Providing your child with the correct amount of growing room in their shoes will not only prevent your child from outgrowing the shoes too quickly, but it will also keep their feet healthy too.
Should I leave growing room in kids' shoes?
Having shoes that correctly fit is vital for helping to prevent problems occuring in your kid’s feet. Since children's feet can grow within as little as a few months, it’s important to regularly check that their shoes fit.
You may think that because their feet can grow so quickly, it is better to leave space for growing room.
However, you should only really be leaving a minimum of 0.5cm and a maximum of 1.5cm gap from the longest to to the end of the shoe.
You can usually test this by pressing your thumb up to their longest toe while they have their shoes on. Your thumb should fit between the end of the shoes and the longest toe.
If there is more than a thumbs width of space, the shoes are too big.
If the shoes have less than half a thumb of width, the shoes are too small.
Shoes that are too big or small for kids while they are growing can affect their natural stride, cause sores and potentially damage toenails.
You can learnhow to properly measure your kids and toddlers feetin our dedicated guide.
What ages do children need growing room in their shoes?
From the ages of 1 year old to 16 years old, you may need to buy shoes which have a bit of growing room in them. Even as a teenager, your kid's feet will still be growing.
There should always be a certain amount of space between your child’s toe and the end of the shoe, especially with babies and toddlers as they tend to move their toes as a way of exercising their feet.
Older children need space in the front of their shoes when they are running or walking as their feet will move back and forward. If there is no space at the front of the shoes, this can cause blisters on the toes.
How quickly do children grow out of shoes?
If you leave the right amount of growing room inside your kids shoes, you can expect your child to grow out of their shoes anywhere between 3.5-6 months, depending on your child's age.
The growth rate of children depends on their age, and the estimated growth rate for is:
- Children between the ages of 1-3 should have their shoes replaced every 3.5 to 4 months. Your child’s feet will grow half a size to a whole size every 4 months.
- Children between the ages of 4-6 should have their shoes replaced every 4.5 to 5 months. Your child’s feet will grow half a size to a whole size every 4 to 5 months.
- Children between the ages of 7-10 should have their shoes replaced every 5 months. Your child’s feet will grow half a size to a whole size every 5 to 6 months.
- Children between the ages of 11-17 should have their shoes replaced every 5.5 to 6 months. Your child’s feet will grow half a size to a whole size every 6 months.
Is it better to buy kids shoes in a bigger size?
It is always better to buy kids shoes in a bigger size rather than smaller one, but remember, shoes that are too big can compromise your children's stability and may have a negative impact on their walking.
Always keep a minimum gap of 0.5cm between the longest toe and end of the shoes.
This space will allow enough room for your child to keep wearing the shoes as they grow into them.
Best types of shoes for growing children
Shoes with ankle support
TheDoris Rosa Pink Side Zip Ankle Bootsare bang on trend for autumn and winter, all while providing ankle and sole support.
The chunky outer sole and cushioned insides provide support while walking, and after wear over a few weeks the boots mould to the shape of your feet.
Shoes with flexible soles
OurAdella Mermaid White Fantasy Canvas Shoesfeature a moisture wicking insole which helps to keep feet fresh all day whilst also providing extra comfort and support with every step.
The flexible rubber sole means your kids will have a full range of motion, allowing them to walk and run with ease.
Shoes with adjustable fastenings
TheGlitter Rosa Colorissima Dolly Trainer Shoeshave an adjustable strap, making them easy to take on/off and are suitable for any foot width.
Fully adjustable straps mean your kids can make them as tighter or looser as their feet grow. The trainer style also provides extra comfort and cushioning through the day.
TheSilver Glitter Daisy Adjustable Double Strap Shoesprovide a better fit through the adjustable double strap fastenings.
The straps are perfect for any foot width and can be adjusted as your kids' feet grow for a more comfortable fit.
