Getting kids' shoe sizing wrong is one of the most common (and costly) parenting slip-ups. Too tight and you risk blisters and poor foot development. Too loose and little ones are tripping over themselves. The good news? Measuring at home is easy — and we've made it even simpler with this step-by-step UK guide.
What You'll Need
- A piece of blank A4 paper
- A pencil or pen
- A ruler or tape measure
- A flat, hard floor (carpet can affect accuracy)
That's it. No fancy gadgets needed.
Step-by-Step: How to Measure Your Child's Feet
Step 1 — Do it at the end of the day.
Feet naturally swell slightly throughout the day, so measuring in the afternoon or evening gives you the most accurate fit.
Step 2 — Place the paper on a hard floor.
Have your child stand on the paper with their heel against a wall or straight edge.
Step 3 — Trace around the foot.
Hold the pencil vertically (not at an angle) and trace all the way around, keeping it close to the foot.
Step 4 — Measure the length.
From the back of the heel mark to the tip of the longest toe. Write this down in millimetres.
Step 5 — Measure the width.
Measure across the widest part of the foot. This helps identify if your child needs a wider fit.
Step 6 — Repeat for both feet.
Most children (and adults!) have one foot slightly larger than the other. Always fit to the bigger foot.
UK Children's Shoe Size Chart
| Foot Length (mm) | UK Size | EU Size | Age (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 95–100 | 0 | 16 | 0–3 months |
| 105–110 | 1 | 17 | 3–6 months |
| 115–120 | 2 | 18 | 6–9 months |
| 125–130 | 3 | 19 | 9–12 months |
| 130–135 | 4 | 20 | 12–18 months |
| 135–140 | 4.5 | 20.5 | 15–18 months |
| 140–145 | 5 | 21 | 18–24 months |
| 150–155 | 6 | 23 | 2–2.5 years |
| 160–165 | 7 | 24 | 2.5–3 years |
| 165–170 | 7.5 | 25 | 3 years |
| 170–175 | 8 | 26 | 3.5 years |
| 180–185 | 9 | 27 | 4 years |
| 190–195 | 10 | 28 | 4.5–5 years |
| 200–205 | 11 | 29 | 5–5.5 years |
| 210–215 | 12 | 30 | 6 years |
| 215–220 | 12.5 | 31 | 6.5 years |
| 220–225 | 13 | 32 | 7 years |
| 230–235 | 1 (junior) | 33 | 7.5–8 years |
| 240–245 | 2 (junior) | 34 | 8.5 years |
| 245–250 | 2.5 (junior) | 35 | 9 years |
| 250–255 | 3 (junior) | 36 | 9.5–10 years |
Ages are approximate — always go by the measurement, not the age.
How Much Growing Room Should You Allow?
A good rule of thumb is 10–15mm (about a thumb's width) of growing room between the longest toe and the end of the shoe. This gives room to grow without the shoe being so big it causes rubbing or tripping.
Avoid going bigger than 15mm — oversized shoes can be just as problematic as shoes that are too small.
Signs the Shoes Don't Fit Right
Watch out for these red flags:
- Red marks or blisters on toes or heels after wearing
- Your child complaining their feet hurt or refusing to wear the shoes
- Toes visibly pressing against the front of the shoe
- The shoe slipping off the heel when walking
- Curled toes when standing
How Often Should You Remeasure?
Children's feet grow surprisingly fast:
- Under 18 months: remeasure every 6–8 weeks
- 18 months to 3 years: every 8–10 weeks
- 3–5 years: every 10–12 weeks
- 5 years and over: every 3–4 months
A quick at-home check every couple of months takes two minutes and can save a lot of discomfort (and money on shoes that don't fit).
Shop by Size at Bibi Shoes
Now you've got your measurements, finding the right pair is easy. Browse our full range of kids' and toddlers' shoes, organised by age group:
- Toddler Shoes — 1 to 4 years
- Kids Shoes — 5 to 10 years
- Girls Shoes for Toddlers & Kids
- Boys Shoes for Toddlers & Kids
- Browse All Kids & Toddler Products
All Bibi Shoes are designed with growing feet in mind — bold colours, flexible soles, and easy fastenings so kids can get moving fast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I measure my child's feet with socks on?
Measure barefoot where possible, or with the thin socks they'll wear with the shoes. Thick socks will add extra length and throw off the measurement.
My child's feet are different sizes — which do I buy for?
Always buy for the larger foot. If there's more than half a size difference, a shoe with adjustable fastenings (like velcro) will help accommodate both feet comfortably.
Are shoe sizes the same across all brands?
Not always. Sizing can vary slightly between brands, so always refer to the brand's own size guide alongside your measurement. At Bibi Shoes, we include size guidance on every product page.
Happy feet, happy kids. Find your child's perfect fit at Bibi Shoes.
