For detailed instructions on how to measure your child's foot, please click here to view our How-To Sizing Guide.

SANDAL SIZING: Sandals tend to run big since they are usually worn without socks. If your child falls between two sizes, choose the smaller size.

BOOT SIZING: Boots tend to run small due to sheepskin lining and (often) thicker socks. It is usually safe to go up at least one size when buying Soft Star boots for your child.  The North Star is a more "fitted" style, so order a wide if you plan to wear with thick socks or if you want a roomy fit.

MOCCASIN NOTES: The good thing about soft, moccasin-style shoes (like the Roo or Viley) is that extra length is generally not a problem, so you can often buy with growing room. Your child's foot will slide right to the front of our moccasins and the excess length will be in the back behind their ankle—no worries about tripping over extra length at the toe. Think of it like a glove for their feet. The moc style shoe is very forgiving if too big, which is a good thing if you are on a budget.

If your child has thick or chubby feet, be sure to indicate you need a wide width. If your child has EXTRA wide feet, please read this.

Printable Tools for KID Sizes:

Click on any of the PDF files below for another tool to check size for your kids. 

IMPORTANT!   Make certain page scaling is set to "None" and NOT to "Fit to page."

Once printed,  double check to verify the ruler on the page matches identically to your own ruler at home. If they are off by even the slightest amount then this guide will not work. You can always contact us and ask us to mail you the general kid sizing guide, too.

General	Size 5	Size 6	Size 7	Size 8
Size 9	Size 10	Size 11	Size 12	Size 13

COMPARISON CHART  Suede or Smooth Leather?   Suede or Grippy Sole? Compare the best moccasin for you:

Compare UPPERS	Suede "Roo" Upper	Smooth Leather "Viley" Upper
	Very durable. Most soft & comfortable style.  Most breathable. Economical. Available with suede or grippy sole.	Even more durable than suede—better for people who are "hard" on their shoes. Water resistant upper. Easier to keep clean from dirt and spills—better for people who are particular about how their shoes look over time. Available with suede or grippy sole.
Compare SOLES	Suede Soles	Grippy T-Rex Soles
	Genuine sheepskin innersole. Softest, most comfortable sole. Best for the true barefooter. Sole will patina with wear, forming a thin skin that is slightly water resistant and very durable. Initially non-slip. Possible to run and slide (if you want) on smooth floors once they are broken-in. Can be worn outdoors on dry days.	Genuine sheepskin innersole. A rubberized fabric is bonded to the suede soles for an extra layer of grip. This is NOT a rubber sole, but a thin rubber layer that covers the suede sole to prevent sliding on smooth floors.   Water resistant Sole begins with "clean" black look. Over time it may wear off and show suede sole underneath in high wear spots. Can be worn outdoors on damp surfaces (not a waterproof shoe)

DURABILITY:

Most people buy Soft Star moccasins as indoor-only shoes or slippers. They are also used in many Montessori and Waldorf classrooms as their comfortable fit promotes healthy foot development, balance and body awareness.

Our moccasins are also durable for outside wear with a few exceptions. Many of our customers have even trained for and run in marathons while wearing their moccasins! This being said, durability varies greatly from person to person. While most families end up passing down kid moccasins 2 or 3 times, we occasionally hear from customers who have worn through their shoes quite quickly when using them as outdoor play shoes in rough conditions, or when the size is too small and toenails cut against the front of the upper leather. The soft leather design is susceptible to tears or holes if used for scrambling in outdoor gravel environments or toes are dragged on bikes on pavement. They will not have the same durability as a synthetic running shoe, but they can last you years and years depending on your usage and wear habits. Think of them as leather gloves for your feet!

Care Tips for Suede Shoes

WHEN THEY FIRST ARRIVE:

Soft Star Shoes are made from eco-friendly, tanned in USA leathers. Leather is a natural product and some variation in texture and markings is to be expected. Because we use natural food grade dyes in our leather, there will likely be some initial color transference to your socks or skin if your shoes become damp. This will decrease with use, but please do not wear your new Soft Stars with your favorite white socks the first time you take them for a spin!

If your shoes are a little snug at first across the top of the toes, you can gently stretch them by stuffing the toe box with a slightly damp rag. Push the cloth tightly into the front of the shoe (don't worry, you won't hurt it). Let the stuffing sit in the shoes overnight to stretch the leather.

MAINTENANCE:

Use a suede brush to remove dirt. You can also choose to use a suede protector spray, such as Bee Natural Suede Protector, which should be reapplied after each brushing. While not necessary, it will help keep your shoes looking new over time. Do not use generic leather care products on suede, but only those specifically formulated for suede. Products for full grain or smooth leather will be too oily and may permanently darken and matt suede fibers. 

WASHING:

When a suede brush is not enough, you can use a damp cloth or hand wash your suede shoes with a gentle shampoo and cool water.  We do not recommend frequent washing of any leather product because it will strip the leather of it's natural oils and cause it to dry stiffer.

We are often asked if our shoes can be washed in a washing machine. While not recommended as a normal course of action, when in dire straits the Elves have been known to toss a pair of shoes in the machine and generally have had good results—just don't mix them with any other item because of color bleeding and do NOT put shoes the dryer. Shoes with sheepskin can take 3-4 days to air dry if fully submerged in water, but you can speed up the drying process by stuffing them with old newspapers and replacing the paper twice a day.