Buying kids’ shoes online can save Australian parents time, provide access to more styles and make it easier to compare prices. The difficult part is choosing the correct size and finding a shoe that will remain comfortable through school days, family outings and active play.
This practical guide explains how to measure your child’s feet at home, interpret online size information, check the fit of new shoes and choose suitable footwear for different occasions. It will help you make a more confident decision without relying only on your child’s age or their previous shoe size.
What Should Parents Look for When Buying Kids’ Shoes Online?
The best-priced shoe is not necessarily the pair with the lowest advertised price. A shoe that fits properly, suits the intended activity and withstands regular wear can provide better value than a cheaper pair that is quickly outgrown or uncomfortable.
Before ordering, check the following:
| What to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Foot-length measurement | Children’s sizes vary between brands, so centimetres are usually more dependable than age alone. |
| Width and toe shape | The front of the shoe should follow the natural shape of the foot and allow the toes to move. |
| Closure | Velcro, laces or adjustable straps help secure the shoe and reduce unwanted heel movement. |
| Upper material | The material influences breathability, flexibility, care requirements and durability. |
| Sole | The sole should suit the activity and provide a practical balance of flexibility, cushioning and grip. |
| Size chart | Always use the chart for the specific brand or model rather than assuming every size system is identical. |
| Returns policy | A clear return process is important when your child cannot try the shoes on before purchase. |
How to Measure Your Child’s Feet at Home
Measure both feet before ordering, even if you already know your child’s usual size. Children’s feet grow quickly, and one foot can be slightly longer than the other.
- Place a sheet of paper on a hard floor against a wall.
- Ask your child to wear the type of socks they will normally wear with the shoes.
- Have your child stand upright with their heel lightly touching the wall and their weight distributed naturally across both feet.
- Mark the paper at the end of the longest toe.
- Measure the distance from the wall-facing edge of the paper to the mark.
- Repeat the process for the other foot.
- Use the longer measurement when comparing the result with the product’s size chart.
For a growing child, the shoe should generally have approximately 1 cm of space between the longest toe and the end of the shoe. This guidance is consistent with Healthdirect’s advice on choosing children’s shoes. This space should not be achieved by choosing a shoe that is excessively wide or loose around the heel.
Understanding AU, UK, US and EU Kids’ Shoe Sizes
Online footwear listings may display Australian, UK, US or European sizes. These labels can be useful, but conversions are not always identical between brands or shoe shapes.
For the most reliable result:
- Start with your child’s foot length in centimetres.
- Use the size chart shown on the specific product page.
- Confirm whether the listed size is AU, UK, US or EU.
- Do not choose a size based only on age.
- If the measurement falls between two sizes, ask the retailer about the model’s internal length and width before ordering.
Different shoe styles can also fit differently within the same brand. A narrow dress shoe, wide school shoe and high-top boot might not feel identical even when the size label is the same.
How to Check the Fit When the Shoes Arrive
Ask your child to try the shoes indoors on a clean surface while wearing their usual socks. Check both shoes rather than testing only one foot.
Toe room
Gently check the location of the longest toe while your child is standing. There should be growing room, but the shoe should not be so long that your child has difficulty walking naturally.
Width and depth
The toes should not be compressed or pushed over one another. Look for pressure around the sides of the foot and across the top of the shoe. Adjustable closures can improve the fit, but they should not be used to compensate for a shoe that is fundamentally too narrow or too wide.
Heel fit
The heel should feel secure without rubbing. A small amount of natural movement can occur, but the foot should not repeatedly lift out of the shoe while walking.
Walking test
Have your child walk, turn and gently bend in the shoes. Ask whether they notice rubbing, pinching, pressure or slipping. Also watch whether their walking looks comfortable and natural.
Do not rely solely on your child saying the shoes feel fine. Younger children might not recognise or explain pressure from a tight shoe, so a physical fit check remains important.
Choosing Shoes for School, Play and Special Occasions
School shoes
School footwear is often worn for many hours at a time. Look for a secure closure, comfortable interior, practical toe shape and a sole suitable for classrooms and playground use. Black leather school shoes are popular because they can complement uniform requirements and are generally straightforward to wipe clean.
Everyday sneakers
For casual outings and everyday play, prioritise secure fastening, flexibility and a design appropriate for your child’s activity. Velcro can be convenient for younger children, while laces can provide greater adjustment when they are tied correctly.
Boots
Kids’ boots can be useful for cooler weather, outdoor outings and outfits that need more coverage. Check that the ankle opening is comfortable and that the boot can be adjusted without restricting natural movement.
