How to Measure Your Child's Feet at Home
When shopping online for children’s shoes, getting the right fit is crucial. A well-fitting shoe supports healthy foot development, keeps your child comfortable, and ensures they’re ready to take on their next adventure. However, it can be tricky to confidently order the correct size without trying the shoes on first. That’s where a simple, step-by-step method to measure children’s feet at home comes in handy.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to accurately measure your child’s feet at home, giving you the confidence to choose the right size when ordering kids shoes online. Whether you’re buying school shoes, casual trainers or sandals, a precise measurement can make all the difference.
Why Measuring Matters
Children’s feet grow rapidly, especially in the early years. A shoe that’s too tight can cause discomfort, blisters, or even longer-term foot issues. On the other hand, shoes that are too loose may lead to instability or tripping. Because sizing can vary between brands, a reliable measuring method is key — particularly when shopping online, where trying on isn’t an option.
What You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather the following items:
- A sheet of paper (A4 or larger)
- A pencil or pen
- A ruler or tape measure
- Socks (if your child will be wearing them with the shoes)
- A flat surface near a wall
Once you’ve got everything ready, follow the steps below to measure your child’s feet accurately.
Step-by-Step Guide to Measure Children’s Feet at Home
Step 1: Prepare the Paper
Place a sheet of paper on a hard, flat floor against a wall. Ensure the paper doesn’t move around by securing it with tape if needed.
Step 2: Position Your Child
Have your child stand on the paper with their heel touching the wall and their weight evenly distributed. If they’re young and fidgety, you might need to gently support them to ensure they’re standing still.
Step 3: Trace Around the Foot
Using a pencil or pen, carefully trace around the outline of your child’s foot. Make sure the pencil is held vertically to the paper, not at an angle, to avoid adding extra width. Repeat this process for the other foot — it’s very common for one foot to be slightly larger than the other.
Step 4: Measure the Length
Use a ruler or tape measure to measure from the back of the heel (the edge touching the wall) to the tip of the longest toe. Write down the measurement in millimetres. Do this for both feet and use the larger of the two measurements when selecting shoes.
Step 5: Measure the Width (Optional but Helpful)
If you’d like a more precise fit, measure across the widest part of each foot (usually across the ball of the foot). This is particularly useful for children with wide or narrow feet.
Using the Measurements to Choose the Right Size
Once you’ve measured your child’s feet, it’s time to use those figures with a kids' shoe sizing guide. At Little Brogues, we offer a comprehensive kids’ shoe sizing guide that converts foot length into UK, EU and US shoe sizes. Always choose the size based on the longer foot.
Top Tip: When choosing children’s shoes, it’s recommended to allow a little extra space for growing room — usually about 10-12mm from the tip of the longest toe to the front of the shoe. But don’t overdo it. Shoes that are too big can be just as uncomfortable as shoes that are too tight.
Check the Fit Once the Shoes Arrive
Even with precise measurements, it's always good to do a fit check once the shoes arrive.
Here’s how:
- Toe Room: Have your child stand in the shoes and press down gently on the toe area. There should be about a thumb’s width (10-12mm) of space between the longest toe and the end of the shoe.
- Width: The shoe should fit snugly without squeezing the sides of the foot. If there are pressure marks or bulging, they may be too narrow.
- Heel Fit: Check that the heel doesn’t lift too much when walking. A little movement is fine, but excessive slipping can lead to blisters.
- Overall Comfort: Ask your child how the shoes feel. If they say something doesn’t feel right, trust their instincts!
When to Re-measure
Children’s feet can grow quickly — sometimes up to half a size in just a few months. As a rule of thumb, measure your child’s feet every 8–12 weeks, especially during growth spurts or before buying new shoes for a new season.
Accurately measuring your child’s feet at home is the first step to ensuring a perfect fit when shopping for kids shoes online. By following this guide, you’ll avoid common pitfalls and increase the chances of getting the right size the first time around. At Little Brogues, we’re passionate about helping parents find stylish, supportive and properly fitting children’s shoes, every time.
Explore our range of high-quality kids shoes and don’t forget to check our easy-to-use kids' shoe sizing guide for extra help. With the right fit, your child can step confidently into whatever comes next.