Best Stride Rite Shoes for Kids – The Most Comfortable, Versatile, and Durable Styles
Searching for the best Stride Rite shoes for your child’s foot shape? Stride Rite has been a trusted name in kids’ footwear for decades, but with so many styles available, choosing the right pair can feel overwhelming. As a children’s shoe fitter with years of experience, I won’t overwhelm you with endless options—instead, I’ll highlight the most supportive, comfortable, and best-fitting Stride Rite shoes to keep your child’s feet healthy and happy.
Many parents who visit the shoe store where I work often share that their very first pair of walking shoes—over 30 years ago—was from Stride Rite! Since Stride Rite is especially known for its shoes for babies and toddlers, I’ve divided my recommendations into two sections: one for the best Stride Rite shoes for early walkers, and another for toddlers and little kids who are already on the move.
What Makes Stride Rite Shoes Stand Out from Other Shoe Brands?
Stride Rite has become a trusted brand among families thanks to its commitment to children’s foot health. All Stride Rite shoes have earned the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Approval—recognizing products that support healthy foot development. What sets Stride Rite apart is its wide range of sizes and widths, making it easier to find shoes that fit various foot shapes, including medium, wide, extra wide, and high insteps.
1. They Accommodate “Complicated” Foot Shapes
Most Stride Rite shoes come in a range of widths—medium, wide, and extra wide—because the brand understands that kids’ feet come in all shapes and sizes. Whether your child has standard, wide, or extra wide feet, you’re sure to find a pair that fits comfortably and supports their growing feet.
2. They Are Made of Soft and Safe Materials
Stride Rite shoes are crafted with flexible, rounded rubber outsoles that mirror the natural shape of a child’s foot—boosting stability and enhancing sensory feedback with every step. For older kids, many styles feature a reinforced shank for added support, ensuring comfort and structure as they grow and stay active.
3. They Provide Sensory Response Technology
Stride Rite’s Sensory Response Technology is like built-in brain-body teamwork for your child’s feet. It enhances proprioception—how muscles and joints sense movement—helping your child stay balanced, steady, and confident whether they’re taking their first steps or running full speed on the playground.
As a children’s shoe fitting specialist with years of experience, I carefully select Stride Rite styles that offer the best support and comfort. All of the models I recommend are available in wide and extra wide widths to ensure an optimal fit for every child. Below, I’ll share my top picks based on real-life fitting experience and parent feedback. Disclosure: We may earn a commission when you click our links and make a purchase.
Best Stride Rite Shoes for Kids Approved By APMA in 2025
Check the description below each shoe to see which foot shapes it fits (medium, wide, extra wide), along with key features and sizing tips. Here are my top Stride Rite recommendations for 2025:
1. Wes and Soft Motion by Stride Rite
These Stride Rite baby shoes are designed with wide and extra wide widths, flexible soles, and a roomy round toe-box—perfect for toddlers with wide feet and high insteps.
Key Features
- Order the shoe Wes by Stride Rite on Zappos or the Soft Motion Baby by Stride Rite on Amazon
- Available in extra wide widths
- Seamless construction cradle the baby’s natural shape
- Flexible, rounded, slip-resistant soles
- APMA approved
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
2. Thompson by Stride Rite
These Stride Rite baby shoes feature a flexible sole and a rounded toe design to support natural movement, making it a favorite among parents and podiatrists alike.
Key Features
- Order the shoe Thompson Sneaker on Amazon
- Available in wide widths
- Awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)
- Padded tongue and collar for added comfort
- Breathable textile lining and cushioned insole
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
3. Nell by Stride Rite
These Stride Rite Mary Jane shoes provide both style and functionality.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style Nell by Stride Rite on Zappos or Amazon
- Available in wide widths
- Velcro closure
- Padded collar for comfort
- Removable contoured footbed
- I suggest that you get this Mary Jane shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
4. M2P Player by Stride Rite
These Stride Rite boys’ shoes feature machine-washable materials, a memory foam footbed, and extra grip for traction, it’s perfect for school, play, and everything in between. Available in wide widths for a better fit.
- Order the shoe style M2P Kendrick by Stride Rite on Zappos on Amazon
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Adjustable hook and loop closure with elastic faux laces
- Ortholite® memory foam footbeds
- Padded heel collar
- Machine washable
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
5. Shoe Style Artie and Adalyn by Stride Rite
The Artie and Adalyn Stride Rite shoes provide excellent width options (wide and extra wide) and a comfortable fit. Their design includes flexible outsoles and cushioned insoles, which are essential for active toddlers.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style Artie and Adalyn by Stride Rite on Amazon or Zappos
- Rounded edges to decrease stumbles and falls
- Available in wide and extra wide widths
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
6. Shoe Style Elliott by Stride Rite
These high-top booties by Stride Rite offer excellent support and a comfortable fit.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style SRT Elliot by Stride Rite on Amazon or Zappos
- Available in wide and extra wide widths
- 100% leather made
- I suggest getting this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
7. Holly by Stride Rite
These white Mary Jane Stride Rite shoes are crafted from genuine leather with a scalloped edge design, cushioned footbed, and a secure hook-and-loop strap—ideal for special occasions with both style and support.
- Order the dress shoe Holly by Stride Rite on Zappos or Amazon
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Oversized openings
- Antimicrobial linings for odor prevention
- I suggest that you get this dress shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
8. Shoe style Archie and Kiki by Stride Rite
These Stride Rite sandals are crafted to provide maximum comfort for kids. With their breathable materials and secure fit, they offer the support and flexibility needed for a growing child.
Key Features
- Order the shoe Archie and Kiki on Amazon or Zappos
- Available in wide and extra wide widths
- Leather upper
- 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 half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
9. Shoe Style Martin by Stride Rite
The shoe features a wide toe box and plush cushioning, making it perfect for everyday wear. Parents often highlight the shoe’s ability to maintain its shape and support even after prolonged use, underscoring its durability.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Order the shoe style Martin by Stride Rite on Zappos
- Available in wide and extra wide widths
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
10. Claire by Stride Rite
These Mary Jane Stride Rite school shoes provide enhanced support and a memory foam footbed, ideal for long days at school. The memory foam adapts to the contours of the foot, providing personalized comfort.
- Order the shoe style Claire by Stride Rite on Zappos or Amazon
- Also available in brown and navy
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- 100% leather
- Padded collar for comfort
- Memory foam insole for enhanced comfort
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
How to Retrieve Your Child’s Exact Foot Length and Shape
Understanding your child’s foot shape and size is crucial for selecting the right shoes. Properly fitting shoes are essential not only for comfort but also for preventing foot health issues. I offer a virtual shoe fitting service that helps you determine your child’s exact foot length and shape from the comfort of your home. This service is designed to make the shoe shopping process easier and more accurate.
Contact Me for Specific Shoe Recommendations
You can reach out to me through the comments section below or via email for specific shoe recommendations tailored to your child’s unique foot shape. I’ll guide you through the process and provide personalized advice based on your child’s needs.
