The Elly shoe guide

How to Measure Your Child's Feet

A quick measurement at home makes choosing the right shoe size much easier. Here's how to do it, and what to check when the shoes arrive.

Before you begin

You'll need just four things:

A4 paperPencilRuler in centimetresWall and tape

Measure later in the day, when feet may be slightly larger.

Tape the paper to the floor with one edge against a wall.

Have your child stand with their heel against the wall. If they cannot stand yet, gently hold their foot flat while seated.

Hold the pencil upright and mark the tip of the longest toe. It may not be the big toe.

Measure from the wall to the mark. Record to the nearest millimetre, for example 12.4 cm.

Use the longer measurement when choosing a size.

A little tip: If your child curls their toes, distract them with a toy and wait until the toes relax before marking.

Check what the brand measures. Foot length and inner shoe length are not the same thing.

Choose the size that matches your child's measurement. If between sizes, follow that brand's guidance.

As a starting point, look for roughly 1 cm more than the foot length, then check the brand's fit guidance.

Sizes vary across brands and styles. Always use the chart for the particular shoe you're buying.

Try them on indoors, on a clean floor, with your child standing if possible.

The longest toe shouldn't press against the front.

There should be room across the widest part of the foot without squeezing.

The heel should stay in place rather than slipping out as your child walks.

Look for rubbing, red marks or signs of discomfort after wearing.

As a practical guide, check shoe fit:

These are reminders to check fit, not to buy new shoes. Measure sooner if shoes feel tight, leave marks or your child seems uncomfortable.

Send us your child's foot measurement and the shoe you're considering. We'll help you interpret the brand's size chart.