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Size Information Page
Let Kids Shoes Catalog help you order the proper size.
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Let Kids Shoes Catalog help you order the proper size.
Yes, children's shoe sizing can be confusing! I have been fitting children's shoes for over thirty years and hope the information provided here will help you in ordering the proper size. It's not as complicated as you might think.
First a few basic thoughts: When in doubt always order the larger size. For comfort and proper foot developement your child will need some room. How much growing room should my child have? The manufacturers have lasted their shoes with plenty of room, in a proper fitting shoe, to insure that the shoes will be worn out before getting too small. The recommended toe room allows 3/8 inch to ½ inch between the longest toe and the end of the shoe. Also, about 3/8 inch of growth room is automatically incorporated into the manufacturing of children's shoes to ensure there is built-in space for growth. Have your child stand every so often and check the size yourself, as long as the shoes are not too short, allow your child to continue wearing the shoes. What's too tight? Your main concern is the length, if your childs toes are in the very end of the shoes, they are too short. As shoes stretch and soften the width will adjust to your childs foot. They will get wider, but never longer.
How long should children's shoes last? Having raised three boys I can tell you that depends on the kid! Our middle son was very hard on shoes. On average, a child's shoe will last for about 2-3 months. They either have a growth phase or simply outwear the shoe. Children's shoes are usually made more durable than women's and men's shoes so they will last longer. Leathers are tougher and have special treatments in many cases,but as we all know,it only takes one bike ride down a hill using their shoe as a brake to destroy them!
American and European (Metric) Sizing
What are the differences between American and European sizing? Unfortunately there is no worldwide standard for shoe sizes which means you may require different sizes from different manufacturers. In general, European shoes tend to run short and wide while American sizes tend to run true to sizing charts. Please refer to the size charts provided to determine the correct conversion.
I would like to send shoes to someone and have no idea of the proper size.
Here's a shortcut that is successful 75% of the time: Take the child's age plus 6 and the answer will be the size. Be sure to consider if the child is tall or short for their age and perhaps add or subtract one size from your answer. Remember, Zappos.com has a 365-Day Return and Exchange policy to help ensure you will receive the right size.
Below you will find a size conversion chart to help you in ordering the proper size.