How Much Growing Room to Leave in Kids’ Shoes?

We know so well that fitting kids shoes can be a difficult task! Shoes that are too big can compromise stability, while shoes that are too small can lead to problems such as blistering and rubbing. Children’s feet grow at such a rapid pace, and it’s important to measure your kids feet regularly, it’s recommended every 2 months especially for younger children. Just like adult shoes, if kid’s shoes are the wrong size our little adventurers will feel uncomfortable.

At Bobux, we design our shoes to suit a child’s specific stage of development, rather than their age. specifically targeted to different stages of foot development, as opposed to age. This is because not all children develop at the same time, some kid’s feet grow and mature faster than others. For further guidance check out our Stages Overview.  

Follow our help as we look at how much growth room is needed to ensure your child's ultimate comfort and support at all times. We’ve got some great tips and tricks to help you find the right size for your kid’s growing feet.

How to Fit Kids’ Shoes Not Too Snug and Not Too Loose

Are you constantly wondering how much space to leave in your little one’s shoes? The general rule of thumb is 7mm from the top of their largest toe to the end of the shoes. It is important to gently press on the front of the shoe when fitting your kids to confirm that their toes aren’t squashed. Lastly, confirm that the shoe is properly fastened and that your child feels comfortable and confident in their new shoes!  

Bobux shoes are designed to include a little extra ‘wiggle room’, so sizing might seem larger than other brands. If your child measures at the beginning of a Bobux size, they’ll have around 14mm of space between their foot and the end of the shoe, allowing them 7mm of growth and 7mm of wiggle room. Your child’s toes should never be touching the end of the shoe.

Here are some important things to note when fitting your little one’s shoes:

• Different styles of shoes generally fit differently, at Bobux, we detail this under ‘adjustability + fit’ in each styles description. Open-toe sandals fit a size larger, where closed-toe sandals, trainers and boots are standard sizing. 
  
• The big toe isn’t necessarily the longest toe, therefore it is important to accurately determine which toe is the longest before measuring how much growing room to leave.  
• Consider the width of your child’s feet, all Bobux shoes are one standard width, which is slightly wider than average, between an F-G fitting. However, some styles are more adjustable to suit a range of foot widths and shapes. Styles with double strap-closure for example can be more effectively loosened to fit wider feet, and tightened to fit narrower feet.
   

Our Easy Ways to Find the Right Bobux Size

Try our Super Easy, Smart Fitting Tool, StrutFit!

Once you’ve found a Bobux shoe that you like, below the ‘add to cart’ button you’ll see a button named ‘What is my child’s Bobux size’. StrutFit digitally calculates the size of your child’s feet and also considers the style of shoe. You’ll need to place your child’s foot upon an A4 piece of paper against the wall and take a photo for StrutFit to calculate their recommended size. 

Use Pen and Paper

Otherwise, an alternative method is to measure their size and use our size chart. Place your child’s foot upon an A4 piece of paper against the wall and trace around their toes. Measure the length from the top of their toes to the end of the paper. Take note of the measurement and use our size conversion chart here.

Refer to our sizing and fitting guide for more helpful tips, guides and tools.

Choosing Kids Shoes That Allow For Growing Room

Putting your child in shoes that are either too small or too big can have negative impacts on their development and limit their support, which in turn exposes them to injuries. 

When choosing the correct size shoes it is important to practise recommended fitting methods, rather than relying on the same size for each style of shoe. As your child's foot continues to grow in length, additionally they experience changes in the width and shape of their foot which can further impact sizing decisions. 

Important considerations include:

• Adjustable straps allow for more flexibility during wear, as they can constantly be altered as the foot continues to grow. Check out the Grass Court shoe to learn more about the benefits of an adjustable strap.   
• Select a shoe that accommodates your child’s natural foot shape. At bobux, we develop a range of varying shoe styles, each suited to all foot shapes. Our shoes feature flexible soles that supports all foot shapes. 
• Flexibility is important as it allows your child to move freely while remaining supported. The Playground Icons range guarantees flexible movement, in the form of an energetic design.  
  

What About Growing Room for Different Stages of Children’s Development?

Sizing is one of the most important features when fitting your infant, however there are additional factors that you can consider to ensure that your child has premium support. At Bobux, we pride ourselves on developing a wide range of shoes that accommodate individual stages. We have carefully designed our collections to include features that support your child’s growth and development during their different stages:

•  Soft Sole  

The Soft Sole Collection has specifically been designed for babies and crawlers, in which the shoe works to protect the feet while naturally guiding their development. Constructed from a suede sole, an unlined leather upper and an elasticated ankle, the shoe allows your little one to move freely while their feet remain supported. These are available in sizes S to XL, suitable for little ones aged 0 to 2. Soft Soles should fit snug but with a little wiggle room.

• Xplorer 

The Xplorer is designed for your little explorers, who are about to embark on their first steps. Whether your child is beginning to pull themselves up on furniture, or they’ve already mastered their first steps, this shoe provides them with the ultimate support. Constructed with an elastic collar, great flexibility and breathable materials, the shoe moves with your child, allowing feet to naturally strengthen. Xplorer shoes should fit securely, these light weight shoes will move with the foot and allow breathability. 

• Step Up

The Step Up Collection has been curated for children who have begun taking their first steps, therefore require that additional stability. As your little one starts embarking on their own adventures they may experience wobbles, creating the need for a shoe that is secure and supports their joints during movement. Constructed with durable material, the Step Up Collection guides your little one in their first steps through flexible materials that support 360 degree movements. Step Ups should fit closely to the foot, with the range of adjustable styles, the perfect fit is easy to find!

• I-Walk

Suited for the confident walkers, the I-Walk Collection targets active toddlers. Designed to support healthy foot development and movement, the construction of the shoe includes flexible, hard wearing soles and premium materials to support more extreme actions, in the form of premium style. I-Walks should be fitted snug but not tight. Confident walkers need support but also a little room. 

• Kid +

Designed specifically for the active child, the Kid + Collection will confidently follow your child over each hurdle. Constructed with an upper strap, the shoe guides movement while protecting joints. Anatomically placed grooves allow movement in the right places while supporting growth. Kid+ shoes are the perfect all rounders and should fit comfortably and securely. 

Find Kids Shoes That Fit Perfectly at Bobux! 

Here at Bobux, we understand that the key to finding the perfect fit for your kids shoes is to always consider the functionality and shoe design! Each shoe within our Bobux range has been podiatrist approved and designed to help guide the natural development of the feet. Our shoes are specially designed for little feet, not just any ordinary shoes made in kids sizes. Check out our wide range of soft sole baby shoes, shoes for infants and crawlers, shoes for first walker, shoes for toddlers and the best shoes for kids. 

Reach out to our friendly and knowledgeable staff when purchasing your kids shoes. Offering convenience and accessibility for all, you can shop online or visit us in store, at a location closest to you.

Read more helpful articles on the Life With Bobux Blog:

The Best Kids Shoes In Every Style

Guide To Kids Foot Width & choosing The Right Shoe Width

Infant & Toddler Footwear. Why Is It So Hard?