Once you find a shoe brand that works for your child’s particular foot shape or foot condition, that’s supportive and comfortable enough for extended wear, that your child likes and can easily get on and off, I recommend you stick with it. You can size up every 3 ½ to 6 months depending on your child’s age. Let me show you the best shoe brands for kids in 2022.
The best shoe brands for kids are the ones that make supportive, lightweight, flexible, and breathable shoes that are capable of accommodating different foot shapes such as narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet. Most parents are surprised when they find out that Nike, Under Armour, and Adidas didn’t make it to the top 4 list.
My Experience Fitting Children’s Shoes – Over a Decade of Shoe Fitting Experience!
I have been fitting children’s shoes and orthotics for 10 years at a specialty children’s shoe store, a leader in proper fit for over 40 years. We specialize in fitting children with foot and leg problems as well as in regular shoe fittings for all children, whatever their needs are.
If your child has a medium width foot (M) you have a myriad of shoe options to choose from, but that doesn’t mean that all shoes are going to be effective in keeping your child’s feet healthy. On the other hand, if your child has a narrow (N), wide (W), or extra wide (XW) foot, the selection of shoes to choose from gets more limited. Certain children also have high insteps, which makes the process of finding shoes a lot more complicated.
Whichever foot shape your child might have you need to make sure that the shoes fit the shape of your child’s feet correctly, and the shoes also need to be supportive but lightweight and flexible at the same time to allow for natural foot development.
Through my experience of fitting hundreds of children, I have become very familiar with the best shoe brands and shoe styles. Providing children with the correct type of shoes is the most effective way to keep their feet healthy and prevent foot injuries.
Certain shoe brands have proven to be more effective when it comes to manufacturing good shoes for kids as they can accommodate different foot shapes such as narrow, medium, wide, extra wide, and high insteps.
How to Retrieve Your Child’s Exact Foot Length and Shape
Most families are now forced to shop for their kids online as most local kids’ shoe stores have been closing down. To be able to shop for your kids’ shoes online you need to be 100% sure of your child’s foot length and foot width. I wrote an article that describes the simplest and most effective 2 steps to determine foot length and foot width. Go to the link below:
How to Measure Your Kids’ Foot – 2 Simple Steps to Determine Foot Length and Foot Width
I am going to describe the best shoe brands for kids in this particular order:
➡️ The Best Shoe Brand for Everyday Sneakers
➡️ The Best Shoe Brand for Dress Shoes
➡️ The Best Shoe Brand for Summer Shoes
➡️ The Best Shoe Brand for Winter Shoes
The Best Shoe Brand for Everyday Sneakers: New Balance
New Balance is the best shoe brand for kids as far as everyday sneakers are concerned. This shoe brand manufactures supportive shoes that are lightweight and flexible at the same time.
One of the greatest advantages of this shoe brand is that it can accommodate different foot shapes as it manufactures kids’ shoes in different widths such as medium (M), wide (W), and extra wide widths (XW), and it’s also capable of accommodating children with high insteps. The only time I don’t recommend this shoe brand is if your child has narrow feet. If your child happens to have narrow feet, please go to the link below:
The Best Shoe Brands for Kids with Narrow Feet – The Most Durable and Affordable Brands!
The features below make New Balance sneakers stand out from other shoe brands:
1️⃣ Rounder Toe-Boxes: This feature is going to prevent the child’s toes from overlapping or rubbing against one another or the side of the shoes.
2️⃣ Extra Depth: This feature allows the child’s feet to fit deeply inside the shoes, and prevents the top part of the feet (instep) from rubbing against the top part of the shoes.
3️⃣ Support: New Balance sneakers provide just the correct amount of support that helps absorb the impact that your child’s feet take when they become in contact with the ground.
4️⃣ Lightweight and Flexible: New Balance sneakers are supportive but they are lightweight and flexible at the same time to allow for healthy foot development.
5️⃣ Breathable: New Balance sneakers all come with a breathable mesh that allows the child’s feet to breathe, preventing the formation and buildup of bacteria inside the shoes.
6️⃣ Firm Heel Counters: This is the back part of the shoe that keeps the child’s heels supported and protected.
7️⃣ Durable: New Balance shoe styles are extremely durable. Your child is going to outgrow the shoes before they destroy them or wear them down.
The Best New Balance Shoes for Kids ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I have put together a selection of the best sneakers manufactured by New Balance. Remember that these shoe styles are capable of accommodating children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet. These styles are also going to accommodate the shape of a child with a high instep.
