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What Does GS Mean in Shoes? All You Need to Know

When talking about shoes the size terms and figures are used, so you will hear different terms. The ‘GS’ shoe size is one example of such a term. GS means that the shoe has been sized to accommodate growing feet which means the shoe is a little bit wider. But if you’re still wondering, what do these GS shoes mean in shoes and how do you get the right size for your kids?

Finding the right size is of the essence since kids grow too fast and constantly need comfortable and adaptable pairs, such as our Vessi shoes. Nike solved this by introducing the "GS" acronym equivalent for Air Jordan sneakers. GS refers to 'Grade School' which means that these probably are shoes that are going to fit a grade schooler.

Keep in mind that the GS size is not a particular shoe size but a range of sizes that are likely to fit in grade school students. GS doesn’t stand for Grade School — the shoes can be worn by adults as well.

Here's the chart below of all the GS shoe sizes you need to know.

GS Shoe Size Chart

GS Shoe Size Chart

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Other Shoe Acronyms You Should Know About

Other shoe acronyms you should know about

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Other ways of identifying shoe types are not just limited to the GS acronym. Below are some acronyms you need to be familiar with.

  • K- Stands for "kids" shoes and are designed to be worn by kids.

  • Y- Used interchangeably for "years" or "youth" and are meant for kids of a specific age.

  • N- Stands for "narrow" and is meant for people with narrow feet.

  • W- "Wide" shoes meant for anyone with relatively wide feet compared to the standard size.

  • M- Refers to "medium" shoe size and is meant for anyone who would find the wide shoes too loose and the narrow shoes too tight.

  • R- "Regular" shoes for anyone with an average foot width and length.

  • GG- Stands for "girls grade" school size and is targeted towards girls of a grade school age.

  • BG- Similar to the "GG," "BG" stands for "boys grade" school shoes which target boys of a grade school age.

  • HC- Stands for "hard court" and is meant for shoes often used on hard and abrasive surfaces. These shoes have a more hardened sole than the average shoe sole.

  • PRM- These are shoes with more "premium" materials used on them. For instance, you can get Jordan GS shoes with more nuanced colours which would make them more premium.

  • OVO- Another Nike line formed from a collaboration with Drake's label, October's Very Own.

  • OG- Used by Jordan shoes to refer to the original releases of a specific design, which might make the OG shoes slightly costly.

  • PS- Refers to "pre-school" kids' shoe size.

Frequently Asked Questions About GS Shoes

Frequently Asked Questions About GS Shoes

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a) Are GS shoes for kids only?

GS shoes are a great option for people who have relatively small feet, and who need a snug fit. These GS sized shoes are perfect for adults as they are for kids who have slightly larger feet possibly not in the size range.

b) Is GS men's shoe size the same as women's?

The foot width is generally different for different groups of people in most cases. The same is true for the foot length. For the most part, the shoe store will give you the child sizes you may choose from when sizing GS shoes, based on the store location. UK shoe sizes are different than in other countries like US.

c) Is GS 7 the same as Men's 7?

The GS 7 is almost the same length as the Men’s 7, but the size can vary depending on the adult’s foot it fits. In most cases, kid's shoes are smaller than men's shoe sizes. Despite this, GS sizing does work for the male adult with small feet since GS size shoes are of comparable length to adult size shoes.

d) What is the average shoe size for a 12-year-old?

Different children have different length feet, but when we take the average shoe size for 12 year olds, size 7 is the universal size we look at. While there is a chart you can use to convert GS shoe sizes, you're best off going with the kid and trying the shoes on extensively.

e) Do all shoe brands have grade school sizes?

The GS shoe sizing concept originated with the Nike Air Jordan. However, most brands are on to the idea. Although GS Nike shoes aren’t exactly a normal size based on standard, the idea has become pervasive among other brands.

f) How often should you replace your kids' shoes?

Our Vessi shoes are durable and comfortable, as well as made from high quality materials so if your kids wear our Vessi shoes you would not need to replace them too often. But kids grow out of their clothes so fast, so you’d still have to buy a new pair every six months. Still, children tend to get into numerous shenanigans, which means you must clean their sneakers regularly to ensure they last long.

g) What is the difference between the Jordan 4 and Jordan 4 GS?

The Jordan 4 GS shoes may have modifications to them so that people who can’t fit the original adult shoes can use them without discomfort. The size of a young child’s feet can be the same in length but differ in width, causing a shoe to fit poorly.

h) Should the inner shoe dimensions be equal to my foot size?

No. Your foot size should be at least half a centimetre longer than the inner sole. Thus, if you are a 37 size, the shoe should have a 38 footbed.

i) Can I buy GS shoes online?

Children’s shoes are for sale in most stores online. But for grade school kids, buying shoes is best done physically, primarily because getting the correctly sized GS pair on the first try is something of a challenge. Luckily, our stores at Vessi have a great return policy on their shoes.

Final Thoughts

Final Thoughts

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GS in shoes in shoes is not just for grade schoolers, it stands for "grade school." Regardless of the size you wear, comfort above all else is key, and you should always have Vessi shoes on. All else is taken care of with our shoes, and none other can in the industry of shoe.

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