Children's shoes: Why the correct shoe size is so important
Children's feet develop steadily until the age of 16 and especially in the first developmental stages of babies very quickly. For example, your children's feet can grow from the age of three by up to 1.5 millimeters per month. These are about two to three different shoe sizes that you would need to consider and plan for during this time. You should especially keep the following in mind:
Especially in the first years of life, children's feet are still soft and malleable, causing them to adapt to the shoe. This can lead to health problems such as deformities, hip and back pain, postural problems, and headaches. If the shoe is too big, the child's foot has no support. If the shoe is too small, the pressure damages the shape of the foot.
To prevent this, choosing the right footwear is all the more important. But that is not always easy. Because especially in babies and toddlers, the nerve cells are not yet fully developed, so they have an even underdeveloped sensitivity to pressure which makes it difficult for them to accurately indicate whether a shoe fits properly or not.
You can't rely on size charts alone either, because the EU sizes are not standardized. Shoe sizes from different manufacturers therefore often vary. Thus they only provide a guide and only become really useful when you know your child's exact foot length.
Precisely measuring children's feet – especially length and width – is fundamentally the best method, to be able to choose suitable footwear. So that you can always accommodate your little ones' foot growth and always have the right pair of shoes at home, it is essential to regularly measure the feet.. For babies and toddlers up to three years old, it makes sense to check children's shoe sizes every six to eight weeks. For children from three years on, you only need to measure the shoe size every three to four months.
What to consider for children's shoe sizes
Obtain appropriate footwear in the following order: measure the feet, consult the size chart, and only then, if necessary, seek professional advice from specialists.Our tip:Occasionally it is even advisable to have your children's shoe size measured by professionals using the WMS system.
Children's shoes should neither too small nor too large and not too stiff nor too heavy be.
Always prefer healthy shoes to fashionable ones. They should have neither an extremely low toe tip nor too little space for the toes.
Do not rely solely on your children's judgment when measuring their feet, as especially in the first years they do not really perceive pressure.
From the third year of life, children's feet can grow by up to 1.5 millimetres, which is why around 12 to 17 millimetres should always be added when buying shoes.
Measure your children's shoe sizes at regular intervals. For babies and toddlers up to three years every six to eight weeks, and for children aged three and older every three to four months.
Children's shoe sizes from different manufacturers usually vary.Our tip: Measure your children's feet in centimetres and then refer to the size charts.
A template or a special measuring device at a specialist shop are the most helpful methods for measuring children's shoe sizes.
The following measurements are relevant for calculating the shoe size: inner shoe length and width, instep width and available toe space.
If one foot is longer than the other, use that one as a guide.
Always measure your children's shoe sizes while standing so that the feet have enough space in the children's shoe when walking.
Don't buy socks that are too tight, because they can also impair foot health.
Always schedule your shoe purchase for the afternoon, because the feet expand during the day and this way the shoe with the perfect fit is found – also under greater load. Before trying them on, let the kids walk barefoot for a few minutes.
Which shoe size is appropriate for babies?
As a rule, the size for baby shoes starts at 16.Shoes in this size should even fit right after birth and accompany you until the third month of life. However, that is also the age at which your babies do not yet need shoes at all. This is followed by further baby shoe sizes from 17 to 23, which are then suitable for children up to one year old.
Usually, the question of the right shoe size only arises when it's about your children's first shoes. Depending on that, of course, whether and when babies even need (walking) shoes and what should be considered about them.
In general, children's shoes are only recommended when your babies learn to walk and independently want to explore the outside world beyond their own four walls. Shoes then offer a protection from cold and injuries, which can come with walking on the street.
To help you find the right baby shoes, it is especially important for your little ones to measure the correct foot length in centimetres to measure. This can usually then be converted into the appropriate baby shoe size using a shoe size calculator.
Which children's shoe sizes are normal at which ages?
Your children's growth — and their little feet — develop at their own pace. For that reason, the question of which children's shoe size is normal for which age cannot be answered in general terms.
Age alone generally tells you very little about which size is suitable for young runners, because even shoe sizes don't always run consistently – and neither do the sizes of different body parts.
Even if size charts often include an approximate age, that doesn't mean those sizes will actually fit your children. You should therefore only consult shoe size charts after you have measured your children's exact foot length and want to see where that measurement places them.
It's also helpful to involve trained staff and have your measurements double-checked. That way you can be sure when measuring your children's correct shoe size.
