When looking for a new pair of kicks, it can be difficult to decipher the plethora of numbers and letters plastered all over the shoe box. Many people, including yourself, may misinterpret this as a reference to a certain design, style, or even category, but the actual meaning is quite elementary.
The letters PS indicate a shoe size range recommended for preschoolers (children ages 3–5). PS shoes come in sizes 6 5 to 8 5 inches from the back of the heel to the front of the toe, give or take a millimeter depending on the brand. This is the next larger size after GS, or elementary school.
So, PS or Preschool shoes are just little ones' footwear for kids under five, correct? To be sure Since children come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, you might find that your child doesn't correspond exactly to the age range specified by the PS shoes you're looking at. How do you determine if a pair of PS shoes will fit your child? Helpful tips and a sizing chart are included.
In the context of footwear, what does "PS" stand for?
Shoes labeled with a PS indicate that they are designed with a child's developing feet in mind, as PS stands for the abbreviation for "Preschool." Preschool (PS) shoes typically target children ages 3–5, though some parents argue that younger children should be included. If your child has larger or smaller feet than usual, there will be some variation.
In the world of shoe sizing, PS (which stands for "Preschooler") is the next size up from "TD," where "TD" means "Toddler." When your child is six years old and above, they have graduated from the Preschool (PS) shoe size and into the Grade School (GS) shoe size.
It's natural to be curious about the PS size grouping, as age isn't always the most reliable size indicator. Since a child aged 3 and a child aged 5 are unlikely to wear the same size, "PS" is not a size. In that case, which dimensions fall under the PS class? Preschool shoe sizes in the United States typically fit feet measuring between 6.5 and 8.5 inches. Sizes across brands can vary slightly, but these are generally considered to be the norm.
Listed below is a handy guide to PS shoe sizes:
Taking Your Kid's Foot Measurements
It's important to take your kid's foot measurements to ensure they get shoes that fit properly. Get the right size to prevent blisters and foot growth problems; young children can't tell you if their shoes don't fit properly.
Your best bet for getting an accurate measurement of your child's feet is to hire a professional measuring service. However, it may not be necessary to spend money on podiatrist evaluations unless you have concerns. There is a wealth of useful information to be gleaned from these consultations, including the optimal shoe style for different age groups.
There are simple ways to measure your child yourself, though some stores do offer a free measuring service if your child is particularly fussy. Don't try to get an accurate measurement by holding a tape up to their foot while it's resting in your lap; this is because the foot expands and contracts as weight is applied to it.
First, it's best to measure your child after he or she has been awake for a while and later in the day. Here are some simple guidelines for taking precise measurements:
- Have your kiddo stand on a sheet of plain white paper. Standing next to them, carefully and precisely trace the shape of their foot. Trace the motions of the other foot onto a new sheet of paper.
- Find the best fit for socks-required shoes like sneakers by having your child try on a variety of sizes while wearing socks.
- Measuring the length of your foot from the tip of your longest toe to the bottom of your heel will give you your shoe size in inches.
- Check your measuring skills against the above chart If an inch size is close, always choose the larger one because children's feet grow quickly and wearing shoes that are too small can be painful and even harmful.
Here is a picture of me showing how to do a basic foot measurement on paper. When feet are still growing, why is it crucial to get the right size?
Like adults, children's feet are sensitive, and poorly fitting shoes can cause pain and long-term problems as the feet try to adapt to the discomfort they're experiencing.
Your child will experience pain from wearing shoes that are too small because they will pinch, rub, and constrict the foot. For the same reason, they probably won't want to walk or be active, which will prevent them from engaging in healthy, age-appropriate activities. When kids inevitably go barefoot in the dirt, they risk getting blisters that can turn into infections.
Forcing a child to wear shoes that are too small will not only lead to deformity because of the restriction of circulation, but will also prevent the normal development of the foot and the muscles of the lower leg.
Conversely, oversized footwear can result in painful abrasions and blisters for your child. They are much more likely to trip and fall if they are wearing shoes that aren't properly sized for their feet. If you don't want to deal with scraped knees and elbows (or worse, a split lip or bloody nose), it's important to get the right size from the start.
Many parents believe that buying their child a shoe one size larger will allow them to get more use out of it. Yet, if it leads to clumsy falls or awkward gait, you haven't helped them at all, and it's not worth it to disadvantage your child for the sake of a few dollars.
During the toddler years, it is common for children to experience rapid growth and subsequent jumps in clothing size. If you're out and about and see some fantastic shoes on sale, it will be incredibly helpful if you have been keeping track of how their feet have changed and their size.
Last but not least, many people have become accustomed to shopping online in the modern era and in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, making it all the more important to know your shoe size. This entails purchasing apparel and footwear without first trying them on. The best way to ensure that you order the right size the first time is to take precise measurements of your children's feet before going shopping.
Helpful Hints for Locating the Right Pair of Shoes
Finding the right size for your child's feet is just one of many considerations when shopping for shoes. Here are a few of the best ways to maximize your toddler's shoe-buying experience:
- Put your kid in the shoes you're considering buying them and have them walk around in them. In order to determine whether or not the shoe fits properly, have the person stand up and put their full weight into it. Only then can you tell if the shoe is snug enough.
- Never pick a size smaller or larger than you normally wear. Although it's understandable that you'd like your child's shoes to last longer than a few weeks, buying a size up in the hopes that they'll still fit will only make them uncomfortable and increase the risk of them tripping and falling.
- If your kid's feet are on the cusp between sizes, you can safely get them the larger of the two, especially if the shoes will be worn with socks. Blisters and chafing can be avoided if the difference isn't too great.
- Kid-friendly activities like shoe shopping are enjoyable, but kids should also be given the opportunity to go shoeless from time to time.
Conclusion
Find a comfortable fit for your child's feet when purchasing footwear so that there is no rubbing, blistering, or restriction of movement. A good place to start looking for shoes for your child, who is between the ages of three and five, is the PS section. PS stands for preschool, and most preschools stock footwear appropriate for children of this age.
To find more detailed explanations of the many shoe-related acronyms, visit:
In Shoes, What Is B Width? (Size Guide & Chart)
Shoe Width D: Measuring Guide & Size Guide
Answering the Question, "What Is 2E Width?" with a Detailed Shoe Size Guide and Diagram
When referring to footwear, what does GS stand for? GS Shoe Size Guide
What Does Size H Mean For Shoes?
Answering the Million Dollar Question: What Does SE Stand for in Shoes?
