With the new school year approaching, parents everywhere are tackling the back-to-school shopping list. One crucial item: shoes! But with busy schedules and the convenience of online shopping, how can you ensure those brand-new kicks fit your child’s feet perfectly, even without a trip to the store? Here’s a guide to navigate the world of shopping for school shoes online and finding the perfect fit for your child.
Steps to buying school shoes online
Measure up!
Before browsing online stores, grab a piece of paper, a ruler, and your child’s foot. It’s time for a measuring party! There are also printable foot gauges available online, but a simple DIY method works too.
Trace your child’s foot on the paper, marking the longest toe and heel. Measure the distance between these points to get the shoe length. Remember, measure both feet – it’s common for one to be slightly larger.
Knowing your numbers
With the measurements in hand, consult the online retailer’s size chart. Most reputable stores will have detailed size guides in centimetres or inches, often alongside their children’s shoe selection.
Remember, these are just a guide, so be sure to factor in the width as well. Some brands offer wide or narrow fit options, so consider your child’s foot shape when making your selection.
Growing room is key
Children’s feet are constantly growing, so don’t go for a snug fit. Aim for around a thumbs width of space between the longest toe and the end of the shoe. This allows for growth without sacrificing comfort.
Beyond the size: Features for fit
Look for shoes with supportive features like a firm heel counter and a flexible sole that bends at the toes, not the arch. Laces or adjustable velcro straps are ideal for a secure fit that accommodates different foot shapes.
Read the reviews!
Don’t underestimate the power of online reviews! Look for comments about fit, durability, and any specific details about the shoe. Parents who have purchased the shoes online before can offer valuable insights.
Free returns are your friend
Many online retailers offer free returns, so take advantage of it! Order a couple of different sizes or widths, and let your child try them on at home. This way, you can compare the fit and return any that aren’t perfect.
Listen to your little sole surveyor
Ultimately, comfort is king. When your child tries on the shoes, have them walk around and bend their feet. The shoes shouldn’t rub or cause any discomfort.
By following these tips, you can navigate the online world of shoe shopping with confidence and ensure your child starts the school year with happy, healthy feet!
Shoe size charts
Infants’ Shoe Size Conversion (0–9 Months)
Unit | Infants’ Shoe Size Conversion (0–9 Months) Sizes | |||||
US & Canada | 0 | 1 | 1.5 | 2 | 2.5 | 3 |
UK | 0 | 0.5 | 1 | 1 | 1.5 | 2 |
Europe | 15 | 16 | 17 | 17 | 18 | 18 |
Inches | 3.1 | 3.5 | 3.6 | 3.8 | 4 | 4.1 |
Centimetres | 7.9 | 8.9 | 9.2 | 9.5 | 10.2 | 10.5 |
Toddlers’ Shoe Size Conversion (9 Months–4 Years)
Unit | Toddlers’ Shoe Size Conversion (9 Months–4 Years) Sizes | |||||||||||||
US & Canada | 3.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 |
UK | 19 | 19 | 20 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 22 | 23 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 25 | 26 | 27 |
Europe | 2.5 | 3 | 3.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 |
Inches | 4.3 | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4.8 | 5 | 5.1 | 5.3 | 5.5 | 5.6 | 5.8 | 6 | 6.1 | 6.3 | 6.5 |
Centimetres | 10.8 | 11.4 | 11.7 | 12.1 | 12.7 | 13 | 13.3 | 14 | 14.3 | 14.6 | 15.2 | 15.6 | 15.9 | 16.5 |
Little Kids’ Shoe Size Conversion (4–7 Years)
