A Parent’s Guide to Measuring Little Feet
The Fit Guide
How to measure your child's feet at home in three simple steps, plus when to come in for a professional fitting.
Finding the right shoe size for a growing child can feel like a moving target. Those tiny toes do not stay the same size for long, so an accurate measurement is the secret to avoiding “it's too tight!” meltdowns and unnecessary returns.
Here is everything you need to get a good measurement from the comfort of home, and how our team can help when you want an expert eye.
Get the Length
To use our Master Size Chart or ask us for a virtual fitting, you will need an accurate measurement of your child's foot length. Here are the two easiest ways.
Our most accurate option. Have your child stand straight with their heel against a wall. Measure from the wall to the tip of their longest toe.
Have your child stand on paper. Trace around the foot, keeping the pen upright, then measure from the centre of the heel to the tip of the big toe.
It is very common for one foot to be slightly larger. Always size for the larger foot.
The Room to Grow Rule
A common mistake is buying the exact size the foot measures. For healthy foot development and comfort, kids need a little wiggle room.
Aim for about 1 cm, roughly half an inch, between the longest toe and the front of the shoe.
Look for a shoe about half to one full size larger than the measurement.
The heel should hold firm without slipping as your child walks.
“Wrangling a toddler for a ruler measurement is a workout. That is what the printable tool is for.”From the shop floor
Helpful Tools
Download the Stride Rite printable tool for a quicker experience at home.
Set your printer to 100 percent scale, not Scale to Fit, so the ruler is accurate.
Compare brands side by side on our shoe size chart.
In Store & Virtual Fittings
The gold standard. We assess width and volume, check instep height, watch your child walk, and let them try brands side by side to find the one they love.
Cannot make it in? Email us your child's measurements in centimetres and a photo of their feet. We will recommend a size and style based on how each brand fits.
Busy weekend? Reserve a time and we will have sizes ready when you arrive.
Ready for a fitting? Book a kids' shoe fitting at Adventure Soles on Granville Island, open daily 10am to 6pm.
Shoes for Every Foot Shape
Wide feet, narrow feet, first walkers or flat feet, these are the styles our team fits most often right now.
Stride Rite
Made2Play Journey 3.0 Wide
A roomy, wide fit leather sneaker for kids who need extra space.
Shop now
Stride Rite
Lighted Glimmer 2.0 Wide
A light up favourite, also in wide.
Shop now
Biomecanics
Velcro School Shoe
Podiatrist designed with a broad toe box.
Shop now
Garvalin
Hop Hop Sneaker
A flexible Spanish sneaker for everyday play.
Shop now
Geox
Foot Run Barefoot Shoe
A barefoot style sneaker with Geox breathability.
Shop now
Vessi
Weekend Waterproof Sneaker
Waterproof knit for rainy school days.
Shop nowFrequently Asked
How much room should kids have in their shoes?
About 1 cm, roughly half an inch, between the longest toe and the front of the shoe.
Should I buy a size up for growth?
Usually half to one size larger than the foot measures. Much more than that can make kids trip or rub.
How do I measure my toddler's feet at home?
Use the wall method or trace method above, or print the Stride Rite measuring tool at 100 percent scale.
Can you help me choose a size online?
Yes. Email us your child's measurement in centimetres and a photo of their feet for a virtual fitting, or book an in store fitting.
How do I know when my child needs new shoes?
Read our guide to spotting when kids need new shoes.
Happy feet, happy kids.
Shop Mom · Adventure Soles · Granville Island