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, where we focus on helping children with “complicated” foot shapes and foot conditions, but we provide regular shoe fittings as well. As a professional shoe fitter, I handle approximately 100 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.
The shoe store that I work for is located in the United States, but we carry shoe brands from several different countries. Many families who visit the shoe store request for their children to be fitted in European shoes. Sometimes they have a specific shoe brand in mind, while some other times they 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.
I will show you the top 5 European shoe brands for kids and their most popular models among each shoe brand. All of the European shoe brands below provide excellent support without restricting movement.
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.
Specific Shoe Recommendations From These European Shore Brands
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Toddler/Little Kid Sizes
- Shoe style European Mary Jane by Elephantito
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Natural leathers
- Supported ankles with extra cushion and breathable lining
- Natural leathers
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s foot size
- Shoe style 93887 by Cienta
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Natural leathers
- Double velcro straps
- Durable rubber outsole
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s foot size
- Shoe style VL AW20 by Naturino
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Natural leathers
- Double velcro straps
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s foot size
- Shoe style Jesko VL by Naturino
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Natural leathers
- Double velcro straps
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s foot size
- Shoe style DK Rock by Geox
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Natural leathers
- Double velcro closure
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s foot size
- Shoe style Mary Jane by Naturino
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Natural leathers
- Supportive outsole
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s foot size
- Shoe style 83618 by Primigi
- 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
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s foot size
- Shoe style 18560 by Primigi
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Natural leathers
- Double velcro straps
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s foot size
- Shoe style 7703 by Naturino
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- 100% leather
- Supportive outsole
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s foot size
- Shoe style by Geox
- Fits medium and wide feet
- GEOX rubber outsoles contain a special microporous membrane that is both breathable and waterproof
- Durable
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s foot size
Little/Big Kid Sizes
- Shoe style Piping by Elephantito
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Natural leathers
- Supported ankles with extra cushion and breathable lining
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s foot size
- Shoe style Mary Jane by Cienta
- Fits medium and wide feet
- 100% cotton
- Breathable canvas lining
- Durable rubber sole
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s foot size
- Shoe style Low-top by Geox
- Fits medium and wide feet
- GEOX rubber outsoles contain a special microporous membrane that is both breathable and waterproof
- Durable
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s foot size
- Shoe style Catania by Naturino
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Natural leathers
- Supportive outsole
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s foot size
- Shoe style Pavia by Naturino
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- 100% leather
- Supportive outsole
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s foot size
- Shoe style Alben by Geox
- Fits medium and wide feet
- GEOX rubber outsoles contain a special microporous membrane that is both breathable and waterproof
- Durable
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s foot size
- Shoe style by Cienta
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Natural leathers
- Supportive outsole
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s foot size
- Shoe style 19562 by Primigi
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Double velcro straps
- Supportive outsole
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s foot size
- Shoe style Chelsea by Geox
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Easy to put on with a zip fastening
- Removable insoles
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s foot size
- Shoe style Naimara 3 by Geox
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Padded collar
- Supportive outsoles
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s 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:
Feel free to leave a comment with your favorite European shoe brands or favorite shoe models that have worked well for your child!
