Fit & Sizing Questions
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How do I find the correct size for my kids?
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.
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 we recommend you follow the method described here.
- Put a sheet of paper along the wall and fixed to the floor using scotch tape.
- Have your kid stand on the paper, straightened, wearing socks, heels and back against the wall and feet together.
- Draw the outline of both feet and draw the straight line where the silhouette is longer. Draw another line parallel to 0.5 cm from this line so the clearance is measured.
- Finally, measure the distance from the wall to the second line you have drawn (both feet do not have to be the same length).
- This will be your reference when converting this length to a shoe size via our Size Conversion Charts
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! -
Which Trybe range should I shop in for my kid?
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.
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What is your Baby Trybe size guide? (0-1 years)
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.
Check out our full-size guide here.
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What is your Mini Trybe size guide? (1-4 years)
Mini Trybe (1-4 Yrs)
1 - 2 YEARS
STAGE = Cruising assisted 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.
Check out our full size guide here.
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What is your Little Trybe size guide? (4-9 years)
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 the style-led shoe become even more important. Footwear at this stage of a kid’s life is about meeting the needs of these additional activities.
Check out our full size guide here.
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What is the Big Trybe size guide? (9-14 years)
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.
Click here for a full-size guide.
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Why does my kid fit some brands differently?
Because each brand is different in its 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.
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How do I know if my kids shoe fit?
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!
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When should my kid start wearing their first pair of proper shoes?
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.
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How do I figure out what kind of support my kids need?
Paying attention to how they walk and run in their current shoes is key. If your kid 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 kid 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!
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How often should I be checking my kid’s feet for sizing?
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 kid is walking and the feedback they’re giving you about their shoes no matter what age.
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What size should I buy if my kid wears orthotics?
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 kid’s orthotics are if you’re not sure.
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When is a “proper fit” no longer as important for my kid?
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.
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