Do Toddler Shoes Come in Half Sizes? A Podiatrist's Answer
Half sizes are essential for a perfect fit and healthy foot development, preventing problems from ill-fitting shoes. You can find out if your kid needs to go half a size down or up by following our simple measuring guide.


Updated September 12, 2025

Finding the perfect pair of shoes for your toddler can feel like a puzzle. With how fast they grow, it’s a constant struggle to get the right fit. Many parents wonder: "Do toddler shoes even come in half sizes?"
Both toddlers and older kids can benefit from half sizes, which give a more precise and comfortable fit.
The Short Answer: Do Toddler Shoes Come in Half Sizes?
Yes, high-quality children's shoe brands offer half sizes to provide a more precise and comfortable fit for growing feet. Unlike generic full sizes, half sizes bridge the gap, so your kid's shoes are neither too tight nor too loose.
Why Toddler Half-Size Shoes Make a Difference
Choosing the correct shoe size is one of the most important things you can do for your toddler's foot health.
Here’s why a half size is often the best choice:
Optimal Wiggle Room: A half size gives your child's toes the exact amount of space they need to move and splay naturally. This "wiggle room" is essential for proper bone and muscle development.
Preventing Foot Problems: Shoes that are too small can lead to painful issues like blisters, bunions, and ingrown toenails [1,2]. On the other hand, shoes that are too big can cause tripping and affect your toddler's balance. A half-size helps prevent both.
Accommodating Growth Spurts: Toddlers' feet can grow up to half a size every few months. A half-size shoe can provide a bit more life and value out of your purchase, perfectly accommodating those unpredictable growth spurts.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Measuring Your Toddler's Feet at Home
To find the perfect half-size shoe, you need to start with an accurate measurement. Follow these simple steps:
Get Them Standing: Have your toddler stand on a piece of paper on a hard, flat surface.
Trace and Measure: Trace around both of their feet, holding the pencil straight up. Measure the length from the heel to the tip of the longest toe for both feet.
Use the Larger Foot: Always use the measurement of the larger foot when choosing a size.
Add a Little Space: For a perfect fit, add about a half-inch of extra space to the measurement for comfort and growth. This is where the half-size advantage truly comes into play.
Why First Walkers Australia Prioritizes a Perfect Fit
At First Walkers Australia, we understand that a proper fit is the foundation of healthy walking. Our shoes are not just designed; they are engineered.
Designed by Podiatrists: Every pair of First Walkers shoes is developed in collaboration with podiatrists and pediatric specialists. You get shoes with flexible soles, reinforced support, and wide toe boxes to promote natural foot development.
Precision Sizing: You can browse a full range of sizes, including half sizes, because that one millimeter can make all the difference. First Walkers' commitment to precision ensures your child is wearing a shoe that feels custom-made for their unique feet.
Get the Half-Size Advantage
When it comes to your toddler's developing feet, precision matters more than convenience. Half sizes aren't just a luxury; they're an essential tool for ensuring your child's comfort, safety, and healthy foot development. "
Remember, your toddler's feet are the foundation for a lifetime of walking, running, and exploring. Taking the extra time to measure accurately and choose the right half size today can prevent foot problems tomorrow and give your little one the confidence to take on the world.
Don't let your child's potential be limited by ill-fitting shoes. Make half sizes your first choice, and watch as proper footwear becomes the stepping stone to their next adventure.
References:
- “Blisters,” Cleveland Clinic, Jul. 31, 2025. Available: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16787-blisters
- “Bunions (Hallux valgus),” Cleveland Clinic, Jun. 02, 2025. Available: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14386-bunions-hallux-valgus
Disclaimer: First Walkers' information is intended for educational and informational purposes related to toddler footwear and feet. We encourage you to consider individual circumstances and consult qualified orthopaedists about specific conditions.
FAQs
How much space should be at the end of a toddler's shoe?
A general rule is to have about half an inch of space (about a thumb's width) between the end of the longest toe and the tip of the shoe. This ensures enough room for toes to move and for healthy growth.
What are the signs of a poorly fitting shoe?
Look for signs such as redness on the toes or heels, blisters, an uneven walking gait, or a toddler who frequently wants to take their shoes off. These are all indicators that the shoes may be too tight, too loose, or improperly designed.
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