Knowing When to Size Up: A Guide for Parents on Toddler Shoe Sizing

Written by: McKayla Magleby

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Time to read 2 min

As parents, we cherish every milestone in our children's lives, from their first steps to their first words. One important milestone that often goes unnoticed is knowing when it's time to size up your toddler's shoes. In this guide, we'll explore the signs that indicate it's time for a shoe upgrade and provide helpful tips for ensuring the perfect fit.

Understanding Toddler Shoe Sizing:

Toddler shoe sizing can be a bit tricky. Those little feet grow and change so quickly! It's important to understand the basics of shoe sizing to ensure your child's comfort and foot health. Factors to consider include the length, width, and shape of your child's feet, as well as the flexibility and support offered by the shoes.

Signs It's Time to Size Up:

Knowing when to size up your toddler's shoes requires keen observation and attention to detail. Look for signs such as:

  • Toe Crowding: If your child's toes are pressing against the front of the shoes or curling up, it's a clear indicator that they've outgrown their current size.

  • Red Marks or Blisters: Check for red marks, blisters, or rubbing on your child's feet after wearing their shoes. This can indicate that the shoes are too small or causing discomfort. This will often be on the heels, toes, or around the ankles.

  • Difficulty Putting on Shoes: If you notice that your child is struggling to put on their shoes or complains of discomfort while wearing them, it may be time to size up.

  • Uneven Wear Patterns: Inspect the soles of your child's shoes for uneven wear patterns. Excessive wear on one side or the front of the shoe can indicate that it's time for a new size.

Tips for Ensuring the Perfect Fit:

When sizing up your toddler's shoes, keep these helpful tips in mind:

  • Measure Their Feet Regularly: Children's feet can grow several sizes in just a few months, so it's essential to measure their feet regularly to ensure a proper fit.

  • Leave Room to Grow: When trying on shoes, make sure there's about a thumb's width of space between your child's longest toe and the end of the shoe to accommodate growth.

  • Consider Shoe Type and Material: Different shoe styles and materials may fit differently, so consider factors such as flexibility, support, and breathability when selecting shoes for your child

  • Watch for Sales and Discounts: Children's shoes can be costly, so keep an eye out for sales, discounts, or promotions to save money while ensuring your child has the footwear they need.


For tips and tricks on finding the perfect fit for Freshly Picked shoes, HERE is a helpful video! You can also check out our size chart.

Sizing up your toddler's shoes is an important aspect of parenting, ensuring their comfort, support, and foot health as they grow and explore the world around them. By understanding the signs that indicate it's time for a shoe upgrade and following helpful tips for ensuring the perfect fit, you can keep your child's feet happy and healthy every step of the way.

A toddler girl sitting on a stool wearing black knotted bow baby shoes.
A close up image of a baby