Are European Kids’ Shoes Better Than American Shoes? – Find Out The 2 Reasons Why They Are Not!

There is one common question that I get asked at the children’s shoe store where I work: Are European kids’ shoes better than American shoes? I believe there is a misconception about parents assuming that most European kids’ shoe brands provide better support or fit better than their American counterparts. I have fitted certain American kids’ shoes that provide excellent support. American shoes also tend to provide better cushion than European shoes.

European VS American Kids’ Shoes

➡️ When it comes to the materials that the shoes are made of, European shoes tend to be a step ahead as most of them are made from high-quality leather. Certain American shoe companies do make some of their children’s shoes out of leather, but just a couple of their styles. This doesn’t mean that European kids’ shoes are better than American shoes.

➡️ When it comes to the overall fit of the shoes, I believe that American shoes are a step ahead, as in addition to being available in different widths — wide (W) and extra wide (XW) — the shoes also provide extra depth, a key feature to accommodate the shape of children with high insteps.

Are European Kids’ Shoes Better Than American Shoes?

❌ European shoes are not available in wide or extra wide widths

I have spoken with several parents who told me how European shoes are better because in Europe shoes are not seen as “fashion items”, but rather as “health products”. I strongly disagree with this statement, because I have noticed how most European children’s shoes are not even available in different widths. This is a huge disadvantage, as I have fitted thousands of children’s feet, from their first steps to their teenage years, and I can tell you that kids’ feet come in all different shapes and sizes.

Children can have narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet, and it’s important for shoes to be available in those widths to fit the shape of the child’s feet, no matter how narrow or wide they might be.

❌ Most European shoes are not capable of accommodating orthotics.

There are a lot of children who are dealing with foot conditions such as flat feet, overpronation, rolled ankles, or low muscle tone — just to name a few examples.

These children require shoes that provide better support, and a great number of them require an orthotic to be fitted inside the shoes for extra support. If the shoes are not available in different widths or provide extra depth they won’t be able to accommodate an orthotic. This is another huge disadvantage of European kids’ shoes.

European VS American Kids’ Shoe Brands – Which Are Better?

Let’s explore the most popular shoe brands and what features their shoes provide.

The Best European Kids’ Shoe Brands

Some of the most popular European shoe brands that I have fitted before and that you might be already familiar with are:

1️⃣ Naturino

2️⃣ Primigi

3️⃣ Geox

You can probably agree with me that these three shoe companies are among the most popular ones among children. All of these shoe companies manufacture some of the best quality footwear I have fitted before for children. However, do you want to know what these 3 shoe companies have in common? None of these 3 shoe companies make children’s shoes in different widths. If your child has a medium width foot you probably have nothing to worry about, but what about all of those children who have wide or extra wide feet?

The Best American Kids’ Shoe Brands

Some of the most popular American shoe companies that I have fitted before are:

1️⃣ Stride Rite

2️⃣ New Balance

3️⃣ Saucony

I believe that all three of these shoe brands provide the same type of quality when it comes to shoes, but the advantage is that they offer shoes in different widths such as medium (M), wide (W), and extra wide (XW). All of these shoe brands provide shoes that are supportive, but lightweight and flexible at the same time. The good news is that you will be able to fit an orthotic in case your child needs extra support inside the shoes.

Now that you know the difference between these shoe brands, let me provide you with a selection of the best European and Americas shoes that I have fitted before. 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 European Shoes for Kids – Durable and Leather Made

Below you can find a selection of the best European kids’ shoes that I have fitted before.

Toddler/Little Kid Sizes

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• Order the shoe style European Mary Jane by Elephantito on Amazon

• Fits medium and wide feet

• Natural leathers

• Supported ankles with extra cushion and breathable lining

• Natural leathers

• I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

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• Order the shoe style 93887 by Cienta on Zappos

• Fits medium and wide feet

• Natural leathers

• Double velcro straps

• Durable rubber outsole

• I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

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• Order the shoe style VL AW20 by Naturino on Zappos

• Fits narrow and medium feet

• Natural leathers

• Double velcro straps

• I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

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• Order the shoe style Jesko VL by Naturino on Zappos

• Fits narrow and medium feet

• Natural leathers

• Double velcro straps

• I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

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• Order the shoe style DK Rock by Geox on Amazon

• Fits narrow and medium feet

• Natural leathers

• Double velcro closure

• I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

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• Order the shoe style Mary Jane by Naturino on Zappos

• Fits narrow and medium feet

• Natural leathers

• Supportive outsole

• I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

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• Order the shoe style 83618 by Primigi on Amazon

• Fits medium and wide feet

• Traditional lace closure for a secure fit

• Leather lining and insole

• Foam padding placed around the ankle collar and under the tongue for an incredibly comfortable fit and feel

• I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

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• Order the shoe style 18560 by Primigi on Amazon

• Fits medium and wide feet

• Natural leathers

• Double velcro straps

• I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

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• Order the shoe style 7703 by Naturino on Amazon

• Fits narrow and medium feet

• 100% leather

• Supportive outsole

• I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

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• Order the shoe style Kilwi 100 by Geox on Zappos

• Fits medium and wide feet

• GEOX rubber outsoles contain a special microporous membrane that is both breathable and waterproof

• Durable

• I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

Little/Big Kid Sizes

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• Order the shoe style Piping by Elephantito on Amazon

• Fits medium and wide feet

• Natural leathers

• Supported ankles with extra cushion and breathable lining

• I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

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• Order the shoe style Mary Jane by Cienta on Amazon

• Fits medium and wide feet

• 100% cotton 

• Breathable canvas lining 

• Durable rubber sole

• I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

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• Order the shoe style Low-top by Geox on Amazon

• Fits medium and wide feet

• GEOX rubber outsoles contain a special microporous membrane that is both breathable and waterproof

• Durable

• I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

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• Order the shoe style Catania by Naturino on Zappos

• Fits narrow and medium feet

• Natural leathers

• Supportive outsole

• I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

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• Order the shoe style Pavia by Naturino on Amazon

• Fits narrow and medium feet

• 100% leather

• Supportive outsole

• I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

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• Order the shoe style Alben by Geox on Amazon

• Fits medium and wide feet

• GEOX rubber outsoles contain a special microporous membrane that is both breathable and waterproof

• Durable

• I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

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• Order the shoe style by Cienta on Zappos

• Fits medium and wide feet

• Natural leathers

• Supportive outsole

• I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

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• Order the shoe style 19562 by Primigi on Zappos

• Fits medium and wide feet

• Double velcro straps

• Supportive outsole

• I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

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• Order the shoe style Chelsea by Geox on Amazon

• Fits medium and wide feet

• Easy to put on with a zip fastening 

• Removable insoles 

• I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

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• Order the shoe style Naimara 3 by Geox on Zappos

• Fits medium and wide feet

• Padded collar

• Supportive outsoles

• I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

If you are looking for any other type of European kids’ shoe styles such as dress shoes, winter boots, or summer shoes, please let me know in the comments section below and I will help you find them.

American Made Shoes for Children

I created a different resource that describes the kids’ shoes made in the United States.

Are Any Other Shoe Choices Available?

If none of these shoes are available in your child’s shoe size or if you need the shoes to be made of a specific color don’t hesitate to email me at:

fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com

How to Retrieve Your Child’s Exact Foot Shape and Length

I created a virtual shoe fitting service that will help you retrieve your child’s shoe size from home.

Do you agree with my selection of the best European and American kids’ shoe brands? Is there a particular shoe brand that you think I left out? Please share your thoughts and experiences below so other parents can benefit from them.

Keep in mind that these are generalizations that are not true for every American or European shoe style.