Best Toddler Shoes in 2024 – The Top 5 Sneakers for Toddlers Who Are Already Walking

December 15, 2022 Toddler Shoes Juan Pablo Valenzuela 2 - Comments

Is your toddler already walking confidently and now you are looking for a pair of shoes that promote healthy foot development? I can show you which are the best toddler shoes in 2024 based on my many years of shoe fitting experience. Shoes for toddlers who are already walking are made very differently compared to shoes for toddlers who are learning how to walk, but sometimes it’s very hard to tell the difference between these two.

Children’s feet are constantly developing, and what happens to their feet during their childhood will affect their physique as they grow older. Toddlers who are already walking are putting more pressure on their feet, and they will need more protection and stability. Pro Tip: If you’re pressed for time, you can go straight to the selection of the best toddler sneakers in 2024.

It’s very hard to tell the difference between shoes for toddlers who are learning how to walk and shoes for toddlers who are already walking. The shoes look almost identical, but there are ways to tell the difference if you are able to grab and squeeze the shoes. I am going to make things easier for you and provide you with a list of the top 5 most lightweight, flexible, and affordable sneakers for toddlers.

3 Key Differences Between First Walking Shoes and Shoes for Toddlers Already Walking

The shoes I recommend are lightweight and flexible but provide a stable base of support at the same time. This might sound quite simple, but it’s actually harder than you think. There are a lot of toddler shoes that are either too stiff or too flexible.

These are the 3 key differences:

1️⃣ Firm Hold Vs Lack of Cushioning: This means that the outsole of the shoe for a toddler who is already walking must be more supportive compared to the outsole of the shoe for a toddler who is learning how to walk.

✅ Toddlers who are already walking are putting more pressure on their feet, and they will need more protection and stability. The image below shows a toddler shoe that provides a stable base of support:

❌ The image below shows a toddler shoe that is too flexible. If you can bend your toddler’s shoes like a spiral in all directions, then it’s highly likely that the shoes don’t provide the correct amount of support and stability:

first-walking-shoe-for-babies-learning-how-to-walk

2️⃣ Firm Vs Soft Heel Counter: The heel counter is the back part of the shoe, and shoes for toddlers learning how to walk should have a very soft heel counter while shoes for toddlers who are already walking should have a firmer one.

✅ The image below shows a toddler shoe with a firmer heel counter:

toddler-shoe-with-a-firm-heel-counter

❌ The image below shows a toddler shoe with a heel counter that is too soft:

toddler-shoe-with-a-soft-heel-counter

3️⃣ Flexible Vs Too Flexible: Your toddler shoes should bend at the toes but no further. If your toddler shoes are too rigid or you are able to bend them in all directions as a spiral, then it’s highly likely that the shoes don’t provide the correct amount of flexibility and stability.

✅ The image below shows a toddler shoe that provides the correct amount of flexibility. Notice how the shoe bends at the ball of the foot but no further:

A toddler shoe that provides the correct amount of flexibility.

❌ The image below shows a toddler shoe that is too rigid at the front. Notice how the shoe is too stiff at the toe box area. If you have a hard time bending the front part of the shoe, then I suggest that you choose a different one:

A toddler shoe that is too rigid at the front and doesn’t provide the correct amount of flexibility.

❌ The image below shows a toddler shoe that is too flexible. If you can bend your toddler’s shoes like a spiral, then it’s highly likely that the shoes don’t provide the correct amount of support:

A toddler shoe that is too flexible and doesn’t provide the correct amount of support.

All of the toddler shoes I recommend are made from durable materials to prevent the shoes from falling apart too quickly. I know that most parents don’t think of durability as an important factor for toddlers since they outgrow their shoes pretty quickly. However, I have seen toddlers who destroy their shoes in less than two months due to wearing shoes that are poorly made.

I will show you a list of toddler shoes that provide these important features, but keep in mind that if you don’t provide your toddler with the correct shoe size you will make your toddler more prone to developing foot issues.

What Is Your Toddler’s Foot Shape?

At the shoe store where I work, I have noticed how most toddlers have wide or extra wide feet, so this is something parents should keep in mind when looking for their toddler’s shoes. The top priority for most parents who bring their toddlers to the shoe store I work for is for their toddlers to walk out of the store wearing shoes that fit correctly.

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

I always recommend parents to take their toddlers to their local specialized children’s shoe store. The problem is that most children’s shoe stores were closing down even before the pandemic hit.

Places such as Nordstrom’s, Payless, or other big retail stores don’t do a good job at properly sizing children’s feet. In fact, most parents who take their children to be fitted for shoes at these stores end up with the wrong shoe size.

If you are unsure of your toddler’s exact foot shape, I strongly suggest that you take advantage of a free service I offer in which I help parents determine their toddler’s exact foot shape from home. I will be able to tell whether your toddler has narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet, as well as whether your toddler has a high instep or not.

There is a large selection of shoes available for toddlers so it can get confusing for parents to choose the correct ones. 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. This allows us to create free content and resources for many families around the world. 

Best Toddler Shoes in 2024 – The Best Shoes for Toddlers Who Are Already Walking

Please note that many of the shoes featured below come in several color options, so if you want the shoes to be made of a specific color, please make sure to click through and see if they are available in that specific color.

