Kids Shoe Fitting

Learn How to Find the Perfect Fit

How to measure and check your kid’s shoe size

Feet are the foundation for the whole body, and key players in providing support, balance and stability – so they demand footwear that protects them.

The best thing you can do to care for kid’s feet is make sure they have good quality, well-fitting shoes so their every step is supported.

How to measure kid’s feet

With the ever-growing nature of feet during child development, it’s helpful to know how to accurately measure them to find the correct size when shopping for new shoes. Luckily, the process is pretty straightforward with these easy techniques:

Paper and pen: A simple way you can measure children’s feet is by tracing their foot over a piece of paper. You can then easily compare the length of the drawing to match it to our Shoe Size Guides.

See a professional: For guidance from a professional, stop into a Running Expert store for help with measurement and shoe fitting. Running Expert stores can be found at your nearest performance running retailer. The Brannock measuring device is internationally used to measure children’s shoe sizes, and is often found in shoe stores. With a space for your child to rest their foot in, and sliders to help with being precise, the measuring is easy.

Check the fit

Monique Ujdur from Big Foot Podiatry advises us on what to look out for when testing shoes for the perfect fit.

“When fitting children’s shoes, have them try on both, then ask your child to stand and allow their full weight to move forward into the shoe. Check three points for perfect fit: forefoot width, ankle fit, and length.”

Width: Check that the width isn’t too wide or slim. When they’re standing up feel against the sides and look for any bulges or large gaps. Check for forefoot width by looking down over the shoe, it shouldn’t overhang the midsole.

Ankle Fit: Make sure the shoe is gripping the heel properly, ankle fit needs to be snug. There should be a minimal gap between the shoe’s ankle cuff and the inner and outer contours of the foot.

Length: Kids feet are always developing, so it’s important to allow a little bit of space in their shoes for growth. However too much space means their shoes are poorly fitting and won’t provide enough support. ASICS kids shoes feature an internal measurement on the removable sockliner to make choosing the right size easier. Kids' toes should just reach the line. Over the line and it's time for a larger size while short of the line means a smaller size is needed. See the video below.

To ensure your kid’s shoes are the right length, leave about a thumb’s width from the top of the largest toe to the top of the shoe. (Hint: This might not be the big toe!)

Get them to walk around to test their shoe size

Anytime kids are trying on new shoes, it’s important they walk around with the shoes on to get a good feel for fit.

“Ask them for feedback when trying on the shoe. Get them to walk in the store and perform the movements they will require of their shoe, and ask if this feels ‘normal’,” Monique recommends.

It’s useful to replicate the movements made in a game or training, so they can get a true feel of the fit. This is an especially good time to watch for their heel grip, ensuring the shoe is not slipping when taking any steps, and that the shoes are comfortable.

Keep monitoring their growth

With all the effort you put in to finding the right shoes, it’s important to make sure they continue to fit well.

Re-measure their feet every 6 months: Kids grow in spurts. One pair of shoes might be the right size for a whole year, but next year they might easily go through two pairs. It’s important to measure for growth at least every 6 months. Monitor foot development and check if they need to go up a shoe size.

Check their shoes: It’s a good idea to do a thumb test regularly to make sure they’ve still got a bit of space and their toes can still move freely.

Get your child communicating about how their feet feel

Ask that they tell you when their shoes start to feel too tight. Sometimes they’re too swept up in the excitement of being a kid to mention how their feet are feeling.

Selecting the Right Shoe Fit for Kids

Dual Olympian and Physiotherapist Jessica Stinson explains how to select the right fit for your kids feet.

Kids shoe sizes

ASICS offers a large range of kids and toddlers shoe sizes, starting at pre-school sizes. To properly find the best shoes for children, take a look at the Shoe Size Guide below for toddler and kid’s shoes.

Kids Shoe Size Chart