Best European Shoe Brands for Kids – The Top 5 Most Comfortable, Durable, and Stylish Brands!
I have been working at a specialized children’s shoe store for over a decade now, and as a professional shoe fitter, I handle hundreds of shoe fittings/try-ons per week. After having tested several different shoe brands and styles, I have become familiar with the best European shoe brands for kids. Many families who visit the shoe store request that their children be fitted in European shoes. Sometimes they have a specific shoe brand in mind, while others simply request any shoe as long as it’s European-made.
Many European shoe brands are dedicated to promoting the natural and correct development of children’s feet, so parents want that peace of mind that their children are wearing shoes that promote healthy foot development.
Why Choose European Shoes for Your Child?
Most European shoes are made from high-quality leather, soft lining, and manufactured with meticulous attention to detail. They are also made with carefully selected lightweight materials and provide targeted support below the heels to absorb the micro-shocks normally experienced when walking.
Did you know that in Europe kids’ shoes are regarded as “health products” rather than fashion items? This is the main reason why European shoes are made to the highest quality standards imposed by European manufacturing.
Are European Children’s Shoes More Expensive?
Not necessarily. Most models I recommend retail for the same price as other shoes made in the USA, China, or Vietnam.
Best European Shoe Brands for Kids
Established children’s shoe brands manufacture their shoes according to the foot itself. This requires a lot of expertise and experience. For more than forty years these shoe brands have been working to develop safe and comfortable shoes for children:
1️⃣ Primigi
This is a historic shoe brand that has been manufacturing children’s shoes since 1976 and the shoes are predominantly made in Italy. This shoe brand has an in-depth knowledge of the specific needs of each age group, and all shoes have been designed down to the very last detail to ensure they are comfortable, lightweight, breathable and durable.
2️⃣ Naturino
This shoe brand was founded in 1974 and the shoes are manufactured in Italy. Comfort is the outstanding feature of every collection, designed with the wellness of children of all ages in mind.
3️⃣ Geox
Geox is an Italian shoe brand that has manufacturing plants in China, Vietnam, Indonesia, South Korea, Brazil, Macedonia and – Serbia. Most people believe that what makes Geox’s children’s shoes stand out is the breathable sole. I actually love how the shoes provide good support while being lightweight and flexible at the same time. The shoes are also extremely durable, and most children grow out of the shoes before destroying them.
4️⃣ Cienta
Cienta is a family-owned company that was founded in 1982 and specializes in creating high-quality vulcanized footwear for children. This shoe company is dedicated to promoting the natural and correct development of children’s feet, and the entire production and design process of their shoes is centered on quality and comfort. Cienta manufactures shoes using only natural materials and the most advanced technology.
5️⃣ Clarks
Originally founded in 1825, Clarks used to manufacture its kids’ shoes in England, Somerset. The company now has factories in China, India, Brazil and Vietnam.
It’s important to note that not all shoes from these shoe brands provide the same levels of comfort, support, and durability. I am going to show you which style works better than others. 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.
Specific Shoe Recommendations From These European Shore Brands
Take a look at the description below each shoe to find out if it can fit your child’s foot shape and what size you should order to allow for the correct amount of growing room.
Toddler/Little Kid Sizes
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
Are You Looking for a Different Pair of European Shoes for Your Child?
Do not hesitate to contact me if you need a different type of European shoe for your child. You can ask your question in the comments section below or contact me via email:
fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com
Feel free to leave a comment with your favorite European shoe brands or favorite shoe models that have worked well for your child!