoes – available in multiple widths for hard-to-fit feet.
- Nike Kids Shoes – lightweight and performance-ready for active kids.
- See Kai Run Shoes – known for flexible soles and barefoot-style comfort.
- Skechers Kids Shoes – affordable and comfortable everyday styles.
For convenience, the Amazon Kids Shoe Store is one of the easiest places to find all these brands in one place, with quick shipping and free returns on most styles.
FAQ: Common Questions About Kids’ Shoe Sizes
Here are answers to common questions about kid shoe sizes:
Most children transition into adult shoe sizes between ages 10 and 13. Girls often reach adult sizes sooner, sometimes by age 10 or 11, while boys may continue wearing youth sizes until around age 12 or 13. A child wearing a youth size 7 typically moves into an adult size 7, as the sizing systems overlap at that point.
If your child complains of foot pain, blisters, or you notice the toes pressing against the end of the shoe, it’s time to size up. Watch for signs such as worn spots near the toe box or a child asking not to wear a specific pair. Shoes that are too small can restrict growth and lead to long-term posture or gait issues.
For toddlers, every two to four months is typical since their feet can grow half a size in that time. For older kids, plan for new shoes every six months or when you notice tightness. Seasonal changes are a good reminder to re-measure.
Until around age 6, boys’ and girls’ shoe sizes are nearly identical. After that, boys’ feet often grow faster and wider, so it’s important to check sizing charts specific to gender for older children.
Not always. Some brands, like Nike and Adidas, run slightly smaller, while others like New Balance tend to fit true to size. Always compare measurements to each brand’s official size chart before buying.
A little extra room is fine, but too much can cause slipping or tripping. The ideal fit leaves about half an inch of space for growth without compromising stability.
See also: Kids vs womens shoe sizes
