Fit & Sizing Questions

Sizes can vary by style and by brand, so we know getting the right size can be a little tricky. We've done some of the hard work for you with our size converter which includes CM measurements in every brand.

View Size Conversion Charts

You can also view our size conversion charts on every individual product page, just look out for the options below when shopping any style.

How to measure:

To ensure you choose the correct size for your feet we recommend you follow the method described here.

When you find a sneaker that you like, simply select your preferred size metric (US/EU/UK) and choose your size. 

Already own a pair of shoes in the brand?
Generally sizing tends to be standard across brands, although sizes can vary slightly depending on the style, shape and material of the shoe. The size of the pair that you already own is a good guide!

Having trouble deciding which range you should be shopping in? To ensure you get the correct size, we've included a table below to help you out!

Ranges

0-1 Years - will best fit our Baby Trybe range

1-4 Years -will best fit our Toddler range

4-9 Years -will best fit our Kids range.

9-14 Years -will best fit our Youth range.

Baby Trybe (0-1 Yrs)

STAGE = They are not walking or crawling yet. Sitting and some crawling taking place.

ADVICE = Super soft, unrestricted shoes are what they need. A second layer on their delicate feet is important to provide them with protection and comfort whilst ensuring a secure grip. Keep to the super soft Baby Trybe (infant) styles until your kid has been walking unassisted and confidently for at least 6-8 weeks.

Mini Trybe (1-4 Yrs)

1 - 2 YEARS

STAGE = Cruising, assisted walking, and walking - crawling on occasion.

ADVICE = First time walkers have a unique foot shape. Try opting for more flexible styles as the shoe should be enabling unrestricted development.

STAGE = Cruising, assisted walking and walking - crawling on occasion.

ADVICE = First-time walkers have a unique foot shape. Try opting for more flexible styles as the shoe should be enabling unrestricted development.

2 - 4 YEARS

STAGE = Toddling, walking, running. Confident on their feet. At this stage children are starting to have more of a say in what shoes they want to wear.

ADVICE = A confident walker has a more developed, but still unique foot shape. Footwear that provides the best possible flexibility whilst adding grip for kids on the go is most important

Little Trybe (4-9 Yrs)

STAGE = Running, jumping, kicking, climbing. Full range of activity. The fit is important as the shoe needs to meet the needs of these additional activities. 

ADVICE = With even more action taking place into later childhood, a robust, design and style-led shoe becomes even more important. Footwear at this stage of a kid’s life is about meeting the needs of these additional activities.

Big Trybe (9-14 Yrs)

STAGE =Big Trybe Kids might have their own preferences and are maybe more aware of brands they like. The fit is still really important because kids feet are generally still growing at the stage.

ADVICE = Asking about shoes they’ve had that ‘work for them’ will be a good point to start.

Because each brand is different in their own way and each makes their shoes in their own unique fashion, sizes will sometimes convert a little differently. We advise referring to size guides for every brand you are checking out.

Does your kid have a wider foot? Do they currently require any specific support such as arch or heel? Generally, a wider foot will benefit from more arch support especially while the foot is growing.If the toe shape of the shoe is rounder or “square” there will be more room and generally a wider fit. Unless specifically stated as a “WIDE” fit, The Trybe always sells the standard width shoes in all brands and styles available. 

Kids' feet swell through the day—have them try on shoes in the late afternoon and make sure they are wearing their typical socks—not too thin or too thick. When trying on shoes, allow approximately 1cm (or a thumb width) from their longest toe to the end of the shoe to leave room to grow. Have them run, jump and walk inside to make sure the shoes are secure and comfortable before showing them off outdoors.

Baby, Mini and Little Trybe babes it’s important to understand how they are currently walking in their shoes. Do they walk on their toes often? Do they walk quite heavy or are prone to dragging their feet? These factors will affect the choice of fit because for these age brackets it’s crucial that their footwear pushes their growth in the right way to help prevent problems in their teen/adult life, but it needs to push them in the right way to ensure comfort and wearability.

See our articles on the different Trybe stages to help guide you here. 

When a kid is trying on a shoe for the first time a Trybe Champion should ensure the following:

1. Your kids’ heel is sitting snuggly at the back of the shoe.

2. The fastening is done up correctly and tightly without causing discomfort or pain.

3. Ensure there is enough room between the longest toe and the end of the shoe for growth. (Approximately between 0.5 & 1cm)

4. Run your hand across the top of the shoe over the toes. The material should ripple slightly indicating there is some room for movement between the top of the toes and the inside of the shoe. If there isn’t a ripple the shoe may be too tight and/or not wide enough.

You can measure at home!

Your little one might not need shoes until they start walking on their own.

On average this might occur around 4 weeks after your toddler has started taking their first steps. That’s when we recommend checking out our Baby Trybe range!

This first pair will likely be a soft pre-walking shoe that gives them enough protection and a little support while they’re starting out.

Paying attention to how they walk and run in their current shoes is key. If your child is prone to walking on the balls of their feet, then we suggest getting them a pair that’s a bit more weighted towards the heel to encourage them to walk more evenly. If you find your child is complaining that their shoes are too tight then they might need a wider fit, not a longer one.

Using our at home guide and utilising the size charts will be super useful!

On average we suggest that you check every 3 months for kids under the age of 3 years old.

After that, a 6-month check is usually enough, though we do always suggest keeping an eye on how your child is walking and the feedback they’re giving you about their shoes no matter what age.

Generally, you’ll find orthotics take up 0.5-1cm in all shoes, so we recommend adding on 0.5-1cm to the measurements when you check out our measuring/sizing guide.

You can always ask your Podiatrist how wide/thick your child’s orthotics are if you’re not sure.

Kids feet stop growing (on average) around their mid-teens, though even when your kid's foot starts looking like an adult’s it’s still important to look after them while they’re still growing/developing.