Choosing your child's first shoes is an exciting milestone, but knowing whether they actually fit correctly can feel much less straightforward. Children's feet are constantly growing and developing, and a shoe that looks the right size isn't necessarily the right fit.

How much growing room should there be?

Children's shoes need some room for growing, but bigger isn't always better.

As a general guide, we look for approximately a thumb's width of space in front of the longest toe. This should be checked while your child is standing upright with their feet flat on the floor, rather than sitting down.

The amount of space should be enough to allow for natural movement and growth, but not so much that the foot can move around inside the shoe.

It's also important to remember that the longest toe isn't necessarily the big toe. Some children's second toe is longer, so the available space should be assessed from whichever toe is longest.

How should the heel fit?

The heel should sit snugly and securely inside the shoe, without slipping or moving up and down as your child walks.

A little movement at the heel can be a sign that the shoe is too large, too wide or simply not the right shape for your child's foot. The shoe should also sit comfortably around the ankle. It shouldn't catch against the ankle bone or cause rubbing or pressure.

When trying shoes on, encourage your child to walk around in both shoes. Watch their heels as they walk and check that they remain securely in place. A secure heel is particularly important for young children who are still developing their walking pattern.

Should children's toes be able to move?

Yes. Children's toes need room to move and wiggle inside their shoes. The shoe should not squeeze the toes together or restrict their natural movement.

However, there is an important difference between having room to move and the whole foot moving inside the shoe. The toes should be able to wiggle, while the heel and main part of the foot remain securely held.

If the foot is sliding forwards and backwards or from side to side, the shoe may be too large or the wrong shape for your child's foot. This is why simply checking that there is enough room at the front isn't enough - the whole foot needs to be considered when assessing the fit.

How should first shoes fasten?

The fastening should hold the foot securely without being uncomfortably tight.

Riptape fastenings

If the shoe has a riptape fastening, the strap should be pulled over securely and snugly, but not so tightly that it causes pressure or leaves marks on the foot. The aim is to prevent the foot from moving around inside the shoe while still allowing your child to feel comfortable. You should be able to fasten the shoe securely without having to pull the strap excessively tight.

Laces

Laces can provide excellent adjustability, particularly if your child's foot is narrower or needs a more precise fit. When fastening a lace-up shoe, start at the bottom and work your way upwards, making sure each section is secure. The laces should then be tied firmly so that the shoe stays securely in place while your child walks. Again, the aim isn't to make the shoe tight. It should be secure without causing pressure or discomfort.

Why width and depth matter

A shoe can be the correct length but still be completely wrong for your child's foot.

Children's feet vary considerably in width, depth and shape, so it's important to consider how the shoe fits around the whole foot. There should be enough room around the toes and across the broadest part of the foot. The shoe shouldn't feel tight across the top of the toes or squeeze the sides of the foot.

There should also be some give across the flex point of the foot. When a child walks, their foot naturally bends. A good shoe should allow the shoe to move with the foot rather than feeling rigid or restrictive.

How can you tell if a first shoe is too big?

A shoe that's too big can be just as problematic as one that's too small.

With a Mary-Jane style, for example, you should be able to comfortably get a finger between the fastening and the foot. This allows enough room for a secure, comfortable fit without putting pressure on the foot. However, there shouldn't be so much space that you can see a noticeable gap between the fastening and the foot.

A shoe that is noticeably loose may not provide the security your child needs, even if the length appears suitable.

How can you tell if a first shoe is too small?

Children don't always tell you that their shoes are becoming too small, so it's useful to know what to look for.

It's particularly important to look at the sides and top of the shoe, rather than just checking whether the toes have reached the end. A child's foot may have become too wide or deep for a shoe before it has become too long.

Don't forget about the shape of the foot

Every child's foot is different. Some children have narrow feet, while others have wider or deeper feet. Some have a higher instep, while others have a flatter shape.

This is why two children who are the same age and wear the same shoe size may need completely different styles. Even within the same brand, different styles can have different shapes and proportions. One may suit a narrow foot particularly well, while another may provide more room through the toe area or across the instep.

The right shoe is the one that fits your child's foot - not simply the one in their usual size.

Why professional fitting is worthwhile

Having your child's first shoes fitted by someone with experience can make the process much easier.

An experienced children's shoe fitter will know what to look for and can assess the length, width, depth, heel fit and overall shape of the shoe. They'll also have experience with different brands and styles and can suggest options that are likely to work well for your child's particular foot.

Professional fitting also gives you the opportunity to try different sizes and styles side by side. This can be particularly useful when your child falls between sizes or when one style doesn't feel quite right.

It's worth remembering that sizing can vary even within the same brand. A size in one style may not fit exactly the same way as the same size in another style because the shape and construction of the shoe can be different.

Experience matters because a good fitter isn't simply asking, “What size does your child need?” They're asking: “Which shoe will fit this child's foot correctly?”

The right fit makes all the difference

Your child's first shoes should do more than simply look good. They should fit securely, allow the toes to move, provide enough room for growth and flex naturally with the foot.

Remember that length is only one part of a good fit. Width, depth, heel security, fastening and the overall shape of the shoe are all important too.

If you're unsure whether a particular style is right for your child, professional fitting advice can take away much of the guesswork.