Kids' feet go up about a size and a half a year on average, but not in step with height. That is why this site predicts clothes a year out and never shoes. Here are the typical sizes by age, and how to buy shoes without wasting money.
Typical shoe size by age
Age
US size
Foot length
1
3C
4 3/8 in
2
6C
5 1/4 in
3
9C
6 1/4 in
4
10C to 11C
6 7/8 in
5
11C to 12.5C
7 1/4 in
6
12.5C to 13.5C
7 1/2 in
7
1Y
7 5/8 in
8
2Y
8 in
9
3Y
8 3/8 in
10
4Y
8 5/8 in
11
5Y
9 in
12
6Y
9 3/4 in
C is a toddler or little kid size and Y is a big kid size. After 13.5C, sizes start again at 1Y. Typical sizes from a published size-by-age chart. Your kid's feet can be well off this in either direction.
How fast feet grow
Feet grow fastest from 1 to 3. Kids that age can need new shoes two or three times a year.
From 3 to 10, once or twice a year is typical.
On average that is about a size and a half a year, but feet grow in jumps. A kid can stay in one size for months and then go up two.
Foot surgeons suggest checking the fit every 3 to 4 months, and say most kids need new shoes every 4 to 6 months.
How much room to leave
About half an inch (1 cm) between the longest toe and the end of the shoe, with your kid standing.
Measure both feet. One is often bigger, and the shoe has to fit that one.
More than about two thirds of an inch is too much. The shoe slips at the heel and trips your kid up.
Buying shoes on sale
A half size up is a sensible buy-ahead for the next few months. A full year ahead is a guess.
Snow boots and rain boots go on clearance with the rest of the season, but the size you need next year is impossible to call. Buy those when the weather arrives.
Sandals and water shoes are the most forgiving, because the straps adjust.
Hand-me-down shoes are fine if they fit and are not worn down unevenly at the heel or sole.
For everything else, the calculator works out next year's size from height.