The growth rate of a 13 year old’s feet can vary quite a bit between individuals. However, on average, most 13 year olds will experience a growth spurt in their feet size as they go through puberty. Let’s take a closer look at some key facts and figures around 13 year old foot growth.
Average Foot Size for 13 Year Olds
According to research, the average foot size for 13 year old boys is around size 7-8 in US men’s shoe sizes. For girls, the average is around size 6-7 in US women’s sizes.
However, there is quite a bit of variability. Some 13 year olds may still have feet in the size 3-5 range if they haven’t hit their growth spurt yet. Others may already be reaching size 10 or above if they are going through puberty early.
Growth Spurts and Peak Growth
Most 13 year olds are just beginning their adolescent growth spurt. This means rapid growth in both height and foot size is common at this age.
Growth spurts for girls tend to happen earlier, usually between ages 10-14. For boys, the peak growth spurt often occurs slightly later, between ages 12-15. However, there is a wide range of what is considered normal.
During peak growth spurts, some teenagers may grow more than 3-4 shoe sizes in a single year. For those with the biggest growth spurts, some may jump 5 or even 6 whole shoe sizes in a year.
Factors Affecting Growth Rate
There are several factors that influence foot growth rate in 13 year olds:
- Genetics – Growth potential is inherited from parents.
- Gender – Girls tend to hit growth spurts earlier than boys.
- Nutrition – Adequate nutrition is essential for growth.
- Health conditions – Some conditions may stunt or accelerate growth.
- Physical activity – Sports and exercise promotes healthy growth.
In general, the timing and pace of growth is unique to each child. Monitoring shoe size and fit will help determine when it’s time to size up.
Typical Foot Growth by Age
Here is an overview of the average foot growth by age from childhood through adolescence:
| Age | Girls Shoe Size | Boys Shoe Size |
|---|---|---|
| 5 years | 10.5-12.5 kids | 11-13 kids |
| 8 years | 1-3 youth | 1-3.5 youth |
| 10 years | 3-6 youth | 3-7 youth |
| 12 years | 5-7.5 youth | 6-8 youth |
| 13 years | 6-7 women’s | 7-8 men’s |
| 14 years | 7-9 women’s | 8-10 men’s |
| 15 years | 8-10 women’s | 10-11.5 men’s |
Keep in mind this is just a general guide. Actual growth patterns will vary for each individual child.
Tips for Properly Fitting Growing Feet
Here are some tips for making sure your 13 year old’s quickly growing feet stay properly fitted in their shoes:
- Measure both feet every 2-3 months and buy shoes based on the larger foot.
- Provide a thumb’s width of space between the tip of the longest toe and end of shoe.
- Avoid hand-me-down shoes which have conformed to another’s feet.
- Shop for shoes at the end of the day when feet are most swollen.
- Try shoes on with same socks/tights your teen will wear.
- Choose shoes with adjustable closures like velcro or laces.
- Consider buying shoes a half or full size larger to allow room to grow.
Signs It’s Time for New Shoes
Some signs that your 13 year old needs a bump up in shoe size:
- Toes pressing against the fronts of shoes.
- Shoes feel tight across widest part of foot.
- Bottom edges of heels look worn down.
- Complaints of pinching, cramping, or sore feet.
- Tripping or stumbling while walking.
- Blisters, calluses, or nail issues from pressure.
- Difficulty putting shoes on.
Ignoring signs it’s time for larger shoes can lead to foot problems like bunions, corns, ingrown nails, and hammertoes later on.
How Long Do Growth Spurts Last?
For most teens, the peak of their adolescent growth spurt lasts around 2-3 years. However, feet often stop growing for girls around ages 15-17 and for boys between 17-19 years old.
Keep in mind late bloomers may continue to experience foot growth later than their peers during the pre-teen and teen years. Genetics and delayed puberty can prolong growth.
When Do Feet Stop Growing?
There is no definitive age when all foot growth absolutely stops. The bones in our feet fuse sometime between ages 18-21 years old for women and men up until around age 21.
While the majority of foot growth will be complete by the late teens, some minor changes in foot length and width can continue into the early 20s. Pregnancy can also cause temporary changes in foot size for women.
Can Parents Estimate Future Size?
Genetics play a major role in eventual mature foot size. If one or both parents have larger feet, their children are likely to inherit similar traits.
Doctors can use growth charts and percentages to make predictions, but most advise against foot surgery based on guesses about future growth. It’s best to wait until closer to maturity to determine final foot dimensions.
Impact of Obesity on Growth
Excess body weight during childhood and the teen years can accelerate foot growth. The additional pressure of carrying excess pounds puts more strain on the feet and can cause them to lengthen and widen beyond what is genetically likely.
For teens who have been overweight and then lose weight, it’s possible but not guaranteed that their feet may shrink somewhat. The elasticity of tissues and ligaments decreases with age, so early weight issues have an outsized impact.
Conclusion
The teenage years are an exciting time of rapid growth and maturity. Paying attention to proper shoe fit will ensure your 13 year old’s quickly growing feet stay happy and healthy during this time. Allowing enough room for growth, while still maintaining support, is key.
Talk to your pediatrician if you have any concerns about your child’s growth patterns or think medical intervention may be required. With the right care, your teen’s feet will soon reach their maximum size to carry them through adulthood.
