Have you ever seen “PS” on shoe boxes and wondered what it means? Well, we were curious, too, so we did some research to find out.
Now, we’ve got the answer:
“PS” stands for “Preschool” in shoe sizes. This means these shoes are made for little kids who are usually in preschool (around four to seven years old).
But are they right for your kid, too?
In this comprehensive guide, we’re explaining everything. Continue reading!
What Does PS Mean in Shoes? (Complete Details)
PS means Pre-School in the shoe industry. You can call it a unit of measurement, as it means the shoes are for kids who are in preschool.
In our opinion, this PS size is special because it fills in the gap between toddler shoe sizes and sizes for older kids.
How?
Well, Toddler sizes usually stop at size 10, and sizes for bigger kids start at size 1. Luckily, PS sizes are right in the middle, helping out parents and kids during this growing stage.
But note that every kid is different. So, the chances are PS shoes may not fit correctly in some cases. Sometimes, the feet size is either too small or too large, which can cause fitting issues.
In our experience, PS shoes fit best if the average heel-to-toe length is between 6 ½ and 8 ⅜ inches. How do we know? Well, we talked with parents and contacted shoe experts to find out.
Still, it’s better if you take your kid with you and then try different shoes to see which one suits your child better.
Essential Things to Know About PS Shoes
As discussed above, PS shoes are special. So, before you buy them for your toddlers, it’s crucial you learn everything about them.
Different Brands, Different PS Sizes
One thing we noticed is that PS sizes can be a little different depending on the shoe brand. Some brands call a slightly bigger or smaller shoe a PS size.
Therefore, it's a good idea to check the size guide of that brand when shopping.
If you want an average estimation, then check out this table:
|
Preschool Size (PS) |
Age Range |
Foot Length (inches) |
|
PS 4 |
2-3 years |
4.75 - 5.0 |
|
PS 5 |
3-4 years |
5.125 - 5.5 |
|
PS 6 |
4-5 years |
5.625 - 6.0 |
|
PS 7 |
5-6 years |
6.125 - 6.5 |
|
PS 8 |
6-7 years |
6.625 - 7.0 |
|
PS 9 |
7-8 years |
7.125 - 7.5 |
|
PS 10 |
8-9 years |
7.625 - 8.0 |
|
PS 11 |
9-10 years |
8.125 - 8.5 |
|
PS 12 |
10-11 years |
8.625 - 9.0 |
Choose the Best Style
PS Shoes are not just about the size. Companies also manufacture them with kid-friendly designs that look vibrant.
After searching online, we can say that a wide range is available.
That’s a good thing because little kids like to pick shoes that look cool or have their favorite colors. We also suggest letting your child pick a style they love when shopping.
In addition, you can also buy customized shoes for your kids. People think they are super expensive, but that’s not the case. We’ve made a complete guide on how you can determine the cost of customized shoes.
There Is a Quality Difference
Not all PS shoes are the same. Some are made with better materials, while some are cheap.
From what we've seen, buying good quality shoes for little kids is worth it. Better shoes usually last longer and are better for your child's feet. They might cost a bit more, but they're a smarter choice in the long run.
Price Comparison: PS Shoes Versus Other Size Categories
When shopping for kids' shoes, one of the big questions is always about the price. How much do PS (Preschool-sized) shoes cost compared to regular kids' shoes?
Well, we checked the prices of dozens of both and now can say that there is no single answer.
Prices for both are different and the reasons are:
- Brand
- Style
- Where do you buy them?
On average, PS shoes can range from $20 to $60. Some cost even more. In comparison, regular kids’ shoes cost between $15 and $40 on average.
Remember that the fancier or more popular the shoe, the higher the price can be.
Why Is the Right Shoe Size Important For Kids?
Whether you are looking to buy PS shoes or any regular ones, it’s important you focus on the fitting. If you don’t, your toddler will face lots of issues., including discomfort.
