Back to overview
07/08/2025

Kids Shoes: How to Know if They Still Fit?

Children’s feet grow incredibly fast. Sometimes it feels like you’ve just bought new shoes, and they’re already too small! But how can you know exactly when children’s shoes still fit? And how can you easily check at home if there’s still enough growing room? We’ll explain it step-by-step in this blog.

How Much Growing Room Should New Shoes Have?

When buying new shoes for your child, it’s important that they have enough room to grow.

A good rule of thumb:

• Around 12–15 mm (1.2–1.5 cm) of space between the big toe and the front of the shoe when purchasing. This ensures that the foot can roll off naturally and still has room to grow.

How to Check After a Few Months if Shoes Still Fit

Children’s feet can grow suddenly, so it’s a good idea to check every 2 to 3 months.

Here’s how to do it:

• Remove the insole and place the foot on it. If there’s still enough room at the toes and the toes don’t reach the end of the insole, the shoes still fit. You’ll often see a footprint on the insole — a handy way to see how much room is left.
• Feel above the shoe at the big toe: Place your thumb on top of the shoe at the big toe (or the longest toe — it’s not always the big toe). There should be about 1 cm of space between the toe and the front. If you can hardly feel any space, the shoes are too small.
• Have your child stand up and slide the foot forward: Let your child stand upright, so the foot spreads naturally. Slide the foot to the front of the shoe until the toes touch the front. Try placing a finger behind the heel. If it fits, there’s still enough room.
• Check the shoe width: See if the foot is visibly bulging over the sides of the shoe or if the shoe feels tight or strained. If the shoe tightly hugs the foot with no room to move, the shoe is too narrow — time for a wider size.

Tip: Always do the check after your child has been walking for a bit — feet expand slightly after some wear.

When Are New Shoes Needed?

It’s important to regularly check if your child’s shoes still fit. Here are some clear signs it’s time for a new pair:

• Less than 3–5 mm of toe room left: Ideally, there should be at least 1 cm of space between the big toe and the front of the shoe. If there’s less than 3–5 mm, the shoes are becoming too small. This can interfere with foot development and cause discomfort.
• Your child curls their toes in the shoes: If your child curls their toes while wearing shoes, it’s likely there’s not enough room to move freely. This can be painful and also hinder healthy growth. Shoes should give toes enough space to move naturally.
• Your child complains about foot pain: Kids often can’t clearly explain why their feet hurt, but if they regularly complain, it’s smart to recheck the shoe size. Pain can mean the shoes are too small, too tight, or too stiff.
• Shoes are hard to get on or off: If your child struggles with putting shoes on or taking them off, it may be because they’re too tight. Shoes that are too small make independent dressing harder and less comfortable.

Why Timely Replacement Is So Important

It may not always seem necessary to replace shoes — especially if they still look fine on the outside — but shoes that are too small can cause serious long-term issues for your child’s feet. Here’s why replacing them on time matters:

• They restrict natural foot growth: Children’s feet are flexible and still developing. If shoes are too small, they can hinder that development. Their bones are soft and forming — tight shoes can cause deformities or foot problems.
• They can cause pain or deformation: Shoes that are too tight or too small can lead to issues like ingrown nails, blisters, or calluses. Long-term pressure can result in chronic foot pain. That’s why timely sizing checks are essential.
• They make walking less comfortable: Shoes that don’t fit well (too big or too small) can make walking harder, affecting posture and walking technique. A proper fit is crucial for healthy foot development and allows your child to move freely and comfortably.
• They affect posture and balance: Too-small or too-big shoes can throw off balance and body posture, leading to awkward movement or even injuries. Well-fitting, supportive shoes help your child develop physically and motorically.

Small Effort, Big Difference

So, it’s not just important to check your child’s shoe size regularly, but also to understand why replacing them in time is essential. Shoes that are too small or too large can cause discomfort and lasting issues, while the right size keeps your child’s feet healthy and comfortable during growth.

Make it a habit to check your child’s shoes every 2–3 months, especially when they’re very young. A quick check can prevent discomfort and ensure those little feet develop in the healthiest way possible.

Still unsure? Feel free to visit our store or email our customer service at info@juniorsteps.be — we’re happy to help you find the perfect size!