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July 2025
Every parent is all too familiar with the cycle: one day their little one is fully in a set of shoes that fit perfectly, and the next day their little toes seem to be escaping from the shoes! Growing feet combined with a climate for both indoor and outdoor play creates a fun yet ongoing challenge. However, buying the right kids' shoes involves so much more than size.
The fact is, buying the right footwear for your child is essential for the healthy development of your child's foot and body overall, their comfort, and their safety as they rapidly explore our exciting and active communities and play areas. From their first little wobbly steps to the confident galloping strides they take down their schoolyard, the shoes your child wears impact everything from their posture and balance to how free they can be to play.
What a child requires from their shoes changes drastically as they grow. The cute, soft baby boy shoes and baby girl shoes are perfect for basic crawling and their early wiggles. Then the supportive toddler shoes come into play, specifically designed to support their self-confidence in taking their first important steps. And as children are racing off to school, practical and durable school shoes become important
Now, when it comes to selecting the best shoes, parents know that it is more than just what is fashionable. It's an investment in their comfort, development and active lifestyle. We have noted a few things parents should consider when buying their children's shoes.
This is critical. Shoes must fit snug but not tight. A thumb's width of space (roughly 1.3 cm - half an inch) between the longest toe and the end of the shoe for growth is appropriate. No pinching or pressure points should develop, and toes should wiggle. The heel should fit securely but not slip.
Plump for more breathable materials like leather, canvas, or mesh to allow air circulation and prevent moisture buildup, reducing the risk of blisters and infections. Try to steer clear of any non-breathable synthetic materials.
You might also need to carefully consider the following based on the occasion you’re buying the kid’s shoes for;
Casual/Everyday: Look for durable, comfortable shoes suitable for general play and daily wear.
School Shoes: Often require specific colours (e.g., black) and should be scuff-resistant, durable, and comfortable for extended wear. Examples from bfab.com include Boys Gamer School Shoes and Girls Black PU Mary Jane Scuff Resistant School Shoes.
Sports/Athletic Shoes: Designed for specific activities, offering cushioning, lateral support, and grip. They are lightweight and absorb impact, crucial for active kids.
Sandals: Ideal for warmer weather, offering breathability and ease of wear. Ensure they have adjustable straps for a secure fit and good traction. Examples from bfab.com include Balabala Boy Baby Cow Pattern Fashion Sandals and Pre-School Girl Fashionable Sandals.
Slippers: For indoor comfort and warmth. Look for non-slip soles. Examples from bfab.com include Kids Boy Slippers Green, Girls Borg Mule Slippers, and Kids Black Dinosaur Full Slippers.
The sole should bend easily at the ball of the foot to allow natural movement and muscle strengthening, while the heel area remains firm for stability.
Kids are active, so reinforced toes, strong stitching, and abrasion-resistant soles are beneficial.
Velcro straps are great for younger children for easy on/off and secure fit, while laces or combinations of both work for older kids.
Go for adequate cushioning and a well-structured heel counter for stability and to help prevent ankle injuries. Most children do not need special arch support as their arches develop naturally, often by 6-8 years old
Getting the right footwear for your child is more than just a fashionable choice. As we have discussed above, it is very crucial for their healthy growth and development. Well-fitted shoes provide them with the essential support, protection, and comfort, which helps to prevent potential foot issues down the line.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about choosing the best shoes for your child, no matter their age or activity level.
This broad category includes everyday options like beige canvas shoes for boys and more formal or structured options options such as girls strawberry shoes. School shoes, trainers, and boots also fall under this category. Specific examples include Boys Gamer School Shoes and Girls Black PU Mary Jane Scuff Resistant School Shoes.
Slippers are designed for indoors, keeping comfort in mind, and certain fabulous examples include soft mule slippers and full slippers with super fun designs.
These are open-toed footwear options for warmer weather, often featuring adjustable straps for a secure fit. Specific examples from bfab.com include:
Now, if you’re wondering how to keep up with the ever-growing tiny little feet of your little ones, don’t worry, as we've got you covered on that one, too
Measure Both Feet: Always measure both feet, as one may be slightly larger than the other. Base the shoe size on the larger foot.
Measure at the End of the Day: Feet naturally swell during the day, so measuring in the afternoon or evening provides the most accurate fit.
Wear Appropriate Socks: If the child will wear socks with the new shoes, have them wear those socks during the measurement.
Stand Up: Have the child stand with their full weight distributed evenly to get an accurate length and width measurement.
Thumb Test for Length: There should be about a thumb's width (1/2 inch or 1.3 cm) of space between the end of the longest toe and the tip of the shoe.
Check Width: Feel along the sides of the shoe to ensure there's no pressure or pinching. The foot should not bulge over the sole.
Check Heel Grip: Ensure the heel fits snugly and does not slip when the child walks.
Walk Around: Have the child walk, run, or jump in the shoes to observe their natural movement and ensure comfort and security. New shoes should feel comfortable immediately and not require a "breaking-in" period.
Removable Inserts: If the shoe has a removable insole, take it out and have the child stand on it. Their toes should not extend beyond the insert, leaving about 1 cm for growth.
Regularly measuring your child's feet is essential because they grow at an astonishing rate, especially in their early years. Unlike adults, children often don't express discomfort from ill-fitting shoes, as their feet are still soft and malleable and can adapt to the shoe's shape, potentially leading to long-term foot problems.
Here's a general guide on how often to measure:
Infants/Toddlers (under 16 months): Their feet can grow half a size every 2 to 3 months, so you should measure their feet every 2-3 months.
