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I Finally Found Comfy, Easy-to-Put-On Shoes for Chonky Toddler Feet, And I Need to Share it with Everyone

They’re podiatrist-approved too

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stonz cruisers
stonz
  • Comfort: 20/20
  • Versatility: 18/20
  • Durability: 18/20
  • Style: 18/20
  • Cleanability: 19/20

Total: 93/100

My sweet son didn’t stand a chance—my husband and I are tall people, with equally large, paddle-like feet. At 18 months, he’s wearing 3T and 4T clothes, and no matter what stores I visit, I couldn’t seem to find shoes to fit his tootsies. While I can’t get enough of his little block feet—so pronounced strangers have stopped me to shout, “Oh my god, those Fred Flintstone feet!”—finding shoes that weren’t just long and wide enough, but were uh, tall enough, soon became a problem.

We’d visit store after store, wiggling on pair after pair, but I’d either find stretchy shoes that’d slip off immediately, or too-tight pairs that seemed cruel to cram his toes into. Even the wide-width shoes didn’t cut it. That’s why, when testing snow booties of all things, I happened upon a pair of Stonz Cruisers—and these shoes had such a Cinderella fit (so easy to take on and off! No complaining from my little guy, who hates anything remotely restrictive and would run around naked 24/7 if allowed! In short, a miracle!), that I needed to shout it from the Internet. And share it with any other parent who’s reached that point where they’re partially resigned to letting their toddler live in socks for the foreseeable future. Here’s what I love about the style—and the two issues I have with ‘em.

kid running in stonz cruisers shoes during product testing
candace davison

My Son *Looks Forward* to Wearing Them

stonz

This is the most important factor, isn’t it? Comfort. When it’s time to get ready in the morning, my son will race away, dreading getting dressed. But with these shoes, he actually tries to help slip on his socks and shoes. They feature a wrap-style Velcro closure, so you can easily open the shoe and slip their foot in—no wriggling, like you’re trying to screw the foot into the tiny hole of a sneaker, like so many other brands. (And that wrap style means they’re easy to adjust for a snug fit, so he can’t kick them off as easily as slip-ons.) He runs, jumps, hops and toddles without issue, and he’ll gladly wear them all day long until I have to peel them off his feet.

stonz cruiser shoes on feet
candace davison

stonz

They’re Podiatrist-Approved

OK, so the Cruisers are comfy and convenient to slip on, but are they any good for a kid’s feet? I’m not a doctor, but thankfully, the design has the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, assuring that a third-party team of podiatrists from the organization have reviewed the shoes and agree that they “promote foot health.”

They’re Easy to Order

Is it just me, or is toddler vanity sizing worse than women’s shoes and clothing? I’ve had some reservations about buying shoes online, but Stonz offers a detailed sizing guide to measure your toddler’s foot (not that that’s easy, per se), so you can get the right fit. They also have a 30-day return window on Amazon and their official website, though it’s worth noting that sale items can’t be returned to Stonz.com.

sitting in stroller wearing stonz cruisers

stonz

They’re Machine-Washable

Because anything toddlers can spill, they will spill. It’s a law of the universe.

But There Are Two Cons to Consider

At $55 to $60 a pair, price is a bit tough to swallow, especially since toddlers grow out of shoes so quickly. But, given the half a dozen $20 to $35 pairs he never wears versus the Cruisers, which he dons every single day, I’d say I’m getting my money’s worth.

Stylistically, they’re not the sleekest, but that’s why I’m excited about Stonz Cruisers’s latest launch—Natural Cruisers. Made of recycled cotton canvas instead of stretchy mesh, they’re a bit more elevated looking, and they’re still machine-washable (albeit on the delicate cycle).

stonz

The Bottom Line: Are the Cruisers Worth It?

For the comfort, convenience and contentment my kid gets out of wearing his little blue Cruisers each day, yes, it’s worth it. He’s worn them at least five days a week for almost two months now—indoors and out, through mud and bowls full of dog kibble (you turn your back for one minute…)—and they still look as good as new.

Will I be springing for a Naturals pair so he can look snazzy on Easter Sunday? You bet. Will I also keep an eye out for any sales on the style? That too.



candace davison bio

VP of editorial content

  • Oversees home, food and commerce articles
  • Author of two cookbooks and has contributed recipes to three others
  • Named one of 2023's Outstanding Young Alumni at the University of South Florida, where she studied mass communications and business

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