I have been helping women save money on their shoes without sacrificing the quality and support that the shoes provide by fitting them in the kids’ version of the shoes. I created a women and kids shoe size conversion chart that will help you identify what children’s shoe size you need to order.
Most women are not aware that if they wear a women’s shoe size 8 1/2 or smaller they can wear the same shoe style but in kids’ sizes. I am talking about the same style and same support, at a much lower price! In most cases, half the price of what the adult version of the shoe costs. That’s pretty AMAZING!
My Experience Fitting Children’s Shoes – Over a Decade of Shoe Fitting Experience!
I have been working at a specialized children’s shoe store for almost 10 years now, and we evaluate children that have foot issues such as flat feet, rolled ankles, or low muscle tone, but we provide regular shoe fittings as well.
After I am done fitting a child in a pair of shoes, parents always follow up with this question:
“This is such a nice store… I wish I could get my shoes here!”
I always explain to parents how our largest shoe size for girls at the store is a size 7, which actually translates to a women’s shoe size 8 1/2.
So as long as you wear a women’s shoe size 8 1/2 or smaller, you can fit in any children’s shoes!
Mothers are excited to try on children’s sneakers, not only because we have such a great selection of shoes, but because they are paying half of the price that they would pay at a women’s shoe store.
Now that you know the secret, the only thing that you need to do is to translate the sizes properly, which basically means that you go down a whole size and a half of your women’s shoe size to get the correct kids’ shoe size.
The magic formula: Your women’s shoe size – 1.5 = Your kids’ shoe size!
I will also show you at the end of this article a selection of the most supportive running shoes for kids that you will be able to wear yourself.
Buying Kids’ Shoes – Start Saving a Lot of Money!
Let me show you a couple of examples proving to you that what I am telling you does work. I took a picture from Amazon’s website which displays a women’s Asics running shoe size 8 1/2 that retails for $100.59.
Below, you can find a picture of the same shoe (different color) for a child shoe size 7 —which translates to a woman’s shoe size 8 1/2— and retails for $49.01. Pretty cool right? We are talking about a 50-dollar difference!
I provided an example of a running shoe, but we can do the same thing with rain boots, sandals, dress shoes, dress boots, and snow boots… you name it!
Let’s take a look at the famous Keen sandals! If you haven’t heard of Keen sandals before, your child is missing out on one of the best summer sandals! If you have been looking for a good, supportive, indestructible sandal for your child to wear during the summer, look no further.
I wrote a post where I describe the best Keen sandals for kids. The post is called:
Keen Sandals for Children – The Best Summer Sandal
This time I took a picture from Amazon’s website which displays a women’s Keen Newport H2 sandal, size 8 1/2 that retails for $81.46.
Now, let’s take a look at the same exact shoe, but the kid’s version, which retails for 27.04!
You are saving… let me grab the calculator for this one… 54.42 dollars!
Keen sandals are one of the most versatile, best-made shoes for the summer. They will provide your child with great support when he or she is running around and playing. Now, you can get a pair of Keen sandals for yourself and experience not only how supportive they are, but also how comfortable and sturdy they feel. They are practically indestructible!
I am going to show you one last example that I know most women will love!
UGG boots!
First, let’s take a look at a picture of a pair of women’s UGG boots that retail for $149.95.
Here, we have the exact same boot, but in a kids’ shoe size 6 —UGG’s don’t come in half sizes so a kids’ shoe size 6 translates to a women’s shoe size 8— that retails for $82.99!! You are saving: $66.96!!
I also wrote a post about UGG boots, where I describe the best styles and tips to make them more supportive for your child to wear for longer periods of time. In that article, you might be able to find a pair of UGG boots for yourself!
Ugg Boots for Children – Use Your Parenting Good Judgment
These are just some examples, but you can find a ton of shoes that translate into kids’ shoe sizes. You will save a lot of money by purchasing the kids’ version of the shoe.
Women’s and Kids’ Shoe Size Conversion Chart
I created a women’s and kids’ shoe size conversion chart so you can understand the translation of the sizes better!
I have fitted several mothers at the children’s shoe store that I work for, and it is definitely more challenging than fitting children. The main issue is that 70% of the time women come to the store wearing the wrong shoe size. There is a common problem with the shoes they are wearing: they always tend to be too short or too narrow.
The Advantages of Buying Kids’ Shoes! SAVE SAVE SAVE!
1️⃣ Price: You can save a lot of money!
2️⃣ Selection: The selection widens because now you are looking at women’s and children’s shoes!
3️⃣ Convenience: If you are shopping with your child or for your child, you might be able to get a pair of shoes for yourself, too!
Finding the Correct Shoe Size – Get it Right!
Keep in mind that the letters used to describe the width of kids’ shoe sizes are different than the ones used to describe the width of women’s shoe sizes. When buying kids’ shoes for yourself you will see these different width options:
N= Narrow width
M= Medium width
W=Wide widths
XW= Extra wide widths
A lot of mothers have asked me why they can’t find wide or extra wide shoes in their women’s sizes. Now that you know that you can shop for kids’ shoe sizes, the selection of wide and extra wide widths opens up TREMENDOUSLY!
Below you can find a selection of the best kids’ running shoes when it comes to support, structure, and stability! Some of them are also available in wide and extra wide widths!
