womne's shoe size vs kids sizes

Kids vs Women’s Shoe Sizes: How to Save Money

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If you’ve ever spotted a great pair of sneakers in the kids’ section and wondered if they might fit, you’re not alone. Many women with smaller feet can comfortably wear shoes from the children’s section—especially in the “big kids” or “youth” range. Knowing how kids’ and women’s shoe sizes compare can save you money and expand your style options without sacrificing comfort.

How Shoe Sizing Works

In the U.S., children’s shoes are divided into three main categories:
Infant/Toddler sizes range from 0 to 10, Little Kids from 10.5 to 3, and Big Kids (Youth) from 3.5 to 7.

Women’s shoes typically start at size 4 or 5, depending on the brand. Since youth sizes overlap with women’s sizing, you can often find a close fit simply by adjusting one to two sizes down.

The basic rule:
Women’s size = Kids’ (youth) size + 1.5 to 2

So, if you wear a women’s size 8, you’ll likely fit a youth size 6 or 6.5. This works especially well for sneakers, flats, and casual shoes.

U.S. Kids to Women’s Conversion Chart

Women’s Size
Youth (Big Kids)
Foot Length (inches)
4.5
3
8.5
5
3.5
8.75
5.5
4
9
6
4.5
9.125
6.5
5
9.25
7
5.5
9.375
7.5
6
9.5
8
6.5
9.75
8.5
7
9.875

International Size Conversion Chart (U.S., U.K., and E.U.)

U.S. Women’s
U.S. Youth
U.K.
E.U.
4.5
3
2.5
35
5
3.5
3
35.5*
5.5
4
3.5
36
6
4.5
4
36.5*
6.5
5
4.5
37.5*
7
5.5
5
38
7.5
6
5.5
38.5*
8
6.5
6
39
8.5
7
6.5
40

*Note: European sizing runs continuously and traditionally doesn’t use half sizes. Some brands show half-step equivalents (like 35.5 or 38.5) only to match U.S. and U.K. conversions, so round up or down depending on your foot width and comfort.

Why Women Buy Kids’ Shoes

There are several reasons adult women might shop the youth section.
First, price: kids’ shoes usually cost $20–40 less than women’s versions.
Second, design: many brands, especially athletic ones like Nike and Adidas, make nearly identical models in youth and adult sizes.
Third, fit: kids’ shoes tend to be narrower, which can benefit women with slim feet.
Finally, fun factor: youth lines often come in more playful colors and limited-edition styles.

Here are a few popular youth sneakers that match adult models:

My Personal Experience Buying Women’s Shoes for Our Tween

The other week, my wife was out hunting for a new pair of shoes for our son when she came across several branded pairs 9New Balance) of heavily discounted women’s running shoes. They were simple, neutral in design, and could easily work for any gender. She brought him down to the store to try them on, and sure enough, they fit perfectly. New Balance offers wider fits so the shoes worked well for him.

He absolutely loves them and wore them to school with great pride — after all, they’re cool adult running shoes. It’s a reminder that the lines between kids’ and women’s sizes (and even styles) aren’t as rigid as they used to be. Sometimes, all it takes is a size conversion chart and an open mind to find a great deal.

Considerations for Buying Women’s Shoes for Kids

Buying women’s shoes for children can be a great way to save money and expand your options, but it’s important to think through a few key factors before making the switch.

Fit and Comfort

Women’s shoes are designed for adult proportions, meaning the arch and heel cup may not align perfectly with a child’s growing foot. Kids who are still developing should have shoes with flexible soles and good arch support.

Width and Shape

Women’s shoes are typically narrower than kids’ shoes. If your child has a wider foot, look for models labeled “wide” or try brands like New Balance, which offer multiple width options.

Durability

Children tend to be harder on shoes. Adult shoes might use more delicate materials or finishes meant for light wear. For everyday school or play, check the tread pattern and material durability before buying.

Style Appropriateness

While neutral designs can work well, some women’s shoes may feature adult-oriented aesthetics. Look for classic athletic or casual designs that suit both age and activity level.

Price and Value

Discounted women’s shoes can offer significant savings, especially on branded sneakers like Nike or Adidas. Always compare prices between the youth and women’s sections to find the best deal.

Price Comparison: Kids vs. Women’s Shoes by Brand

Brand
Women’s Retail Approx.
Kids/Big Kids Retail Approx.
Approx. Savings
Nike
$50–$230
$40–$120
20–50% cheaper
Adidas
$70–$140
$45–$100
$15–$30 less
Vans
$60–$100
$40–$70
25–40% cheaper
New Balance
$80–$150
$50–$100
20–35% cheaper

These savings are typical because kids’ shoes use less material and are priced competitively for families who replace footwear more often. Many designs are identical across youth and adult versions—especially classic sneakers and running shoes.

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