When Do Kids' Feet Stop Growing? Get Ready for Those Shoes

Brace Yourself for the Shoe Buying Rollercoaster
The adventure of buying shoes for your little one often kicks off before they even arrive. Who can resist those adorable little checkered Vans? As your child grows, their feet seem to expand even faster, turning what was once a fun shopping experience into a chaotic race against time. You may feel like you’re purchasing new shoes every week, and sometimes they might even outgrow a pair before they get to wear them! It’s easy to joke about investing in children’s shoe companies, but by the time your child reaches 9 or 10, you might find yourself asking, “When do feet stop growing?” Get ready; it’s a longer journey than you might expect.

According to Dr. Emily Carter, co-founder of an evidence-based medical platform, “It’s perfectly normal for parents to find themselves replacing their children’s shoes every few months. Most people’s feet stop growing by the age of 20 or 21, but some individuals report foot size increases even in adulthood.” So yes, you might be buying shoes for your “kid” well into their college years. While they may eventually start curating their own shoe collection, you’ll still find yourself accompanying them on shopping trips for quite some time. But hey, those growing feet are a sign that your child is healthy and thriving. If frequent shoe purchases are putting a strain on your finances, here are a few tips to manage it.

When Do Feet Experience the Most Growth?

“There are specific ages when kids experience growth spurts, which affect their entire body—not just their feet,” explains Dr. Carter. “Children may suddenly need to jump up one or two shoe sizes during these phases.” Every child is unique, and factors like genetics and the timing of puberty can influence how long their feet continue to grow. The average onset of puberty is typically around 11 for girls and 12 for boys, but this phase can last several years, marked by significant growth spurts. As your child’s growth begins to slow, it may indicate that puberty is coming to an end—fingers crossed!

Maximizing the Lifespan of Shoes for Growing Feet

“While it can be costly to buy shoes every six months, it’s completely normal,” Dr. Carter emphasizes. Having multiple pairs of shoes for daily use can help extend their lifespan. If your budget allows, investing in a couple of quality pairs for school or outings is a good idea, but consider cheaper alternatives for playtime.

Here are some money-saving strategies to keep in mind:

Measure Regularly: Have your child’s feet measured frequently. Stores like Stride Rite can assist with accurate measurements, and kids might prefer a stranger to do it.
Shop Consignment: Consider visiting consignment stores. Not all shoes need to be brand new, and you can often find gently-used options. Just be cautious about the wear and fit when choosing used shoes.
Don’t Stress About Fancy Shoes: While it’s great to have a few high-quality pairs, having a couple of inexpensive “play shoes” can save you money in the long run. Save the pricier ones for school and special occasions.

As a side note, many toddlers start out flat-footed as they are still developing. Allowing them to go barefoot can help improve their balance and coordination. If you ever have concerns about their gait, consulting a doctor or podiatrist is advisable.

If your child has quickly outgrown their new shoes, there are tricks to extend their life. One method is to fill a zip-lock bag halfway with water, place it inside the shoes, and freeze it. As the water freezes, it will expand, providing your child with a bit more room for their toes.

For more great tips on parenting and growing families, check out our other blog posts, like this one on home insemination. Additionally, you can find valuable resources on pregnancy at Kindbody and check out Make A Mom for expert insights on artificial insemination.

Summary

Children’s feet grow rapidly, often leading to frequent shoe purchases from an early age. Most kids will stop growing around 20-21 years old, but some may experience changes well into adulthood. Growth spurts can occur during specific ages, particularly during puberty. To save money on shoes, parents can measure their child’s feet regularly, shop at consignment stores, and have a variety of shoes for different occasions. Allowing kids to go barefoot can also support their development.