Kids' Shoe Size Chart & Guide
Shopping for kids' shoes can be a challenge. Their feet grow so fast, it feels like you're buying a new pair every few months! This guide is here to help. Use our simple chart below to find the right size for toddlers and older kids.
Kids' Shoe Size Conversion Chart (Toddler & Youth)
This chart covers sizes from toddler (around 1-4 years) to youth/older kids (around 4-12 years). For babies under one year, please see our Baby Shoe Size Chart.
| US Size | UK Size | EU Size | Foot Length (Inches) | Approx. Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toddler Sizes | ||||
| 4 | 3.5 | 19 | 4.5" | 1-2 Years |
| 5 | 4.5 | 20 | 4.75" | 1-2 Years |
| 6 | 5.5 | 22 | 5.125" | 2-3 Years |
| 7 | 6.5 | 23 | 5.5" | 2-3 Years |
| 8 | 7.5 | 24 | 5.75" | 3-4 Years |
| 9 | 8.5 | 25 | 6.125" | 3-4 Years |
| 10 | 9.5 | 27 | 6.5" | 4-5 Years |
| Youth (Little & Big Kid) Sizes | ||||
| 11 | 10.5 | 28 | 6.875" | 5-6 Years |
| 12 | 11.5 | 30 | 7.25" | 6-7 Years |
| 13 | 12.5 | 31 | 7.5" | 7-8 Years |
| 1 | 13.5 | 32 | 7.75" | 8-9 Years |
| 2 | 1 | 33 | 8.125" | 8-9 Years |
| 3 | 2 | 34 | 8.5" | 9-10 Years |
| 4 | 3 | 36 | 8.75" | 10-11 Years |
| 5 | 4 | 37 | 9.25" | 11-12 Years |
| 6 | 5 | 38 | 9.5" | 11-12 Years |
How to Measure Your Kid's Feet at Home
Getting the right measurement is key to finding the perfect fit. Here's the easiest way to do it:
- Have them stand up. Feet spread out when standing, so always measure them this way.
- Use paper and a pencil. Place a piece of paper on a hard floor and have your child stand on it. Trace the outline of their foot.
- Measure the length. Use a ruler to measure the distance from the back of the heel to the tip of their longest toe.
- Measure both feet. It's normal for one foot to be bigger. Always use the larger measurement when picking a size.
- Use our printable tool. For an even easier method, print our Free Printable Shoe Size Chart and have your child stand on it.
Tips for Buying the Perfect Kids' Shoes
Remember these tips when you're shopping to keep your child's feet happy and healthy:
- Leave some growing room. There should be about a thumb's width (around half an inch) of space between their longest toe and the front of the shoe.
- Don't buy too small. Kids' feet are still developing, and tight shoes can cause problems later on. If you're between sizes, always go for the larger one.
- Shop in the afternoon. Feet swell during the day, so shopping later ensures you get a fit that's comfortable all day long.
- Choose flexible, breathable materials. Look for shoes made from soft materials like canvas or leather that allow their feet to breathe and move naturally.
- Check the fit regularly. Kids' feet can grow a full size in just 4-5 months! Check their shoes for tightness often.
When Do Kids Move From Toddler to Youth Sizes?
Kids' sizes restart partway through childhood, which confuses many parents. Toddler sizes run from US 4 up to US 10, then continue as US 11, 12, and 13, after which numbering restarts at US 1 Youth (not US 14). A US 1 Youth equals a UK 13.5 and an EU 32, fitting a foot about 7.75 inches long.
Youth sizes then run US 1 through US 7, overlapping with small adult sizes: a youth US 5 (9.25 inches) is close to a women's US 7. One chart covers both boys and girls: unlike adult shoes, kids' sizing is unisex, so the same table above works for everyone. When your child outgrows youth US 7, switch to the men's or women's chart.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kids' shoe size is a 3-year-old?
Around a US 7-8 (UK 6.5-7.5, EU 23-24) according to the chart above, but age is only a rough guide. Always measure your child's feet, since sizes vary widely at the same age.
What is a kids' US 10 in UK and EU sizes?
A kids' US 10 converts to a UK 9.5 and an EU 27, fitting a foot about 6.5 inches long (roughly age 4 to 5). See the full chart above.
How often should I check my child's shoe size?
Every few months. Kids' feet can grow a full shoe size in just 4-5 months, so check for tightness regularly, especially at the toes.
Should I buy kids' shoes a size bigger?
Leave about a thumb's width of room in front of the longest toe, but never buy shoes that are too small: tight shoes can harm developing feet. Shop in the afternoon, when feet are at their largest, for the most reliable fit.
What comes after kids' size 13?
Youth size 1: kids' numbering restarts instead of continuing to 14. A US 1 Youth equals a UK 13.5 and an EU 32, fitting a foot about 7.75 inches long (roughly age 8-9).
Do boys and girls use the same shoe size chart?
Yes. Unlike adult shoes, kids' sizing is unisex, so the chart above works for both boys and girls. Only when kids outgrow youth sizes (around US 7) do they switch to separate men's and women's sizing.