How to Determine if Your Child Has Outgrown Their Shoes? – 2 Simple Steps!

February 2, 2025 How to Check if Your Kids' Shoes Fit Juan Valenzuela 0 - Comments

Are you trying to determine whether your child can wear the shoes a little longer? It’s important to remember that children’s foot growth is not uniform. There can be sudden spurts, followed by periods of slower growth and this variability means that shoe checks should be frequent and thorough. I am a shoe fitter with over a decade of experience fitting children’s shoes, and I came up with a system in which parents can find out whether their children still have growing room inside their shoes from their homes.

How to Check if There is Growing Room Inside Your Kids’ Shoes

The first step in determining if your child’s shoes are too small is to remove the original insoles. This will give you a clearer picture of how their feet fit inside the shoe. Place the insole on the floor and have your child stand on it. Check both feet since we all have one foot that is slightly bigger than the other one.

Step One: Remove the original insoles of the shoes

By examining the insole, you can directly observe whether your child’s toes extend beyond the edge or not.
Ensure their heel is lined up with the back of the insole.
If you notice that there is some space between your kids’ toes and the end of the insoles, then your child can continue wearing the shoes.
If you notice that your child’s toes are matching up with the end of the insoles, then you should strongly consider getting your child a new pair of shoes.

Step Two: Check the Widest Area of the Shoe

With your child’s shoes on, press down gently on the widest part of the shoe – usually the ball of the foot area. Ensure there’s enough space for the foot to spread comfortably without feeling cramped. The shoe should not pinch anywhere.

If you feel a small bump across this area then it means that the shoes are too narrow for your child’s feet. That bump is your child’s small toe (pinky toe) that is being pushed against the side of the shoes by the other toes.

Ensuring the correct width is just as crucial as the length. A shoe that is too narrow can squeeze the foot, leading to discomfort and potentially causing blisters or calluses.

I have found this to be the most effective way to check if your child has outgrown their shoes or not, considering that you don’t have access to a specialized children’s shoe store in your area.

What to Do If You’re Still Unsure

If you’re still unsure whether your child can wear the shoes a little longer, contact me via email or through the comments section below. As a passionate shoe fitter, I am here to answer any doubts and questions you might have.

You should also take advantage of a virtual shoe fitting service I offer to help you find out your child’s exact foot length and shape (narrow, medium, wide, extra wide). With personalized recommendations, you can feel confident in your shoe choices.

Signs That Your Child Has Outgrown Their Shoes

Aside from the steps mentioned, there are other signs to watch for that may indicate your child has outgrown their shoes:

Toe Crunching

If your child complains about their toes feeling squished or if you notice their toes curling inside the shoes, it’s a sign that the shoes are too small. Children’s toes need room to move and grow.

Red Marks and Blisters

After wearing shoes, check your child’s feet for red marks or blisters. These are indicators that the shoes are rubbing against the skin, suggesting a poor fit.

Difficulty Putting on Shoes

When shoes become difficult to put on or take off, it’s often because they’ve become too tight. Shoes should slide on easily without requiring excessive force.

Having your kids’ shoes properly fitted is critical to the healthy development of your child’s feet. I am available to help with personalized shoe recommendations tailored to your child’s unique foot shape. Contact me if you need additional help or specific shoe recommendations.