Kids Shoe Sizing Guide: Easy Charts and Real Tips for Parents

Kids shoe sizing guide is probably one of the most searched things by parents. We’ve all been there. Your kid needs new shoes, but you’re stuck guessing what size to buy.

If you're wondering how to figure out your kid’s shoe size, just measure their foot and use a good chart. That’s really all it takes.

In this blog, you’ll find all the size charts you need. We’re talking about the US, UK, EU, Brazil, and even China. We’ll also show you how to measure at home without any fancy tools.

We’ve done this many times with our own kids, so everything here is real and tested. Keep reading, because this guide will save you time and a lot of stress.

Kids Shoe Sizing Guide (With Charts)

Kids’ shoes are sized in three main stages:

• Toddler sizes (T): 0 to 10

• Little kid sizes: 10.5 to 3

• Big kid (Youth) sizes: 3.5 to 7

These sizes look the same in US, UK, and EU charts, but the numbers mean different things in each system. So always check the chart before buying, especially if you’re shopping online.

Kids Shoe Size Chart by Age and Foot Length

Here’s a full-size Kids’ shoe size chart you can use.

We keep this chart in our fridge. Measure your child’s foot (heel to toe), then match it with the size and age.

How to Measure Kids’ Feet at Home

You only need paper, a pencil, and a ruler.

1. Place the paper flat on the floor.

2. Have your child stand on it barefoot.

3. Trace both feet.

4. Measure from heel to longest toe.

Always measure both feet, as one is usually bigger. Go with the longer foot. We usually measure after dinner because feet swell a bit during the day.

Kids Shoe Size Guide: EU to UK (Chart Included)

Kids’ shoe sizes in the EU and UK follow totally different number systems. EU sizes go up by full numbers. UK sizes include half sizes and start much smaller. That’s why you should always use a conversion chart before buying.

Kids Shoe Size Chart: EU to UK

We always double-check this when buying shoes from EU brands like Geox or Bobux.

Kids Shoe Size Chart: UK to US

UK and US kids shoe sizes look almost the same but US sizes are usually one full size bigger than UK ones. For example, a UK size 10 is a US size 11. This tiny difference can make shoes uncomfortable if you guess wrong.

Kids Shoe Size Chart: UK to US

Kids Shoe Size Chart: US to China

The US and China use very different sizing systems. In China, kids’ shoes are measured in millimeters, not by size numbers like in the US. To convert, you need to know the foot length in inches or centimeters. Then match it to the closest China size.

Kids Shoe Size Chart: US to China

Kids Shoe Size Conversion: US to Brazil

Kids shoe sizes in Brazil are different from both US and EU sizes. Brazilian sizes usually match the EU system minus 1. But US and Brazil sizes don’t align perfectly. So, it’s best to go by foot length or a reliable chart.

Kids Shoe Size Chart: US to Brazil

How Do I Figure Out My Kid’s Shoe Size?

To figure out your kid’s shoe size, you need to measure their foot length first. That’s the most accurate way. Shoe sizes can vary by brand or country, but foot length stays the same. You’ll need:

• A piece of paper

• A pencil

• A ruler

Place the paper flat on the floor against a wall. Have your child stand on it with their heel touching the wall. Trace around the toes and mark the longest point. Then measure from the wall to that mark.

Do this for both feet. Most kids have one foot slightly bigger. Always use the longer one. Measure in the afternoon, because feet swell during the day. And don’t forget to measure while they’re wearing socks if they’ll be wearing the shoes with socks.

Once you know the length, match it to a size on a reliable kids shoe size chart. Don’t guess based on age. Two kids the same age can have totally different feet.

What we do is measure every 3 months and keep the size written down. It only takes 5 minutes. This way, we never end up with shoes that are too tight or too loose. We also check the return policy before buying, just in case.

What Size Is a 7-Year-Old’s Foot?

On average, a 7-year-old wears between US size 1Y and 2Y in kids shoes. That usually means a foot length of about 7.5 to 8.25 inches (or around 19 to 21 cm). But every kid is different. Some 7-year-olds might still fit into size 13.5, while others are already in size 3Y.

When our son turned 7, we thought he’d be a size 1Y based on a chart. But when we measured his feet, they were already at 8 inches. That’s a size 2Y. So we learned not to guess.

Also, check how the brand fits. Some brands run small or large. We’ve found that sneakers like Nike or Adidas can run slightly small in youth sizes.

What Size Is a 23 in Kids Shoes?

A size 23 in kids shoes usually refers to the EU sizing system. It matches to about a US size 6 or UK size 5.5. This size fits a toddler who has a foot length of around 5.5 inches or 14 cm.

We used to buy EU-sized shoes for our daughter from a European brand. She wore size 23 around age 2.

If you see “size 23” on a shoe, make sure it’s using EU sizing. Sometimes brands label shoes as “23” but mean something else. Always check the size chart or the foot length in cm or inches.

To be safe, if you’re buying EU size 23, measure your child’s foot first. If their foot is around 5.5 inches long, that size should be just right. But if you’re between sizes, always size up. It’s better to have a little room than tight shoes.

Bottom Line

Shoe shopping for kids doesn’t have to be a guessing game. With this kids' shoe sizing guide, you now have everything you need to get the size right every time. We’ve learned from experience that measuring at home and using proper charts is the safest choice.

This guide is here to make things easier for you, just like it did for us. Take a minute to measure, check the size, and you’re all set.