Active Shoes for Kids – The Most Durable and Supportive Children’s Shoes
Are your kids always destroying their shoes before they are ready to be replaced? Children should always outgrow their shoes before they are ready to be replaced, but if you have very active kids that are always beating up their shoes really quickly, I will show you a selection of the most durable children’s shoes.
At the shoe store where I work we need to carry top-quality shoes that are available in different widths, as that’s the only way we can guarantee to fit every single child. Over the years I became familiar with the most durable shoes for kids. Let me show you some examples of where shoes tend to wear out faster:
I have noticed through the years that certain children wear their shoes out faster, and parents are always asking me which are the most durable kids’ shoes, as they are tired of replacing their kids’ shoes every 2 to 3 months.
There are definitely certain shoe brands and certain shoe styles that are more durable than others.
Before I start describing the most durable children’s shoe brands, I want you to know that the price of shoes is not a reflection of the quality of the shoes. What I mean is that while a higher-priced shoe tends to be made from higher-quality materials, you can definitely find a good pair of durable, supportive shoes at a reasonable price.
How to Retrieve Your Child’s Exact Foot Length and Shape
I am always trying to emphasize to parents the importance of getting the correct shoe size, because sometimes they get caught up in the price or style of shoe and forget that the most important factor remains fit. Shoes that are too short or too long are also a contributing cause of why shoes wear out faster than expected.
You won’t be able to order the correct shoe size online if you don’t know your child’s foot size to begin with. Start by reading an article that describes the simplest, yet most effective way to figure out your child’s foot size from home.
Now that you know your child’s foot size, let’s take a look at what makes the shoes I recommend the most durable ones.
What Makes the Shoes I Recommend More Durable than Others?
These are the features that the shoes I recommend provide:
1️⃣ Innovative stitching (extended resilience):
1️⃣ Rubber outsole with good traction:
3️⃣ Reinforced toe-cap:
What Are the Most Durable Shoe Brands for Kids?
The 2 most durable kids’ shoe brands are Keen and Geox as they manufacture shoes that are practically indestructible. I have fitted this shoe brand before and parents come back amazed about how well the shoes held up.
Depending on your child’s age, shoes should last anywhere between 3 to 6 months. What is important to understand is that your child should outgrow his or her shoes before they are ready to be replaced.
If you buy low-quality and poorly made shoes that are being sold at Target or Walmart for example, don’t be surprised to replace your kids’ shoes before they outgrow them.
I have spoken with parents that have spent anywhere between 20 to 30 dollars on their kids’ shoes at Walmart or Target. I try to explain to them that while they are saving money, they will end up spending so much more in the future since their kids might end up developing foot issues such as blisters, calluses, and corn as well we foot and leg pain.
I only review shoe styles that I have fitted before since that is the only way for me to be able to tell how well-made they are, the amount of support that they provide and how they fit.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at the best active shoes for kids. Disclosure: Some links in this post may be affiliate links and we may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) when you click our links and make purchases.
Best Active Shoes for Kids
Below you can find a selection of the most durable children’s shoes made by Keen. These shoes can fit children with medium or wide feet. Click on the image to see all the available colors that these shoe styles are available in.
- Shoe style Chandler 2 CNX by Keen
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Elasticized lace panel with hook-and-loop closure
- Protective rubber toe bumper to protect your toes
- Reverse Strobel construction provides a streamlined interior
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s foot size
- Shoe style Chandler 2 CNX Sport by Keen
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Elasticized lace panel with hook-and-loop closure
- Protective rubber toe bumper to protect your toes
- Reverse Strobel construction provides a streamlined interior
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s foot size
- Shoe style Wanduro by Keen
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Double velcro straps
- Protective rubber toe bumper to protect your toes
- Higher traction outsole provides grip in muddy environments and on rocky surfaces
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s foot size
- Shoe style Wanduro Hound by Keen
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Double velcro straps
- Protective rubber toe bumper to protect your toes
- Higher traction outsole provides grip in muddy environments and on rocky surfaces
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s foot size
- Shoe style H2sho by Keen
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Velcro closure
- Higher traction outsole provides grip in muddy environments and on rocky surfaces
- Rubber toe-cap for maximum durability
- Machine washable
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s foot size
- Shoe style Wader by Geox
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Double velcro straps
- Water-friendly
- Rubber toe-cap for maximum durability
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s foot size
- Shoe style Nova 3 by Merrell
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Velcro closure
- Abrasion -resistant toe bumper
- Long-lasting leather upper with combined mesh panels.
