Boys and Girls Shoe Sizes

Boys and Girls Conversion Chart

Inches	US / Canada	Europe	Japan	UK
5.38	6.5	23	-	5.5
5.56	7	23.5	14	6
5.75	7.5	24	-	6.5
5.88	8	24.5	15	7
6.06	8.5	25	-	7.5
6.25	9	25.5	16	8
6.38	9.5	26	-	8.5
6.47	10	26.5	16.5	9
6.67	10.5	27	-	9.5
6.83	11	27.5	17.5	10
6.98	11.5	28	-	10.5
7.14	12	28.5	18.5	11
7.30	12.5	29	-	11.5
7.46	13	30	19	12
7.77	1	31	20	13
7.93	1.5	31.5	20.5	13
8.09	2	32.5	21	1
8.25	2.5	33	21.5	1.5
8.40	3	33.5	22	2

When shopping for children's shoes online or around the world, the numbers can get kind of confusing. In addition to manufacturer's variations, different parts of the world use various sizing systems. The following chart can help.

But remember, the best way to get the proper fit is to measure your child's foot, and compare those measurements to the size charts offered by retailer from which you're making your purchase - and be sure to check for a return policy in case the shoe doesn't fit!

Tips & Advice for Choosing the Right Shoes for Children

Unlike many adults, kids don't really enjoy shopping for shoes. But at the rate they outgrow them, trying shoes on is absolutely essential for growing feet. Here are some tips that will help you be certain that your children's shoes fit properly, and remove some of the nightmare elements of shopping for kids' shoes.

When to Buy New Shoes for Your Child
Unless your child complains that they are uncomfortable, you may not know when it's time for a new pair of shoes.

It's a good idea to periodically check your children's shoes to make sure what they're wearing is still working for them.

Look for particularly worn areas, or stressed seams. If the sides are bulging or wearing out more quickly than the rest of the shoe, then they may not be wide enough. Toes that bend upwards are also a sign of shoes that don't fit properly, and worn out toes or heels can also mean it's time for a new pair of shoes.

Shopping Tips for Children's Shoes
-Shoe shopping should always be done later in the afternoon or evening, since feet swell over the course of the day.

-If you're child is particularly not into shoe shopping, look for a store that specializes in children's footwear, as the staff should be well-versed in how to deal with the reluctant shoe shopper.

-While there are so many cute and trendy shoes available for kids, unless it's for a very special occasion, it's best to avoid overspending as children outgrow shoes so quickly and new shoe occasions are seemingly always right around the corner.

Getting the Right Fit in Kids' Shoes
-Have your children's feet measured when buying shoes, since what might seem comfortable to them for a minute or two in the store is very different from what will be comfortable after a day of playing.

-Feet should be measured while standing, and always have both feet measured. Since one foot is usually larger than the other, buy shoes to accommodate the larger of the two feet.

-When your child is wearing the shoes, and their feet are fully extended (watch for toe crunching!), there should be a bit of room between the edge of the shoe toe and the edge of your child's toes - about a half inch.

-With the rate children outgrow shoes, it's probably tempting to buy shoes that are too big, but you should never buy shoes that are more than one size too large for your child. Shoes that are too big can cause a child to trip and develop foot problems while trying to walk in shoes that are too large.

-Obviously a shoe that has too tight of a heel will cause discomfort, but having shoes that are too loose is also very problematic. The heel of the shoes should rest snugly but not tightly around your the back of the child's heel.

-As adults, we often say we're "breaking in" a pair of shoes - this is really a bad idea for anyone, but particularly for kids. Shoes need to be immediately comfortable - don't allow for a breaking in period or expect shoes to get more comfortable over time - they need to fit and feel good now.

Choosing Shoes for Children
-Children's shoes should have laces, velcro or some other fastening system. As a general rule, avoid backless or slip-on shoes for kids.

-Look for shoes made from breathable materials, such such as canvas or leather. In addition to being more durable, they will help to keep the child's foot cooler and dryer, helping to prevent blisters, discomfort, and smelly shoes.

-While they may look cute, always avoid heels on children's shoes. Not only is it difficult for kids to walk in heels, they are particularly bad for proper foot development. When it comes to children's shoes, stick with flats and even soles.

-Look for a pattern or textured sole, as this will provide traction and help prevent your child from easily slipping on slick surfaces.

-Soles should be sturdy and thick enough to protect the feet from pain and injury, but the sole also needs to be flexible too so that it will bend with the foot.