Remember that you will be able to fit in any of these shoe styles as long as you wear a shoe size 8 1/2 or smaller.
Best Kids’ Sneakers for Women ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The New Balance shoes can fit women with medium (M), wide (W) or extra wide (XW) feet. The Asics shoe styles can fit women with narrow or medium width feet. Disclosure: Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases.
- Available in medium and wide widths (accommodates high insteps)
- Dual-layer midsole construction featuring top-bed foam cushioning and underfoot Fresh Foam X
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Lace-up closure
- Firm heel counter with supportive outsole
- Removable insoles
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Leather/mesh upper
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- Dual-layer midsole construction featuring top-bed foam cushioning and underfoot Fresh Foam X
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Lace-up closure
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Lace-up closure
- Lightweight mesh upper
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Lace-up closure
- Removable Insoles
- Infused gel for extra cushion and support
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Lace-up closure
- Removable Insoles
- Rearfoot and Forefoot GEL® Technology Cushioning System lessens the amount of shock during impact
- Order this shoe a whole a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Supportive leather and mesh upper for breathability
- Reinforced toe cap for durability
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Top-bed foam cushioning and underfoot fresh foam
- Firm heel counter
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
How to Retrieve Your Child’s Exact Foot Length and Shape
If you want to be 100% sure about what shoe size to order online, I suggest that you follow the instructions in the article below:
How to Measure Your Kids’ Foot – 2 Simple Steps to Determine Foot Length and Foot Width
Are Any Other Shoe Choices Available?
If there is a particular shoe style that you are looking for or if you have any doubts about how the sizes translate, don’t hesitate to contact me via email or the comment section below, and I will respond to your questions as promptly as possible: fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com
Are you ready to start saving money? Maybe you already knew about this secret, but if you didn’t, I am glad I was able to share it with you! Have you been purchasing kid’s shoe sizes for yourself? Share your findings in the comment section below so we can all benefit from your experiences!
it is great to get information from the horses mouth [as to speak] I can really tell that you have a lot of knowledge about this topic. Yes getting the right shoe early on can save a lot of health problems later on. I always wonder why shoes have to be so narrow in the front – i have never seen a foot that is pointed like a pyramid so why should shoes look like that, and that high heals…. is just asking for back problems later in life. Thanks for this very interesting information
Elmarie,
Your comment about never seeing a foot pointed as a pyramid made me laugh! There are certain brand of shoes that accommodate wide feet such as New Balance and Saucony. New Balance makes the shoes with the roundest toe-boxes. wearing the right type of shoe will save you a lot of foot and back problems later in life!
I never even considered that I could buy shoes in the kids section- might have to try that sometime! I can’t believe the amount of money I could have been saving!. I’m going to have to look a little more closely at the kids shoes- mine certainly seem to grow out of theirs soon enough!
Amy,
You will be surprised at the difference in price and the good quality of shoes you will see in the kids section. If you have any questions about any particular style on the way they fit, I will be able to help you out!
This is such an informative website especially for myself because I have an eight month old daughter! Knowing the types of shoes I should get for her is perfect since she will be walking in the next couple of months! Recently, I have learned quality over quantity! Having a solid pair of shoes is such an important thing for a young one! Thanks for all the wonderful product reviews!
Lea,
One good pair of running supportive shoes is all they need! Then, you can always have a pair of dress shoes, sandals, boot… but the everyday day supportive pair is really all they need to have happy healthy feet! As your daughter gets older, she will start asking for more shoes! Good luck with that!
Wow, I wish I would have known years ago that I could buy kids shoes. When walking through shoe departments I always see kids shoes that I think are so cute, cuter than the ones in the women’s department. Why is it though that some shoes feel better in a wider width while others feel good in the normal width? Your site offers tons of great information on shoes and socks. Gripper socks are great, it’s the only kind hospitals use because of safety. My kids are all raised and have kids of their own. My daughter has a year and a half year old and I will be directing her to your site. It’s a fun site.
Cheryl,
Some shoes will feel AND fit BETTER in different sizes and widths because every shoe runs and fits different. Even in the same brand, shoes will fit different. Always try them on, and be open minded, just because you have been wearing a women shoe size 8, that does not mean you will always be a women’s size 8 in every single shoe!
Thanks for sharing this really useful information! I will remember the formula each time I go shoe shopping 🙂 I’m a womens size 5.5 to 6 so I can wear a children size 4. The ASICS Gel-Noosa sneakers look really good – the children’s version look just as nice as the adult sneaker. I can’t believe the adult size is double the price of the children’s sneaker. Next time I buy flats, I will surely visit the children’s section first.
Hobby,
Now you now the secret! I would try the kids size 4 and 4 1/2 before you decide buying them. Let me know how it works out or you!
I wonder if this is the same for Australia sizes?
Hello Hannah,
I believe it is because AU and US women’s shoe sizes are the same.
hi. What if your child is size 6 kids- youth. I want to get rain boots and don’t see any in kids sizes. If you need to size down 1 1/2 sizes, not all shoes and boots come in half sizes. What would you order? 7 or 8 adult?
Hello Chana,
If your child is a size 6 and you want to get the women’s version I would recommend you get your girl a women’s size 7 since rain boots tend to run really long. I hope this clarifies!