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s foot size
- Shoe style Moab Speed 2 by Merrell
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Velcro closure
- Abrasion -resistant toe bumper
- FloatPro Foam™ footbed for enhanced cushioning and energy return
- Anti-stink lining helps reduce odors
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s foot size
- Shoe style Knotch Peak by Keen
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Hook and loop strap with toggle closure
- Rubber toe-cap for maximum durability
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s foot size
- Shoe style Keen Newport H2sho by Keen
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Toggle lace for easy on and off
- Higher traction outsole provides grip in muddy environments and on rocky surfaces
- Waterproof
- Padded collar and tongue help to reduce irritation and discomfort
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s foot size
- Shoe style Moab Speed 2 by Merrell
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Lace-up closure
- Higher traction outsole provides grip in muddy environments and on rocky surfaces
- Waterproof
- Lightweight EVA midsole
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s foot size
- Shoe style Moab Speed 2 by Merrell
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Lace-up closure
- Higher traction outsole provides grip in muddy environments and on rocky surfaces
- Waterproof
- Lightweight EVA midsole
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s foot size
- Shoe style Moab 2 by Merrell
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Waterproof
- Rugged rubber outsole
- Highly slip-resistant stability on wet and dry ground, over mixed terrain
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s foot size
- Shoe style Agility Peak by Merrell
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Suede and mesh upper for durability
- Lace-up closure
- Rubber toe-cap for maximum durability
- Waterproof
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s foot size
- Shoe style Agility Peak by Merrell
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Toggle elastic lace closure
- Rubber toe-cap for maximum durability
- Water-friendly
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s foot size
- Shoe style Waterproof by Columbia
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Omni-GRIP non-marking traction rubber outsole provides high grip across a wide variety of terrain
- Toggle lace for easy on and off
- Rubber toe-cap for maximum durability
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s foot size
- Shoe style Redmond Waterproof by Columbia
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Omni-GRIP non-marking traction rubber outsole provides high grip across a wide variety of terrain
- Toggle lace for easy on and off
- Rubber toe-cap for maximum durability
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s foot size
Parents love how versatile these shoes are as their children can wear them for different activities. Keep in mind that the shoes are not only durable, they provide excellent support to be worn as everyday shoes for different activities, and they are lightweight and flexible at the same time. I have fitted these shoe styles before so I am familiar with the quality they provide and how they fit.
Now that you know which are the best active shoes for kids you are ready to make the most informed decision.
I always recommend parents to have their children wear socks with their sneakers. Socks act as a barrier between your child’s feet and the shoes, preventing the buildup of bacteria inside the shoes.
Don’t Forget About the Socks! – Breathable and Seamless!
Socks also prevent parts of your kids’ feet from rubbing the wrong way against the shoes. For example, a common place where kids use to get blisters is around their ankles, especially when they don’t wear socks. For example, the constant friction between the feet and the shoes can lead to the formation of blisters, but a pair of socks helps cushion your kids’ feet and prevent this from happening.
While I can’t get into too much detail about the importance of providing your kids with the correct type of socks, I wrote a post where I describe the best children’s socks and how to make sure you provide your child with the correct sock size – socks that are too short can make our kids’ toes overlap and rub against each other while socks that are too large can bunch up below your kids’ feet and create discomfort.
Are Any Other Shoe Choices Available?
Is there a different shoe that has worked well for your child’s feet? Do not hesitate to contact me directly at my e-mail if you have any further questions or if you need a different pair of shoes for your child. My e-mail address is:
Do you have a children’s shoe store in your area that you trust? I receive several emails from parents asking me if I know about a good-fitting children’s shoe store in their area, so it will be really helpful if you leave your location and the name of the children’s shoe store in the comments section area below.