Preschoolers (ages 3-5): They grow slightly slower but should be measured every 3-4 months.
School-aged children (ages 6-10): They usually grow one to two sizes each year, so measure every 4-6 months.
Preteens and Teenagers (ages 11-18): Growth usually slows down and does not happen as frequently, however, your child could experience a sudden growth spurt. Measure their feet every 6-12 months or sooner if they are active or they experience a growth spurt.
Whenever you buy new shoes, measure without regard to the last time the child's feet were measured,
Regardless of the interval until their last measurement, measure if your child reports discomfort, a rubbing sensation, or a blister.
Children’s shoe sizes differ immensely by region (US, UK, EU) as well as between brands. Whenever possible, you should refer to the sizing charts for the specific brands that you are searching for. Generally, UK sizes are one size smaller than US sizes, and EU sizes have a different measurement increment system altogether.
Below is a general conversion table. Always refer to the measurement of a child’s actual foot length in centimetres and the specific size chart for a brand before making this kind of purchase!
Foot Length | UK Size | EU Size | US Size(Children) |
10.8 | 1 | 17 | 2 |
11.7 | 2 | 18 | 3 |
12.3 | 3 | 19 | 4 |
12.5 | 4 | 20 | 5 |
13 | 4.5 | 21 | 5.5 |
13.5 | 5 | 22 | 6 |
14.5 | 6 | 23 | 7 |
15 | 7 | 24 | 8 |
15.5 | 8 | 25 | 9 |
16.5 | 8.5 | 26 | 9.5 |
17 | 9 | 27 | 10 |
17.5 | 10 | 28 | 11 |
19 | 11 | 29 | 12 |
19.5 | 12 | 30 | 13 |
20 | 12.5 | 31 | 13.5 |
20.5 | 13.3 | 32 | 1.5 |
21 | 1 | 33 | 2 |
22 | 2 | 34 | 2.5 |
22.6 | 3 | 36 | 3.5 |
UK versus US: Generally speaking, UK size is usually 1 size smaller than US size for children's shoes (e.g. UK size 10 = US size 11).
EU Sizes: EU sizes usually only increase by smaller increments than US or UK sizes, so several half or third sizes are possible.
Infant/Toddler/Little Kid/Big Kid: US sizing usually separates children's shoes into these classifications, with sizes usually overlapping (for example, in US Toddler size, there is size 13, and in US Little Kid size, there is size 1). Note when you see the size if it is labeled with T (Toddler) or K (kids/youth) to note the difference.
Always Review the Brand Chart: The safest way is to check individual brand chart sizes, as they can vary a little each time. Many merchants will have printable measuring guides or measurement-specific size chart for products.
You can buy children's shoes from various retailers, both online and in-store. Matalan is a popular choice for kids' footwear, and here's why:
Variety of Styles: Matalan offers a wide range of kids' footwear, including trainers, boots, sandals, flip-flops, and school shoes, catering to different occasions and seasons.
Comfort and Durability: Matalan emphasises combining trendy styles with comfort and durability, ensuring shoes can withstand the rigours of children's play and daily wear.
Adjustable Features: Many of their shoes include adjustable features like Velcro straps, making them easy for children to put on and take off independently.
Affordability: Matalan is known for offering good value, making it a budget-friendly option for families.
Accessibility: With physical stores and online shopping options, Matalan provides convenient access to its footwear collection. Their online platforms, like Matalan offer delivery and return options, and in some regions, click-and-collect services.
Brand Reputation: Matalan is a recognised brand that provides a diverse selection of products for families.
Choosing the right shoes for kids is vital for their foot health and overall development. By understanding how shoe needs change with age and activity, knowing what features to prioritise, and regularly measuring their feet, you can ensure your child always has comfortable, supportive, and well-fitting footwear. Retailers like Matalan offer a broad selection to meet these diverse needs.
Q: Why are shoes important for kids?
Shoes are very important for kids as they protect delicate growing feet from injuries and provide necessary support for developing arches and bones. They also offer comfort for their active play. Proper footwear helps ensure healthy foot development and a good posture.
Q: How to choose shoes for a child?
Choose shoes by measuring both feet at the end of the day, ensuring a thumb's width of space at the longest toe, and checking for a snug heel fit without pinching. Opt for breathable materials, flexible soles, and secure fastenings that are suitable for their age and activity level.
Q: How often should I check my child's shoe size?
For infants and toddlers, every 2-3 months. For preschoolers, every 3-4 months. For school-aged children, every 4-6 months. For preteens and teenagers, every 6-12 months, or more often if they are very active or during growth spurts.
Q: Should I buy shoes a size larger for my child to grow into?
I's best to leave about a thumb's width (1/2 inch or 1.3 cm) of space between the longest toe and the end of the shoe. Buying shoes that are too large can cause tripping and affect natural foot development.
Q: What are the most important features for a toddler's first walking shoes?
For toddlers, look for lightweight, flexible shoes with flat, non-slip soles, breathable materials, and a secure fastening like Velcro. High-top styles can offer better ankle security.
Q: Are barefoot shoes good for children?
Barefoot walking is generally encouraged for infants and toddlers in safe environments to promote natural foot development. "Barefoot shoes" aim to mimic this natural movement with minimal support and high flexibility, which can be beneficial. However, for active children, proper supportive footwear is also important.
Q: How can I tell if my child's shoes are too small?
Look for signs like redness, blisters, or indentations on their feet after wearing shoes. If their toes are curled or pressed against the front or sides, or if they complain of discomfort, the shoes are likely too small. You should be able to fit a thumb between their longest toe and the end of the shoe.