How to Measure Kids’ Foot Length and Choose the Right Shoe Size

Choosing the right shoe size for kids is more than comfort—it’s part of healthy foot development. Children’s feet are still forming: the bones are softer, growth plates are active, and feet can change size quickly. Shoes that are too small may cause rubbing, pressure, and toenail issues; shoes that are too big can lead to tripping, unstable walking, and poor support.

If you’re shopping for baby shoes, toddler shoes, or kids shoes in US sizes, this guide will show you exactly how to measure your child’s foot at home and pick the best size with room to grow.

Why the Correct Kids Shoe Size Matters

Kids don’t always tell you their shoes feel tight—especially toddlers and young children. Too-small shoes can restrict natural movement and cause discomfort that affects walking and posture. Too-large shoes can create friction and instability, increasing the risk of blisters and falls.

A properly fitted pair of children’s shoes should:

• Support natural movement
• Provide stable heel hold
• Leave a small, safe amount of growing room
• Match your child’s foot length and width

How Kids’ Feet Typically Grow (Growth Guide)

Kids’ foot growth is fast and uneven—growth often comes in spurts. Use this reference as a practical reminder of how frequently you should re-check size.

Kids’ Foot Growth Guide (Reference)

• Measure both feet and always size based on the longer foot.
• Growing fast? Consider +1 size (especially if your child is approaching the top of a size range).

Typical growth pace:

• 7–12 months: about +1 size / month
• 12–24 months: about +1 size / 3 months
• 2–6.5 years: about +1 size / 6 months
• 6.5+ years: Girls: about +1 size / year
• Boys (after 3rd grade): on average about 3 sizes larger than girls

Practical takeaway: for babies and toddlers, don’t “set and forget” sizing. Re-measure regularly if you want the best fit.

What You Need to Measure Kids’ Feet at Home

• Paper (A4/Letter)
• Pen or pencil
• Tape (optional)
• Ruler or measuring tape
• The socks your child will wear with the shoes

No ruler at home?

Download our Printable Kids Foot Measuring Guide (PDF), print it at 100% scale, and follow the instructions:
Download the printable kids shoe size chart & foot measuring guide 

Step-by-Step: How to Measure Your Child’s Foot Length (Accurate Method)

1) Measure at the right time

Measure in the late afternoon or evening. Feet can swell slightly during the day—this helps avoid a too-tight fit.

2) Set up on a hard floor

Place paper on a hard, flat surface (not carpet). Tape it down if it moves.

3) Stand with full weight

Have your child stand straight with weight evenly distributed. (If your child can’t stand yet, gently press the foot down in a natural position.)

4) Trace the foot

Hold the pen straight up and down and trace around the foot.

5) Mark heel and longest toe

Mark:

• The center back of the heel

• The tip of the longest toe (not always the big toe)

6) Measure foot length

Measure from heel mark to longest toe mark in a straight line.

• Record in cm or inches (cm tends to be more precise)

7) Repeat for both feet

Measure both feet and use the longer measurement to choose your shoe size.

How Much “Growing Room” Should Kids’ Shoes Have?

A common fit target is about 0.8–1.2 cm (⅓–½ inch) of space in front of the longest toe.

• Too little room: cramped toes, rubbing, discomfort
• Too much room: sliding, tripping, unstable steps

If your child is between sizes (or in a rapid-growth phase), it can be reasonable to choose the next size up—especially for everyday sneakers—while still ensuring the heel stays secure.

Choosing the Correct US Kids Shoe Size

Once you have foot length:

1. Match the measurement to your brand’s US kids shoe size chart
2. Choose the size for the longer foot
3. If your child is growing quickly, consider +1 size (based on the growth guide above)
4. If you carry multiple categories, consider adding quick anchors on the page:

• US baby shoe size chart (0–12 months)
• US toddler shoe size chart
• Little kids / Big kids shoe sizes

Signs Your Child’s Shoes Don’t Fit Correctly

Check these common signals:

• Red marks on toes or sides of the foot

• Blisters or rubbing at the heel

• Toenails looking compressed

• Child avoids walking/running, or complains of “tight” shoes

• Frequent tripping (can also happen when shoes are too big)

How Often Should You Re-Measure?

Use the growth guide as a baseline:

• Babies/toddlers: measure often (monthly or every few months depending on age)

• Preschool: roughly every 6 months

• Older kids: at least yearly, and whenever comfort changes

A practical habit: measure before each new season’s shoe purchase, and anytime you notice changes in gait or comfort.

Download: Printable Kids Foot Measuring Guide (No Ruler Needed)

If you don’t have a ruler, our printable guide makes measuring easy at home. Print at 100% scale, place your child’s heel on the indicated line, and read the foot length directly.

[Download the printable kids foot measuring guide (PDF)] 

Final Tip: Always Fit to the Longer Foot

Kids’ feet are rarely identical. Measuring both feet and fitting to the longer one is the simplest way to avoid tight shoes and improve comfort—especially in toddler shoes and kids sneakers worn daily.