Children’s Shoes Made in the USA – A Dying Breed
Are you having a hard time finding American-made shoes for your child? They are getting harder to find because most shoe companies outsource their production to China, Vietnam, or Indonesia. If you think that shoe companies are not making their shoes in the USA anymore, think again! I created a list that contains the best children’s shoes made in the USA based on my many years of shoe fitting experience.
Top 3 Reasons Why You Should Buy American-Made Shoes
By purchasing shoes made in America, you are not only supporting American workers and safe working conditions, but you are also supporting child labor laws. Why should you care about where your kids’ shoes are made? Here are the top 3 reasons:
1️⃣ You are saving and creating American jobs!
2️⃣ You are protecting the environment since many of the top countries where your children’s shoes come from have little to non-existent regulations when it comes to protecting the environment.
3️⃣ You are supporting human rights since most of the countries we are importing shoes from have few workplace standards and poor working conditions.
Some parents argue that they don’t care about buying high-quality shoes for their children as they outgrow their shoes rather quickly. I understand that children grow fast and depending on the child’s age parents might have to replace their children’s shoes as often as 3 times a year, which can get rather expensive. However, please be careful where you buy your kids’ shoes as I have seen several cases of parents finding sharp objects inside their shoes from the shoes being poorly made.
The child kept complaining that something was scratching him inside the shoe and the parent got stabbed but this loose nail several times trying to find it.
Kids’ Shoes Made in China, Vietnam, Indonesia…
Do you feel like every time you check the tag on your kids’ shoes it reads made in China, Vietnam, or Indonesia?
Here is an interesting fact: During the 1960’s, the USA was the number one leading manufacturer of footwear. Can you believe that now 99.8 % of the shoes sold in the USA are made abroad?
The only reason for this is corporate profits. Let’s see if we can find shoes that fit your kids’ feet and your values. Keep in mind that in most instances, American-made products are going to be higher priced because they are made of better quality.
Since most children’s fitting shoe stores have been closing down, I have dedicated myself to helping parents find the perfect pair of shoes for their children online.
Which Kids Shoe Brands Manufacture American-Made Shoes?
There are only 3 shoe brands that still manufacture kids’ shoes in America. Below you can find a list of shoe brands that produce children’s shoes in the USA:
1️⃣ Kepner Scott: Did you know that this shoe brand makes shoes by hand and that they are located in Origsburg, Pennsylvania? This company makes everyday shoes, casual shoes, dress shoes, boots and sandals for children. Their shoes are reasonably priced considering that they are of such high quality. Their models are priced between $30 and $60, which are competitively priced and comparable to what you will pay in department stores for shoes.
2️⃣ New Balance: Keep in mind that not all New Balance shoes are produced in America. However, this company does produce over four million pairs of shoes in the U.S. each year. You must check the label of the shoe to be certain that a particular shoe is American-made. Did you know that even then you will not be guaranteed a 100% American-made shoe? New Balance labels its shoes as “Made in the USA” if their “domestic value” is at least 70% of the shoe’s total price.
3️⃣ Softstar Shoes: Because their shoes are made in the USA, the customer receives superior customer service. They will never let you get stuck with a pair that doesn’t fit right, and they have generous return and exchange policies. This is a socially and environmentally responsible kids’ shoe company. All of their shoes are designed to imitate barefoot walking that promotes natural foot development. However, I only believe that soft minimalist footwear should be worn when a child is learning how to walk, and not when the child is already walking.
A new national survey by the Consumer Reports National Research Center shows that 78% of Americans would favor a product made in the U.S. rather than one made abroad. More than 80 percent of Americans stated keeping manufacturing jobs is one of the most important reasons for purchasing American products. About 60 percent of Americans were worried about the use of child labor, and stated how American-made products were of a higher quality.
Higher quality products are going to cost more, but we as consumers shouldn’t look at it as an extra cost, but rather as an investment in America. What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you read “Made in America”?
I automatically think of GOOD QUALITY!
Why is it Important for Kids to Wear Well-Made Shoes? – Let’s Find Out!
Shoes play a key role in keeping your kids’ feet and legs healthy. A shoe that fits properly allows your child to run and play without a care in the world. However, a shoe that doesn’t have the right amount of support or that doesn’t fit properly can create several foot and leg problems.
Some of the most common foot problems I have seen from children not wearing supportive shoes or the correct shoe size are blisters, calluses, and corns, as well as foot pain in the bottom of the foot.
Children impose an enormous amount of stress on their feet and legs and wearing supportive shoes helps reduce the impact that their feet and legs take every time they come in contact with the ground.
Below you can find some of the advantages of providing your child with well-made shoes:
- Your child will get longer wear out of them since the shoe will hold up better.
