How to Measure Your Child's Feet for Boots

Kids are little bundles of energy. They're up and running quicker than you can grab your first coffee in the morning sometimes. Trying to measure their feet when they don't stop can be as difficult as trying to be a header and heeler at the rodeo without practice. How do you wrangle the little cowpokes to get their measurements? Once you have their measurements, what do they mean—and how do you figure out the right boot size? If you're stumped, we're more than happy to help! This guide explains how to measure kids’ feet, and how to determine the appropriate size cowboy boots for your child.

How to Measure Kids’ Feet

There are some fantastic, printable foot-sizing charts that you can print at home to help you measure your child, toddler, or infant's feet. Or you can rely on a good old-fashioned piece of paper and ruler to measure.

Gather these supplies before you measure:

• Printed chart or plain piece of paper
• Tape
• Pencil or pen
• Flexible tape measure
• Socks for your kid's feet

Measuring while they wear their favorite socks will give you a more accurate measurement. After you have your supplies, follow these steps:

1. Set your paper on the floor. To make sure the paper doesn't move around, use a piece of tape or two to keep it in place.
2. Have your toddler or child stand on the paper, with their foot in the center. When measuring for infant-sized boots, hold your baby in a standing position and ask someone else to measure for you.
3. Using your pen or pencil, mark the paper where your child's big toe stops.
4. Now mark the back of their heel on the paper.
5. Take your tape measure and measure the space between the heel and toe markings. Write it down: You will use that measurement to find your child's boot size.
6. Optional: To calculate the width of your child’s foot, outline the entire foot rather than just the length.

Quick Tips for Measuring Kids’ Feet

• If possible, measure two or three times for a more precise measurement.
• Measure both feet—one foot is usually larger than the other—and base their shoe size on the larger measurement.
• Try to measure in the afternoon or evening because feet expand during the day!
• For an accurate measurement, make sure your child puts their weight on their feet so the toes spread—this helps ensure they don't end up with boots that are too small.
• Whether measuring for boots, sandals, or sneakers, always double-check the brand's size chart as footwear may fit differently from brand to brand.

How to Find Your Child’s Boot Size

Now that you've got the measurements for your little cowboy or cowgirl's feet, it's time to figure out what size boots they wear. Many of our exceptional kids’ cowboy and cowgirl boot brands offer accurate sizing charts where you can see boot size and width measurements to ensure you get the right fit. As sizing may vary from brand to brand, always refer to the brand’s size guide to determine the right size. If no guide is available, this kids’ size chart can help you convert measurement in inches to determine what size boots to choose.

Kids’ Cowboy Boot Size Guide

U.S. sizes are measured in inches and convert to shoe sizes as follows:

Infant (Prewalker, Infant to 1 Year) and Toddler (2 to 4 Years)

Little Kids (4 to 8 Years) and Youth/Big Kids’ (8 to 12 Years)

Some kids’ boots have letters following the sizes. These letters indicate:

• N – Narrow
• M – Medium/average
• R – Regular
• W – Wide
• Y – Youth
• XW/WW/E or EE – Extra-wide

Refer to the bootmaker’s size chart for the most accurate width and size information for your child.

Consider Growth Spurts

Now that you have your child's foot measurements, don't forget to account for growing room. Kids grow fast, and you don't want to have to turn around and re-measure right after getting their new boots. Adding ½ inch extra allows room for your kid's foot to grow so they can enjoy their boots for a while. Measure their feet and check boot or shoe fit every three months, or more often if they complain about pinching or discomfort.

Tips for Trying On Kids’ Boots

If you've got the chance to visit us in person, we always encourage you to let your little cowgirls or cowboys test their boots before deciding. If your child is old enough, have them tell you how the boots feel while they walk around. This can help you find the most comfortable pair. And of course, we're more than happy to assist in the process!

When trying on boots, keep these tips in mind:

• If the boot slides on too easily, it's too big for your kid at that moment. The boot should be a little snug and take a bit to put on. Their feet shouldn’t slip or slide inside the boot while it’s on, either.
• Have them try on both boots, not just one, just in case one foot is larger than the other.
• Ask how their foot feels, especially around the ball of their foot, or right in front of the arch. You can squeeze the toe of the boot too, making sure there's at least a thumb's width of space between toes and end of the boot.
• Watch them as they move around.Do they walk normally? Or are you seeing them step more cautiously than usual? If their gait changes, the boots may not fit properly.

With this kids’ boot sizing guide, you'll be able to find the right size Western footwear for your energetic little ones as they grow. Explore our kids' Western wear, footwear, and accessories to outfit your little partner in the styles that make them most comfortable.