Toddler Shoe Sizes (0 to 10)
- Available in medium, wide and extra wide widths
- Oversized opening for easy on and off
- Lightweight injection-molded EVA foam midsole provides lightweight cushioning
- Hook and loop closure
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Velcro closure
- ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Mesh upper for durability and comfort
- Extra deep
- Fits orthotics
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Velcro closure
- Customizable fit adjusts to your child’s foot shape
- Extra Deep
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide and extra wide widths
- Velcro closure
- Oversized opening for easy on and off
- Lightweight injection-molded EVA foam midsole provides lightweight cushioning
- Fits orthotics
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Suede/mesh upper
- Velcro closure
- EVA-cushioned midsole
- Extra Deep
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Velcro closure
- Customizable fit adjusts to your child’s foot shape
- Extra Deep
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Velcro closure
- ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Mesh upper for durability and comfort
- Extra deep
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Suede/mesh upper
- Lightweight and flexible
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- Lace-up closure
- Strong rubber outsole and cushioned midsoles
- Suede/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
Little and Big Kid Shoe Sizes (10.5 to 7)
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Velcro closure
- ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Fits orthotics
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Velcro closure
- ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Fits orthotics
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Velcro closure
- ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- AT Tread outsole provides versatile traction during both on and off-road activities
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Velcro closure
- ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- AT Tread outsole provides versatile traction during both on and off-road activities
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Leather/mesh upper
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Leather/mesh upper
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Suede and mesh uppers
- Padded tongue and collar offer a snug, comfy fit
- ENCAP® midsole technology provides support and maximum durability
- Dual-layered EVA midsole for cushioning
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Dual-layer midsole construction featuring top-bed foam cushioning and underfoot Fresh Foam X
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning
- TPU heel clip for stability
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- ENCAP® midsole technology provides support and maximum durability
- Suede/mesh upper
- Fits orthotics
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- ENCAP midsole cushioning provides good arch and heel support
- Leather and suede upper
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Strong rubber outsole and cushioned midsoles
- Fits orthotics
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- NDurance rubber outsole technology provides superior durability in high-wear areas to help get more out of the shoes
- Lace-Up closure
- Non-marking outsole
- Order this shoe a whole larger than your child’s current foot size
The Best Shoe Brand for Dress Shoes: Hush Puppies
Hush Puppies is the best kids’ shoe brand when it comes to dress shoes. This shoe brand manufactures stylish, yet comfortable and durable dress shoes that are available in different widths such as medium (M) and wide (W).
The Best Hush Puppies Shoes for Kids ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Double velcro straps
- Padded collar for comfort
- Memory Foam foot bed for all-day comfort and support
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- 100% leather
- Breathable leather lining and cushioned leather-lined footbed cradles children’s feet
- Ideal for formal occasions and casual wear
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- 100% leather
- Easy on-and-off with an oversized opening hook and loop closure
- Lace up closure for secure fit
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in wide widths (W)
- Padded insole
- Contoured cushioned heel
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Slip-on design for easy on and off
- Elasticized top line for a no-slip fit
- Breathable textile lining and a cushioned textile insole
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
This shoe brand accommodates children with medium, wide, and extra wide feet, but it won’t accommodate children with narrow feet. If your child happens to have narrow feet, please go to the link below:
Kids Narrow Dress Shoes – The Best Dress Shoes for Children with Narrow Feet!
The Best Shoe Brand for Summer Shoes: Keen
Keen manufactures some of the best summer sandals for kids in terms of support, comfort, and durability. Keen sandals are practically indestructible; they must be some of the best-made sandals I have fitted before.
Parents love how supportive, durable, and versatile these sandals are, as children can wear them to summer camp, the beach, or when they ride their bicycles. Keen sandals come with a substantial and supportive outsole that is going to support your kids’ feet at all times.
I have put together a selection of the best sandals manufactured by Keen. The sandals below are capable of accommodating children with medium and wide feet, as well as the shape of a child with a high instep.
