‘GS’ stands for ‘Grade School,’ referring to a size range mainly designed for older kids and youth. Nike popularized the term ‘GS’ in the 1990s to early 2000s as they sought to capture the growing youth market through targeted branding.
What age group is the ‘GS’ size suitable for?
GS sizes cater to school-age children, typically between 6 and 12 years old, ranging from 3.5Y to 7Y.
It’s also worth mentioning that in addition to GS, brands offer PS (Preschool) and TD (Toddler) sizes. Given that foot shape and development vary with age, offering specific sizing is crucial to meet diverse needs. I’ve also explained these other sizes in another blog post. If you’re interested, check out
Can adults wear GS-sized shoes?
Even though GS sizes are created for kids, adults can still wear them. GS sizes cover 3.5Y to 7Y, where 7Y is approximately equivalent to a men’s US size 7 or a women’s US size 8.5.
GS sizes are ideal for adults with smaller feet, especially women. In fact, GS sizes are often considered women’s sizing by default.
| GS Size | Adult Size (US Men) | Adult Size (US Women) | Insole Length (Inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5Y | 3.5 | 5 | 8.86 |
| 4Y | 4 | 5.5 | 9.06 |
| 4.5Y | 4.5 | 6 | 9.25 |
| 5Y | 5 | 6.5 | 9.37 |
| 5.5Y | 5.5 | 7 | 9.49 |
| 6Y | 6 | 7.5 | 9.65 |
| 6.5Y | 6.5 | 8 | 9.84 |
| 7Y | 7 | 8.5 | 10.04 |
GS Size Chart – Please refer to each brand’s official size chart for accurate sizing.
Differences Between GS Shoes and Adult Shoes
Price Difference
GS-sized shoes are typically more affordable than their adult counterparts. For example, a US 7 Jordan 1 Mid Banned (2020) is priced at $119 on StockX, while the same shoe in a GS US 7Y is only $60.
Even though the appearance of GS and adult sizes may be similar, GS shoes are often priced at half the cost. If you have smaller feet, GS sizes can be a great bargain.
Size Difference
While GS sizes correlate with men’s sizing, there is a 1.5-size difference between men’s and women’s shoe sizes. For women, you’ll need to choose a GS size that is 1.5 sizes smaller than your usual women’s size.
Configuration Differences
GS shoes are essentially lower-spec versions of adult shoes. For example, the adult Jordan 13 has Zoom Air cushioning in both the forefoot and heel, as well as a carbon fiber plate in the sole for added stability. In contrast, the GS version only features heel cushioning, and the sole uses TPU instead of a carbon fiber plate.
While GS shoes are perfect for everyday casual wear for adults with smaller feet, their durability and material strength may not hold up to intense sports activities.
How to Choose the Right GS Size for Your Child
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Before purchasing, it’s important to measure your child’s foot size and compare it with the brand’s size chart. Here’s a simple guide:
Prepare the Tools
- A large sheet of white paper
- A pen
- A ruler or tape measure
Measurement Process
Place the paper on a flat surface with one edge against the wall. Have your child stand with their heel touching the wall, then trace the outline of their foot. Use a ruler to measure the length and width.
Size Comparison
When selecting a size, it’s a good idea to add 0.5 to 1 cm to the foot’s length to allow for growth. Additionally, since children’s foot structures grow slower at school age, I recommend re-measuring their size every 3-6 months to avoid discomfort or issues with foot development.
Final Words
With the expansion of the sneaker market, GS sizes have become a key player. Whether you’re looking for the perfect shoes for your child or a budget-friendly option for yourself, GS sizes offer great value. I hope this article has clarified what ‘GS’ means and provided helpful insights into shoe sizing for both kids and adults.
