Each company manufacturers to their own standards. We HIGHLY RECOMMEND using each individual company’s recommended sizing chart to determine which size for your child. Here is a general guideline chart regarding basic shoe sizing. This chart is just a general guide to give you an idea, but if you need more specific information please refer to the brand/manufacturer of the shoe you are buying.

Kids Shoe Size Equivalents

Sizing FAQ

• How do I know if my child has enough growing room?
  • The recommended toe room allows 3/8 to ½ inch between the longest toe and the end of the foot. We suggest you add ¼ inch to prevent cramped toes and shoes that will be too tight.
• How do I know if my child’s shoe is wide enough?
  • You should be able to pinch a little of the upper material. If the shoe seems to be too tight, we recommend purchasing a ½ size larger.
• How long will my child wear the same size?
  • Those under the age of 16-18 months grow more than half a foot size every two months. Toddlers from the ages of 16 to 24 months grow an average of half a foot size every three months. When they are 24 to 36 months old they grow approximately half a foot size every four months. Over the age of 3 years of age, they increase half a foot size every four to six months.
    
    Children have frequent growth spurts and should therefore, be measured regularly to ensure proper fit! However, some children stay the same size for long periods of time and then have a sudden growth spurt and can go through several sizes within a relatively short period of time. Each child is different in their growth patterns and these are just simply guidelines.
• What are the differences between American and European Sizes?
  • European Sizes generally run slightly larger.

Additional Sizing Help and Suggestions:

• Always  add ¼ to 1/2 “--To measure your child's feet, simply place one foot on a ruler (while standing). Then just look at where the front edge of the largest toe is. Repeat for other foot. Use the longest measurement. Add ¼" to ½" to your measurement. That is the optimal length of a new shoe for your child's foot.
• Measure often—roughly every 3 months
• Measure both feet— Since one foot often is larger than the other, always measure both feet and size to the larger foot.
• Add socks and measure in late afternoon/early evening.
• Wide Width—If wide width is not available, we recommend going up ½ size
• Make sure there's at least a half-inch of growth space between the tip of the big toe to the end of the shoe.
• Make sure the top line of the shoe barely touches the ankle. Too high can cause blisters; too low can allow the heel to slip out.
• Consider the Season--Usually a child's winter boot size is 1-2 sizes bigger than their shoe size.

• If you are buying a children's shoe that uses the U.S. or U.K. sizing system (see chart for measurement differences in the two systems), be sure to remember that the notation system starts over at around age 6. At age five your child may wear a children's size 13 and at age 6 your child may wear a youth size 1.

3 Tips for Checking a Child’s Shoe:

• There should be a thumb width between the end of the shoe and the end of the longest toe = length is correct.
• You should be able to pinch the upper of the shoe between the thumb and forefinger (this may depend on the nature of the material) = width is correct.
• Does the shoe fit snugly around the heel and instep? How stable is the shoe when trying to 'pull off' the shoe? = good fit.

Finally, a word about sizes: There is NO worldwide standard for shoe sizes, which means that you may require a different size than what you thought you needed, especially if you are comparing to shoes made in the Far East or elsewhere. (European-made shoes usually run bigger.) Since each shoe line may be constructed differently, be prepared for your child to vary 1-2 sizes between brands and/ or styles.

This is why we sometimes suggest using foot length in inches, since inches are always standard. Please make sure to refer to each individual company or manufacturer’s sizing chart!!!

In other words, if your child is wearing a 8 in his or her current shoe, but needs a 7 in another shoe line, it doesn't mean your child didn't grow. It means the second shoe line is sized more generously - that's all.  Again, please see the specific sizing recommendations from each company if in doubt or have any questions.