Kids Shoe Size Converter — UK, US & EU Chart by Age
Convert children's shoe sizes between UK, US and EU instantly. Complete chart from newborn to junior with foot length in cm, age guide, and tips for measuring growing feet correctly.
Children's shoe size chart — UK, US & EU
Children's shoes are measured from infant (size 0) through junior sizes. Always measure your child's foot — sizes vary significantly by brand and can change every few months in younger children.
| UK Kids | US Kids | EU | Foot length (cm) | Age (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 1 | 15–16 | 9–10 | 0–3 months |
| 1 | 2 | 17 | 10.5 | 3–6 months |
| 2 | 3 | 18–19 | 11.5 | 6–9 months |
| 3 | 4 | 19–20 | 12.5 | 9–12 months |
| 4 | 5 | 20–21 | 13.5 | 12–18 months |
| 5 | 6 | 22 | 14.5 | 18–24 months |
| 6 | 7 | 23 | 15.5 | 2–3 yrs |
| 7 | 8 | 24–25 | 16.5 | 3–4 yrs |
| 8 | 9 | 26 | 17 | 4–5 yrs |
| 9 | 10 | 27 | 18 | 5–6 yrs |
| 10 | 11 | 28–29 | 19 | 6–7 yrs |
| 11 | 12 | 29–30 | 20 | 7–8 yrs |
| 12 | 13 | 30–31 | 20.5 | 8–9 yrs |
| 13 | 1 (youth) | 31–32 | 21 | 9–10 yrs |
| 1 (junior) | 2 (youth) | 33 | 22 | 10–11 yrs |
| 2 (junior) | 3 (youth) | 34–35 | 22.5 | 11–12 yrs |
| 3 (junior) | 4 (youth) | 35–36 | 23 | 12+ yrs |
UK to US kids shoe size conversion
The rule is simple: UK kids size + 1 = US kids size. So UK 8 = US 9, UK 10 = US 11, UK 13 = US 1 (youth). This applies consistently from infant sizes through to junior. See our dedicated UK to US kids shoe size guide → for the full breakdown including toddler and youth sizes.
EU to UK kids shoe size conversion
EU sizing uses the Paris point system and doesn't convert as cleanly. As a rough guide: subtract 17 from the EU size to get the UK equivalent for sizes below EU 32 (e.g. EU 26 ≈ UK 8). For larger sizes, the gap changes. Always cross-reference using the foot length in cm column above. See our EU to UK kids shoe size guide → for the complete chart.
Kids shoe sizing by age
Children's feet grow fast — roughly 2 sizes per year under age 3, then 1–1.5 sizes per year from age 3 to 6, and about 1 size per year after that. These are averages — always measure rather than buying by age alone. For the full breakdown, see our kids shoe size by age guide →
| Age | UK size | US size | EU size | Foot (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newborn–3m | 0 | 1 | 15–16 | 9–10 |
| 3–6 months | 1 | 2 | 17 | 10.5 |
| 6–12 months | 2–3 | 3–4 | 18–20 | 11.5–12.5 |
| 1 year | 3–4 | 4–5 | 19–21 | 12.5–13.5 |
| 2 years | 5–6 | 6–7 | 22–23 | 14.5–15.5 |
| 3 years | 7–8 | 8–9 | 24–26 | 16.5–17 |
| 4 years | 8–9 | 9–10 | 26–27 | 17–18 |
| 5 years | 9–10 | 10–11 | 27–28 | 18–19 |
| 6 years | 10–11 | 11–12 | 28–30 | 19–20 |
| 7–8 years | 11–12 | 12–13 | 29–31 | 20–20.5 |
| 9–10 years | 13–1J | 1–2Y | 31–33 | 21–22 |
| 11–12 years | 2J–3J | 3Y–4Y | 34–36 | 22.5–23 |
How to measure your child's foot correctly
Shoe labels and age guides are a starting point — foot measurement is the only reliable method. Children's feet can be half a size apart, and the wrong size shoe causes real problems (blisters, ingrown toenails, posture issues). Here's the correct method:
- Time of day: Measure in the afternoon or evening — feet swell slightly through the day and are larger later on
- Standing: Always measure with your child standing and bearing their full weight
- Both feet: Measure both feet and use the larger measurement to buy
- Socks: Measure with the socks they'll wear with the shoes
- Growing room: Allow 1–1.5cm (roughly a thumb's width) beyond the longest toe
- Width: Check width too — some children have wider feet that need a fitting or a wide-fit shoe
When do kids move to junior and adult sizes?
