Australia doesn’t have its own sizing for children’s shoes. Most of the big stores we know use UK or English sizing. Stores that stock a variety of international brands display the UK or European sizes. Occasionally brands made in the US may come up larger (because sizing there is different again). If you look at the label inside the shoes, you will usually find the size conversions.

We recently spotted this size chart at our local Big W store which we found useful for converting UK to European shoes sizes. We found a similar chart in Target. If you’re shopping for shoes and finding it hard to locate the right size we suggest looking around for this type of size chart.

The shoe sizing charts we’ve seen come with a disclaimer that the conversions are a guide only, you should always try shoes on to ensure the best fit.

UK to European shoe size discrepancies – size 8 and 9 watch out!

An issue Mum noticed when looking at children’s shoe sizing charts is that there are discrepancies between the conversions made at different stores, for example for a children’s size 8 or 9. I have seen a UK size 8 converted to a European 25 or 26. I asked our local Clarks supplier in Sydney and they told me that a European 26 is actually an English 8.5. The problem seems to be that the sizing doesn’t convert exactly; some stores round up and others round down. This problem may affect other sizes.

Where to buy good quality \ Clarks shoes in Australia?

Our children don’t have loads of different shoes; one decent pair per season seems to do them nicely. We buy a good quality pair of shoes and get them professionally fitted.

In Sydney we’re familiar with Myer department store and Shoes and Sox footwear stores as being places to go for a children’s measuring service and to find good quality shoes. As well as Clarks we’ve seen plenty of other good quality brands such as Geox, Start-rite and Papaya. Visit the Shoes and Sox website to locate a store near you and read more about the brands available, they have stores throughout Australia.

If you don’t want to spend a fortune on shoes you could use one of these fitting services to ensure you know what size you’re looking for and then visit other stores – cheeky but effective!

What shoes do children wear to school in Australia?

Many parents, particularly those relocating to Australia from the UK, will be used to buying Clarks school shoes. Clarks are a highly regarded brand for children due to their quality, durability and fit. Clarks measure and fit children’s shoes to length and width which ultimately means they are the best type of shoe for children. If they are going to be worn daily they need to be good shoes.

At my son’s school in Sydney children wear formal school shoes with their standard school uniform and trainers with their sports uniform (also called sneakers, running shoes or sand shoes depending who you speak to). Formal school shoes are plain black with laces,a buckle or Velcro fastening. Trainers tend to be white or black.

The good news is that Clarks shoes are available in Australia; the bad news is that they’re much more expensive than the UK. Clarks school shoes in Australia will set parents back $80 – $100 per pair.

We’ve noticed that some schools are less strict about the shoes vs trainers distinction. Many children we know have black trainers that they wear all week. If you’re arranging uniform before arriving in Australia we suggest you check requirements on the uniform list.

Ready to go walk about? Please share children’s footwear tips, sizing observations, services or products with families relocating to Australia in the comments below. Thank you.

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