Let’s now look at why the right shoe size is crucial for the children:
For Comfort
Toddlers like to run and play for hours. They are energetic and learn new things during the games. However, if you give them the wrong shoes to wear, they won’t feel comfortable in them.
For example, if the shoes are too tight, it will cause pain. Similarly, if the shoes are too roomy, the feet will keep coming out of them.
So, if you want your toddlers to have fun, ensure you pick the right PS shoe size.
For Smooth Feet Development
The feet of Preschool kids continue growing. But if they wear ill-fitting shoes, the growth can stop. In some cases, shoes that are too tight or too loose may even cause foot deformities or other issues.
Reduce the Risk of Injury
As mentioned above, kids like to run whenever they get the chance. If the shoe fits well, they can sprint easily. But if there are any issues, the chances of the kids falling down are higher.
Therefore, it's super important you buy the shoes in the right size.
But how can you know what your child's foot size is? Well, we're discussing it now.
How Can You Measure the Shoe Size of Your Kids Correctly?
You can measure your kid’s shoe size accurately just by following some easy steps (pun intended). Here’s what to do:
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
Start by collecting the materials you will need. These are:
- A piece of paper (must be larger than your child's foot).
- A pen or pencil.
- A ruler or a measuring tape.
Gather them and then do the next steps.
Step 2: Prepare for Measuring
Place a piece of paper on the floor and then tell your kid to stand on it. If your kid wears socks with shoes, then you should also have him put socks on in this step as well.
We also suggest you make sure your kid’s feet are flat and that their toes aren't curled up.
Step 3: Trace the Foot Carefully
Now, carefully trace around your child's foot with a pen or pencil. A pencil is a popular choice as you can erase the markings easily if you don’t do them correctly.
Here’s a tip: Try to stay as close to the foot as possible. This will help you get an accurate outline.
Step 4: Measure the Footprint
Now, take the ruler or measuring tape and measure the footprint length. You should measure from the longest toe (which isn't always the big toe) to the heel.
Write down this measurement in inches or centimeters. We prefer inches.
Step 5: Measure the Width
Some shoe brands also consider width. To measure this, find the widest part of the footprint and measure across. It’s that simple.
Now, you can use a shoe size chart to convert the foot length into the correct shoe size.
Here’s a table:
|
Shoe Size |
Size in Inches |
|
10.5C |
From 6.5 inches |
|
11C |
6.9 inches |
|
11.5C |
7 inches |
|
12C |
7.2 inches |
|
12.5C |
7.4 inches |
|
13C |
7.6 inches |
|
13.5C |
7.8 inches |
|
1Y |
7.9 inches |
|
1.5Y |
8 inches |
|
2Y |
8.2 inches |
|
2.5Y |
8.3 inches |
|
3Y |
8.5 inches |
Here are some more tips for accurate measurement:
- Measure Both Feet: Sometimes, one foot can be slightly larger than the other. If that’s the case with your kid, you should always use the measurements of the larger foot.
- Consider Growth Room: For kids, it's a good idea to leave a little extra space for their feet to grow. We recommend leaving about a half-inch (or a thumb's width) of space at the front of the shoe.
- Check Regularly: Kids' feet grow fast, which is why we suggest checking their shoe size every few months.
- Ask for Help: If you're not sure about the size, you can ask for help at a shoe store. Many stores have trained staff who can measure your child's feet accurately.
Final Thoughts
All-inclusive, PS means preschool in the shoe industry. PS shoes are those that are for kids in preschool. Such toddlers are usually aged 4 to 7 years old. If your kid’s average heel-to-toe length is between 6 ½ to 8 ⅜ inches, then you can go for PS shoes.
However, it's better if you measure your child's foot size before you buy PS shoes. Here, we explained step-by-step instructions on how you can do it. If the PS shoes fit your child's feet perfectly, then we say you go for them as they are of top quality!
That’s all about PS shoes.
