How Do the Different Kids’ Shoe Brands Fit? – The Most Popular Brands Reviewed
Kids’ shoe sizes can vary slightly from brand to brand. A size 2 in one brand might feel snugger or looser in another. You can always refer to the brand-specific youth sizing chart to get the most accurate fit, but I can help you determine how each shoe brand fits and which brands cater to specific foot types, such as narrow or wide feet, so you can significantly streamline your shopping process.
My Experience Fitting Children’s Shoes
I have been fitting children’s shoes for over a decade, and to help those parents who don’t have a local children’s shoe store in their area and must purchase their kids’ shoes online, I decided to create a table with the most popular children’s shoe brands that I have fitted before, showing parents how each shoe brand fits.
Brands for Narrow, Medium, Wide, and Extra-Wide Feet
Children’s feet come in various shapes and sizes, and some brands cater to specific width needs. Identifying the right brand for your child’s foot width can greatly enhance their comfort and foot health, as a well-fitting shoe supports natural movement and growth.
How Do the Different Kids’ Shoe Brands Fit?
This table I created displays how the different children’s shoe brands fit, that way you can make sure that you are providing your child with the correct shoe size.
| Shoe Brand Name | How Do The Shoes Fit? | What Foot Shapes Can These Shoes Accommodate? | Can These Shoes Fit Orthotics? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adidas | True to Size | Medium | No |
| Asics | Short | Narrow/Medium | Yes |
| Bearpaw | True to Size | Medium | No |
| Bogs | True to Size | Medium/Wide | No |
| Chooze | True to Size | Medium | No |
| Converse | Long | Medium | No |
| Crocs | Long | Medium/Wide | No |
| Deer Stags | True to Size | Medium | No |
| Dr. Martens | True to Size | Medium/Wide | Yes |
| Footmates | True to Size | Medium/Wide | Yes |
| Garvalin | Short | Narrow/Medium | No |
| Geox | True to Size | Medium/Wide | Yes |
| Heelys | Short | Narrow/Medium | No |
| Jambu | Long | Medium/Wide | No |
| Keen | True to Size | Medium/Wide | No |
| Kenneth Cole Reaction | True to Size | Medium | No |
| Livie & Luca | True to Size | Medium/Wide | No |
| Merrell | True to Size | Medium/Wide | Yes |
| Native | Long | Medium/Wide | No |
| Naturino | True to Size | Narrow/Medium | No |
| New Balance | True to Size | Medium/Wide/Extra Wide | Yes |
| Nike | Short | Narrow/Medium | No |
| Nina | True to Size | Medium/Wide | No |
| Pediped | True to Size | Medium/Wide/Extra Wide | Yes |
| PLAE | True to Size | Medium/Wide | No |
| Primigi | True to Size | Medium/Wide | No |
| Puma | Short | Narrow/Medium | No |
| Reebok | True to Size | Medium | No |
| Ricosta | Short | Narrow/Medium | No |
| Saucony | Short | Narrow/Medium/Wide | Yes |
| School Issue | True to Size | Medium/Wide | Yes |
| See Kai Run | True to Size | Medium/Wide | Yes |
| Skechers | True to Size | Medium/Wide | No |
| Sperry | Long | Medium/Wide | No |
| Stride Rite | True to Size | Medium/Wide/Extra Wide | Yes |
| Twinkle Toes | Long | Medium/Wide | No |
| Teva | True to Size | Narrow/Medium | No |
| Timberland | True to Size | Medium/Wide | Yes |
| Tsukihoshi | Long | Medium/Wide/Extra Wide | Yes |
| UGG | True to Size | Narrow/Medium/Wide | No |
| Under Armour | Short | Narrow/Medium | No |
| Western Chief | Long | Medium/Wide | No |
| Zephz | True to Size | Medium/Wide/Extra Wide | Yes |
Understanding Shoe Fit Terminology
- True to Size: A shoe that fits as expected based on standard sizing. When shoes fit “true to size”, you need to provide your child with half a size longer than the size your child measured on the shoe measuring scale. This translates to 3/16 of an inch or 0.4 centimeters of space between your child’s longest toe and the end of the shoes.
- Fits Long: A shoe that might feel a bit longer than the standard size. When shoes “fit long”, you need to provide your child with the same size that your child measured on the shoe measuring scale and that will still allow for the correct amount of growing room.
- Fits Short: A shoe that might feel shorter than the standard size. When shoes “fit short”, you need to provide your child with a whole size bigger than the size that your child measured on the shoe measuring scale.
Contact Me for Specific Shoe Recommendations
As a passionate shoe fitter, I’m here to help you find the perfect pair of shoes for your child. If you have specific concerns about your child’s specific foot shape or condition or need personalized recommendations, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Together, we can find the perfect pair of shoes that support your child’s growth and development.
You should also reach out if you are unsure how a specific shoe brand fits. For example, one of the most popular questions parents ask me is how do New Balance shoes fit? I will be happy to answer any specific questions you might have.
What Are the Best Shoe Brands for Kids?
I created several different resources that describe the best shoe brands for toddlers and older children — as certain shoe brands provide shoe styles with better support, better quality, and more durability than others.
Cheap Name Brand Shoes for Kids
A common misconception is that more expensive shoes are always better. However, the key is to find shoes that fit well and provide the necessary support for your child’s foot shape and activity level. Expensive doesn’t always mean suitable; it’s about finding the right balance between cost, comfort, and support.
Many affordable brands offer quality shoes that provide the necessary support for your child’s growing feet. These brands focus on practicality and durability, often providing shoes that can withstand the rough and tumble of everyday play. Some of my go-to affordable shoe brands for kids are Ten Little, Ikiki, and Carter’s.
Why Are Shoe Sizes Inconsistent?
Are you wondering why shoe sizes are so inconsistent? You don’t need to know this as it gets a little more technical, but some parents might want to know why certain shoe brands differ so much in the way the shoes fit.
1. Materials can affect size: Two shoes of identical style and size, but one with a leather upper and the other one with urethane upper, will often fit differently.
2. Construction/Shoe manufactures affect size: The process by which a shoe is made can sometimes influence size.
3. Lasts affect size: Lasts are designed on countless different shapes, each with its own volume or inner space allowance, which in turn affects the dimensions and the fit.
4. Heel height affects size: Shoes on high versus low heels will fit differently on the same size.
5. Style affects size: For example, a pair of New Balance shoes in a given size and width will fit differently than a pair of Saucony shoes of the same size and width.
How to Determine Your Child’s Foot Shape and Size
Finding the correct size can be challenging, especially when ordering online. The right size ensures that your child’s feet are supported and comfortable, minimizing the risk of injury or discomfort. I created a virtual shoe fitting service that will help you retrieve your child’s foot shape and shoe size from home.
Shoes that are too tight or too loose can lead to discomfort, blisters, and even deformities over time. However, with so many brands and styles available, it can be challenging to determine which ones are best suited for your child’s unique foot shape and needs.
Is there a particular children’s shoe brand that I didn’t mention? Have you found a particular shoe brand that has worked well for your child? Please share your findings below so other parents can benefit from your experiences.
