Buying kids’ shoes online or asking a relative to bring back a pair from overseas may seem like a good idea, but it definitely pays to do some research first! Trying to convert your kids’ NZ shoe sizes to a European, American or British size can be very confusing (not to mention frustrating). Different countries measure different parts of the foot to formulate their sizes, so it’s often difficult to get a perfect size match, but using these simple sizing steps will help:

Step 1 – Consult an international sizing chart

The chart at the bottom of this article will help you to determine which international size will most likely match your child’s New Zealand shoe size.

Step 2 – Trace and measure

Once you have converted your child’s shoe size using the international sizing chart you should then  measure your child’s foot by tracing the shape of it onto a piece of paper. Then, using a ruler, measure the following:

• The length of the foot from the back of the heel to the end of the tallest toe
• The width of the widest part of the foot
• The width of the heel

You can then compare your child’s foot measurements with the measurements issued by any shoe manufacturer anywhere in the world!

Step 3 – Be accurate

When tracing and measuring your kids’ feet, it is also important to:

• Measure the feet late in the day – they are at their largest after standing up on them all day!
• Make sure your kids are wearing socks when you are tracing their feet (if you are measuring for shoes that will be worn with socks)
• Trace and measure both feet, and use the measurements from the larger foot to determine the right shoe size

Step 4 – Shop online carefully

Knowing your kids’ correct shoe sizes across all international sizing standards can save you a lot of time and a whole lot of money – but get it wrong and it can cost you both. If you are planning on ordering shoes online, make sure you check the returns policy first, just in case the shoes don’t fit. You don’t want to be stuck with a pair of ill-fitting shoes and risk damaging your child’s feet.

Remember – nothing beats buying shoes in person – in a shoe shop with a trained kids shoe fitter – as you just won’t know how well the shoe fits until they try it on.

International shoe size conversions :