As most parents know, kids grow out of their shoes at an astounding rate. But even though parents are constantly buying them new pairs, understanding how kids shoe sizes work never seems to get easier. Due to the differences in international sizes, it can be difficult to stay on top of knowing what size your child’s shoe is in each brand.
Our guide will help you fully understand how kids’ shoe sizes work on the international market. We also look at why some shoe sizes can nominally look the same — even though one pair of shoes is ostensibly bigger than the other. In doing so, we take out any confusion you feel each and every time you go to buy your child a new pair of trainers, sports shoes or school shoes!
ARE KIDS SHOE SIZES THE SAME EVERYWHERE?
Even though some countries have the same measurement system, kids’ shoe sizes vary from country to country. For example, Australia and the UK have the same shoe sizing system, and all countries across Europe use the EU shoe size system. In the US, they have a slightly different system to the UK and Australian measurement system. When it comes to children’s sizes, all are unisex.
Additionally, some brands like to add foot width to the mix. It may seem like an added layer of complexity, but this can actually be very beneficial if you’re finding it tough to find shoes that fit your child. Some children, especially boys, will have wider feet than others, and some narrower than average. There are some brands that either delineate between this, or make all styles in a range of widths. Getting the right width is one of the ways you can keep both heel slippage and chaffing to a minimum. Not all brands do width sizing, however, so be sure that the style still works for your child if not.
HOW DO KIDS SHOE SIZES WORK – GLOBAL SHOE SIZE COMPARISONS
Here is an easy-to-use comparison chart so you know what size is what when comparing different shoe brands for your children. However, there will still be slight differences in size — even if two brands use the same system. For kids’ shoes, this is why it’s important to have them try on shoes indoors and walk around in them before finally settling on a pair.
| UK and AU Kid’s Shoe Sizes | US Kids’ Shoe Sizes | EU Kids’ Shoe Sizes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1.5C | 16.5 |
| 1.5 | 2C | 17 |
| 2 | 2.5C | 18 |
| 2.5 | 3C | 18.5 |
| 3 | 3.5C | 19 |
| 3.5 | 4C | 19.5 |
| 4 | 4.5C | 20 |
| 4.5 | 5C | 21 |
| 5 | 5.5C | 21.5 |
| 5.5 | 6C | 22 |
WHY GETTING THE KIDS SHOE SIZE IS KEY
Getting a kids’ shoe size right is vital, as it can help promote better movement and less pain. The right shoe should allow them to move easily and freely — in a manner that they are not even thinking about their feet. As a child, being able to run around or even walk as they want is helpful to promote confidence — which turns into mental well-being as a result!
Additionally, getting the right kids’ shoe size is beneficial to their physical development. Being able to walk around as the body intended is vital to encourage good posture, and agility, especially if they play sports. If your child is wearing a pair of shoes that does not fit them properly, their range of motion will adapt to offset the ill fit. As a result, their muscles move in a way that they may not do otherwise.
These factors add up to ensuring that your child has both the ability and confidence to move as they want. If your child’s shoe is too tight, they will likely be less active while they are wearing them. That means that they won’t feel comfortable running around with their friends even going for a walk with you. In an era of smartphones and tablets, it’s crucial that we encourage children to be physically active. Having the wrong shoes simply provides them with an excuse or reason not to go outside and take part in sport or activity. Having the right shoes can therefore make all the difference, we have a wide range of kids shoes from the trusted brands such as NIKE, ASICS, adidas, New Balance and more. So head to INTERSPORT and let one of your professionals find and fit your child with their new favourite pair of shoes.
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