Measuring kids’ shoe size – here’s how
Getting the right fit is especially important for children’s shoes. The correct size ensures comfort and supports healthy foot development. Here’s everything you need to know to measure your child’s feet properly.
Why measuring matters
Children don’t always notice when their shoes are too tight or too loose. As a result, many wear the wrong size without anyone realising.
The common “thumb test” can be misleading, as little ones often pull their toes back automatically. The best way to ensure a proper fit is to measure both the length and width of each foot carefully.
Measuring made easy
Children’s feet can grow two to three sizes per year – check every 3–4 months.
Measure both feet, as they’re rarely exactly the same size.
Measure while standing, ideally later in the day when feet are slightly bigger.
Measuring your child’s shoe size at home
There are two simple ways to measure your child’s foot length at home:
1. Use the DEICHMANN online template
Print it at 100% scale (actual size)
Follow the instructions on the printout
Tip: The template already includes a little extra room to allow for growing feet.
2. Use the DEICHMANN size chart
Measure your child’s foot length in centimetres, then use our size chart to find the corresponding UK shoe size.
Measure both feet while standing
Check the length against the size table
Choose the larger size if one foot is slightly bigger
You can also download the template now or have your child’s feet measured in-store by our team for extra peace of mind.
Get expert help in-store
Want complete peace of mind? Visit your nearest DEICHMANN store and let our trained team measure your child’s feet.
Using our measuring device, we check both length and width (wide, medium or narrow) to ensure the perfect fit — with friendly advice along the way.
Digital foot measuring
In many of our stores, you can use our digital foot measuring plate for a quick and easy size check.
The scan takes just a moment and gives you an instant size recommendation. If you have any questions, our in-store team will be happy to help.
More tips for the right fit
Frequent blisters, numb toes or pressure marks? The shoes may be too small.
If the heel slips when walking, they’re likely too big.
Remember to measure regularly — even adults’ shoe sizes can change over time.
Always try on both shoes, as one foot is usually slightly larger than the other. Choose the size that fits the larger foot comfortably.
For the most accurate fit, try shoes on in the evening, when feet tend to be a little bigger.
Found the right size?
Looking for a store with digital foot measuring? Use our store finder to locate one near you.
East Anglia & Home Counties
Deichmann Basildon, 56 Eastgate Centre
Deichmann Bedford, 7-11 Silver Street Midland Rd
Deichmann Bury St. Edmunds, F5 The Rock Central Street Bury BL90JN
Deichmann Corby, 5 Willow Place
Deichmann Cowley, 1b Templars Shopping Park
Deichmann High Wycombe, 7 Eden Centre
Deichmann Luton, 107 The Mall
Deichmann Peterborough, 14 Sepentine Green Shopping
Deichmann Southend, 213 The Victoria Shopping Centre
Lancashire
Deichmann Preston, 25-27 Fishergate
London
Deichmann Croydon, 50 North End
Deichmann Epsom, 29 Ashley Centre
Deichmann Harrow, 19 & 20 St Georges' Shopping Centre
Deichmann Ilford, 69 The Exchange
Deichmann Kingston, 38 Clarence Street
Deichmann London White City, 2057 Westfield Shopping Centre
Deichmann Staines, 7 The Elmsleigh Centre
Newport
Deichmann Isle of Wright, 1 South Street
Northern Ireland
Deichmann Belfast, 3 The Keep
North West
Deichmann Manchester, L20 Arndale Ctr.
Deichmann Stockport, 36 Merseyway
Deichmann Bolten, Unit J Market Place Bolton BL12AR
Deichmann Blackburn, 29b The Mall
Scotland
Deichmann Glasgow, 70-76 Argyll Street
Deichmann Glasgow, 240 Provan Walk
South East
Deichmann Basingstoke, Unit G Old Basing Mall
Deichmann Horsham, 11 Swan Walk
Deichmann Salisbury, 31 Old George Mall
Deichmann Basingstoke, Unit G Old Basing Mall
South West
Deichmann Plymouth, 30 New George Street
Deichmann Taunton, 2 East Street
North & East Yorkshire
Crystal Peaks, 20 Upper West Mall
Leeds White Rose, L20 White Rose Shopping Centre
Metrocentre, 23 Metrocentre
Rotherdam, 10A Parkgate Shopping
Sunderland, 74 The Bridges
Washington, 86 The Galleries
Newcastle, 62 Northumberland Street