Table of Contents
How to Measure Your Child's Feet
Incorrect sizing is the #1 reason parents return kids' roller skates. Follow these 4 steps to get an accurate measurement every time:
Stand on Paper
Place a sheet of paper on a hard floor, against a wall. Have your child stand on it with their heel touching the wall, wearing the socks they'd skate in (above-ankle recommended).
Mark the Longest Toe
Hold a pencil vertically and mark the tip of the longest toe (not always the big toe). Keep the pencil straight — angling it will give an inaccurate measurement.
Measure in CM
Use a ruler to measure from the wall edge to the pencil mark. Measure both feet — children often have one foot 3-5mm longer. Use the larger measurement.
Add Growth Room
Adjustable skates: add 0.5cm. Fixed-size skates: add 1.0cm. Find your measurement in the size chart below.
Complete Kids Size Chart
This chart covers the full kids range from toddler (EU 26) through pre-teen (EU 38). Highlighted rows indicate the most common adjustable skate ranges in our product line.
| EU Size | US Kids | UK | Foot Length (cm) | Typical Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26 | 9C | 8.5 | 16.0 | 3 yrs |
| 27 | 10C | 9 | 16.5 | 3–4 yrs |
| 28 | 11C | 10 | 17.0 | 4 yrs |
| 29 | 12C | 11 | 18.0 | 4–5 yrs |
| 30 | 12.5C | 11.5 | 18.5 | 5 yrs |
| 31 | 13C | 12.5 | 19.0 | 5–6 yrs |
| 32 | 1Y | 13 | 19.5 | 6–7 yrs |
| 33 | 2Y | 1 | 20.5 | 7–8 yrs |
| 34 | 2.5Y | 1.5 | 21.0 | 8–9 yrs |
| 35 | 3.5Y | 2.5 | 21.5 | 9–10 yrs |
| 36 | 4Y | 3.5 | 22.5 | 10–11 yrs |
| 37 | 5Y | 4 | 23.0 | 11–12 yrs |
| 38 | 5.5Y / 6W | 5 | 23.5 | 12+ → Adult |
Adjustable vs Fixed-Size: Which to Choose
| Factor | Adjustable | Fixed-Size |
|---|---|---|
| Size Range | 4 EU sizes | 1 EU size |
| Lifespan | 2-3 years | 6-12 months |
| Fit Precision | Good (not perfect) | Excellent |
| Cost per Year | Lower ✓ | Higher |
| Best Age | 3-12 (growing) | 12+ (stabilized) |
| Performance Level | Recreational | Competition-ready |
Age-to-Size Quick Reference
These are average ranges — individual children vary significantly. Always measure rather than relying on age alone.
Ages 3–5
EU 26-29
Foot: 16.0-18.0cm
US 9C-12C
Ages 6–9
EU 30-33
Foot: 18.5-20.5cm
US 12.5C-2Y
Ages 10–12
EU 34-37
Foot: 21.0-23.0cm
US 2.5Y-5Y
How to Check the Fit
Once skates arrive, use this 5-point checklist to verify the fit before your child starts skating:
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I measure my child's feet for roller skates?
Stand your child on a piece of paper with their heel against a wall. Trace the outline of both feet. Measure from the wall to the tip of the longest toe in centimeters. Use the larger measurement and add 0.5cm for adjustable skates or 1.0cm for fixed-size skates. Compare to the manufacturer's size chart.
Are kids roller skate sizes the same as shoe sizes?
No. Roller skate sizing varies by brand and model. EU skate sizes are generally the most consistent. US and UK sizes can differ by 0.5-1 size compared to street shoes. Always measure foot length in centimeters and match to the specific model's size chart.
Should I buy roller skates a size bigger for my child to grow into?
No — oversized skates are dangerous. A skate that's too large causes ankle roll, blisters, and loss of control. Instead, buy adjustable roller skates that span 4 EU sizes. Set them to your child's current size and expand as they grow.
What is the difference between adjustable and fixed-size kids skates?
Adjustable skates use a push-button toe mechanism to extend the boot, typically spanning 4 EU sizes per setting. Fixed-size skates come in a single EU size, like shoes. Adjustable skates are ideal for growing children (ages 3-12).
At what age do children switch from kids to adult roller skate sizes?
Typically around age 12-14, when foot length exceeds 23cm (EU 37). Girls often transition earlier (around EU 36-37) while boys may reach EU 38-39 before switching.