Last updated: Dec 2025
Read time: 4 minutes
Getting the right shoe size for a toddler isn't as simple as picking a number off a chart. Children's feet grow fast, sizes vary between brands, and toddlers can't tell you their shoes are too tight until there's a problem. Spending some time to measure it at home would be the most reliable way to get the fit right.
This guide walks you through the full process, including what equipment you need, how to take the measurement, and how to interpret the result.
What You Need
a. A piece of plain white paper (A4 size)
b. A pencil or pen
c. A ruler (metric, in cm)
d. Good lighting
e. Some snacks or a toy to encourage your toddler to cooperate
The best time to measure is in the afternoon or evening. Feet naturally swell slightly throughout the day, measuring in the morning may give a reading that's slightly too small.
Step-by-Step: How to Measure Your Toddler's Foot
Step 1: Prepare the PaperPlace the paper on a hard, flat floor. Avoid carpets as it compresses under weight, giving a slightly shorter measurement.
Step 2: Position Your Child
Have your child stand on the paper with their full weight on the foot being measured. Sitting measurements are inaccurate — the foot spreads differently under body weight.
Occupy them with a snack or toy to keep them standing upright.
Step 3: Trace the Foot
With the pencil held vertically (not at an angle), trace all the way around the foot. Keep the pencil as close to the foot as possible without pressing into the skin.
Do both feet if possible, it's common for children (and adults) to have one foot slightly larger than the other. Always size for the larger foot.
Step 4: Measure The Length
Using your ruler, measure from the back of the heel mark to the tip of the longest toe. This is your foot length in cm.
Note: The longest toe is not always the big toe. For some children, the second toe is longer — measure to whichever toe extends furthest.
Step 5: Measure The Width
Measure the widest point of the foot outline — typically across the ball of the foot (just behind the toes). This is your foot width in cm.
Note: Add Fitting Allowance
Children's shoes need room for growth and natural toe movement. Add 1–1.5 cm to your length measurement to get the recommended internal shoe length.
How Often to Remeasure
At this age, feet grow fast. The general guideline:
Under 2 years: Remeasure every 6–8 weeks
2–4 years: Remeasure every 2–3 months
4+ years: Remeasure every 3–4 months
Don't wait until shoes look visibly worn or the child complains. By the time a toddler tells you that their feet hurt, they've likely been too small for weeks.
Schwette's "Not Sure" Size Option
If you've measured at home but are still uncertain, especially if your child falls between sizes, fret not. Schwette offers a "Not Sure" size option. After ordering, customers receive a physical sizing kit to confirm the correct fit before the shoes are dispatched. A digital gift card offsets any price difference on the confirmed order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I measure my toddler's feet with socks on?
If your child tends to wear socks with the shoes, measure with socks on. Use socks of a similar thickness to what they'll typically wear (e.g., thin cotton socks instead of thick winter socks).
What if my child's feet are two different sizes?
This is common and normal. Always buy the size that fits the larger foot. If the difference is more than one full size, consult a podiatrist. Significant size differences occasionally indicate a gait or structural issue worth checking.
My child hates having their feet measured. Any tips?
Make it part of a game. Let them hold the pencil, decorate the foot outline, or measure a soft toy first. Measuring in the afternoon after they have taken a nap and are well-rested also tends to go more smoothly.
Can I use a shoe size from 6 months ago?
Generally No. Toddler feet grow roughly half a size every 2–3 months. A size that fit 6 months ago is likely 1–1.5 sizes too small now.