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The 11 Best Shoes For Toddlers, According To Parents Who Have Tried ’Em All

Kid- and mom-approved

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best shoes for toddlers universal 2
Digital Art by Paula Boudes

In a previous life, you might have loved shoe shopping. But now you are in a strange new world, a place where just the idea of footwear is fraught with drama and stress. Seriously, why is it so damn hard to measure our kid’s shoe size? And what do those sizes even mean anyway? And as for bringing our little monsters with us to the store...forget it (you learned that lesson the hard way when you went shopping for winter jackets). That’s why we compiled this list of the absolute best shoes for toddlers, all approved by real parents with real shoe problems. Whether you’re looking for sneakers that will keep up with your speed racer, waterproof shoes for summertime fun or rain boots made for splashing in puddles, we’ve got you covered.

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The Best Shoes for Toddlers at a Glance

1

Best For Wide Feet

Stride Rite Wes Sneakers

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2

Most Comfortable

See Kai Run Ryder Sneakers

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3

Best Slipper

Norty Suede Leather Moccasins

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4

Best Guaranteed Fit

Ten Little Everyday Original

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5

Most Fashionable

Saucony Jazz Hook & Loop Suede Sneakers

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Meet the Expert

Dr. Suzanne Fuchs is a foot and ankle surgeon and sports medicine specialist in Palm Beach, Florida. Dr. Fuchs received her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Pittsburgh and continued her education at Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine. She then completed her residency in foot and ankle surgery at North Shore-LIJ-Hofstra School of Medicine. As a sought-after, nationally recognized subject matter expert, she is frequently quoted in Elle, Readers Digest, Forbes, Fitness Magazine and more.

How We Chose the Best Shoes for Toddlers

When selecting the best shoes for toddlers, we first reached out to an expert—a foot and ankle surgeon—to find out what makes a good fit for this particular age group. For toddler shoes, Dr. Fuchs stressed the importance of comfort, flexibility and support. We also took design, breathability, fit and function into consideration. We then asked parents for their top picks, cross referencing their selections with reviews and accessibility. While fit can vary from child to child, the resulting list is a roundup of parent- and kid-approved picks that are protective, flexible and comfy.

Best For Wide Feet

1. Stride Rite Wes Sneakers

What We Like:

  • lightweight
  • approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)

What We Don’t Like:

  • only three color options available

Stride Rite

Sneakers that look sharp but won’t slow your tot down—this suede and leather number is fashionable but not flashy. Parents report that the fit is great for wider feet and the leather isn’t stiff, so no blisters for your babe and no buyer’s remorse for you. We also like that this particular shoe comes with the American Podiatric Medical Association's seal of approval. “I have two small people who hate shoes, and I am a loyal Stride Rite fan,” says freelance contributing editor Emma Singer. “Their squishy and soft toddler sneakers have been saving my sanity for many a season.”

best-shoes-for-toddlers-see-kai-run
Amazon

Most Comfortable

2. See Kai Run Ryder Sneakers

What We Like:

  • fun colors and designs
  • APMA-approved
  • ultra-flexible

What We Don’t Like:

  • not as sturdy as some other shoes

See Kai Run

We love the playful look of the Ryders, but you can also file this guy under fuss-free fashion. Awarded the seal of acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), these lightweight shoes feature a soft lining and somehow manage to be both durable and flexible. They’re also a great option for kids with high arches or flat feet. (And come on, how cute is the little wagon on the side?) “My son has inherited my high-arched feet but these fit him perfectly as a toddler,” says executive editor Alexia Dellner. “I also loved the adorable designs and bright colors!”

best shoes for toddlers norty moccasin slippers
Amazon

Best Slipper

3. Norty Suede Leather Moccasins

What We Like:

  • comfortable
  • gripey soles

What We Don’t Like:

  • no option to tighten or loosen

Norty

When it comes to casual comfort, we vote mocs over Crocs. The faux-fur lining of these slip-ons is plush and plentiful, so perfect for keeping your kid’s feet warm around the house. But they also have a sturdy rubber sole, which means your toddler won’t slip on the tile floor, and you won’t have to pause and put him in “real” shoes when he wants to help you take out the trash. “My kid wears indoor shoes for school and we’ve been through a lot of different pairs over the years. This are by far not only the chicest (look at that faux-fur lining!) but also the sturdiest,” says Dellner.

best shoes for toddlers ten little
Ten Little

Best Guaranteed Fit

4. Ten Little Everyday Original

What We Like:

  • questionnaire helps you find the perfect fit
  • made from vegan and natural materials
  •  comes with a pack of specialty stickers 

What We Don’t Like:

