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Skate & Street Footwear Guide

Vans Kids Shoe Size Chart & Sizing Guide [Classic & Slip-On]

Vans kids shoes are legendary for skate style and vulcanized rubber grip. While lace-up models like the Old Skool fit true to size, Classic Slip-On models feature elastic side accents that can feel tight over high insteps.

Lace-Up Styles

True to Size

Old Skool & Authentic

Classic Slip-Ons

Snug on High Arches

Consider 0.5 size up for instep

Sizing System

Unisex

Identical for boys & girls

Vans Kids Official Size Chart

Vulcanized Waffle Sole
US Kids Size Category UK Size EU Size Foot Length (CM) Inches
0C Newborn (0–6 weeks) 0 15 7.6 cm 2.99"
1C 0–3 months 0.5 16 8.5 cm 3.35"
2C 3–6 months 1 17 9.2 cm 3.62"
3C 6–9 months 2 18 10.0 cm 3.94"
3.5C 8–10 months 2.5 18.5 10.4 cm 4.09"
4C 9–12 months 3 19 10.8 cm 4.25"
4.5C 10–12 months 3.5 19.5 11.2 cm 4.41"
5C 12–15 months 4 20 11.6 cm 4.57"
5.5C 13–15 months 4.5 21 12.0 cm 4.72"
6C 15–18 months 5 22 12.5 cm 4.92"
6.5C 16–18 months 5.5 22.5 12.9 cm 5.08"
7C 1.5–2 years 6 23 13.3 cm 5.24"
7.5C 19–24 months 6.5 23.5 13.7 cm 5.39"
8C 2–2.5 years 7 24 14.1 cm 5.55"
8.5C 2–2.5 years 7.5 25 14.5 cm 5.71"
9C 2.5–3 years 8 25.5 14.9 cm 5.87"
9.5C 2.5–3 years 8.5 26 15.3 cm 6.02"
10C 3–3.5 years 9 27 15.7 cm 6.18"
10.5C 3–3.5 years 9.5 27.5 16.1 cm 6.34"
11C 3.5–4 years 10 28 16.5 cm 6.50"
11.5C 3.5–4.5 years 10.5 28.5 17.0 cm 6.69"
12C 4–5 years 11 29 17.4 cm 6.85"
12.5C 4.5–5.5 years 11.5 30 17.8 cm 7.01"
13C 5–6 years 12 31 18.2 cm 7.17"
13.5C 5.5–6 years 12.5 31.5 18.7 cm 7.36"
1Y 6–7 years 13 32 19.1 cm 7.52"
1.5Y 6.5–7 years 13.5 33 19.5 cm 7.68"
2Y 7–7.5 years 1 33.5 20.0 cm 7.87"
2.5Y 7.5–8 years 1.5 34 20.4 cm 8.03"
3Y 8–8.5 years 2 35 20.8 cm 8.19"
3.5Y 8.5–9 years 2.5 35.5 21.3 cm 8.39"
4Y 9–9.5 years 3 36 21.7 cm 8.54"
4.5Y 9.5–10 years 3.5 36.5 22.1 cm 8.70"
5Y 10–10.5 years 4 37.5 22.6 cm 8.90"
5.5Y 10.5–11 years 4.5 38 23.0 cm 9.06"
6Y 11–11.5 years 5 38.5 23.5 cm 9.25"
6.5Y 11.5–12 years 5.5 39 23.9 cm 9.41"
7Y 12+ years 6 40 24.5 cm 9.65"

Key Vans Sizing & Fitting Rules

  • ✓ For toddlers and preschoolers, choose models with hook-and-loop (Velcro) straps instead of traditional laces for easier on-and-off.
  • ✓ Vans feature flat, zero-drop vulcanized waffle soles which provide excellent ground feedback for growing feet.
  • ✓ Check toe clearance frequently; the durable rubber toe bumper does not stretch like mesh sneakers.
Helpful for grown-ups

Frequently Asked Questions

Helpful fit allowances, measuring wisdom, and sizing advice for parents.

Do Vans kids shoes run big or small?

Vans lace-up styles (like the Old Skool and Authentic) generally fit true to size. However, Classic Slip-On styles feature elastic side accents that can feel snug or difficult to slip on for children with high insteps or chubby toddler feet.

Are Vans kids sizes unisex?

Yes. Vans footwear is built on unisex lasts, meaning sizes are identical for boys and girls.

How do Vans Toddler vs Little Kid sizes work?

Vans Toddler sizes span 4C to 10C (often featuring velcro straps or elastic laces). Little Kid sizes span 11C to 3Y, while Big Kid (Youth) sizes span 3.5Y to 7Y.

Do Vans stretch over time?

Canvas uppers will soften slightly with wear, but the vulcanized rubber foxing tape and toe bumper will not stretch in length. Always ensure 10mm to 12mm of toe clearance.