Overview of methods for measuring children's feet
Want to measure your children's feet to be certain of their current shoe size but aren't sure where to start? No problem — HABA has gathered the essential tips and the most reliable measuring methods that you can easily apply yourself.
“You can tell a shoe fits when there are two fingers' widths to the toe!” — you have probably heard some version of the finger or thumb test. But by now it's clear that this is not the most reliable method. Generally, older and newer methods are distinguished, which at first can be confusing. To help you keep track and to know which measuring methods you can safely use, HABA has prepared a short summary for you here.
The WMS measuring device (good)
WMS measuring devices are commonly used in specialist shops. WMS stands for width-measurement system. Children's shoes bearing the WMS sticker indicate high quality — especially when it comes to fit. The method is considered the safest and most reliable, because the foot measurement calculates not only the shoe length but also the width specification. That means this method shows whether your children's feet are narrow or wide, so you can choose shoes accordingly. However, it is important to know that this method is not intended for home use and is usually carried out only by trained professionals.
Foot-measuring shell & insole gauge (good)
As an alternative to the WMS device you can use a foot-measuring shell or an insole gauge. Although you cannot measure width precisely here, you can still determine the shoe size reliably. To do this, measure your children's feet while they are standing. Their legs should be straight and the measuring shell should sit close to the heel and sole. Various sizes can be read off up to children's size 26. Measure both feet where possible — one foot is often larger than the other, and the larger foot determines the final size.
Thumb test (poor)
The simple thumb press on the toe cap or behind the heel is probably the most popular measuring method, but certainly not the most reliable. It can show roughly a finger's width of space in the shoe — equivalent to an extra 12 to 17 millimetres, which is useful for the correct children's shoe — but neither the fit nor the exact shoe size can be defined precisely this way. Children also tend to draw their toes in during the thumb press. Whether a shoe actually fits well or not is therefore hard to determine by the thumb test. Consequently you should avoid this method or use it only to check toe room. To prevent children pulling their toes in, press them gently downwards with your hand when measuring.
Holding children's feet against the outer sole (poor)
Comparing children's feet with the outer sole of a shoe is far from conclusive. The external measurements of a children's shoe say nothing about the important internal measurements. The fit with regard to foot width is also completely ignored here, which is why this method is considered rather unreliable. Sneakers, formal shoes and the like can be too tight even if a margin has been added.
Asking children if the shoe pinches (poor)
Because infants and very young children in particular do not yet have a fully developed nervous system and therefore lack reliable pressure sensation, it is pointless to ask them whether the shoes they try on actually fit well. The feet adapt to the shape of the shoe, so your little ones may believe that trainers or formal shoes are comfortable even when the shoes are far from ideal. The older your kids are, the more likely they are to be able to tell you about comfort, but you should never rely on that alone when measuring.
Removable insoles (good)
Comparing with an insole is by far preferable to comparing with the outer sole, because this is about the internal space of the children's shoe. Removable insoles allow you to find out how much room there is at the sides and front. Simply take the insole out of the shoe (this is only possible with shoes that have a removable insole), place your children's feet on it and check carefully how well the chosen pair fits. In addition to insoles you can also make your own template. To do so, measure your kids' foot lengths and use the longer foot as a guide. Add 1.5 centimetres and cut the template from cardboard to take with you when buying shoes. When placed in the desired shoe this template must neither slip nor show any bulging. That's how you determine a perfect fit. But remember to renew the insole regularly, because children's feet keep growing.
How to measure children's feet and determine shoe size
Now you have some practical tips for measuring your kids' feet. Time to put them into practice. Under the guidance of the following measuring methods you can measure the feet of babies, toddlers and older children comfortably and quickly. Give it a try and find out your little ones' shoe size.
Determining baby shoe sizes
Delicate baby feet can only be measured with sufficient support from you as parents. Even if your babies can perhaps stand on their own, it is usually a wobbly matter and you should support them.
Here's how to measure those sweet baby feet:
Place your baby barefoot on a white sheet of paper.
Trace around one foot with a pen first. It is best to press it slightly down with your hand so the toes and the foot are stretched and stand upright on the paper. Repeat the same for the other foot.
Now measure the foot length by placing a ruler or tape measure from the traced heel to the big toe.
If one baby foot is longer than the other, base the shoe size on the larger foot.