Boys

  • Fits toddlers with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
  • Oversized opening for easy on and off
  • Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
  • Hook and loop closure 
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Ride 10 J by Saucony on Zappos
  • Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
  • Leather and mesh upper for durability and breathability
  • APMA Certified
  • Traction pods on the outsole for serious grip
  • EVA midsole for lightweight feel
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style SRT Winslow by Stride Rite on Amazon
  • Available in medium and wide widths
  • Toe cap reinforcement and bumptoe protection against stumbles
  • Opens super wide which makes in and out easy
  • Step-stabilizing design with comfy Ortholite memory foam footbeds
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Available in medium, wide and extra wide widths
  • Oversized opening for easy on and off
  • Lightweight injection-molded EVA foam midsole provides lightweight cushioning
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Stevie II by See Kai Run on Zappos
  • Fits medium and wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
  • Breathable textile lining and cushioned insole
  • Padded tongue and collar for added comfort
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style 2510 Racer by Tsukihoshi on Amazon
  • Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
  • Removable insoles
  • Lightweight and flexible
  • Extra wide toe box allows natural splaying of toes for better balance, comfort, and foot health
  • Long heel counter provides stability
  • Machine washable
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Jazz Lite 2.0 by Saucony on Zappos
  • Available in medium and wide widths
  • Leather and mesh upper for durability and breathability
  • Anti-stink lining helps reduce odors
  • Machine washable for quick and easy clean
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
  • Generous toe box and instep to accommodate and support a first-walker’s needs
  • Rubber outsole pods designed to stand up to daily wear and tear
  • Extra deep
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style 574 New-b V1 by New Balance on Amazon
  • Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
  • Generous toe box and instep to accommodate and support a first-walker’s needs
  • Rubber outsole pods designed to stand up to daily wear and tear 
  • Extra deep
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

Girls

  • Fits toddlers with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
  • Oversized opening for easy on and off
  • Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
  • Hook and loop closure 
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Ride 10 J by Saucony on Zappos
  • Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
  • Leather and mesh upper
  • Non-marking traction pods to help improve stability
  • APMA approved
  • Toe cap for extra durability
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style 2510 Racer by Tsukihoshi on Amazon
  • Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
  • Heel stabilizer provides lateral stability
  • Removable insoles
  • The insoles are Infused with natural Green Tea extract (no chemicals)
  • Machine washable
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
  • Synthetic/mesh upper
  • Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Stevie II by See Kai Run on Zappos
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Canvas upper
  • Toe cap is durable for early steps
  • Double velcro straps
  • Oversized opening for easy on and off
  • APMA approved
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Sr Thompson by Stride Rite on Amazon
  • Available in medium and wide widths
  • Ortholite memory foam footbeds
  • Opens super wide which makes in and out easy
  • Recycled material linings to help reduce odor
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Available in medium, wide and extra wide widths
  • Oversized opening for easy on and off
  • Lightweight injection-molded EVA foam midsole provides lightweight cushioning
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Kya by See Kai Run on Zappos
  • Fits wide and extra wide feet
  • Leather and mesh upper
  • Two adjustable hook-and-loop closures for easy on and off
  • Padded tongue and collar for added comfort
  • APMA approved
  • Toe cap for extra durability
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style 574 New-b V1 by New Balance on Amazon
  • Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
  • Generous toe box and instep to accommodate and support a first-walker’s needs
  • Rubber outsole pods designed to stand up to daily wear and tear 
  • Extra deep
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Available in medium, wide and extra wide widths
  • Oversized opening for easy on and off
  • No-sew overlays
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

These shoes were handpicked by me and they have proven to be the best choice for toddlers who are already walking as they provide all of the features a toddler needs to promote healthy foot development:

  • Accommodate different foot shapes —medium, wide, extra wide— as well as high insteps.
  • Lightweight and flexible but supportive at the same time.
  • Breathable to prevent your toddler’s feet from sweating excessively.
  • Excellent traction to prevent your toddler from slipping and falling.
  • Secure velcro closure to provide your toddler with better stability.

Would You Like to Receive Specific Shoe Recommendations?

Do not hesitate to contact me if you are unsure of what shoe size to order or if you are looking for a different pair of shoes for your toddler:

fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com

How Often Should Toddlers Get New Shoes?

Toddler’s feet tend to grow pretty quickly, so even if you are providing the correct amount of growing room you can expect to replace the shoes every 4 months.

Follow my guidelines below each shoe recommendation to check how much growing room you should leave for your toddler.

What Are the Best Socks for Toddlers? – Seamless and Breathable

Keep in mind that socks play a key role in keeping your toddler’s feet healthy. Parents should provide their toddlers with socks that are seamless and breathable. Seamless socks will allow your toddler to freely move their toes. Keep in mind that toddlers move their toes as a way of exercising their feet, so it’s important that you don’t constrict this movement.

It’s also important that you order the socks in the correct size. Socks that are too big might bunch up below your toddler’s feet and create discomfort, while socks that are too short can constrict toe movement.

Best Shoes for Toddlers Already Walking – Watch Video

I created a video to help you visualize the difference between shoes for toddlers who are learning how to walk and toddlers who are already walking. You might find the video helpful next time you are at your local shoe store shopping for shoes.

My Final Thoughts on Toddler Shoes

Providing your toddler with the correct type of shoes will affect your toddler’s day-to-day life and prevent your toddler from developing foot issues in the future. Several older children walk into the store with bunions or other issues from wearing the wrong type of shoes when they were younger.

Let me know in the comments section below if you have any questions or have found a specific shoe brand or shoe style that has worked well for your toddler’s feet.