How to Measure Your Child's Feet at Home for School Shoes

Choosing the right school shoes starts with getting the correct size. Many parents are surprised to learn that children's feet can grow quickly, making last year's shoe size unreliable.

Before purchasing new school shoes, it's important to measure your child's feet accurately. A proper fit helps support healthy foot development, improves comfort throughout the school day, and can prevent common issues such as blisters, rubbing, and foot pain.

In this guide, we'll show you exactly how to measure your child's feet at home using simple household items.

Why Measuring Your Child's Feet Matters

Children spend many hours each week walking, running, climbing stairs, and participating in school activities. School shoes that are too small or too large can affect comfort and performance throughout the day.

Properly fitted school shoes can help:

  • Improve comfort and support

  • Reduce blisters and rubbing

  • Promote healthy foot development

  • Improve stability and balance

  • Extend the life of the shoes

Because children's feet can grow rapidly, it's recommended to measure their feet before every school year.

What You'll Need

Before you begin, gather the following:

  • A blank sheet of paper

  • A pencil

  • A ruler or measuring tape

  • A pair of school socks

Make sure your child is wearing the same type of socks they will wear with their school shoes.

Step 1: Place the Paper Against a Wall

Place a sheet of paper on a hard floor with one edge touching a wall.

Avoid measuring on carpet, as it can affect accuracy.

Step 2: Position Your Child Correctly

Ask your child to stand on the paper with their heel lightly touching the wall.

Make sure:

  • They are standing upright

  • Weight is evenly distributed

  • Both feet are measured separately

One foot is often slightly larger than the other.

Step 3: Trace Around the Foot

Using a pencil held vertically, carefully trace around the outline of your child's foot.

Keep the pencil close to the foot for the most accurate result.

Step 4: Measure the Length

Using a ruler or measuring tape, measure from:

  • The back of the heel

  • To the tip of the longest toe

Record the measurement in centimetres.

Repeat the process for the other foot.

Step 5: Use the Larger Measurement

Most people have one foot slightly larger than the other.

Always use the longer measurement when selecting school shoes.

This helps ensure the best possible fit.

How Much Growing Room Should School Shoes Have?

School shoes should not fit tightly against the toes.

A good rule is to allow approximately:

  • 10–15 mm of growing room

  • Around one thumb's width at the front of the shoe

This provides comfort while still allowing proper support.

Signs Your Child's School Shoes Are Too Small

Look out for these common signs:

  • Complaints of sore feet

  • Red marks after removing shoes

  • Toes touching the front of the shoe

  • Difficulty putting shoes on

  • Worn areas around the toe box

If you notice these signs, it may be time for a new pair.

When Should You Measure Your Child's Feet?

Children's feet can change quickly.

As a general guide:

  • Ages 3–6: Every 3–4 months

  • Ages 6–10: Every 4–6 months

  • Ages 10+: Every 6–12 months

It's always best to measure before buying new school shoes.

Choosing the Right School Shoes

Once you know your child's foot length, look for school shoes that offer:

  • Comfortable cushioning

  • Durable construction

  • Slip-resistant soles

  • Breathable materials

  • Secure fastening systems

At WalkORama, our collection of girls school shoes and boys school shoes is designed to provide comfort, durability, and everyday support for Australian students.

Explore our range of comfortable and durable girls school shoes designed for everyday school wear.

Browse our collection of boys school shoes built for comfort, support and durability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I measure my child's feet in the morning or afternoon?

Feet naturally expand throughout the day. For the most accurate measurement, measure your child's feet in the afternoon or evening.

What if my child's feet are two different sizes?

This is completely normal. Always choose the shoe size based on the larger foot.

How much extra room should school shoes have?

Around 10–15 mm of space at the front of the shoe is generally recommended.

Can I use last year's shoe size?

No. Children's feet can grow significantly within a year. Always measure before purchasing new school shoes.

Final Thoughts

Measuring your child's feet at home only takes a few minutes and can make a huge difference when choosing school shoes. By following these simple steps, you'll have a better chance of finding comfortable, supportive footwear that helps your child feel confident throughout the school day.

Before buying new school shoes, take the time to measure both feet and choose a size that allows room for growth without compromising comfort.

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