Children's shoe sizes
Choosing the right shoe size for a child is a topic that keeps many parents awake at night. Shoes that are too tight can cause pain and foot deformities, while shoes that are too loose don't provide adequate support. Furthermore, children's shoe sizes vary depending on the manufacturer, so it's crucial to measure and fit the shoes to the child's foot length.
How to properly measure a child's foot?
It's best to measure your child's foot in the evening when it's slightly tired and slightly larger than in the morning. Your child should be standing, with their foot pressed against the paper. Lightly mark the tip of the heel and the longest toe (not always the first toe). Then measure the distance between these points in centimeters.
It's a good idea to add 0.5 to 1 cm of extra space to the resulting measurement. This allows for free movement of the toes and natural foot development. For winter boots, the extra space may be slightly larger.
Children's Shoe Size Chart - Approximate Fit
| Foot length (cm) | EU size |
|---|---|
| 11.0 – 11.5 | 18–19 |
| 12.0 – 12.5 | 20–21 |
| 13.0 – 13.5 | 22–23 |
| 14.0 – 14.5 | 24–25 |
| 15.0 – 15.5 | 26–27 |
| 16.0 – 16.5 | 28–29 |
| 17.0 – 17.5 | 30–31 |
| 18.0 – 18.5 | 32–33 |
It is worth remembering that each child develops individually and the table above is indicative.
What should you pay attention to when choosing children's shoes?
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Fastening – Velcro, elastic bands or classic laces – is important so that the child can put them on independently.
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Heel counter – should be stable and stiff to hold the foot well.
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Sole – flexible, non-slip, with a light profile.
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Material – breathable, preferably natural – e.g. leather, cotton, airy mesh.
Is it worth buying shoes "in advance"?
While you can buy clothes a little larger, you should be careful with shoes. Too large can cause chafing and instability. A maximum of 1 cm of allowance is acceptable. A shoe that's too large won't support proper gait and can be harmful.
Summary
Choosing the right size for children's shoes is a key element in healthy foot development. Regularly measuring feet, using a size chart, and choosing well-fitting footwear guarantee comfort and safety. At Guliwerkids, you'll find a wide selection of children's shoes in sizes 18 to 35 – check out our selection and choose the perfect model for your child.
