For veteran sneakerheads and new shoe lovers alike, the vocabulary of shoe sales can be a little overwhelming. If you’ve been shopping for a new pair of sneakers in the last few years, you may have noticed an explosion in cryptic new terms and acronyms, including “GS”, “GG”, or “BS”. The good news is that most of these terms actually have a pretty simple meaning. Let’s all discuss what does gs mean in shoes below.
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What Does GS Mean in Shoes?
So what does GS mean in shoes, exactly? At the end of the day, it’s a pretty basic answer: “GS” just stands for Grade School. Basically, GS is just a measurement of the sneaker’s shoe size as related to the average child’s shoe size. If you or a child you know are in the market for a new pair of shoes, take the time to figure out the appropriate sneaker size.
As a rule, GS is just another way of describing a small shoe size. More specifically, however, GS is the largest size for children’s shoes, larger than TD (toddler) and PS (preschool). Because sneakers have so much more room to grow into as compared to other, more restrictive styles of shoe, this relatively unspecific sizing chart should still give you a good idea as to how the shoe should fit.
GS Shoe Size Chart
This is a GS shoe size chart. Use it to find the corresponding shoe size:
| US | UK | EUR | CM | INCHES |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Y | 3 | 35.5 | 22.5 | 8.9 |
| 4 Y | 3.5 | 36 | 23 | 9.1 |
| 4.5 Y | 4 | 36.5 | 23.5 | 9.3 |
| 5 Y | 4.5 | 37.5 | 23.5 | 9.3 |
| 5.5 Y | 5 | 38 | 24 | 9.4 |
| 6 Y | 5.5 | 38.5 | 24 | 9.4 |
| 6.5 Y | 6 | 39 | 24.5 | 9.6 |
| 7 Y | 6.5 | 40 | 25 | 9.8 |
Size Matters
Within each level of children’s shoes,there is a wide range of shoe fits, so make sure you measure your child’s foot before you buy their shoes. In general, the heel-toe length of the foot is the strongest indicator of what size shoe your child should wear.
However, make sure you take into account any factors other than foot length that may impact how the shoe fits. Arch height, foot width, and instep size are all different considerations that can keep a shoe from fitting comfortably.
Finally, consider how your child plans to wear these shoes. While sneakers can be a good fit in nearly any situation, some shoes are better fitted to a day at school or the local park than they would be for a slightly dressier occasion.
Not Just for Kids
If you are a petite adult or even if you just have small feet, you may be able to wear one of the larger GS sizes. GS sneakers tend to be more affordable than adult sneakers, especially for some of the more “high end” brands of designer sneakers.
If you think you can fit into a GS or smaller line of shoes, good for you! You’ll be able to wear designer sneaker brands at a price that some of us can only dream of! However, as mentioned earlier, take the time to measure pretty much every aspect of your feet to make sure that the shoes you purchase won’t be hurting or damaging the bones or structure of your foot.
For more information, reach out to a sales associate at your local sneaker store! They should be able to help you find the shoes that you or your child need in order to look your absolute best!
Other Shoe Labels and Their Meanings
When it comes to shoes, there are a lot of acronyms that are used to describe various features and materials. Here is a list of some common shoe acronyms and their meanings:
-EVA: Ethylene-vinyl acetate. A soft, lightweight foam material often used in the midsoles of running shoes. It provides cushioning and flexibility.
-Gore-Tex: A waterproof and breathable fabric often used in hiking and winter boots.
-Imitation leather: A material that looks like leather but is made from synthetic materials. It is usually cheaper than real leather.
-Mesh: A type of fabric with small holes that allows air to flow through. It is often used in running shoes to help keep your feet cool and dry.
-Nylon: A synthetic fiber that is strong and elastic. It is often used in the uppers of shoes to provide support and stretch.
-Phylon: A lightweight foam material often used in the midsoles of running shoes. It provides cushioning and flexibility.
-Polyester: A synthetic fiber that is strong and durable. It is often used in the uppers of shoes to provide support and stretch.
-Rubber: A material made from the sap of rubber trees. It is often used in outsoles for its durability and traction.
-Suede: A type of leather that has been brushed to make it velvety smooth. It is often used in casual shoes and boots.
-TPU: Thermoplastic polyurethane. A strong, flexible plastic often used in the midsoles of running shoes. It provides cushioning and flexibility.
-Vibram: A type of rubber that is known for its durability and traction. It is often used in the outsoles of hiking boots and other outdoor footwear.
How to Test If a Shoe Fits
There’s nothing worse than buying a new pair of shoes, only to find out they don’t fit properly. Here are a few tips on how to test if a shoe fits:
– Try the shoe on in the store before you buy it. This way, you can make sure it’s comfortable and that it doesn’t rub or pinch in any uncomfortable places.
– If you’re buying shoes online, make sure to read the size chart carefully. Different brands have different sizing, so you want to make sure you’re getting the right size.
– Once you have the shoes, wear them around your house for a bit to see how they feel. You can even walk outside in them to get a better feel for how they’ll hold up during activities.
– After wearing them for a while, if you find that the shoes are too loose or too tight, you can always return or exchange them.