Sandals
Choose sandals with straps that hold the foot securely. The toes and heel should remain within the sole rather than extending over its edges. For active use, avoid designs that slide around or rely on a single loose strap.
Dress and party shoes
Appearance matters for celebrations and formal events, but fit should remain the priority. Select a style that stays securely on the foot and allows your child to walk comfortably throughout the occasion.
Are Genuine Leather Shoes a Good Choice for Children?
Well-constructed leather footwear can offer a useful combination of durability, flexibility and breathability. Leather can soften with wear and adapt to the foot more naturally than some rigid materials. It is also relatively easy to maintain when cared for according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
However, the word “leather” does not automatically guarantee a good fit. Parents should still check the shoe’s length, width, depth, lining, closure and sole. The correct shape and size are more important than choosing a material solely because of its label.
Leather shoes should generally be wiped with a soft, dry or slightly damp cloth, kept away from direct heat and allowed to dry naturally if they become damp. Always follow the care instructions supplied with the individual product.
How Often Should You Recheck Your Child’s Shoe Size?
Children do not always mention when their shoes have become tight. Healthdirect recommends checking footwear every one to three months for children under three and approximately every four months until five years of age.
For older children, check regularly and remeasure whenever you notice:
- toes reaching the end of the shoe;
- red marks, rubbing or blisters;
- difficulty putting the shoes on;
- complaints of pressure or discomfort;
- changes in walking while wearing the shoes;
- the upper stretching or bulging around the toes; or
- soles becoming excessively worn or uneven.
If your child has persistent foot pain, limping, recurring discomfort or concerns about walking, seek advice from a doctor or qualified podiatrist rather than relying on footwear changes alone.
Getting Better Value When Buying Kids’ Shoes Online
Price is important, particularly when children are growing quickly, but value should include expected use, construction, fit and return options.
Before purchasing:
- Compare the current sale price with the product’s materials and construction.
- Read the full description rather than relying on the product title.
- Review every product photo, including the sole, closure and size chart.
- Confirm that the required size is in stock.
- Check delivery costs and expected dispatch times.
- Read the retailer’s return conditions before ordering.
- Avoid buying several sizes larger solely to extend the life of the shoe.
A very oversized shoe can move around the foot, affect comfort and make active play more difficult. A modest amount of growing room is preferable to choosing a pair that does not currently fit.
Shop Kids’ Shoes Online at LeatherKart Australia
LeatherKart offers a selection of children’s footwear for school, casual wear, family outings and special occasions. Parents can explore the complete kids’ shoes collection online or browse the available Tuskey kids’ footwear range.
When comparing models, check the product-specific materials, closure, available sizes, images and size chart. If you are uncertain about a measurement, contact LeatherKart with the child’s longer foot measurement and the model you are considering before placing the order.
You can also review LeatherKart’s returns policy before purchasing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much growing room should a child’s shoe have?
As a general guide, allow approximately 1 cm between the longest toe and the front of the shoe. The heel and width should still feel secure rather than loose.
Should I buy kids’ shoes based on age?
No. Age ranges are only approximate because children grow at different rates. Measure both feet and use the longer measurement with the product-specific size chart.
Should I automatically order the next size up?
Not necessarily. First compare the measured foot length with the exact chart for that model. Ordering a larger size without checking can result in a shoe that slips or feels unstable.
Are Australian and UK kids’ shoe sizes always the same?
Do not assume that sizes are interchangeable. Labelling and fit can differ by brand, manufacturer and style. Confirm the sizing system displayed on each product page.
Are leather shoes suitable for school?
Leather can be a practical school-shoe material because it is generally durable and relatively easy to maintain. The individual shoe must still fit properly and comply with the school’s uniform requirements.
What should I do if my child is between sizes?
Contact the retailer with both foot measurements and ask about the internal length and width of the specific model. This is more reliable than choosing based only on a general conversion chart.
Final Checklist for Parents
- Measure both feet while your child is standing.
- Use the longer foot measurement.
- Check the product-specific size chart.
- Allow appropriate toe room without making the heel loose.
- Choose a closure and sole suited to the intended activity.
- Test the shoes indoors as soon as they arrive.
- Recheck the fit regularly as your child grows.
- Review delivery and return conditions before purchasing.
With accurate measurements and a careful fit check, buying kids’ shoes online can be straightforward and convenient. The aim is not simply to find the cheapest pair, but to choose footwear that fits comfortably, suits your child’s daily activities and offers sensible value for your family.
This article provides general buying and fitting information and is not medical advice. If you are concerned about your child’s feet, walking or persistent discomfort, consult a doctor or podiatrist.