-Once you've found shoes that fit and are appropriately designed for a child's feet, allow your children some input as to which shoes they prefer. It's bound to make for a better shopping experience if they get to choose a color or design they like from shoes that fit well and are appropriate for growing feet.

How to Choose Your Child's Ski Socks

Step 1:
Make sure the sock is the correct size from toe to heel. A sock that bunches up will become uncomfortable.

Step 2:
Choose a sock that's either knee-high or at least midcalf. When you can pull the sock above the tongue of the boot, it helps prevent bunching inside the boot.

Step 3:
Consider a sock with an elastic band that helps keep the sock in place.

Step 4:
Think about wool. Now that nonitchy wool is available, it's become a good investment. Wool socks are warm and will last a long time.

Step 5:
Experiment with different socks if you can. Some socks are too thick or too thin inside ski boots. It's nice to have different options.

How to Choose Children's Shoes

Shopping for the first pair
Step 1:
Wait to buy shoes until your child starts to walk. Research suggests that children develop healthy, well-developed feet when they learn to walk barefoot. Keep their feet toasty and unrestricted with soft booties or warm skid-free socks. Robeez (robeez.com) makes thin but warm leather moccasins in a range of colors and sizes that actually stay on little crawlers' feet.

Step 2:
When it's time for your baby's first pair of shoes, take your well rested, recently fed child to a quality children's shoe store that stock brands such as Stride Rite and Elefanten. The best stores have patient and knowledgeable salespeople who are expert at fitting children's feet.

Step 3:
Have the salesperson measure the length and width of both of the child's feet. Many babies have an extra wide foot and may need a special size.

Step 4:
Make sure the shoes aren't too big, which can cause a baby to trip. First shoes should be soft and pliable to let new walkers feel the ground.

As they grow
Step 1:
Have your child's feet measured on a regular basis at a shoe store that specializes in children's shoes. Kids grow fast, and shoe sizes can change from month to month. Really good salespeople can spot evasive maneuvers like scrunched up toes, and know how to woo a reluctant tot out of a parent's lap. Toys and play areas are added bonuses.

Step 2:
Head to discount stores, such as Payless ShoeSource, Target and Kmart, which are also great sources for shoes that get limited wear, such as dress shoes. If you're clear about your child's shoe size, you can save a bundle at these discounters. However, many of these stores don't carry wide or narrow shoes.

Step 3:
Have your child try both shoes on. Shoes vary in fit, even within the same brand. Toes should have a 1/2-inch (1-cm) clearance, but not much more. Getting one size larger than their foot is typical. Watch your child walk and make sure that the heels don't slip out. If a heel is too wide but the rest of the shoe fits, try heel pads (available at some shoe stores and drugstores).

Step 4:
Invest in a good pair of sneakers that your child can wear every day. This pair will take a pounding, so look for quality. Leather holds up better than vinyl, and stitching lasts longer than glue.

Step 5:
Take advantage of Velcro fasteners. At some point, though, all kids need to learn to tie shoelaces, so get your preschool-age child at least one pair that ties.

Step 6:
For summer months or warm climates, purchase cheap canvas sneakers for playing in the sand box, jumping in puddles or going in the creek. Velcro-strapped sandals are great for tender feet that want to have wet summertime fun.

Step 7:
Buy rain and winter boots a size or two bigger. Kids can wear heavier or even doubled socks. Most retailers won't restock boots, even if they sell out of a size, until the following year's season. Be aware that most rain boots don't come in wide sizes; you may have to go up in size to get them wide enough.

Stride-rite Shoes

Only stride rite shoes can give your child an advantage now, and for years to come. Because they'll feel the right shoes far beyond their growing feet. They'll feel them in the development of straight spines, healthy knees, strong bodies - in the way they walk and carry themselves for the rest of their lives. And when it comes to creating the right shoes, no one else comes close to stride rite. We've learned that to design shoes for the unique way feet develop, using the latest technology and the best materials, is both a craft and a science. That to engineer a shoe for growing feet, you need to look at it from 360 degrees.

And that even little feet come in all shapes and sizes. So our expert fit technicians perform over 100 tests on each and every pair of shoes. All so you can have the confidence of the perfect fit, every time. So let childhood come, with fireflies to chase, treasure maps to follow, enchanted forests to explore. All the while knowing you've made the right choice, and given your child the confidence to run faster, play harder and jump higher. Knowing that wherever they land, their shoes will cushion the fall. And while your little one is taking part in all the magic childhood has to offer, stride rite will be right there too, quietly protecting, steadily supporting, gently balancing them all the way. Just like the five generations of moms we've had the honor, and responsibility, of sharing this privilege with. Life's waiting. Let's go.