- It will reduce orthopedic and chiropractic problems.
- Children will feel more comfortable in the shoes, which will lead to a more active and healthier lifestyle.
I always recommend parents provide their kids with one well-made pair of shoes to use as an everyday shoe rather than buying several cheaper low-quality pairs that might lead to less support or breathability.
Always purchase shoes with leather uppers, and avoid buying shoes made out of plastic. Leather is the best material for shoes because it breathes and it holds up better. The shoes need to be breathable since children’s feet tend to sweat a lot, which can lead to odors and bacteria forming inside the shoe. Leather also tends to adapt to the shape of the foot and it maintains the structure of the shoe and the support. The quality and amount of leather is what makes the cost of the shoe higher or lower.
When companies decide to outsource their products overseas, they are compromising their values by taking part in markets that treat employees unfairly, ignore cultures, deteriorate environments and create inequality.
I only write reviews of shoes that I have fitted before, otherwise, I wouldn’t know how well-made they are, the amount of support that they provide, and how they fit.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at the best children’s shoes made in the USA. 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.
Best Children’s Shoes Made in the USA
These shoes can fit children with medium (M), wide (W), and extra wide (XW) feet.
Sneakers
- The New Balance shoe style 990V6 is available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- 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
- The New Balance shoe style 990V6 is available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Available in laces and velcro
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Synthetic/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Shoe style 574 by New balance
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Velcro closure
- Generous toe box and instep to accommodate and support your toddler walker’s needs
- Extra deep
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Shoe style 990v6 by New balance
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Velcro closure
- ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Removable insoles
- Extra deep
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Shoe style FuelCell 990v6 by New balance
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Velcro closure
- ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Removable insoles
- Extra deep
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- The New Balance shoe style 2002 is available for toddlers and little kids
- Available in laces
- Fits children with medium and wide feet
- Suede/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- The New Balance shoe style 2002 is available for toddlers and little kids
- Available in laces
- Fits children with medium and wide feet
- Suede/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
Sandals
- Shoe style Kahuna 2.0 by Merrell
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- 2 adjustable velcro straps for easy on and off
- Webbing details and synthetic upper for quick dry
- Excellent grip
- Order this sandal a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Bare Steps Sandal by Merrell
- Fits wide and extra wide feet
- 100% leather
- Flexible grooves on the outsole for a barefoot feel
- Convenient alternative closure for a snug fit and easy on/off
- Order this sandal half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Newport H2 by Keen
- Fits medium and wide feet
- EVA insole with arch support for all-day comfort
- Metatomical EVA footbed provides excellent arch support and cradles the natural contours of the foot
- Eco Anti-Odor for natural odor control
- Machine washable
- Order this sandal half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Newport H2 by Keen
- Fits medium and wide feet
- EVA insole with arch support for all-day comfort
- Metatomical EVA footbed provides excellent arch support and cradles the natural contours of the foot
- Eco Anti-Odor for natural odor control
- Machine washable
- Order this sandal half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Z1 Ecotread by Chaco
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Jacquard webbing upper wraps around the foot through the midsole for the ultimate customized fit
- Sip-resistant
- Order this sandal half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
I can’t guarantee that the shoes you buy from New Balance website are going to come with a tag that reads “Made in USA”. Remember that New Balance labels its shoes as “Made in the USA” if their “domestic value” is at least 70% of the shoe’s total price.
Are You 100% Sure of Your Child’s Foot Size? – Let’s Find Out!
I always recommend that parents take their children to their local kids’ shoe store to support local businesses and to properly have their kids’ feet measured. However, not all families have a local kids’ shoe store that they trust, that is the reason why I created a resource that showcases the best-fitting children’s shoe stores by state.
How to Retrieve Your Child’s Exact Foot Length and Shape
If after looking at that resource you still can’t seem to identify a shoe store in your area, then proceed to take a look at an article I created that describes the simplest, yet most effective way to figure out your child’s foot size from home.
In that article I help parents determine their child’s exact foot size and whether the child has narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet. I also will be able to tell you whether your child has a high instep or not.
Do you prefer to wear shoes that are also American-made? There is a different website that describes the best women’s shoes made in the USA.
Are Any Other Shoe Choices Available?
Do not hesitate to contact me if you are having trouble finding a different pair of shoes for your child. It’s highly likely that I have fitted it before, and I will help you find it: [email protected]
Would you consider purchasing a shoe made in America even if it meant paying a higher price? Are there any other American-made shoe companies for children that I didn’t mention? Please share your thoughts and experiences below so other parents can benefit from them.
