Our handy kids’ sizing tool can help! Remember—shoe brands vary, so your child may need to try on multiple sizes to ensure a comfy fit! If your child has wide feet, try wide-width styles in addition to standard sizes.
Before starting, click here to download and print the sizing tool.
Make sure pants are rolled up and socks are snug (but not too tight).
Place the sizing tool on the floor next to a wall & have your child stand on it against the wall, with heels at the heel line.
Make where the tip of your child's big toe ends, then add about a thumb-width space to determine a comfortable shoe size.
Ask your little ones these questions:
1. Can you wiggle your toes?
2. Do your toes touch the end of your shoe?
3. Do your heels slide around or feel too tight?
(Older kids might just ask to go shoe shopping!)
Then, using your thumb, press down on the top of the shoe to make sure there is enough space (about a thumb width) between the ends of their toes & the tip of the shoe. For toddler and baby shoes, there should be about a half-inch of space in the front of the shoe, and a pinky’s amount of space in the heel for them to grow into.
Remember–If you see any blisters, it’s time to re-measure.
Kids’ feet grow fast! For children under 2, it’s a good idea to measure monthly.
Baby and toddler feet grow approximately half a size every 2-4 months:
• Under 15 months: 1⁄2 size increase every 2 months
• 15 months–2 years: 1⁄2 size increase every 2-3 months
• 2-3 years: 1⁄2 size increase every 3-4 months
• 3-5 years: 1⁄2 size increase every 4 months
And it doesn’t stop there. Feet continue to grow into their teens. Use the tips listed above or see an associate at The Shoe Co. to find the perfect fit!
A baby’s feet hit the ground with more force than an adult, so their shoes should have more padding and flexibility (and do not need to be broken in). Look for breathable materials, like leather or mesh, made with anti-microbial lining.
Babies won’t require shoes before they are able to walk and can wear baby booties, baby socks, and other soft-soled shoes.
As babies start taking their first steps, swap booties for new first walker shoes with a flexible but structured sole. (Shoes should be extra flexible as they are learning to walk.)
Remember–A child’s bone structure is fully developed in the first two years and many foot problems develop in childhood, so the right fit & style is critical.
You can return kids’ shoes to any The Shoe Co. store for free. Or, ship them back to theshoecompany.ca with our easy online return process.
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