  • not the most durable option

Ten Little

When we signed up to be parents, no one warned us how freakin’ difficult it would be to measure our child’s shoe size. But the pros at Ten Little make the whole process easy. Answer a couple of questions and their online algorithm will recommend a healthy size in just a few clicks or they’ll mail you a free shoe fit finder. These cool shoes feature reinforced toe caps and non-skid soles, plus a range of fun colors (each pair also comes with stickers so your kid can personalize her kicks). The earthy mama in us also loves that these shoes are made from vegan leather and natural rubber. Rachel Bowie, senior director of special projects is a big fan of these kicks: “I love how seamless it is to truly grasp my child's foot size and to take his measurements. The box itself includes a sizing guide so that you can easily re-order the next pair, too. The shoes also really hold up well to wear and tear.”

best-shoes-for-toddlers-saucony-jazz-hook
Nordstrom

Most Fashionable

5. Saucony Jazz Hook & Loop Suede Sneakers

What We Like:

  • easy for kids to put on themselves
  • retro style

What We Don’t Like:

  • some reviewers say not great for toddlers with wide feet

Saucony

These live up to their jazzy name. The bold color combinations are fun, playful and definitely a hit with kids, yet not offensive to adults (so you won’t find yourself wondering if you’re wrong for wanting to explain the definition of “tacky” to a toddler). The oversized Velcro tab means you have a larger margin of error while trying to secure them to the foot of a moving target, and if you’ve ever tried to put shoes on a toddler in a hurry, you know that’s a big deal. In fact, there’s a good chance your kiddo can put these on himself, so you won’t even have to break a sweat before leaving the house. PureWow’s editor-in-chief, Jillian Quint, gives these top marks for both functionality and how easy it is for kids to put on themselves. “I also love the retro look,” she adds.

best-shoes-for-toddlers-natives-jefferson
Amazon

Best Water Shoe

6. Native Jefferson Waterproof Slip-on

What We Like:

  • waterproof
  • easy for kids to put on

What We Don’t Like:

  • can irritate skin when sweaty

Native

The Jefferson slip-on from Native is a thing of beauty; it might even be the perfect shoe. Somewhere between Toms and Crocs, these slip-ons score top marks for both form and function. Not clunky, not ugly, not smelly, not heavy, not ouchy—just right. So easy to slide on, an 18-month-old might be able to do it without help; so sturdy they show no signs of structural wear and tear after hitting the pavement every day on the foot of a 5-year-old. The rubber material is super easy to clean too. Our only complaint is that, no matter how awesome they are, you can’t in good conscience ask your kid to wear them in the winter. PureWow’s director of brand strategy, Michela Hart, was a big fan of these for her 18-month-old daughter last summer. “I love that they are super easy to slip on and off (my toddler can easily take them off once we get home too). As a side note, my daughter actually took one off and tossed it while on a walk at the end of last summer which was never recovered so maybe that's a downside too! I also love that they are waterproof so great for water parks/activities in the summer (double as water shoes).”

best-shoes-for-toddlers-sorel
Zappos

Best Winter Boot

7. Sorel Snow Commander Snow Boots

What We Like:

  • waterproof
  • toddler and little kid sizes available

What We Don’t Like:

  • bulky

Sorel

These sturdy boots come with enhanced traction to minimize skidding (because a toddler running around in the snow is a recipe for disaster). They also feature a Velcro buckle that makes it easy to tuck snow pants into them and get out the door in no time, plus a soft plush lining to keep little toes comfy. Quint agrees: “Sorel snow boots are really hearty and easy for kids to put on and take off themselves,” she explains. “I also love that this pair has a big Velcro closure, which makes it so much easier for my daughter to deal with (sans meltdown).” Available in multiple colors.

best shoes for toddlers stride rite artie
Stride Rite

Best Flexibility

8. Stride Rite Soft Motion Artie Sneakers

What We Like:

  • memory foam insoles
  • available in medium, wide and extra-wide sizes
  • APMA-approved

What We Don’t Like:

  • only neutral color options available

Stride Rite

The Soft Motion line from Stride Rite is perfect for toddlers who are walking, running and climbing with the best of them, but still relatively new to the concept of footwear. These sneakers are soft and flexible from heel to toe, but not in that I’m-a-sock-pretending-to-be-a-shoe way, and the rubber soles are thick and can take a playground beating, or a thousand. The best part? Your child won’t complain about wearing them every day, and you won’t need to buy another pair until she’s ready for the next size up.

best shoes for toddlers see kai run summit
Amazon

Best For Getting Muddy

9. See Kai Run Summit Sneaker

What We Like:

  • machine-washable
  • great traction for dirt and mud 

What We Don’t Like:

