Kids Shoe Size Chart: Children’s Shoe Sizes the Easy Way!

There is not much difference between size 13 kids shoes and 1 adult. In terms of sizing there is only approx. 1/2 inch difference between 14C and 1Y. In the UK, the kids shoe size system switches to the youth respectively men’s shoe size system after size 14 kids shoes. Then it restarts counting at 1(Y).

No. However, they are quite similar. UK’s children’s shoe sizes are, as a rule, 1/2 size smaller than the corresponding US size. A size 8 US shoe is a size UK shoe, and so on. Consult with the above charts and calculators, and you’ll be able to make sure you choose the right US shoe size, based on your UK shoe size.

No. EU size for children’s shoes are not identical to UK sizes – so there is a conversion necessary. Consult with our kids shoe size conversion charts to find the right EU and UK size.

Yes, boys and girls shoes are the same! Unlike with adult sizes, there is no separate boys shoe size chart.

The shoe size system for youth differs greatly from adult sizes. For example, there is no differentiation in gender, meaning that boys and girls use the same size. Youth sizes are anything between size 1Y and 6Y (usually between 7 and 12 years).

Adult sizes start at 7 2⁄3” or 19.5 centimetres (UK size 0). Keep in mind that kids shoes are generally cheaper than adults. Money wise it could be a good idea to stick to children’s sizes as long as possible.

Your child’s neon-coloured Adidas or Nike sneakers and sparkly Stride Rite Mary Jane shoes may look snazzy — but do they actually fit?
If your child’s shoes leave less than half an inch (12 mm) of space for the feet, it is time to buy new shoes.
New shoes, on the other hand, should leave at least 3/4 inch (17 mm) of free space for the feet to move.

The concern here is that by wearing poorly fitting shoes, kids can develop foot deformities like “hallux valgus”. If this type of condition sounds like something that would be a rare occurrence, think again. According to the National Health Institute, 30 percent of kids have foot deformities that are irreversible.
The American Academy of Paediatrics recommends shoes that are neither too big nor too small. Likewise, stiff or airtight shoes are very bad for children’s foot development.
Children’s shoes should be made of soft material and allow the feet to breathe.
Shoes should allow the foot to breathe: Only a footbed made of leather and natural materials is suitable for children’s shoes, because it allows for air circulation and can prevent sweating.
Synthetic fabrics, on the other hand, make children’s feet sweat, which stands in the way of their foot health. Healthy foot development needs, not only, freedom of movement, but also, adequate air circulation.
If shopping for kids shoes, also watch out for brands that offer a wider toe box (more room to wiggle) and shoe tabs of various length to provide a better fit for varying instep or girth size.

Yes, worn shoes are perfectly okay – provided that they are not worn out on one side or that the inner sole is severely deformed. Disinfection is recommended.

Rubber boots for everyday life? No, absolutely not! Rubber boots should only be used when it is really wet outside.
They are not suitable everyday shoes, as they usually make the feet sweat.  The boots should be made of natural rubber rather than PVC. This is because both the manufacturing of PVC and the printed motifs can contain harmful pollutants which can be absorbed by your children’s feet.

The APMA has a quick three question test to help you determine if your child’s shoe/baby walking shoes “makes the grade”:
Does the shoe have a stiff heel? The shoe shouldn’t collapse when you press on both sides of the heel counter.
Is the toe flexible? The shoe shouldn’t be too stiff in the toe area, but it shouldn’t fold up too much when pressed either.
Does the shoe have a rigid middle? The shoe shouldn’t twist in the middle.

Shoe size chart kids can be read as follows:
Read a kids shoe size chart like this: Select the column with the size you know and move horizontally in the same line to find the size you are looking for.