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Women’s to Kids’ Shoe Sizing: How to Calculate
A common misconception among women is that we are restricted to the ladies wall when shoe shopping. On the contrary, there is a whole other option you may be overlooking: the kid’s section. Often misunderstood, most people associate kid’s shoes with tiny feet, which is not always the case. I am no stranger to the kid’s section. I regularly wear kid’s shoes in my #FNLstyle posts and have been doing so ever since I realized — at 12 years old — I could take all my old sneakers with me into my teenage and then adult years. 
[When I realized I could take my childhood Jordans into teenage and adulthood, I never looked back. Shoe: Jordan 12.]
How Do I Find My Size in Kid’s Shoes?
A: Understanding the size conversion is key. Women’s sizes run 1.5 sizes larger than youth sizes. To find your youth size, subtract 1.5 from your regular women’s size. For example, if you wear a women’s size 7.5, your youth size would be 6. Youth sizes go up to 7, which means any woman who wears up to a size 8.5 can find options in the kid’s section. Note: Youth sizes are equivalent to men’s sizes. So, a youth 7 is the same as a men’s 7. Formula: (your shoe size) – 1.5 = your youth size But why do this? Why wear children’s shoes? 
[White Air Force 1’s will always have a place in my heart and my closet. Shoes: Nike Air Force 1]
Why Do Women Buy Kids Shoes?
Price:
Well, there is the first and most obvious reason: price. Kid’s footwear is less expensive and also saves on sales tax. For example, the Air Force 1 comes in men’s sizes at $130, women’s at $120, and kid’s at $95. Some models, like the Air Max 270 offer an even greater price gap: $160 for a women’s size versus $130 in a youth size.
Options and Variety:
Another reason to venture into the kid’s section is the extra venue of options such as different colorways or styles. Some styles do not make it into the women’s section and can only be found in the kid’s section. Although they are now available on the Finish Line site, in the past, women’s Air Force 1’s were less common to find in stores, so I have resorted to purchasing from the kid’s section. Another example: Jordan brand offers most releases in men’s sizes, but not in women’s. However, for the ladies who love Jordans, the solution is found in none other than the kid’s section. 
[Remembering my love affair with Air Max ’90s. Shoe: Nike Air Max 90]
Are There any Drawbacks to Shopping the kid’s shoes section?
While shopping in the kid’s section offers many advantages, it is also important to be selective, as it does not work with all shoes. There are often differences in quality and materials between youth and adult shoes. Not all footwear can translate equally to women’s feet. Our shoes are built to cater to specific needs. I would recommend avoiding the kids section when shopping for running or training shoes, as they provide a different type of support. More casual footwear, however, such as Air Force 1, Jordans, or Timberland boots are perfectly fine.
[You can’t go wrong with a pair of classic Timberland boots. Shoe: Timberland 6 Inch Classic Boot]
Just to reiterate: There is absolutely nothing wrong with shopping in the kid’s section. In fact, sometimes we are left with no choice. Perhaps it’s your inner child that wants to stay a little longer, or maybe sometimes you just like having more options. Don’t be afraid to shop there – so many of us do it! And if you can save a bit of cash here and there, why not?
What should I keep in mind when shopping for kid’s shoes?
Keep in mind that many brands differ in sizes, so although I gave you a pretty foolproof formula, it is always recommended that you try your shoes on first to find your perfect fit.
GO AHEAD, GIVE IT A TRY!
Explore the kid’s section next time you’re shoe shopping—you might be pleasantly surprised at what you find, and your wallet will thank you too!
UPDATE
New Jordan box labels show Men’s and Women’s sizing (Shadow 1’s pictured)
???? @racslife_ pic.twitter.com/7ZvoWSrKx4 — J23 iPhone App (@J23app) March 20, 2018
With attention gearing towards unisex/female styles from Jordan, the brand is now including Men’s and Women’s sizes on their shoe boxes. Making life a little easier one sneaker purchase at a time. 🙂
TLDR: Women’s To Kid Sizing FAQ –
Can women shop in the kid’s shoe section?
Yes! Women’s shoe sizes often overlap with youth sizes, offering more choices and better prices.
How do I convert my women’s shoe size to a kid’s size?
Subtract 1.5 from your women’s size. For example, if you wear a size 7.5 in women’s, you’d wear a youth size 6.
Why would I want to buy kid’s shoes?
Kid’s shoes are usually cheaper and sometimes come in unique styles or colorways not available in the women’s section.
Are there any shoes I should avoid buying in the kid’s section?
Avoid buying running or training shoes in the kid’s section, as they may not offer the same support. Casual styles like Air Force 1s or Jordans are typically fine.
Are brands acknowledging women shopping in the kid’s section?
Yes! Brands like Jordan now include both men’s and women’s sizes on their boxes to simplify shopping.
