One minute we were picking up cute sandals from the kids’ section like always…the next, my daughter was trying on every pair — and nothing fit.
She’d reached a UK size 6, and just like that, we were out of options in the children’s aisle.
Everything we found was either too young, too narrow, or just didn’t exist beyond that size.
She was still very much a child — but the shoes didn’t seem to get that.
That moment stuck with me.
Because if we were struggling to find something that fit her and felt like her, I knew we couldn’t be the only ones.
So You’re not alone.
The Size Gap no one talks about
Most children’s shoe ranges go up to about size 6 sometimes 7. But clearly once a girl needs the largest kids shoe UK size 6+ shoes, there are fewer options and she's pushed into adult shoes — often years before she’s emotionally or physically ready.
This, in-between phase, can be incredibly frustrating. Parents like us struggle to find shoes that are:
- Age-appropriate in style
- Supportive for growing feet
- Available in larger sizes without looking like they belong to a grown woman or men
And it affects thousands of girls.
Why do some girls outgrow the children's section so early?
Just like height, foot growth isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some girls hit growth spurts earlier, and foot size can shoot up dramatically between ages 9–13.
In fact:
- The average girl’s foot reaches 90% of its adult size by age 12
- Some girls wear a UK size 7 or 8 by the time they start secondary school
That doesn’t mean they’re ready for narrow pumps, heels, or the latest adult trends.
They’re still running around, playing, growing — they just need more space for their toes.
Style and Confidence
The emotional impact is real. Finding shoes can become a confidence challenge for a lot of girls. You may hear:
“Why do all the shoes in my size look like they’re for adults?”
“Why can’t I wear what my friends are wearing?”
“My feet are so weird…”
Fit, Comfort, and Function still matter
Growing feet need support, structure, and space — especially in pre-teens and early teens. But adult shoes aren’t built with that in mind.
- The toe area is often too narrow
- Heels can be too high for everyday comfort
- The fit isn’t secure — shoes slip or feel loose
- Padding is limited, and flexibility is often overlooked
That mismatch can lead to discomfort, blisters, and even long-term issues like bunions.
The answer? More options for UK size 6+ shoes for girls that are stylish, supportive, and age-appropriate.
So where are the solutions?
They’re few and far between — but growing. Some niche brands are now designing for this gap. But stock is limited, styles are inconsistent, and sizing charts can be confusing. Also, Unisex shoes are not girls shoes.
At Lofty Little Boutique, we’ve made it our mission to change that.
We started this journey after struggling to find sandals and slippers that fit our own daughter — girls who are growing fast but still want to feel like kids. We realised this isn’t a small problem. It’s a big gap in the market.
Why this matters
When girls feel different, they often want to hide. They may feel “ too big, too small, too this, too that,” it can really undermine confidence . And we’re not just talking about footwear but also about how they see themselves...their self-worth.
By giving girls better choices, we help them stand tall, inside and out.
What You Can Do as a parent or carer
- Measure feet regularly – Foot size can change quickly during growth spurts.
- Ask for extended sizes – Many stores don’t advertise size 6+ shoes for girls, but may carry some online.
- Support niche brands – Brands like ours exist because there is a retail gap.
- Talk about it – Normalise different foot sizes among friends and family. Confidence starts with feeling normal.
You are NOT ALONE
If your child has outgrown the children’s shoe section but still needs a child’s or a teen shoe — you’ve found your people. We’re here to support you with real-fit options, a growing community, and honest conversation about growing up with big feet.
You can sign up to our newsletter here ( go to the bottom of the page), download our foot measuring guide, or join the Feet Squad to help us shape our first collection.
Join our Measure Your Feet campaign and download our free guide and be part of a movement that’s reshaping how girls shop for shoes.
Sign up now to get the guide and join the Feet Squad
With love,
Vanessa
Founder of Lofty Little Boutique
Mum on a mission to make girls with big feet feel seen, supported, and stylish.