After UK size 13, children move into junior sizes (written as 1J, 2J, 3J or sometimes just 1, 2, 3 in a different colourway). This typically happens around age 9–10 but varies widely. Junior sizes go up to about 6J (EU 39), after which most children can wear adult sizes starting at UK 3–4.
Boys often move into adult men's sizes earlier than girls. A UK junior 5 (EU 38) is the same physical size as an adult UK men's 5, so the transition is seamless — just different sections of the shop.
Brand sizing differences for children's shoes
Children's shoe brands vary in width and true-to-size accuracy. Here's what to know about the most popular brands:
Nike kids shoes generally run true to the UK/US size label. The toe box is medium width — children with wider feet may find them slightly narrow.
Clarks is the gold standard for children's fitting in the UK. Their half-sizes and width fittings (E, F, G, H) make them the most precise option for young children. Size true to label.
Adidas kids trainers run true to size in length but are cut narrow. Children with wider feet should consider sizing up half a size or choosing a wide-fit alternative.
Start-rite is another specialist children's shoe brand offering half-sizes and width fittings. Particularly good for children with narrow or wide feet that don't fit standard shoes.
Next children's shoes tend to run about half a size small. Size up one if buying for the first time, and always check against the foot length chart.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert UK kids shoe size to US?
Add 1 to the UK size to get the US equivalent. UK 5 = US 6, UK 8 = US 9, UK 12 = US 13, UK 13 = US 1 (youth). This rule is consistent across infant, toddler and junior sizes. See our full UK to US kids shoe size guide for every size.
What age is shoe size 5 UK children's?
UK children's size 5 is typically worn by children around 18–24 months, with a foot length of approximately 14.5cm. However, foot size varies significantly between children of the same age — always measure rather than buying by age.
What age is shoe size 10 UK children's?
UK children's size 10 is typically worn by children around 6–7 years old, with a foot length of about 19cm. Again, this is an average — some children will be in this size earlier or later.
What EU size is UK children's size 10?
UK children's size 10 is approximately EU 28–29. Always cross-check using foot length in centimetres for the most accurate result, as EU sizing can vary slightly between brands.
When do children move from kids to junior sizes?
After UK size 13, children move to junior sizes (1J, 2J, 3J). This typically happens around age 9–10 but varies considerably by child. Junior sizes then continue to around 6J before transitioning to adult sizing.
How often should I measure my child's feet?
Under age 3: every 6–8 weeks. Ages 3–5: every 2–3 months. Ages 5–10: every 3–4 months. Over 10: every 4–6 months. Children's feet grow faster than most parents expect — shoes that fit well in September can be too small by Christmas.
What's the difference between children's and junior shoe sizes?
Children's sizes run from UK 0 to UK 13. After UK 13, the sizing resets to junior (1J, 2J, 3J up to about 6J). Junior shoes are physically the same system as adult shoes — a UK junior 3 is the same foot length as an adult UK 3. The difference is mainly in the last (shape) and width of the shoe.
How much growing room should I leave in kids shoes?
Allow 1–1.5cm (roughly a thumb's width) between the end of the longest toe and the front of the shoe. Less than 1cm and the shoe is already too small; more than 1.5cm and it may cause tripping or blisters from movement inside the shoe.