How to Measure Kids' Feet for Barefoot Shoes: A Foolproof Guide (2025)

Let's be honest, we've all had that moment of doubt when buying shoes for our kids. Will they fit? Are they too big? Too small? When you enter the world of barefoot shoes, getting the size right becomes even more important.

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You'll need a blank piece of paper, a pencil, a ruler / measuring tape and a flat surface...

Why? Because unlike traditional, rigid shoes that can be "broken in" (a myth we should bust!), the soft, flexible nature of barefoot shoes means the fit needs to be spot on from day one to give those little feet the freedom they need. To make it trickier, sizing varies hugely between different barefoot brands. A "size 10" in one brand could be completely different from another.

As a dad who has measured my three boys' feet more times than I can count, I've refined a simple, foolproof method. Forget the thumb-press test. This is how you measure with confidence.

Why Accurate Measurement is So Critical

For barefoot shoes, we're aiming for the "Goldilocks" fit. The goal isn't just to match their foot length; it's to allow for natural growth and, crucially, movement. We need enough space for their toes to spread out (splay) when they walk and balance.

The golden rule in the barefoot community is to find a shoe that is 12mm to 17mm longer than your child's longest toe. This gives them the perfect amount of "wiggle room" for growth and movement without being a trip hazard.

The Gear You'll Need

You don't need a high-tech lab. You probably have everything already:

• A blank piece of A4 paper

• A pen or sharp pencil

• A ruler or tape measure (one with millimetres is best)

• A hard, flat floor and a straight wall

  
  

Pro Tip: For ultimate peace of mind and accuracy, investing in a proper foot measuring gauge is a game-changer. It makes the process quicker and removes any guesswork.

We've used several, but the Milam London Professional Family Foot Measure Sizer from Amazon (https://amzn.to/46j2mms) is fantastic as you can directly add the recommended 12mm of extra space.

The Step-by-Step Measuring Method

Get your little one ready. It can help to make this a quick, fun game!

Step 1: Prepare Your Station Place the piece of paper on the hard floor, with one of the short edges pushed flush against the wall.

Step 2: Position the Foot Have your child stand on the paper with their heel touching the wall. It is vital that they are standing up straight with their full weight evenly on both feet. Measuring while they are sitting down will give you an incorrect, shorter measurement.

Step 3: Mark the Length and Width Keeping the pencil perfectly upright, make a small, clear mark on the paper at the tip of their longest toe (this isn't always the big toe!). Then, make a small mark on either side of the foot at its widest point (usually the joint area just below the toes).

Step 4: Repeat for the Other Foot It's completely normal for one foot to be slightly bigger than the other. You must measure both feet and always use the measurements of the larger foot when buying shoes.

Step 5: Measure the Marks Now that your child can run off, take your ruler and measure the distance in millimetres (mm) from the edge of the paper (where their heel was) to the mark for their longest toe. This is their foot length.

Next, measure the distance between the two width marks. This is their foot width.

The "Wiggle Room" Calculation

You now have your measurements. Let's say your child's longest foot measures 150mm.

Foot Length (150mm) + Recommended Wiggle Room (12mm) = 162mm

This means you should be looking for a shoe with an inner length of around 162mm. Most good barefoot shoe websites will list the inner length of their shoes in millimetres for each size. Always check their size chart!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don't measure sitting down.

• Don't forget to measure both feet.

• Don't assume their size in one brand is the same in another.

• Don't just buy their "age" size.

• Don't forget to account for socks, especially if you plan on using thick winter socks.

You're now equipped with the knowledge to measure your child's feet like a pro and choose a pair of barefoot shoes with confidence. It might seem like a bit of a faff the first time, but once you've done it, you'll find it quick and easy.

Now for the fun part – choosing the shoes!

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