Measuring kids for boots involves accurately determining their foot length and width to ensure a comfortable and proper fit. The core of the process is to find the length between the longest toe and the heel.
To measure kids for boots, you typically trace their foot or use a measuring device, marking the heel and the longest toe, and then 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.
Step-by-Step Guide to Measuring Kids' Feet
Getting the right boot size is crucial for comfort, foot health, and ensuring the boots last as long as they should while the child grows. Here’s a practical guide:
1. Prepare for Measurement
- Timing is Key: Measure feet later in the day. Feet tend to swell slightly throughout the day, so measuring later ensures the most accurate size for comfortable fit all day.
- Wear Appropriate Socks: Have your child wear the type of socks they will typically wear with the boots you are buying (e.g., thick wool socks for winter boots).
- Find a Flat Surface: Have your child stand on a hard, flat surface.
2. The Measurement Process
You can use a dedicated children's foot measuring device (like a Brannock device) or a simple method with paper and a pencil:
- Using Paper and Pencil:
- Place a piece of paper larger than your child's foot on the floor, against a wall.
- Have your child stand on the paper with their heel touching the wall. Make sure their weight is on the foot being measured.
- Carefully draw an outline of their foot, holding the pencil straight up and down.
- Mark the point of the heel and the tip of the longest toe.
- Using a Measuring Device:
- Follow the instructions for the specific device. These devices typically have a heel cup and a slider to mark the longest toe.
3. Calculate the Length
Once you have the markings (either on paper or the device), you need to find the length:
- Measure the Length: 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. This measurement is the length of the foot.
4. Measure Both Feet
It's common for one foot to be slightly larger than the other. Always measure both feet and use the measurement of the larger foot when choosing a size.
5. Consider Width
While length is the primary measurement, boot width is also important for a comfortable fit. Some measuring devices also measure width. If using the paper method, you can measure the widest part of the foot outline. Boot sizes often come in different widths (e.g., Medium, Wide), though availability varies by brand and style.
6. Consult the Size Chart
Every brand's sizing can differ slightly. Use the length measurement you recorded to find the corresponding size on the specific brand's size chart for the boots you intend to buy.
- Look for size charts that provide measurements in inches or centimeters alongside the shoe size numbers.
Example Foot Measurement Table:
| Measurement (Inches) | Measurement (CM) | Typical US Kids Size |
|---|---|---|
| 4.5 | 11.4 | Toddler 5 |
| 5.5 | 14.0 | Toddler 8 |
| 6.7 | 17.0 | Kids 1 |
| 8.2 | 20.8 | Kids 5 |
(Note: This table is illustrative. Always use the brand's specific chart).
7. Allow for Growth
For children's boots, especially winter or outdoor boots, many parents size up slightly (e.g., a half size to a full size) to allow for growth and the wearing of thicker socks. However, avoid buying boots that are too large, as this can cause tripping and discomfort. A common tip is to check if you can fit about a finger's width between the back of the heel and the boot when the child is standing with their toes at the front.
By following these steps and using your measured length, you can select the most appropriate boot size for your child.
