Finding the right pair of school shoes starts with a proper fit. Children’s feet grow at a rapid pace, and wearing ill-fitting footwear can lead to discomfort and even potential foot issues down the line. Learning how to measure your child’s feet helps ensure you’re giving them the support they need from their very first day at school. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essentials of foot measuring and offer tips on finding a perfect fit every time.
What You’ll Need Before Measuring
A Clear Space
Set up in a clean, flat area where your child can stand comfortably. This makes it easier for you to trace or measure without any interference.
Measuring Tools
To measure your feet at home, you’ll need a sheet of A4 paper, a pencil or pen, and a ruler or tape measure.
Your Child’s Attention
Children might get fidgety, so try to schedule your measuring session when they’re calm, rested, and willing to stand still for a moment.
How to Get the Correct Measurements
Trace the Foot
Have your child stand on a sheet of paper with equal weight on both feet. Gently trace around the perimeter of each foot using a pencil or pen. Aim to keep the pencil upright for accuracy.
Measure the Length
Using a ruler or tape measure, note the distance from the back of the heel to the tip of the longest toe. If one foot is larger, focus on that measurement, as you’ll want a shoe size that accommodates the bigger foot.
Measure the Width
For a more detailed measure, you can also check the foot’s width by measuring across the widest part. Some children need narrower or wider shoes, making this step particularly helpful.
Check Sizing Charts
Compare your measurements against a reliable size chart. Different brands may vary slightly, so always consult the size chart of the brand you plan to purchase from. At Clarks, we display all products in EU, UK & US sizes, and list the exact cm measurements with each size.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Measuring Only One Foot
Children’s feet can differ in size. Always measure both feet and use the larger measurement as your guide.
Measuring While Sitting
Standing measurements are more accurate, as the foot naturally spreads out under body weight.
Rounding Too Much
Adding too much extra space can lead to shoes that slip and cause blisters.
Getting the Best Fit
Learning to measure your child’s feet for shoes is a valuable skill that saves time, money, and keeps your child comfortable at school. At Clarks, we know that correctly fitting school shoes is essential, which is why we offer whole and half sizes, as well as a range of width fittings to suit every foot shape. By taking careful measurements and using trusted resources like our Fit Finder, you’ll be on track to securing the quality school shoes your child deserves.