HOW FAST DO KIDS FEET GROW?

HOW FAST DO KIDS' FEET GROW?

Many grown ups view children’s feet as being smaller versions of their own. But they couldn’t be more different. Their bones are soft and unformed and are much more malleable. Kids feet are delicate, even up to the teenage years, so we need to take good care of them to avoid developmental problems.

It is important to understand how fast babies and kids feet grow when buying shoes for little ones. Understanding growth rates can help with sizing and minimise the need to replace shoes too often!

BELOW IS A SUMMARY OF HOW FAST BABIES AND KIDS FEET GROW:

• The first 15 months: in the first 15 months, babies' feet grow half a size every two months.
• From 15 months to 2 years: from 15 months to two years, your infant's feet will grow half a size every two to three months.
• From 2 to 3 years: From the age of two to three years, a child’s feet will continue to grow rapidly with a half a size increase every three to four months.
• From 3 years to 5 years: your child’s feet continue to grow at a rate of roughly half a size every four months. By this age the rate of kids foot growth is  slowing down compared to early months. 

Below are more details of how fast kids feet grow at each different developmental stage:

HOW FAST BABY FEET GROW: THE FIRST 15 MONTHS TO 2 YEARS

Babies grow fast. This is a fastest rate of children’s development and their feet also develop and change very quickly, so they will need shoes to suit their developmental stage.

Studies have found that in the first 15 months, babies' feet grow half a size every two months. That could mean over seven sizes long before they’re even two years old! But unless they are walking confidently, they should stay barefoot for as long as possible as it aids balance and natural development. Even when they are confident walkers, unless they are walking a lot outside, it’s not necessary to have anything other than soft sole shoes.

 From 15 months to two years, your kid’s feet will grow half a size every two to three months (that's up to one whole size every 4 to 6 months). However, with our clever removable midsole, which increases fit by half a size, this will allow them to wear their shoes for an additional 3 or 4 months. It’s still advisable to check their foot measurement every 3 months at this age if they are wearing shoes.

HOW FAST DO TODDLER FEET GROW: AGES 2 TO 3 YEARS

From the age of two to three years, a child’s feet will continue to grow rapidly… roughly 1.5mm in length every month, which equates to half a shoe size increase every three to four months. They might be cruising now, walking with a little help or full on toddling. In which case, they are ready for shoes!

At this age (and all age!) shoes should be light and flexible so they don't restrict movement or growth. Adjustability is key too which is why all ZIG+STAR shoes have easy adjustable velcro straps, which help gently hold the foot in place. All aspects of our children’s shoes have been designed in collaboration with a paediatric podiatrist to ensure every detail is perfect for developing feet.

At this age, it’s good to check their foot size every 3 to 4 months. Click here for our fit guide or a video on how to measure your kids feet.

You can shop our range of infant shoes that support healthy foot development online at ZIG+STAR. 

HOW FAST DO KIDS FEET GROW: AGES 3 - 5 YEARS...

From three years to five years, the rate of your child’s foot growth starts to slow down and their feet grow at a rate of roughly half a size every four months.

As they develop, kids get less wobbly and more active… they’ll need shoes that suit their needs and their growth spurts. Running, jumping and climbing requires a good pair of shoes that are flexible and durable. Grippy soles are also key which is why ZIG+STAR only uses natural rubber on our outsoles, and breathable, durable non-toxic leather for all our uppers. Plus all our designs are child-friendly for those developing fine motor skills with easy on-off straps for independence and easily grippable zip pulls on all our boots.

Plus our kids shoes come in a range of cool, unisex colours… Who said you have to choose between style and function? Check out our range of fun AND podiatrist approved children’s shoes here.

HOW FAST DO KIDS FEET GROW: AGES 5 TO 10 YEARS...

This is when kids foot growth really starts to slow... About half a size every 6-8 months, sometimes longer! It's still advisable to check their measurement every 6 months - use our printable fitting chart here. At this stage, our removable midsole could be adding an additional year of wear, if not more!

 

WHEN DO KIDS FEET STOP GROWING?

There are lots of variables that may affect your child's foot growth, especially later on in their childhood and teen years as hormones start to kick in.

Girls’ feet will usually stop growing at 14, while boys’ feet commonly stop growing at 16. By this age, their feet are turning into fully developed adult feet with fully grown bones, ligaments and strong foot muscles. Sometimes feet don't reach full size until 20-21 years old, teenagers can often have a growth spurt which includes their feet growing accordingly. Every individual is different and it can depend on growth rates and hormonal changes. 

 

SO HOW DO OUR SHOES GROW?

At ZIG+STAR, we have created an innovative removable midsole (hidden underneath the insock) that increases the fit by half a size, allowing months and months of extra wear! That's less shoes to buy, less waste and lower impact! With over 24 billion pairs of shoes ending in landfill every year, we can all do our bit by investing in well made, durable shoes that last as long as possible. And when you're done, don't forget to use our Trade In scheme, where we will actually pay you to return your old shoes to us! We will either repair, resell, donate or recycle them and stop any ZIG+STARs ending in landfill

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