  • some reviewers say that sizes run small

See Kai Run

It’s the universal law of parenting: It doesn’t matter what the weather is doing—if there is mud somewhere then your kid will find it. These cute kicks from See Kai Run are ideal ‘get dirty’ shoes: great grip for adventure seekers plus they’re machine-washable and quick-drying. Parents also agree that these shoes go on quickly and without a struggle. Writes one happy reviewer: “My daughter attends a forest school, so a durable, waterproof, every day sneaker was a must. This is a fantastic shoe. Like all See Kai Runs, they are a super comfortable sneaker and have a lot of padding. She has dipped them almost entirely in mud and her socks are still bone dry. They are pricey yes, but if your kid spends most of their day outside, then this shoe is a must.”

best shoes for toddlers native charley
Amazon

Best Sandal

10. Native Unisex Charley

What We Like:

  • ultra-breathable
  • no buckles

What We Don’t Like:

  • not the most sturdy option

Native

Maybe you’re looking forward to a warm-weather getaway, or maybe you’re merely daydreaming about summer, but if you’re searching for some very small sandals, you should check these out. The material is soft, so it won’t rub or cause discomfort, and it wipes clean in a second. Parents love the simple style: gender-neutral, cute and easy to dress up or down. Most importantly, these weren’t designed by a sadist, so there are no buckles! The Velcro closure is secure and easy to use, so you can spend more time in the sun and less time swearing under your breath.

Best Rain Boot

11. Hunter Original Kids Boots

What We Like:

  • vegan
  • fully waterproof
  • handcrafted

What We Don’t Like:

  • some reviewers say seam splits after a few months' wear
  • toddler size only starts at age 2

Hunter

Our overall favorite rain boot for kids are just as durable as their adult counterpart. Made from a 100 percent recycled polyester lining and a specially developed tread to reduce slipping, these stylish boots comes in a variety of solid colors as well as glitter-coated and rainbow designs. Extra bonus? Because they’re made of fully waterproof, natural vulcanized rubber, they’re super easy to clean

What to Look for When Picking Toddler Shoes

Whether your kid is only just starting to take a couple of steps or is a toddling pro, you’ll want to make sure that their shoes are comfortable and flexible, while also being solid and stable. Here are some tips for shoe shopping for toddlers from Dr. Suzanne Fuchs, a foot and ankle surgeon and sports medicine specialist in Palm Beach.

  • A Wide Toe Box. “Toddler shoes should have a wide toe box to allow the child to freely move their toes as well as allow their toes to spread without constriction as they grip the ground to walk,” says Fuchs. “A wide toe box is also important to allow the foot to go into the shoe easily without squeezing. This helps prevent toes from curling, deformities such as hammertoes and allows the feet to develop naturally.”
  • Lightweight. Shoes should be lightweight, Fuchs tells us. “Heavy shoes may cause toddlers to have tired leg and foot muscles and could also cause malalignment of the spine.”
  • Good Condition. Sorry, friends: You may want to think twice about passing off big sister’s hand-me-downs to your tiny tot. If shoes are worn out, they likely won’t have enough structure to support your early walker’s feet. (Those fancy party shoes that she only wore once, however, are totally fair game.)

How Do I Size My Toddler for Shoes?

It can be hard to get your squirmy kid to stand still long enough at the store to measure their foot. Instead, try to do it at home during a quiet moment—many brands (like Stride Rite and Nordstrom) offer printable size guides to help you figure out your toddler’s shoe size.

You could also just trace your kid’s foot on a piece of paper and then measure the length from the heel to their longest toe. Don’t forget to add on 0.5 to 1 cm so that there is some wiggle room for their toes. Then, use a measuring guide like the one here to determine your toddler’s size.

When Should Children Start Wearing Shoes?

A word to the wise: There’s really no reason to add shoes to your baby registry. That’s because your kid doesn’t actually need a pair of kicks until they start walking—and even then, the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), says that barefoot is best at first. Walking without shoes on gives a child’s feet room to grow and develop properly. It also helps kids get their balance since they can use their toes to grip. But when your toddler starts to get more comfortable on their feet and ventures outdoors, that’s when you’ll want to invest in a good pair of shoes.

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Freelance PureWow Editor

  • Has 5+ years of experience writing family, travel and wellness content for PureWow
  • Previously worked as a copy editor, proofreader and research assistant for two prominent authors
  • Studied Sociology, Political Science and Philosophy in the CUNY Baccalaureate independent study program.

Alexia Dellner profile shot v2

Executive Editor

  • Lifestyle editor focusing primarily on family, wellness and travel
  • Has more than 10 years experience writing and editing
  • Studied journalism at the University of Westminster in London, UK