When is the best time of day to measure my child’s feet and why?

We recommend measuring at the end of the day because feet swell slightly with activity; measuring then gives a truer fit for school wear and helps avoid shoes that become sore after a few hours.

How do we measure our child’s foot at home so we can check size charts?

Place a sheet of paper on a hard floor, have the child stand with weight evenly distributed in their school socks, trace the heel and longest toe, then measure from heel to toe in millimetres or centimetres and record both feet, using the larger length when checking size charts.

How much extra space should we allow for growth when choosing a school shoe?

For primary school-aged children allow roughly 8-12 mm of space for growth and movement; for toddlers allow about 10-15 mm because they grow faster.

What in-store fit checks should we do before buying uniform shoes?

We check that the heel holds snugly with minimal slip, there’s room to wiggle the toes without excess space, the midfoot feels secure without pinching, and we walk short distances on hard floor and carpet to assess real-world comfort.

How should our buying choices change by age and school routine?

For Foundation Phase (4-7) we prioritise comfort, flexible soles and secure closures; for Intermediate Phase (8-12) we choose firmer midsoles and good heel stability for sport and longer walks; for teens we focus on correct width and arch support and encourage a 5-10 minute walking trial on different surfaces.

Kids’ school shoes sizing tips - find the right fit for every term

Practical, South African-focused sizing tips for kids’ school shoes: how to measure, choose by age and spot fit problems so shoes last the term.

Published:July 11, 2026

Updated:August 14, 2026

5 min read

Photo by Anastasia Shuraeva on Pexels

Measure both feet

Fit to the larger foot and measure at the end of the day for best accuracy.

Why correct shoe sizing matters for school life

We see it often: shoes that feel ‘almost right’ now become sore or unstable after a week of playground games and walking to school. Proper sizing protects growing feet, improves balance for sports and reduces the chance of blisters or early wear. Sizing is especially important for uniform shoes and sneakers because many schools expect footwear to last a full term or longer.

Quick wins before you buy

Measure at the end of the day - feet swell slightly during activity.
Use a flat surface and measure both feet; fit to the larger foot.
Wear the socks they’ll use at school when you try shoes on.

How to measure a child’s foot at home

We recommend a simple, repeatable method that families can use between shop visits. You’ll need a sheet of paper, a ruler, a pen and the child’s school socks.

Place the paper on a hard floor and have the child stand with weight evenly distributed.
Trace the outline of the foot firmly at the heel and longest toe.
Measure from the back of the heel to the tip of the longest toe in millimetres or centimetres.
Record both feet; use the larger length when checking size charts.

Interpreting size charts and fit notes

Manufacturers use different last shapes - some are narrow, some roomy. When you compare the measurement to a size chart, allow roughly 8-12 mm of space for growth and movement in primary school-aged children. For toddlers, 10-15 mm is common because they grow faster. If a shoe brand offers a fit note (narrow/wide), choose the one that matches your child’s foot shape rather than forcing a size up or down.

Fit checks to do in-store

Heel hold: the heel should sit snugly with minimal slip when the child walks.
Toe room: press lightly on the toe box - there should be room to wiggle toes without excess space.
Width: the shoe should feel secure across the midfoot without pinching.
Walking test: walk short distances on hard floor and carpet to feel real-world comfort.

When you can’t visit a store, choose a brand or style your child has worn before and compare last measurements. For general everyday and physical-education wear, we often recommend starting with a sneaker or school-style shoe labelled as regular width rather than a narrow dress shoe.

Explore our Kids category for a broad selection of school-ready styles, and for active children look through our Sneakers selection for supportive everyday options. All links open the relevant category so you can check sizes and read model-specific fit notes: Kids and Sneakers.

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Practical choices by age and school routine

Different ages need different priorities. We use these simple rules when advising families in store or online.

Foundation Phase (ages 4-7)

Comfort and flexibility matter most. Look for lightweight soles, secure closures (Velcro or elastic laces) and breathable uppers. Leave slightly more growth allowance - children at this age often outgrow shoes within 3-4 months.

Intermediate Phase (ages 8-12)

Durability and support become important as they play sport and walk longer distances. Choose shoes with firmer midsoles and good heel stability. If school allows trainers on sports days, a supportive sneaker often lasts longer than a thin-soled shoe.

High school teens

Fit and personal style both matter. Teen feet may have settled, so focus on correct width and arch support. Encourage teens to try shoes for 5-10 minutes walking on different surfaces before deciding.

Managing growth, wear and seasonal buying

We plan purchases around the school calendar: buy new uniform shoes at the start of terms when stores stock full ranges. Keep an eye on wear at the sole edge and heel; uneven wear can signal a fit or gait issue and is a cue to replace shoes sooner. In winter, add a warm, moisture-wicking sock but avoid oversizing to accommodate thick socks - better to choose a shoe with a slightly roomier last.

Common fit problems and quick fixes

Blisters at the heel - try heel grips and check for heel slip; consider a snugger size or secure lacing.
Narrow toes - try a wider last or a different brand; stretching leather shoes can help but has limits.
Shoes that feel short despite the right size - check sock thickness and lace tension; measure foot again.

When to see a specialist

If a child consistently complains of foot pain, has an unusual gait, or shows rapid, uneven wear on one shoe, a podiatrist or physiotherapist can assess foot shape and recommend insoles or supportive styles. Many school-related concerns are simple fit issues, but persistent pain deserves professional attention.

How we make shopping easier on Bash

We gather fit notes and user feedback so families can compare how a style runs (true to size, narrow, wide). When you browse a product page, check the brand’s measurement guidance and user reviews. For families who want trusted styling and sizing information, our article about different sneaker options explains how some brands fit differently - see Redbat sneakers - styles, sizing and where they fit in South African life for an example of brand-specific fit advice.

Quick checklist before checkout: measure both feet; choose the larger foot’s size; allow 8-12 mm growth room for primary school children; read the product’s fit notes; keep the shoe box and try the shoes at home for a day to confirm comfort.

Sources

South African Foot and Podiatry Resource - Children's foot health
Healthline - Common children’s foot problems and when to see a specialist
NHS - Children’s foot problems overview

We hope these steps make finding the right school shoe simpler. If you’d like to browse styles suitable for active school days, start with our Kids shoes collection to compare sizes and read fit notes before you buy: Shoes.

Last updated: August 14, 2026

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Kids’ school shoes sizing tips - find the right fit for every term

Measure both feet

Why Choose Bash?

Free Delivery

30-Day Returns

Nationwide Support

Why Choose Bash?

Free Delivery

30-Day Returns

Nationwide Support

Allow growth space

Check brand fit notes

Why correct shoe sizing matters for school life

Quick wins before you buy

How to measure a child’s foot at home

Interpreting size charts and fit notes

Fit checks to do in-store

Practical choices by age and school routine

Foundation Phase (ages 4-7)

Intermediate Phase (ages 8-12)

High school teens

Managing growth, wear and seasonal buying

Common fit problems and quick fixes

When to see a specialist

How we make shopping easier on Bash

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