Toe plate can be attached using needling or a SS around the toe plate to attach. While working on the row after adding the toe plate, make sure you crochet the corner where the corner of the toe plate meets the side of the shoe..this will create a lift to make the tongue of the shoe). Also the last 2 rows the reason for decreasing is to bring in the edge of the heel so it will hug the child’s foot.

Also to change the sizing of the shoe, add or take away chains to reach the needed size, then continue the pattern to the toe plate. At the toe plate do the same, add or take away chains till it fits across the top perfectly, then resume the pattern.. Hope this helps :)