Choosing the right shoe size for your child can feel confusing. Children's feet grow quickly, and the wrong shoe size can affect comfort, mobility, and how your child feels when wearing their shoes.
Unlike adults, children cannot always tell us when their shoes are too small. They may continue wearing shoes that feel uncomfortable simply because they do not realise they have outgrown them.
That is why measuring your child's feet regularly is one of the most important steps when choosing kids' barefoot shoes.
With a few simple tools and just a couple of minutes, you can measure your child's feet accurately at home and feel confident when selecting the right size.
Why measuring your child's feet matters
Children's feet are constantly changing.
During early childhood, feet can grow surprisingly quickly, meaning a pair of shoes that fitted perfectly a few months ago may already be too small.
Shoes that are too short or too narrow can restrict natural movement and leave little room for growing toes.
A correctly fitted barefoot shoe should allow:
- toes to move freely
- enough space for natural growth
- comfortable walking and running
- natural foot movement
What you need to measure your child's feet
You only need a few simple items:
✔ A piece of paper larger than your child's foot
✔ A pencil or pen
✔ A ruler or measuring tape
✔ Your child is standing barefoot
For the most accurate result, measure your child's feet at the end of the day when feet are naturally slightly larger.
How to measure your child's feet step by step
Step 1: Place the paper on the floor
Place a piece of paper on a hard, flat surface.
Avoid measuring on carpet, as this can affect accuracy.
Step 2: Have your child stand naturally
Ask your child to stand on the paper with their full weight on both feet.
This is important because feet spread slightly when standing.
Make sure:
- heels are touching the ground
- toes are relaxed
- weight is evenly distributed
Step 3: Mark the longest point
Carefully mark:
- the back of the heel
- the end of the longest toe
Repeat this for both feet.
It is completely normal for one foot to be slightly longer than the other.
Always choose the size based on the larger foot.
Step 4: Measure the length
Measure the distance between the heel mark and the longest toe mark.
This is your child's foot length.
For barefoot shoes, you should also consider extra room to grow.
How much growing room do kids need?
For barefoot shoes, we generally recommend allowing approximately:
8–12 mm of extra space
This gives children room to:
- move their toes naturally
- grow comfortably
- walk and run without restriction
Too little room can make shoes uncomfortable, while too much space can make walking less stable.
Why barefoot shoe width matters
Length is only one part of finding the right fit.
Many children's shoes are too narrow, especially around the toes.
A good barefoot shoe should have:
- a wide toe box
- space for toes to spread
- a shape that follows the natural foot
Every child's foot is different, so width is just as important as length.
How often should you measure children's feet?
Children's feet grow quickly, especially during the early years.
We recommend checking your child's shoe size regularly:
- Babies and toddlers: every 2–3 months
- Preschool children: every 3–4 months
- Older children: every 4–6 months
Regular checks help make sure your child is always wearing shoes that fit properly.
Signs your child's shoes may be too small
Your child's shoes may no longer fit if you notice:
- toes touching the front of the shoe
- red marks on the feet
- shoes becoming difficult to put on
- your child removing shoes frequently
- changes in walking or running
Children often cannot explain that their shoes are uncomfortable, so regular checks are important.
Choosing the right barefoot shoes for your child
Once you know your child's foot measurements, choosing barefoot shoes becomes much easier.
Look for:
✔ Correct length
✔ Wide toe box
✔ Flexible sole
✔ Lightweight design
✔ Comfortable materials
✔ Secure fit
At Little Barefoot, we carefully select children's barefoot shoes designed to support natural movement and growing feet.
Explore our kids barefoot shoes collection
Ready to find the perfect pair for your child?
Browse our carefully selected range of barefoot shoes for babies, toddlers, and kids across New Zealand.
From first walker shoes to everyday sneakers and outdoor boots, our collection is designed to provide comfort, flexibility, and freedom of movement.
FAQ
How do I measure my child's feet for shoes?
Place your child standing on a piece of paper, mark the heel and the longest toe, then measure the distance. Always measure both feet.
How much extra space should kids' shoes have?
Children's barefoot shoes should usually have around 10–12 mm of extra room for growth and natural movement.
How often should I measure my child's feet?
Young children should have their feet checked every few months because their feet grow quickly.
Are barefoot shoes good for growing feet?
Barefoot shoes are designed to allow natural movement, with a wide toe box and flexible sole that support healthy foot development.