Should Parents Buy Their Kids’ Shoes a 1/2 or Full Size Bigger?

Buying shoes for kids can be tricky—especially when you’re trying to figure out whether to size up to leave room for growth. Should you go a half size up, a full size, or just stick with the current fit? It’s totally normal for parents to want a little extra growing room, especially with how fast children’s feet grow. In this guide, I’ll break down exactly how much growing room is ideal—and when too much can actually cause foot problems.

I’ve been fitting children’s shoes for over 10 years, and one of the biggest misconceptions I see is parents focusing solely on brand names or materials. While those factors matter, the most important thing you can do to support your child’s foot health is to ensure their shoes fit just right—not too small, not too big. Kids’ feet are constantly growing and developing, and the way their shoes fit during childhood can have a lasting impact on their posture, balance, and overall physical health.

Should You Buy Your Child’s Shoes a Half or Full Size Bigger?

I recommend buying your child’s shoes half a size larger than their actual foot measurement. To be more specific, aim for about 3/16 of an inch (or 0.4 cm) of space between your child’s longest toe and the front of the shoe.

This small amount of extra room allows for healthy growth while preventing discomfort or toe rubbing. Too much space can lead to instability, while too little can cause pressure and pain—so getting it just right makes all the difference.

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Keep in mind, the recommended space is between your child’s longest toe and the front of the shoe. While it’s usually the big toe, some children have a longer second or middle toe. In the image below, for example, the second toe is the longest.

By the way, everyone has one foot slightly bigger than the other, so always measure both of your child’s feet to ensure the best possible fit before buying shoes.

Is It Safe to Provide Your Child with a Full Shoe Size Bigger?

Yes, as long as the shoes are not overly large. We don’t want to compromise your child’s stability by fitting the shoes too big.

Shoe Fit Varies—Don’t Always Size Up the Same Way

Did you know that whether to size up by half or a full size depends entirely on how each specific shoe fits? Even within the same brand, some styles run short, long, or true to size. Since there’s no universal standard for shoe sizing, fit can vary widely across styles and brands. Avoid relying solely on customer reviews—they often don’t reflect accurate foot measurements. When in doubt, it’s safer to go slightly longer, as there are simple ways to adjust the fit and improve comfort.

Do You Usually Check for a Thumbs Width of Space?

Many families prefer to use this technique to check if their children have the correct amount of space between their longest toe and the end of the shoes. Keep in mind that sometimes when you use this technique the child might retract their toes, making it seem like there is space when in fact, there is not.

Find Out How to Order the Correct Shoe Size for your Child’s Feet

For the best fit, I recommend taking your child to a local shoe store where a trained shoe fitter can measure their feet and recommend styles based on length, width, and overall shape. But if you don’t have access to a store that specializes in proper fit, don’t worry—I created a free virtual shoe fitting service that makes it easy to find your child’s exact shoe size from the comfort of your home.

Do Toddlers Require Extra Growing Room Inside Their Shoes?

Toddlers between the ages of 1 and 3 grow fast—really fast! On average, their feet can grow half a size to a full size every four months, which means their shoes should be replaced about every 3½ to 4 months. While it might be tempting to buy shoes with extra growing room, I don’t recommend it at this stage. Most toddlers are still mastering their balance, and oversized shoes can make walking more difficult. The best thing you can do is keep up with their growth and make sure their shoes fit just right.

What to Do When Your Favorite Shoes Don’t Come in Half Sizes

Some shoe styles only come in whole sizes—no half sizes available. In those cases, you’ll likely need to size up to ensure a comfortable fit. Just keep in mind that the final size also depends on how that particular shoe style runs—whether it fits short, long, or true to size.

By prioritizing proper shoe sizing, you’re setting your child up for a lifetime of healthy foot development and comfortable steps.