Who knew when you had kids that when it came to buying them shoes, getting the right size and fit would be such a minefield? Simply knowing your kids’ shoe size sadly isn’t enough since you need to know what that shoe size is in other international sizes as well as know that there tends to be a little variation between brands. Some brands manufacture their shoe fits a little wider, while others may have a narrow ankle.
This guide on how to size kids shoes will take the complexity out of the problem. We’ll tell you how kids’ shoe sizes work as well as how global shoe sizes compare to one another. Finally, we investigate why it’s so crucial to get the right shoe for your child — which will help you find a pair that fits them correctly.
HOW KIDS’ SHOE SIZES WORK
Kids’ shoe sizes vary from country to country — but they also vary according to what stage of growth they are at. Confusion is an understandable result, given, for example, that there are two size 5s for kids in the UK. The reason there are two is that one size 5 is for a toddler and another size 5 is for an older child or teenager. These are commonly referred to as infant and junior sizing.
It’s also common for some kids’ shoe sizes to take into account a child’s foot width. Some shoes may be referred to as Standard (F) or Wide (G). Getting the foot width right is crucial as it will prevent any chaffing or blisters. On the flip side, this will prevent heel slippage. If either occur, they can promote an unnatural walking style for your children which can be detrimental to their physical development. Plus, even as an adult, we know how painful shoes that rub can be!
HOW GLOBAL KIDS’ SHOE SIZES COMPARE
| 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 |
Using this chart will easily allow you to buy any brand, regardless of where that shoe is made and therefore how it is defined size wise. Keep in mind that for kids and infant shoes, Australia and the UK are the same, but for adult women’s shoes, Australia and the US are generally the same. Adult men’s shoe sizing in Australia remains the same as the UK.
WHY YOU NEED TO LEARN HOW TO SIZE KIDS’ SHOES
Getting a child’s shoe size is key. It may sound a little like the shoe police are scaremongering doting parents, but the right or wrong shoe can really affect how a child learns to walk. If a shoe is too big for them, they are likely to get shin splints and cramp in their calf muscles. It will also encourage them to grip their shoes with their toes. If the shoes are too small, they can become not just uncomfortable but also painful. Shoes that nip the toes or rub at the ankle will also likely not be worn by a child, which is just a waste of your hard earned cash.
The bottom line is that if the shoe fits incorrectly ,they are simply less able to be an active child as they may be otherwise. Hampering a child’s movement is something that no one wants — especially in a day and age where we are constantly trying to get our children to go outside more and be more active! Knowing how to size kids’ shoes does not have to be difficult – see the friendly staff at your local INTERSPORT and make use of trained professionals who know exactly how to fit your child’s shoe.
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