KobonakKids shoe size chart by age
Find your child's shoe size by age and foot length in cm, EU/US conversion, and tips for buying kids' shoes online.
In short
- How to measure
- Have your child stand on paper with full weight, mark heel and longest toe, measure in cm and add 1 to 1.5 cm for growth.
- How often
- Every three months for toddlers, and roughly every six months after about age four.
- Trust centimetres
- US kids' sizes restart at 1 for older children, so a size '2' can mean a toddler or a ten-year-old. Always go by cm.
On this page (12)
Measuring a child's foot properly
Children rarely stand still, so do this when they're relaxed. Ask them to stand on a sheet of paper with their full weight on the foot, not sitting down. Mark the back of the heel and the tip of the longest toe, then measure the distance in centimetres.
Add 1 to 1.5 cm for room to move and grow. Going much bigger than that makes children trip, so resist buying two sizes up to save money.
How fast children's feet grow
A baby's foot can go up a size every two to three months. Between two and four years old, expect a change every three to four months, and after that roughly every six months. That's why buying several pairs in the same size rarely pays off.
Quick EU to US conversions for kids
| EU | US | Category |
|---|---|---|
| 20 | 4.5 | Toddler |
| 25 | 8.5 | Toddler |
| 30 | 12.5 | Little kid |
| 33 | 1.5 | Big kid (Youth) |
| 35 | 3 | Big kid (Youth) |
Why US kids' sizes confuse everyone
The US system starts at 0 for babies and climbs to 13.5 for small children, then resets to 1, 2 and 3 for older kids (labelled Youth). A US '2' can therefore fit a tiny toddler or a ten-year-old, depending on whether the label says Toddler or Youth. European sizing is one continuous scale that simply starts lower, at around 16 for babies.
First walking shoes
For children just starting to walk, choose a flexible, lightweight sole that lets the foot move naturally. Many doctors prefer toddlers to go barefoot at home when it is safe to do so.
Buying kids' shoes online
- Velcro straps are easiest for young children.
- Avoid shoes that are narrow at the toe.
- Check the return policy before you order.
- Compare sizes in centimetres, not just by age.
- Try the shoes on your child as soon as the parcel arrives, while you are still inside the return window.
School shoes
Pick a size that leaves roughly a finger's width in front of the longest toe, with a non-slip sole that is easy to clean. Second-hand children's shoes may have moulded to another child's foot, so new is better for growing feet.
Kids' sizes in stores
On Namshi and Level Shoes, kids' footwear is split into babies, little kids and big kids, and the split varies by brand, so check each chart. See the Namshi kids' size guide for clothing too, and the adult shoe size converter once your child moves into adult sizes.
Returns if the size is wrong
| Store | Return window | Exchange |
|---|---|---|
| noon | 15 days for eligible items | Return, then reorder |
| Namshi | 14 days, free | One free size exchange per item |
| Level Shoes | 30 days, free | No direct exchange; return and reorder |
Ordering two sizes to try
When returns are free, as on Namshi and Level Shoes, ordering two neighbouring sizes and sending one back is a sensible way to get it right. Just be sure to start the return within the window, and keep the box and tags intact.
Keep a size log
Write your child's foot length and current size in a note on your phone each time you measure. Over a year you will see how quickly they are growing and can time the next purchase, instead of discovering on a school morning that the shoes pinch.
FAQs
How much growing room should I add?
Usually 1 to 1.5 cm. More than that and your child may trip.
When should I re-measure?
Every three months for young children and about every six months after age four.
Is EU kids' sizing the same scale as adults'?
Yes, it is the same scale, just starting at smaller numbers from around 16 for babies.
Should I order two sizes?
It can make sense when returns are free, as on Namshi and Level Shoes. Return the one that doesn't fit within the return period.
Do kids' sports shoes fit differently?
Slightly. Check the brand's size chart on the product page and go by foot length in centimetres.