How Often Should My Child Be Measured?

Wearing the wrong size shoes can damage, not only your child's feet, but their ankles, knees, hips and back as well. Measuring your child's feet regularly is vitally important.

Children's feet grow erratically in fits and starts. It is best to have their feet measured every:

• 4-6 weeks for infants (0-3 years).
• 6-8 weeks for 3 - 4 year olds.
• 10-12 weeks from 4 years upwards.

This does not mean your child will necessarily need new shoes each time their feet are measured but it is best to check regularly to make sure they have not had a growth spurt.

Measuring (Different Sizes / Manufacturers)

Unfortunately, there is no standardization of shoe sizing in the UK. Every shoe will fit differently. The fit depends on:

• Country of origin - where the shoes were made.
• The 'Last' they were made on – this is the mould shape the shoes were constructed on.
• Materials used - leather, man-made etc.
• Construction method - stitch-down, stuck down etc.
• Design - pointed toe, round toe, heel height, sandal, boot etc.

This is good news: Because every pair of feet are as individual as fingerprints and the greater the choice of size, fitting, shape etc. the greater the chance of finding shoes that will fit correctly and comfortably.

It is also important to know that a Fitting Gauge is not a measure. A Fitting Gauge is merely a guide.