How should we measure a child’s foot at home to match in-store results?

We ask you to have the child stand with weight on the foot, place a sheet of paper against a wall with the heel flat, trace the longest toe and measure from the wall to the toe in millimetres; repeat for the other foot and use the larger measurement when checking sizes, as described in the article .

How much extra space should we allow for growth and movement?

We recommend about a thumb’s width - roughly 10-12 mm - between the longest toe and the shoe front to allow for growth and forward motion when running, which the article highlights as a key fit factor .

Should we measure feet wearing socks, and when is the best time of day to measure?

We advise measuring with the socks your child will normally wear in the sneakers and to measure at the end of the day, since feet naturally swell through the day; both points are included in the quick checklist in the article .

What should we do if our child is between two sizes?

If a child falls between sizes, we suggest choosing the larger size and using the insole or a thicker sock to take up space so there’s room to grow and toes don’t hit the front, consistent with the article’s sizing advice .

When is it better to visit a store for an in-person fitting?

We recommend an in-store fitting for toddlers under three, when one foot is noticeably larger, or when you suspect an unusually narrow or wide foot shape, since seeing how the shoe behaves during a short walk or run gives the most reliable result, as the article explains .

Kids sneaker fitting and sizing: how to get the

Why correct sizing matters for kids

Children’s feet grow fast and their movement patterns change quickly. A well-fitting sneaker supports healthy foot development, reduces blisters and lets kids run, jump and play without discomfort. We focus on fit over fashion: the right internal space, secure heel hold and enough toe room make daily wear safer and more comfortable.

Quick checklist before you start

Measure both feet - one is often larger.
Measure at the end of the day (feet swell through the day).
Fit with the socks your child will normally wear with the sneakers.
Allow about a thumb’s width (approx. 10-12 mm) for growth and movement.

How to measure a child’s foot at home (step-by-step)

You don’t need special equipment - a piece of paper, a pen and a ruler are enough. These steps are how we measure in-store and at home so the result matches what we see when kids try sneakers on in real life.

What you’ll need

A4 paper or card
A pen or pencil
A ruler or measuring tape (mm preferred)
The socks your child usually wears

Measurement steps

Have the child stand with weight on the foot being measured. Place the paper against a wall so the heel rests flat on the wall. Trace the longest toe and the sides of the foot with the pen vertical to the paper. Measure from the wall (heel line) to the tip of the longest toe in millimetres. Repeat for the other foot and write down the larger measurement.

Convert millimetres to the sizing system used on the shoe label: many kids’ sneakers in South Africa display UK, EU and US sizes. Use the millimetre measurement as your primary reference and compare to the brand’s size chart when available. When shopping on Bash, check the product page for sizing guidance or compare with the category sizing ranges in our Kids category.

Understanding fit details that matter

Beyond length, look for three practical fit checks when your child tries sneakers on:

Toe room: Aim for roughly 10-12 mm (a thumb’s width) between the longest toe and the shoe front - this allows for growth and forward foot motion when running.
Heel security: The heel should sit snugly without slipping during short jogs or heel raises. Excess heel lift usually means the shoe is too big or the lacing needs adjusting.
Midfoot and arch support: For everyday sneakers, look for a firm-but-not-rigid midsole and a stable heel cup. Very flat, floppy sneakers can make small children unstable on stairs and playground edges.

Sizing note: If your child is between two sizes, choose the larger size and use the insole or thicker socks to take up space. This gives room to grow and keeps toes from hitting the front.

When to size up sooner

If your child is very active (daily sport or long playtimes), or if the shoe is for running and playground use, err on the side of a bit more toe room. For school shoes or dressier sneakers where aesthetics matter more, still prioritise comfort - a shoe that hurts won’t be worn.

When to visit a store for fitting

Some fittings are better done in person: toddlers under three, children with one foot noticeably larger, or when you suspect an unusual foot shape (very narrow or very wide). We find parents get the most reliable results when they see how the shoe behaves during a short walk or run in-store. If you need a local fitting, check our partner locations listed on the Sneaker Factory branches page for in-person help: Sneaker Factory branches - find a store near you in South Africa.

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Practical tips for trying on and testing sneakers

When your child tries shoes on, do a short play test: a quick run, hop on each foot and a few steps up and down. Watch for red marks, pinching at the toes or slipping at the heel. Use the lacing to fine-tune fit - locking the heel with a heel-lock knot can prevent lift without tightening the forefoot too much.

What to avoid

Shoes that feel “just right” with no room - there must be growth allowance.
Overly stiff uppers for pre-schoolers - they need some flexibility to learn balance.
Buying too many sizes ahead of time - children’s feet can grow unevenly and styles fit differently.

Sizing differences between brands and materials

Different brands and even different models from the same brand can fit differently. Leather uppers may stretch slightly with wear; man-made uppers often hold shape. Check the product’s sizing notes on the product page and, when shopping online, prefer retailers that show internal length or a size conversion table. If you want to browse different styles, our kids sneakers collection has a range you can compare on Bash: Sneakers.

Budget and replacement planning (South African context)

Kids often need a new pair two to three times a year depending on growth and activity. Expect basic daily sneakers to range from around R250 to R800; sport-specific or branded options can be higher. Plan replacements around growth spurts (school term changes are a practical reminder) and keep receipts where returns or exchanges are allowed.

Caring for fit and extending wear life

Rotate sneakers where possible to let materials recover and check insoles every few months for wear. Replace insoles if they’re compressed - a new insole can restore comfort and sometimes buy additional weeks of wear. For cleaning, follow the manufacturer instructions on the product page; gentle hand-washing and air drying usually keep shoes in good shape longer.

When a shoe is no longer the right size

If toes hit the front, if the heel slips badly, or the insole is visibly worn and flattened, it’s time to replace the pair. Even if the outside looks fine, internal wear can affect support and safety during play.

Where to get help on Bash

If you’re unsure about a specific model, use the product sizing notes on Bash product pages and filter by size, brand and type in the Kids Sneakers category. For in-person sizing support, the Sneaker Factory branches list shows regional options and what to expect when you visit.

Sources

NHS - Foot care for children
American Podiatric Medical Association - Foot health
World Health Organization
Good Housekeeping - How to measure feet

Kids sneaker fitting and sizing: how to get the right fit

Measure both feet

Why Choose Bash?

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Why Choose Bash?

Free Delivery

30-Day Returns

Nationwide Support

Check three fit points

Test with play

Why correct sizing matters for kids

Quick checklist before you start

How to measure a child’s foot at home (step-by-step)

What you’ll need

Measurement steps

Understanding fit details that matter

When to size up sooner

When to visit a store for fitting

Practical tips for trying on and testing sneakers

What to avoid

Sizing differences between brands and materials

Budget and replacement planning (South African context)

Caring for fit and extending wear life

When a shoe is no longer the right size

Where to get help on Bash

Sources

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