How Long Should Shoes Last – How Many Pairs of Shoes Should Your Kid Have?

July 7, 2025 How Long Should Kids' Shoes Last? Juan Valenzuela 29 - Comments

As a children’s shoe fitter, one of the questions I hear most often from parents is: “How many pairs of shoes does my child really need—and how long should each pair last?” Knowing the answer is key not just for smart budgeting, but also for keeping your child’s growing feet properly supported and protected. Ideally, kids should outgrow their shoes before wearing them out, but depending on their age and activity level, you can expect to replace their shoes every 3 to 6 months. Let’s break down what that means for your child’s everyday footwear needs.

How Long Should Kids’ Shoes Last?

Every child is unique, and growth spurts rarely follow the same timeline from one kid to the next. How long your child’s shoes last depends largely on their age and how quickly they’re growing. To help you plan ahead, here’s a handy guide for when you might need to replace your child’s shoes:

➡️ Ages 1–3: Replace shoes every 3 to 3½ months.
➡️ Ages 3–6: Replace shoes every 5 to 5½ months.
➡️ Ages 6–10: Replace shoes every 5 to 5½ months.
➡️ Ages 11–18: Replace shoes every 5½ to 6 months.

Keep in mind, kids can be unpredictable! They might go months without outgrowing their shoes and then suddenly jump a whole size overnight. These timelines are helpful estimates, but remember that as kids get older and more active, their shoes tend to wear out faster—even if their feet aren’t growing as quickly.

A shoe fitter checking whether there is still growing room inside the boy’s shoes.

Are Your Child’s Feet Growing Slowly?

Don’t worry if your child’s feet aren’t growing as quickly as you expected—or if they seem to be growing faster than average. Every child grows at their own pace, and that’s completely normal. What’s not recommended is buying shoes with extra room in hopes they’ll last longer. Too much space can affect your child’s stability and lead to foot problems like blisters, calluses, or even corns. A proper fit is always the best choice. Now, let’s dive into the next big question: How many pairs of shoes should your child actually have?

How Many Pairs of Shoes Should Your Child Have?

Not every family can afford more than one pair of everyday shoes for their children. However, there are certain times of the year when your child will need a pair of seasonal or sports shoes. Ideally, different types of shoes should be worn depending on the climate conditions and how active your child is.

  • Everyday Shoes: Ideally, children should have one pair of durable shoes for daily wear. These should be comfortable, supportive, and suitable for a range of activities, from school to play.
  • Special Occasion Shoes: Depending on your lifestyle, you might want a second pair of shoes for special occasions or specific activities, such as sports or formal events.
  • Seasonal Footwear Needs: Consider the climate and seasons when deciding how many pairs of shoes your child should have. In colder regions, winter boots may be necessary, whereas, in warmer climates, sandals might be more appropriate.

Budget Considerations

Of course, budget plays a crucial role in determining how many pairs of shoes you can purchase. Focus on quality over quantity, and choose shoes that provide the necessary support for your child’s foot development. If you’re unsure about the right fit or type of shoe for your child, don’t hesitate to reach out for specific shoe recommendations tailored to your child’s unique foot shape.

Remember that children’s feet grow at different rates as they grow up. Frequent checks and visits to your local kids’ shoe store will guarantee that your child is not wearing the wrong shoe size.