Finding the Right Fit
A well-fitting shoe gives children the comfort, support and freedom they need to move, play and explore with confidence. At North Shoes, we have been fitting shoes for over 150 years and know how important the right fit is for growing feet.
Expert fitting for growing feet
Children’s feet can change quickly, so we recommend checking their fit every two to three months. A shoe that fitted perfectly a few months ago may no longer offer the space or support they need.
Our experienced in-store fitters are always happy to check your child’s shoes and offer advice. A fitting appointment does not mean you need to buy a new pair - we will simply assess whether their current footwear is still comfortable and suitable.
A good fit is about more than shoe length. Width, depth and the overall shape of the shoe all play an important part in keeping growing feet comfortable.
Shoe Size Conversion Guide
Use the conversion table below as an initial reference when selecting your child's shoe size.
| Foot Length (cm) | EU Size | UK Size | USA Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10.80 - 11.40 | 18 | 2 | 2.5 |
| 11.40 - 12.00 | 19 | 3 | 3.5 |
| 12.00 - 12.60 | 20 | 4 | 4.5 |
| 12.60 - 13.20 | 21 | 5 | 5 |
| 13.20 - 13.81 | 22 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| 13.81 - 14.42 | 23 | 6 | 6.5 |
| 14.42 - 15.03 | 24 | 7 | 7.5 |
| 15.03 - 15.65 | 25 | 7.5 | 8.5 |
| 15.65 - 16.28 | 26 | 8 | 9 |
| 16.28 - 16.91 | 27 | 9 | 9.5 |
| 16.91 - 17.55 | 28 | 10 | 10.5 |
| 17.55 - 18.19 | 29 | 11 | 11.5 |
| 18.19 - 18.84 | 30 | 11.5 | 12 |
| 18.84 - 19.49 | 31 | 12 | 12.5 |
| 19.49 - 20.16 | 32 | 13 | 13.5 |
| 20.16 - 20.83 | 33 | 1 | 1.5 |
| 20.83 - 21.49 | 34 | 2 | 2.5 |
| 21.49 - 22.16 | 35 | 2.5 | 3 |
| 22.16 - 22.83 | 36 | 3 | 3.5 |
| 22.83 - 23.49 | 37 | 4 | 4.5 |
| 23.49 - 24.16 | 38 | 5 | 5.5 |
| 24.16 - 24.83 | 39 | 6 | 6.5 |
| 24.83 - 25.49 | 40 | 6.5 | 7 |
| 25.49 - 26.16 | 41 | 7 | 7.5 |
| 26.16 - 26.84 | 42 | 8 | 8.5 |
| 26.86 - 27.50 | 43 | 9 | 9.5 |
Measuring at home
We always recommend a professional fitting in store where possible. However, if you cannot visit us, our printable measuring guide can help you take an initial measurement at home.
Please use this as a guide only. Feet vary in shape as well as size, and individual shoe styles can fit differently. Always check the fitting information provided on the relevant product page before ordering.
Choosing the right fitting
Some Ricosta shoes are available in both Medium and Wide fittings, helping to accommodate many foot shapes. Not every style is offered in both widths, so please check each product page for the available fitting options.
New to Ricosta? Start with the fit you know.
If your child usually wears Clarks or Start-Rite school shoes, their current fitting can help you choose which Ricosta fit to try first.
If your child usually wears a Clarks or Start-Rite E or F fitting, we recommend starting with Ricosta Middle Fit.
If your child usually wears a Clarks or Start-Rite G or H fitting, we recommend starting with Ricosta Wide Fit.
A simple way to check the fit
All Ricosta and Pepino styles, except sandals, feature removable insoles, making it easier to check there is room to grow. Take out the insole and ask your child to stand on it. Their toes should sit between the marked “OK” lines - giving them growing room without leaving the shoe too long.
This simple check can help you avoid shoes that are too short and may squash little toes, or too large and more likely to cause trips.