Boys' Shoes

How to measure a child's foot

Children's feet are still forming, and shoes that are too small can cause lasting problems. Measuring takes two minutes and beats guessing every time.

1. Measure in the afternoon, when feet are at their largest
2. Stand the child on paper with their heel against a wall and weight on both feet
3. Mark the end of the longest toe: which is not always the big toe
4. Measure heel to mark in centimetres, do both feet, and use the larger
5. Compare with the length chart on the product page rather than assuming a size

How much growing room

• 1 to 1.5cm at the longest toe, roughly a thumb's width on a small foot
• Less than 1cm and they will outgrow them within weeks
• More than 1.5cm and the foot slides forward, causing blisters, and children compensate by gripping with their toes
• Width matters as much as length. A shoe of the right length but too narrow causes more problems than one slightly long

How often to check

• Under 3 years: every 6-8 weeks
• 3 to 5 years: every 8-12 weeks
• Over 5: every 3-4 months

Children very rarely say shoes are too small. The signals are indirect: reluctance to walk, taking shoes off at every opportunity, dragging or scuffing feet, red marks after removal, and bruised-looking toenails. Pull the insole out and look. You can usually see exactly where the toes have been pressing.

What to look for in kids' trainers

• A firm heel counter. The back of the shoe should not squash flat between your fingers. This is what holds the foot in position.
• Flexible at the ball, not the middle. A shoe should bend where the foot bends. If it folds in half easily, it gives no support.
• Velcro or elastic laces until a child can reliably tie laces, otherwise they walk on undone laces all day.
• Breathable uppers. Children's feet sweat considerably more than adults', and non-breathable shoes cause odour and skin problems.
• A removable insole makes checking fit far easier and helps them dry out.

School shoes

Most primary schools require plain black shoes with no visible logos or bright colours. Check your school's policy before buying, since trainers in the wrong colour will not be worn. Trainers are usually fine for PE and non-uniform days. Label them, school shoes get mixed up constantly, particularly at PE.

How to make them last

• Rotate two pairs if you can. Shoes need a day to dry out inside; damp shoes break down faster and develop odour
• Dry away from radiators: direct heat cracks soles and unsticks adhesive. Stuff with newspaper instead
• Brush off mud rather than machine washing. Washing machines dissolve the adhesive holding soles on
• Undo the fastenings. Children kicking shoes off without undoing them destroys the heel counter, which is what makes shoes collapse at the back
• Hand down cautiously. Shoes mould to the first wearer, so passing on well-worn pairs supports the next child poorly