The Best Keen Sandals for Kids ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Toddler Shoe Sizes (0 to 10)
- Fits medium and wide feet
- This internal support mechanism is anatomically engineered to provide excellent arch support
- Machine washable
- Order this sandal half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- This internal support mechanism is anatomically engineered to provide excellent arch support
- Machine washable
- Order this sandal half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Open-toe with support and protection underfoot
- Built with lateral support to help stabilize the ankle and heel
- Machine washable
- Eco Anti-Odor for natural odor control
- Order this sandal half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Open-toe with support and protection underfoot
- Machine washable
- Eco Anti-Odor for natural odor control
- Order this sandal half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Lightweight midsole allows little feet to move naturally
- Integrated, contoured arch and metatarsal ridge provide underfoot support
- Machine washable
- Order this sandal half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Two points of adjustability for a custom fit
- EVA insole with arch support for all-day comfort
- Eco Anti-Odor for natural odor control
- Order this sandal half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Lightweight midsole allows little feet to move naturally
- Integrated, contoured arch and metatarsal ridge provide underfoot support
- Machine washable
- Order this sandal half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Two points of adjustability for a custom fit
- EVA insole with arch support for all-day comfort
- Eco Anti-Odor for natural odor control
- Order this sandal half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
Little and Big Kid Shoe Sizes (10.5 to 7)
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Metatomical EVA footbed provides excellent arch support and cradles the natural contours of the foot
- Adjustable hook-and-loop strap with bungee closure for a secure fit
- Machine washable
- Order this sandal half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Metatomical EVA footbed provides excellent arch support and cradles the natural contours of the foot
- Adjustable hook-and-loop strap with bungee closure for a secure fit
- Machine washable
- Order this sandal half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Built with lateral support to help stabilize the ankle and heel
- Machine washable
- Eco Anti-Odor for natural odor control
- Order this sandal half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet
- EVA insole with arch support for all-day comfort
- Machine washable
- Order this sandal half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Metatomical EVA footbed provides excellent arch support and cradles the natural contours of the foot
- Machine washable
- Eco Anti-Odor for natural odor control
- Order this sandal half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Metatomical EVA footbed provides excellent arch support and cradles the natural contours of the foot
- Machine washable
- Eco Anti-Odor for natural odor control
- Order this sandal half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits narrow and medium
- Metatomical EVA footbed provides excellent arch support and cradles the natural contours of the foot
- Adjustable hook-and-loop strap with bungee closure for a secure fit
- Machine washable
- Order this sandal half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- EVA insole with arch support for all-day comfort
- Machine washable
- Order this sandal half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
If your child has narrow feet please take a look at the article below:
Keen Sandals for Narrow Feet – The Best Style for Kids with Narrow Feet!
The Best Shoe Brand for Winter Shoes: Bogs
Bogs make some of the best waterproof boots that are not too clunky or heavy for walking. It’s hard to find snow boots that are lightweight and flexible as they tend to be bulkier and heavier due to the material that they are made of. The good news is that most Bogs boots are insulated for winter days and have soles designed to prevent your child from slipping and falling.
Bogs boots are rated to 14 Degrees F/-10 Degrees C. One awesome feature about Bogs boots is how your child can wear these winter boots as rain boots as well, in case it doesn’t snow in your area.
As far as sizing goes, I recommend that you order a whole size longer of your child’s foot size. All of these boots come with a removable insole that you can easily remove and have your child stand on it to give you an idea of how much space there is in the boot.
The Best Bogs Snow Boots for Kids ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Waterproof
- Made with 3mm Neo-Tech insulation to keep warm in cold weather. Comfort rated 14 degrees F/-10
- Hook/loop strap and sturdy handles make these winter boots easy for little kids to get on and off
- Machine washable
- Excellent traction
- Order this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Waterproof
- Made with 3mm Neo-Tech insulation to keep warm in cold weather. Comfort rated 14 degrees F/-10
- Hook/loop strap and sturdy handles make these winter boots easy for little kids to get on and off
- Machine washable
- Excellent traction
- Order this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Waterproof
- Made with 3mm Neo-Tech insulation to keep warm in cold weather. Comfort rated 14 degrees F/-10
- Hook/loop strap and sturdy handles make these winter boots easy for little kids to get on and off
- Machine washable
- Excellent traction
- Order this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Waterproof
- Sturdy handles make these winter boots easy for kids to get on and off
- Insulated
- Order this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Waterproof
- Sturdy handles make these winter boots easy for kids to get on and off
- Insulated
- Order this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Waterproof
- Sturdy handles make these winter boots easy for kids to get on and off
- Insulated
- Order this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
Unsure About What Shoe Size You Should Order?
In each of the descriptions of the shoes, I indicate whether you need to order a half size or a whole size bigger than your child’s current foot size to provide the correct amount of growing room.
Do not hesitate to contact me directly if you are unsure about how a particular shoe style fits: fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com
If you have feedback about any of these shoes or have other recommendations to make, please do so in the comments section below.
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