Boys Shoe Sizes: Chart, How to Measure + Guide. Get the right size for boys aged from 1 month to 12 years. How to measure at home + make sure they fit properly.
Whether you’re a new parent, and trying to figure out the right shoe size for your boy, or you have an older boy who is growing quickly, and you’re not sure if he’s wearing the right shoe size – or should start wearing men’s shoes – you’re in the right place!
In this article, we’ll discuss the basics about boys shoe sizes, how to measure your child’s shoes, finding the right fit, and much more. With charts, conversion tools and illustrations, you’ll have all of the resources you need to pick out the right shoes for your boy. Get started now.
How Do Boys Shoes Sizes Work?
This depends on the age of your boy. When they are a toddler, your boy will wear “toddler shoes” which run from size 0-13. Most boys will wear toddler shoes until they are up to 4 or 5 years old. Most 4 year old boys, for example, will wear a size 11 toddler shoe. Toddler sizes are often marked with a “T” – so a size “11T” would be a size 11 toddler shoe.
Next, there are “Youth” shoe sizes. These range from 1-7, and are often labeled with a “Y,” so a size 1Y would be a size 1 youth shoe. Youth sizes are for bigger boys – a size 1Y shoe is bigger than a size 13T shoe. After your child outgrows the largest 7Y shoes, it’s time to move onto adult shoe sizes!
The shoe size system for boys differs greatly from adult sizes. And boys’ shoe sizes are divided into three age groups: Small Boys, Big Boys and Youth.
How Are Boys Shoe Sizes Different From Girls Shoe Sizes?
They aren’t! Girls and boys have similarly-sized feet as they age, up until puberty. That means there’s no need to make a distinction between girls shoe sizes and boys shoe sizes (unlike adult sizes – they differentiate in gender).
While you’ll definitely find shoes that are specifically meant for girls and boys – like pink running shoes – they’ll all be sized with unisex sizing. There is no difference in size between girls and boys when wearing toddler shoes or youth shoes.
Boys Shoe Size Chart
| US Shoe Size | Foot Lenght (Inch) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 3 5/8 |
| 2 | 4 |
| 3 | 4 3/8 |
| 4 | 4 3/4 |
| 5 | 5 |
| 6 | 5 1/4 |
| 7 | 5 5/8 |
| 8 | 6 |
| 9 | 6 1/4 |
| 10 | 6 5/8 |
| 11 | 6 7/8 |
| 12 | 7 1/8 |
| 13 | 7 3/8 |
| 1Y | 7 5/8 |
| 2Y | 8 |
| 3Y | 8 3/8 |
| 4Y | 8 5/8 |
| 5Y | 9 |
| 6Y | 9 3/4 |
Not sure what shoe size boys your boy should be wearing, based on his age, foot length and other factors? This boys shoe size chart should help shed some light on the right shoe size for his needs. Take a look at the baby boy shoes chart for newborns.
When To Start Buying Mens Sizes?
This is a common question – and there’s not usually a “hard and fast” answer. There is some overlap between the biggest Youth sizes and smaller men’s shoes.
For example, a US mens size 6 usually is appropriate for a foot length of 9.25″. A size 6Y boys shoe has a length of 9 3/4 ”.
As a rule, your boy should start looking at purchasing men’s shoes around the age of 12, when he will typically be wearing a size 6Y-7Y shoe, and can fit into a men’s size 6-7.
It’s pretty difficult to find men’s shoes under size 6 in most stores, so this is the right time to make the switch.
Mens To Children Conversion
| Foot length | US Kids | US Women | US Men |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 3/8 | 13 | 1 | |
| 7 1/2 | 13.5 | 1.5 | |
| 7 5/8 | 1Y | 0.5 | 2 |
| 7 7/8 | 1.5Y | 1 | 2.5 |
| 8 | 2Y | 1.5 | 3 |
| 8 1/4 | 2.5Y | 2 | 3.5 |
| 8 3/8 | 3Y | 2.5 | 4 |
| 8 1/2 | 3.5Y | 3 | 4.5 |
| 8 5/8 | 4Y | 3.5 | 5 |
| 8 7/8 | 4.5Y | 4 | 5.5 |
| 9 | 5Y | 4.5 | 6 |
| 9 1/4 | 5.5Y | 5 | 6.5 |
| 9 3/4 | 6Y | 5.5 | 7 |
Want to convert mens shoe sizes into childrens shoe sizes? Here’s a quick and easy chart that will help you do so. If you’re wondering if it’s time to make the switch to mens sizes, this guide is sure to help. Take a look, and you’ll be able to find your answer.
How To Measure Shoes
Need to measure a shoe? Doing so is easy. All you’ll need is a flat surface, the shoe you want to measure, and a flexible, sewing-style measuring tape.
Just place the shoe on the surface, and begin pushing the measuring tape toward the front of the shoe, guiding it with your finger. Continue until your finger hits the very tip of the shoe, and make sure the tape measure is flush with the front of the shoe.
With your other hand, pull the measuring tape back until it’s completely flat inside the shoe, and touching the very back of the shoe. Then, make a note of the measurement – and you’re done!
How to Measure Your Kids’ Shoe Size? Place the foot on a sheet of paper and mark the circumference (keep the pencil straight). Then measure the longest distance with a ruler an look ip the size in our shoe size chart.
How Do You Know If the Shoe Fits?
Your kid’s shoe should have about a half an inch of “breathing room” in the toes, but don’t check this with the “thumb test” – by pressing on the toe of the shoe. Your child will instinctively curl their toes when you do this, so you may get an improper measurement.
Instead, place a hand on the front of the shoe, and then use your other hand to check for adequate space at the heel of the shoe. You should be able to feel a bit of a gap, which means there will be enough room for your child’s foot to grow.
