How to Measure Your Child's Feet
Getting the right shoe size starts with measuring your child's feet accurately. Whether you're shopping for barefoot shoes, school shoes, boots, or everyday trainers, knowing your child's foot length can help you choose a comfortable fit and avoid the hassle of returns.
Because children's feet grow quickly, it's a good idea to measure them regularly rather than relying on their previous shoe size. Different brands can fit differently, and a size that works in one shoe may not be the best fit in another.
Why Measuring Matters
Many parents are surprised to learn how quickly children's feet can grow. Shoes that fit perfectly a few months ago may already be too small.
Measuring your child's feet helps you:
- Choose the correct size when shopping online
- Check whether the current shoes still fit
- Compare measurements with brand size guides
- Allow appropriate room for growth
- Avoid shoes that are too tight or too loose
For barefoot shoes in particular, accurate measurements are important because choosing the correct fit involves both foot length and adequate space around the toes.
How to Measure Your Child's Feet at Home
You don't need any special equipment to measure your child's feet. All you'll need is:
- A sheet of paper
- A pencil
- A ruler or tape measure
Step 1: Place the Paper on a Hard Floor
Position the paper against a wall on a flat, hard surface. Avoid measuring on carpet, as this can affect accuracy.
Step 2: Stand Your Child on the Paper
Ask your child to stand naturally with their heel lightly touching the wall. Their weight should be evenly distributed on both feet.
Step 3: Mark the Longest Toe
Using a pencil, mark the tip of the longest toe. This isn't always the big toe, so check carefully.
Step 4: Measure the Length
Measure the distance from the edge of the paper at the wall to the mark you made at the longest toe. Record the measurement in centimetres or millimetres.
Step 5: Repeat for the Other Foot
Most people have one foot slightly larger than the other. Measure both feet and use the larger measurement when selecting a shoe size.
When Is the Best Time to Measure Feet?
Feet can expand slightly throughout the day, so measuring in the afternoon or evening often provides the most accurate result.
It's also worth measuring while your child is standing, as feet naturally spread and lengthen when bearing weight.
How Often Should Children's Feet Be Measured?
Children's feet can grow rapidly, especially during their early years.
As a general guide, many parents check foot measurements:
- Every few months for toddlers and younger children
- Before purchasing new shoes
- If a child complains about discomfort
- When existing shoes start to feel tight
Regular checks can help ensure growing feet always have enough room.
What Happens After Measuring?
Once you have your child's foot length, simply enter the measurement into the Size Finder box on the product page. We'll recommend the most suitable size for that particular shoe, taking into account the style, fit, and appropriate growing room.
💡 Visit our Size Finder page to learn how much growing room is included in our size recommendations for different shoe styles.
If the Size Finder isn't available for a product, or if you'd like to double-check any measurements before ordering, our customer service team will be happy to help. Just get in touch, and we'll assist you in finding the best fit for your child's feet.
Because sizing can vary between brands, it's always best to use actual foot measurements rather than relying solely on age or standard UK shoe sizes.
Measuring your child's feet is a simple but important step when buying new shoes. By measuring both feet, using the larger measurement, and checking brand-specific size guides, you'll be in a much better position to find footwear that fits comfortably.
Taking a few minutes to measure accurately can help ensure your child's shoes provide the space and comfort growing feet need for everyday adventures.