Children's shoe sizes
A child's shoe size is determined by foot length in centimetres. A 15 cm foot equals EU 24 (baby), 18 cm is EU 29 (3-4 years), 22 cm is EU 34 (7-8 years). Children's feet grow on average half a size every 3-4 months between 1 and 6 years, then one size per year afterwards.
Since children grow fast, it's advised to size up by half for 6 months of comfortable wear. Check every 3 months: your child should have about 1 cm play at the toe end (thumb width between toe and shoe end).
| European size | Size in centimetres | US / American size | UK / British size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | 10.3 | n/a | n/a |
| 18 | 11 | 3.5 | 2 |
| 19 | 11.6 | 4.5 | 3 |
| 20 | 12.3 | 5.5 | 4 |
| 21 | 13 | 6.5 | 5 |
| 22 | 13.6 | 7 | 5.5 |
| 23 | 14.3 | 7.5 | 6 |
| 24 | 15 | 8.5 | 7 |
| 25 | 15.6 | 9 | 7.5 |
| 26 | 16.3 | 9.5 | 8 |
| 27 | 17 | 10.5 | 9 |
| 28 | 17.7 | 11.5 | 10 |
| 29 | 18.3 | 12 | 10.5 |
| 30 | 19 | 13 | 11.5 |
| 31 | 19.6 | 13.5 | 12 |
| 32 | 20.3 | 1.5 | 13 |
| 33 | 21 | 2 | 13.5 |
| 34 | 21.6 | 3 | 1.5 |
Teen shoe sizes :
| European size | Size in centimetres | US / American size | UK / British size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35 | 22.3 | 3.5 | 2 |
| 36 | 23 | 4.5 | 3 |
| 36.5 | 23.5 | ||
| 37 | 23.6 | 5 | 3.5 |
| 37.5 | 24.1 | 5.5 | 4 |
| 38 | 24.3 | 6 | 4.5 |
| 38.5 | 24.9 | 6.5 | 5 |
| 39 | 25 | 7 | 5.5 |
| Dr Martens — Children's / Teen shoes | ||||||||||||
| UK sizes | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| European/French sizes | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 36 | 37 |
| Crocs — Children's sizes | ||||||||||||
| US sizes | 4/5 | 6/7 | 8/9 | 10/11 | 12/13 | M1/W3 | M2/W4 | M3/W5 | ||||
| EU sizes (European/French) | 21/22 | 23/24 | 25/26 | 27/28 | 29½/31 | 32½ | 33½ | 35 | ||||
| UK sizes (Kids) | 4/5 | 6/7 | 8/9 | 10/11 | 12/13 | 1 | 2 | 3 | ||||
Frequently asked questions
How do I measure my child's shoe size?
Place their bare foot on a sheet against a wall, heel against wall. Mark the tip of the longest toe and measure from wall to mark in cm. Add 0.5 to 1 cm for growth and comfort. Look up the matching EU size in our table.
How often should I check kids sizes?
Every 3 months before age 6, then every 4-6 months. Kids often don't complain about tight shoes, so manual checking is essential. Growing feet cramped for too long can deform the arch.
US kids to EU size — how do I convert?
US children's sizes start at 0 (infant) and go to 13.5, then switch to youth sizes (1Y-7Y). US 8 child = EU 25, US 10 = EU 27, US 12 = EU 30, US 1Y = EU 32. Our table has the full correspondence.
UK kids sizes — how do they differ from FR?
UK kids use the same numbers as US (starting at 0) but with an offset: UK 8 = EU 26 (not 25 like US). Sizes go up to UK 13.5 then switch to youth. Always check the table when buying from UK sites.
Should I buy with room for growth?
Yes, but moderately: max 1 cm of play. Too much room (2 cm+) hinders walking and can cause falls in toddlers. Right measure: 1 cm ahead of longest toe, shoe should stay on without slipping while walking.