Unit | Little Kids’ Shoe Size Conversion (4–7 Years) Sizes | |||||||||||
US & Canada | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 | 13.5 | 1 | 1.5 | 2 | 2.5 | 3 |
UK | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 | 14 | 1 | 1.5 | 2 |
Europe | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 30 | 31 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 33 | 34 | 34 |
Inches | 6.6 | 6.8 | 7 | 7.1 | 7.3 | 7.5 | 7.6 | 7.8 | 8 | 8.1 | 8.3 | 8.5 |
Centimetres | 16.8 | 17.1 | 17.8 | 18.1 | 18.4 | 19.1 | 19.4 | 19.7 | 20.3 | 20.6 | 21 | 21.6 |
Big Kids’ Shoe Size Conversion (7–12 Years)
Unit | Big Kids’ Shoe Size Conversion (7–12 Years) Sizes | |||||||
US & Canada | 3.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 |
UK | 2.5 | 3 | 3.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 5 | 5.5 | 6 |
Europe | 35 | 36 | 36 | 37 | 37 | 38 | 38 | 39 |
Inches | 8.6 | 8.8 | 9 | 9.1 | 9.3 | 9.5 | 9.6 | 9.8 |
Centimetres | 21.9 | 22.2 | 22.9 | 23.2 | 23.5 | 24.1 | 24.4 | 24.8 |
Women’s Shoe Size Conversion
Unit | Women’s Shoe Size Conversion Sizes | ||||||||||||||||
US & Canada | 4 | 4.5 | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 |
UK | 2 | 2.5 | 3 | 3.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 |
Europe | 35 | 35 | 35-36 | 36 | 36-37 | 37 | 37-38 | 38 | 38-39 | 39 | 39-40 | 40 | 40-41 | 41 | 41-42 | 42 | 42-43 |
Inches | 8.2 | 8.3 | 8.5 | 8.8 | 8.9 | 9.1 | 9.3 | 9.4 | 9.5 | 9.7 | 9.9 | 10 | 10.2 | 10.3 | 10.5 | 10.7 | 10.9 |
Centimetres | 20.8 | 21.3 | 21.6 | 22.2 | 22.5 | 23 | 23.5 | 23.8 | 24.1 | 24.6 | 25.1 | 25.4 | 25.9 | 26.2 | 26.7 | 27.1 | 27.6 |
Men’s Shoe Size Conversion
Unit | Men’s Shoe Size Conversion Sizes | ||||||||||||||||
US & Canada | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 |
UK | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12.5 | 13.5 | 14.5 | 15.5 |
Europe | 39 | 39 | 40 | 40-41 | 41 | 41-42 | 42 | 42-43 | 43 | 43-44 | 44 | 44-45 | 45 | 46 | 47 | 48 | 49 |
Inches | 9.3 | 9.5 | 9.6 | 9.8 | 9.9 | 10.1 | 10.3 | 10.4 | 10.6 | 10.8 | 10.9 | 11.1 | 11.3 | 11.6 | 11.9 | 12.2 | 12.5 |
Centimetres | 23.5 | 24.1 | 24.4 | 24.8 | 25.4 | 25.7 | 26 | 26.7 | 27 | 27.3 | 27.9 | 28.3 | 28.6 | 29.4 | 30.2 | 31 | 31.8 |
Chart provides a guide to shoe size conversion based on international size measuring conventions and our own shoe fitting experience. However, the shoe size required for any one customer can vary significantly from one style of shoe to another even for the same manufacturer.
This chart does not provide a guarantee of shoe size conversion; it is merely a guide. Customers should consult with our expert fitting guides if they are unsure of their required size.
Because the foot is three-dimensional, any two-dimensional measuring tool, such as a ruler or Brannock device®, can only approximate your true shoe size. Please also keep in mind the manufacturers use different lasts to construct their shoes, and sizing may vary accordingly.
Conclusion
With a little planning and attention to detail, buying school shoes online can be a convenient and enjoyable experience. By carefully measuring your child’s feet, utilising online size charts, and reading through customer reviews, you can confidently select the perfect pair of shoes for the upcoming school year.
Remember, the goal is to find comfortable, supportive footwear that will keep your child’s feet happy and healthy. Take advantage of the numerous options available when buying shoes online, compare prices and styles, and enjoy the ease of having the shoes delivered right to your doorstep. Happy shoes online shopping!
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