Great article! I found Zimmerman Shoes to have a great variety of gorgeous shoes, too. Made in the U.S.A.
Hello Patricia,
Thank you for letting me know! I will add them to the list as well.
We should all support our local economies as much as we can. Properly fitting shoes are very important for children I agree. It can save a lifetime of feet and leg problems and in the long run works out cheaper as the better quality shoes last longer.
It’s getting harder to find American made shoes so I am glad you are addressing this issue and providing us with America made shoe choices for our children and grandchildren.
Hello Linda,
I completely agree with you. It is getting harder but there are still a few shoe brands that still manufacture American made shoes.
Juan both of my kids have been wearing new balance after reading your article. They used to complain about their shoes all the time and now they stopped fussing. Thank you for sharing this with parents is extremely helpful and my wife told me to tell you many thanks as well.
Hello,
I am happy to hear your children are happy with their shoes!
I received the New Balance 990V5 shoe and the tag did say made in the USA. What I found confusing is that my brother order the same shoe for my niece from your website and the shoe tag said it was made in China. I am not sure how this happened but we will contacting New Balance about this inconsistency. I understand you don’t sell the shoes and I appreciate your effort in helping parents find the correct shoes for their kids. Thank you Juan.
Hi Lawson,
I reached out to New Balance myself and they will be providing us with an update soon.
Unfortunately so many shoe factories have closed due to imports of products from countries where labor is favorable, and the products are unfortunately not of such quality.
I at tired of seeing shoes made from China everywhere, it’s like we are being flooded with them. I also feel like it’s necessary to buy quality shoes for children because their feet are still developing. Thank you for this, I know a lot of families are going to find this information helpful,
Hi Nina,
It’s hard to find shoes made in the USA but not impossible. I have seen how most children’s shoes made from China are unsupportive and tend to fall apart before the child is ready to outgrow them.
Hi, very interesting article. I didn’t know a lot of things about american companies that create children’s shoes..
You know, in my country (In Israel) we have lots of american New-Balance shoes which is great because they are qualitative.
When thinking about it, this can be very helpful to young parents and people who re often times take care about small children because the facts that you listed here are far from being known to the majority of us. Great job, and thank you!
Alexey.
Alexey,
New Balance makes great quality, supportive shoes. A good supportive shoe can make all the difference for our growing children. Thank you for sharing!
Juan,
I always try to buy american made shoes for my children, but it is on.y getting harder. Where we live, there is not a shoe store we can take our children to have their feet measured. There is a Stride Rite store, but they do not seem to know what they are doing. We usually buy our shoes from Amazon and end up returning a lot since it is hard to figure out the size. I will be sending you traces of my kids foot so you can help me out with the sizing!
Thank you!
Tim
Tim,
No worries. I would do my best in getting back at you with the right size, but PLEASE remember: The shoe size is just the starting point when getting kids shoes. AL brands and styles run and fit differently! However, I will be able to guide you thorught that process as well.
Hey Juan,
I am 100% in agreement with buying locally produced products. I find that in everyday life we so often forget about the implications of buying products produced overseas, especially China. We forget that we indirectly encourage cheap labour (and child labour). We also forget about the support we deny our own economy and fellow citizens by not supporting the local market. I wish there were more websites that reminded us of this matter and offered local alternatives.
Claire,
Sometimes we do go for the lowest available prices, forgetting that we ARE getting a lower quality product, AND, there was cheap labor involed. Let’s support local businesses!
Wow, this is one of the best and most useful pages so far. You covered everything from the heel to the toes 😀 Parents of children of all ages always have concerns about children’s footwear, and you just ease them all. Most liked me First Walking Shoes Review. Excellent advice and guidance for new parents. Because the first time they encounter everything, therefore, need far more assistance. I have only nice words for the page and I’ll be happy to recommend it.
Ivana,
I am glad that you found the website helpful. The whole idea of the website is to provide guidance and advise to the parents when it comes to shopping for their children shoes. I also always recommend trying to find a shoe store in their area that they trust, in order to make sure you are being helped by qualified shoe fitters who can measure the child’s foot and make sure they are wearing the right pair of shoes.
Hi There,
Great article on Childrens shoes made in the USA, I have young kids here in the UK and I have the same problem as you have pointed out in the United States, I have always liked to buy local because they were always better made and lasted longer, no doubt the same as Kepner Scott and New Balance as you have made mention to in your article. I will always be an advocate of buying local for better quality even thought they might be more expensive initially but you are better off in the long run instead of buying overseas cheaper and inferior products.
Regards,
Michael
Michael,
They might be a higher price, but they are definitely made out of better quality! I always emphasize the importance of shopping local, specially since these stores offer superior service and hire individuals who are specialized.