Shoe Sizes for Kids & Babies (USA Age Guide)

What size shoes do your babies and kids require? In this guide we outline shoe size by age and gender (USA size standards).

While you can’t go by age alone and the best option you have is to physically measure your child’s feet, there are are standards based on average sizes by age.

In this guide, we have provided various guides and answered some of the most frequently asked questions.

Boys Shoe Size (USA) by Age:

In the table below we have detailed the best resources for determining shoe sizes for boys, from new born, all the way to 12 years.

AgeBoys’ Shoe Size (US)
NB (new born)Baby’s shoe size 1
6 monthsBaby’s shoe size 2 or 3
1 yearBaby’s shoe size 4 or 5
18 monthsBaby’s shoe size 5 or 6
2 yearsBaby’s shoe size 6 or 7
3 yearsBaby’s shoe size 9 or 10
4 yearsChildren’s shoe size 10
5 yearsChildren’s shoe size 11
6 yearsChildren’s shoe size 12
7 yearsYouth (Junior) shoe size 1 or 2
8 yearsMen’s shoe size 4
9 yearsMen’s shoe size 5 or 6
10 yearsMen’s shoe size 6
11 yearsMen’s shoe size 7 or 8
12 yearsMen’s shoe size 8

Girls Shoe Size (USA) by Age:

In the table below we have detailed the best resources for determining shoe sizes for boys, from new born, all the way to 12 years.

AgeGirls’ Shoe Size (US)
NB (new born)Baby’s shoe size 1
6 monthsBaby’s shoe size 2 or 3
1 yearBaby’s shoe size 4
18 monthsBaby’s shoe size 5 or 6
2 yearsBaby’s shoe size 7 or 8
3 yearsBaby’s shoe size 8 or 9
4 yearsChildren’s shoe size 10
5 yearsChildren’s shoe size 11 or 12
6 yearsChildren’s shoe size 12 or 13
7 yearsChildren’s shoe size 12 or 13
8 yearsYouth (Junior) shoe size 4
9 yearsYouth (Junior) shoe size 5
10 yearsYouth (Junior) shoe size 6 or 7
11 yearsWomen’s shoe size 7
12 yearsWomen’s shoe size 7

Choosing Kids Shoes Frequently Asked Questions:

If you are still wondering exactly how to choose the right size shoes for your baby, child or teen, then you may appreciate our FAQs below:

Shopping for Infant/Baby Shoes Tips:

You probably know this by now, but a babies feet grow incredibly fast, in fact they grow faster as an infant compared to any other stage of development.

In fact, in the first year of a child’s life their feet will grow to be almost half their adult shoe size. 

Infants don’t need to wear shoes at all and in fact if you do choose to put foot wear on them it shouldn’t be for long and they should be as soft and as least restricting as possible.

What Shoes Should a Toddler Wear?

Once your child has grown and is now a toddler, they are probably starting to take their first steps.

Typically this is between months 10 and 18 and at this point you may want to choose some sneakers to help protect their feet as they start to venture on their own two feet more and more.

Sneakers should ideally be worn outside only and you should still give your toddler as much freedom inside the home in their bare feet. Of course, it’s important to supervise them and ensure the floor is free from any potential hazards.

On average, a toddlers feet will grow at around a shoe size larger every three months or so.

It’s for this reason that many parents prefer to purchase shoes slightly larger than what your toddler requires. 1/2 an inch clearance at the toe provides some growing room and helps you to save money too!

Shopping for Children’s Shoes Tips

At around four years old, your child’s feet will have almost doubled in size compared to what they were at birth.

It’s at this point that you can start to introduce shoes and footwear that have a harder/more rigid sole, however, it’s still vital to ensure your child’s feet have plenty of room to move and that they aren’t too restricted.

Choosing shoes with arch support is also a good idea and will help to provide ample support as they continue to move around.

Please note that if you recognise any issues with your child’s gait or walking that you should consult the help of a qualified podiatrist who will be able to offer their expertise.

Beyond the age of four, your child’s feet will still be growing at a rapid rate. In fact, at this age, you can expect your child’s feet to grow at least a half a shoe size every four to five months.

Important note: although you can continue to buy oversized shoes for your child, it’s advised that you don’t go too big as these can become hazardous for your child to walk around in.

What Shoes Should Older Kids Wear?

Older children i.e. those 6 years old and beyond typically start to wear athletic sneakers that provide a good amount of foot support and protection, as well as some breathability.

Ensure that your child’s shoes provide a good amount of support to the arch and support and protect the heel well.

This is important since the most common issue in children’s feet is the development of Severs disease, this is caused by inflammation of the heel plate, most commonly the result of your child participating in running and other activities where the heel is placed under a lot of stress.