Knowing what size shoes to buy for your child may seem complicated and confusing, but accurately measuring your child's feet is actually a very simple process that will prevent current discomfort and future problems. ePodiatry explains that poorly fitting shoes can cause pain and mobility problems during childhood, and may lead to a variety of foot and ankle disorders later in life. Because your child's feet may grow as much as two sizes every six months, the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons recommends measuring his feet every time you purchase a new pair of shoes.
Step 1
Wait until the end of the day to measure your child's feet. Feet swell and expand over time, especially in hot weather. Measuring your child's feet at their largest will ensure his shoes do not become uncomfortably tight after getting dressed in the morning.
Step 2
Lay a piece of plain, white paper on a flat surface, such as solid tile or wood. Do not attempt to measure your child's feet on carpet or another soft surface.
Step 3
Instruct your child to stand with one foot on the piece of paper. Use a pencil to draw a mark at the heel of your child's foot. Place a second mark at the top of your child's longest toe. This may be the big toe or the second toe, depending on your child.
Step 4
Measure the distance between the two marks in centimeters. If your ruler does not have markings for centimeters, measure in inches and then divide the total by 2.54.
Step 5
Convert the total into a shoe size by comparing it to a shoe size conversion chart, available at most shoe stores, after subtracting 5 mm from the total length.
Step 6
Check the width of your child's feet by measuring the distance between the two widest points on his foot. Subtract 5 mm.
Step 7
Measure both feet when sizing kid shoes. It is common for children to have one foot that is larger than the other, and you must size your child's shoes to fit the larger foot.
Tips and Warnings
- Consider the width of your child's feet when sizing his shoes. Wider feet may require wide-fitting shoes. If you are sizing sneakers, boots or other shoes that require socks, have your child put on the size and style of socks he normally wears before you measure his feet. Thick socks can add as much as half a shoe size.
- Not all manufacturers size their shoes in the same way. Using a generic shoe-sizing chart can provide you with an estimate of your child's shoe size, but you should compare your measurements to the conversion charts of each specific brand to ensure a proper fit. Always try on shoes before buying them. There should be about one finger's width of space between the tip of the longest toe and the inside of the shoe, according to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Shoes that are too big put too much pressure on the toes, and shoes that are too small can cause corns, calluses, blisters and ingrown nails.
Things You'll Need
- White paper
- Pencil
- Ruler
Member Comments