It is important to allow some extra room for baby feet. To do this, add 1.2 to 1.7 centimetres (which corresponds to the minimum allowance of 12 millimetres) to the measured foot length. You can use the following formula: (foot length in cm + 1.5) x 1.5 = shoe size An example: (9.7 cm + 1.5) x 1.5 = 16.8
To be on the safe side, it is recommended to have your babies' foot size checked from time to time by trained staff at a shoe shop.
Determining shoe sizes for toddlers and older children
Foot length, which is the distance from the toe to the heel, can best be measured using a template. You can download our measuring template, cut it out and, if necessary, stick it onto cardboard so it can be used directly.
To measure your kids' little feet, proceed as follows:
First, print the template at the correct scale.
Check that you have printed the template to scale by placing a tape measure or ruler on the printout.
If the size of the template is correct, stick it to the floor so it does not slip.
Now you can start measuring. Place one foot at a time on the printed template. It is best for your kids to wear socks, as these also take up space in the shoe.
Place the feet so that the heel rests on the bottom mark. For best stability, the other foot should stand exactly parallel to the foot being measured first. This ensures the weight is evenly distributed.
Gently stroke the toes so they relax.
Now read off the foot length by looking at the level of the longest toe tips.
To ensure the shoe can be used for some months, add 1.2 to 1.7 centimetres (the minimum allowance of 12 millimetres) to the measured foot length. You can remember the following formula: (foot length in cm + 1.5) x 1.5 = shoe size An example: (14.1 cm + 1.2) x 1.5 = 22.95 (shoe size 23)
With the determined shoe size, you can now go shoe shopping. Use a size chart for guidance, but also check whether the shoes actually run true to size. Because depending on the manufacturer, a size 23 is not always exactly a 23.
If you would rather have the shoe size determined in a shoe shop first, you can usually use a measuring device provided there.
Here is what to do:
Place your child on the measuring gauge. The heels must rest against the stop.
Now take the sliding ruler and move it to the longest toe.
Sizes can vary depending on the foot. Always go by the larger foot of your kids.
To get the most use out of the shoes, add 1.2 centimetres of allowance.
The resulting children's shoe size now serves as the basis for your shoe search. Good luck!
Our tip: Have the shoe size checked regularly by a professional. That way you can be sure you've measured everything correctly.
What to look out for when buying children's shoes
Once you have determined your little ones' shoe size, nothing stands in the way of buying shoes. To make sure you get the very best children's shoes, it is important to keep various criteria in mind that help you assess the quality of formal shoes, sandals, winter boots and other footwear.
Material basically plays an important role. Ideally, children's shoes are made from natural materials.
This is particularly advantageous for closed shoes, because natural materials conform to delicate children's feet and provide comfortable wear. If formal shoes and boots are made from stiffer materials, they can force children's feet into an unnatural shape, which can negatively affect physical health.
Breathability should not be overlooked when buying shoes. Shoes with leather footbeds are particularly suitable. This helps prevent sweating. Natural materials are generally better than synthetic ones, as they promote air circulation inside the shoe.
Be particularly careful with wellingtons. Here the rule is: natural rubber is better than PVC (polyvinyl chloride). Wellingtons made from PVC often contain harmful substances and limit air exchange and breathability very strongly.
Otherwise: Involve your children in the decision. Even if, due to immature pressure sensation, they cannot say much about the correct shoe size, they should at least be allowed to give their opinion on the shoe design.
Buying baby shoes: tips you should follow
If your babies are at the walking stage and want to explore places beyond your home, it's time: you should buy their first shoes. But what should you look for when buying first shoes and trainers? We're happy to help you find the right pair and give you an overview of the quality criteria.
Baby shoes should be made of a soft upper material that gives your kids enough freedom of movement.
First walking shoes made of cotton or linen are especially popular in summer because they are very breathable and reduce sweating.
Flexible and non-slip soles are necessary because they support natural foot movement and motor development.
The first shoes should generally be lightweight so they protect the back and spine.
Non-toxic, soft and breathable materials are a must. Footwear that carries the WMS seal or the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 is considered particularly good.
Check your baby’s feet regularly for pressure points, redness or blisters. If these occur, the shoes are definitely unsuitable.
The fastenings on baby shoes should be child-safe. Prefer simple closures such as hook-and-loop or zips to laces, as laces can come undone more easily and thus present a safety risk.
