Toddlers at this age are energetic and are always on the move. In order to protect their feet, parents must include shoes in their wardrobe. However, it can be difficult to get the size just right. Not only are kids at this age constantly growing, but toddler shoe sizes are not on the same scale as adult shoes. Thus, it is important for parents to know how to get the right shoe sizes for their kids.
The average shoe size for a 2-year-old is between US sizes 6-8. To make sure of the size, a parent can directly measure the length of the foot with a tape measure. They can also draw the outline of a toddler’s foot on a piece of paper to measure.
| Age (in Months) | US | EU | In | Cm |
| 18-24 | 6.0-8.0 | 22.0-24.0 | 5.125-5.75 | 13.0-14.6 |
| 24-30 | 7.0-8.5 | 23.0-24.0 | 5.5-5.94 | 14-15.1 |
| 30-36 | 8.0-9.0 | 24.0-26.0 | 5.75-6.125 | 14.6-15.6 |
This article will discuss the average shoe sizes to expect for a 2-year-old toddler, methods for accurately measuring their feet, and some factors to consider to make sure parents get the best shoe fit for their kids.
The Average Shoe Sizes for a 2 Year-Old
Of course, children grow at different rates. However, there are average sizes to expect from a 2-year-old. The probable range for average shoe sizes for that age tends to be between US 6-8.
If you are buying shoes that use different sizing systems, here are common conversions. US 6-8 should convert to UK 5-7, EU 22-24, CA 6-8, MX 13-15, JP 14-16, and AU 5.5-7.5. In terms of length, US 6-8 is equivalent to 5.125-5.75 inches or 13-14.6 centimeters.
How to Measure Shoe Size
Even though the average shoe sizes would probably fit your child’s feet well, there really is no harm in making sure they fit perfectly. Thus, there are some tried and proven methods to accurately measure children’s feet.
Tape Measure Method
The tape measure method is one of the most direct ways to measure your child’s feet. It essentially entails having to put a tape measure against the sole of your child’s foot to measure the length. If the child is being especially excited and fidgety, you might want someone to help hold them still.
Other parents approach the tape measure differently. They would have their child stand against the wall with the tape measure laid out touching the wall. This method variation is said to work effectively as it helps take the back of the heel into consideration.
Paper Method
Another classic method for measuring shoe size is by using the paper method. This method requires having the parent put the child’s foot against a piece of blank paper. With a pencil, the parent then draws the outline of the foot using the child’s foot as a guide. Once an outline is made, the drawing can then be measured with a ruler or tape measure.
Due to the width of the pencil, the outlines are not usually exactly the size of the foot. The extra length provided by the drawing then allows parents to get a comfortable measurement for their child’s shoe size.
Considerations
After the parent has measured the length of their child’s feet, there are some factors they have to consider before pulling the trigger on a pair of shoes.
Wiggle Room
One of the most important things to consider when buying shoes is to accommodate for a little wiggle room. Just because the child’s foot measured 5 inches does not mean you should go out and get shoes that are exactly 5 inches in length. Giving it a little wiggle room can do wonders. Not only does giving an extra bit of length more comfortable for the child, but it also allows the child to grow in them a little – reducing the number of times you have to go out and get bigger shoes as they grow.
Socks
Will your 2-year-old be wearing socks underneath the shoes? If so, you have to take that into consideration. If you plan on making them wear socks every time they wear shoes, then it would be better to actually measure their feet length with them actually wearing socks. This will help give you a number that already accommodates the thickness of their socks.
Swelling
The last thing you want to do is actually measure their feet in the morning. You have to consider that after a few hours of standing and walking, the feet actually swell up a little. If you measure their feet in the morning, you might get a number that would feel a little tight after standing in them for a few hours. To make sure they are comfortable in those shoes, measure their feet in the afternoon – or at least after a few hours of them standing and walking around.
Measure Both Feet
It is recommended to actually measure both feet instead of one. You might be surprised to find out that one of their feet is a little longer than the other. Fortunately, the size difference between feet is not that big – at least not big enough to have different-sized shoes. However, measuring both feet would then allow you to choose the size that would accommodate the larger foot.
Make Them Wear It
Lastly, one of the best things parents can do when choosing shoes is to simply make their toddler wear them. Understandably, 2-year-olds would not be able to communicate effectively. However, some toddlers can be expressive enough to let you know when they are not comfortable. Once you’ve let them wear it, are they excited to run around in them? Do they seem uncomfortable? Mileage may vary among parents, but this works for some.
