Kids’ shoe size by age
Need a quick starting point for a child’s shoe size? This age guide gets you in the right ballpark — but children’s feet vary so much that measuring beats guessing every time. Use the chart to narrow it down, then measure to confirm.
Two kids the same age can be a full size apart. Treat the ages below as rough guidance only and always measure the foot before buying.
Baby & toddler (US “C” sizes)
These early rows follow the age-to-size mapping brands like Nike publish, so they’re a reliable starting point for the youngest feet.
| Age | Typical foot length | Typical US size |
|---|---|---|
| 0–3 months | ~9 cm | 1C |
| 3–6 months | ~10 cm | 2C |
| 6–9 months | ~10.8 cm | 3C |
| 9–12 months | ~11.6 cm | 4C |
| 12–18 months | ~12.5 cm | 5C |
| 18–24 months | ~13.3 cm | 6C |
| 2–3 years | ~14–15 cm | 7C–8C |
Little kid & big kid
From preschool up, the spread between children widens, so these are broad estimates. Measure to pin down the exact size.
| Age | Typical foot length | Typical US size |
|---|---|---|
| 3–4 years | ~15–16 cm | 9C–10C |
| 4–5 years | ~16–17 cm | 10.5C–11.5C |
| 5–6 years | ~17–18 cm | 12C–13C |
| 6–7 years | ~18–19 cm | 13.5C–1Y |
| 7–8 years | ~19–20 cm | 1Y–2Y |
| 8–10 years | ~20–22 cm | 2Y–4Y |
| 10–12 years | ~22–24 cm | 4Y–6Y |
Approximate only. “C” marks little-kid sizes; “Y” marks youth sizes. For exact numbers, match a measured foot length to a brand’s kids’ size chart.
Measure, don’t guess
Because kids’ feet grow in spurts, the most reliable approach is to measure heel-to-toe in centimetres and match that to a brand chart — re-checking every couple of months. Leave about a thumb’s width of growing room: enough to last, but not so much they trip.
Kids’ size charts by brand
- Nike kids’ size chart Baby → youth
- Air Jordan kids’ size chart Baby → youth
- Adidas kids’ size chart Baby → youth
- New Balance kids’ size chart Baby → youth
- Converse kids’ size chart Baby → youth
- Vans kids’ size chart Baby → youth
Frequently asked questions
What shoe size is a 2 year old?
Most 2-year-olds wear about a US 6C–7C, which is roughly a 13–14 cm foot, but the range is wide. Toddlers’ feet vary a lot, so measure the foot rather than relying on age.
How often do kids’ feet grow?
Fast — young children can go up a size every few months, slowing as they get older. Re-measure every 2–3 months for under-5s and every 3–4 months for older kids, and check that there is still growing room.
How much growing room should kids’ shoes have?
About a thumb’s width (roughly 1–1.5 cm) between the longest toe and the end of the shoe. More than that and the shoe can trip them up; less and they’ll outgrow it within weeks.
Is buying by age accurate?
Only as a rough starting point. Two children the same age can be a full size apart. Measuring foot length in centimetres and matching it to a brand chart is far more reliable.