How to Take Shoes Off – Stop Your Child from Yanking His Shoes Off!
Are your children always yanking their shoes off instead of taking them off properly? Please keep in mind that this might end up wearing down the shoes faster and your child will also not get the full support and stability that the shoes have to offer. Children who wear orthotics can strongly benefit from taking their shoes off properly, so let me show you how to take shoes off to preserve the support of the shoes.
It doesn’t matter how supportive and well-made your kids’ shoes are, if your children keep yanking their shoes off without undoing the velcro closure or the shoelaces, the shoes will wear down faster. In addition, the heel counter of the shoes will also start getting softer and your child won’t get as much heel support from the shoes.
How many times have you asked your children to take their shoes off properly by undoing the velcro straps or the shoelaces? I know it must be frustrating to keep reminding them but this is important, especially if your child has foot issues and wears orthotics inside the shoes.
The heel counter of the shoe plays a key role in keeping your kids’ feet and legs healthy. Why is the heel counter of the shoes so important? This part of the shoe provides your child with ankle support and prevents ankle sprains. It also helps your child with his or her lateral movements.
Where is the Heel Counter of the Shoe Located?
You can imagine this is particularly important for children who are involved in sports such as tennis, basketball, or football since all of these sports require a great deal of lateral movement. The firmer the heel counter of the shoe is the better support and protection that it provides:
When children don’t take their shoes off properly, the shoes start getting all stretched out and the amount of ankle support becomes minimal to non-existent.
When the heel counter of the shoe starts getting softer, the child begins walking and running in a shoe that provides no ankle or heel support. The child might start complaining about pain, and this ends up stressing the parents out and taking the child to a physical therapist to have their feet and legs checked, when truly all the child needed was to take proper care of the shoes.
If your kids keep yanking their shoes off, get ready to start replacing their shoes every 2 to 3 months. Let me prove it to you!
The image below shows how the heel counter of the shoe on the right got stretched out because the child kept yanking the shoes off without undoing the velcro strap. The shoe on the left is how the shoe looked when it was brand new, and the shoe on the right is how the shoe looks after being worn for only 2 months. You can tell how the heel of the shoe got all stretched out, and the marks you see on the side of the shoe are from the child using his opposite foot to yank the shoes off.
When I am working at the shoe store, I always try to explain to kids how taking their shoes off correctly is a matter of making it a good habit. Once children start taking the shoes off properly, they won’t even have to think about it doing it the right way anymore.
There are certain kids’ shoes that open up widely and are easier to put on and take off, which might prevent your child from yanking the shoes off all the time. I will show you a selection of these shoe styles shortly, but first, let’s find out why it’s particularly important for kids to take their shoes off properly when they wear orthotics.
Does Your Child Wear Orthotics? – Let’s Take the Shoes Off Properly!
At the children’s shoe store that I work for, we carry all sorts of different types of orthotics for different types of foot issues. For most parents, buying an orthotic for their children is an investment they are willing to make, since they are taking proper care of their kids’ feet and legs, and avoiding future back and leg problems. However, orthotics are not cheap, and they can range anywhere from 50 to 150 dollars.
I always explain to parents that if their children are not going to take the shoes off properly, they might as well not invest in a pair of orthotics. If the shoes get stretched out, your child will simply not get any of the benefits that the orthotics have to offer.
The orthotics and the shoes always work together in trying to support and protect your children’s feet and legs. If the shoes are not supportive, it defeats the whole purpose of wearing an orthotic.
Common Signs That Your Child is Not Taking the Shoes Off Properly
Take a look at the way the shoe below has been worn down. Some parents will come to the store complaining about the wear of the shoe, when actually it has nothing to do with the shoe wearing down quickly from regular wear. This is actually a sign that the child has been using their opposite foot to take the shoes off. That particular spot is generally where they use their opposite foot to yank the shoes off.
What Shoes Are Easier to Take On and Off?
Some shoes come with oversized openings which makes it easier for children to get their shoes on and off. I am also going to show you a list of shoes that come with a well padded heel counter that won’t fit too snugly around your kids’ heels, allowing them to easily remove the shoes without having to pull them off.
Below you can find a selection of the easiest shoes for kids to put on and take off. The shoes below can fit children with medium (M), wide (W) or extra wide feet (XW) —as long as you choose the shoe width accordingly. 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.
The Easiest Shoes to Put On and Take Off
Toddler Shoe Sizes (0 to 10)
- Shoe style Fresh Foam Arishi by New Balance
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Velcro closure
- Oversized opening for easy on and off
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Shoe style 574 by New Balance
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- Oversized opening for easy on and off
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Shoe style Ride 10 Jr by Saucony
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Velcro closure
- Leather and mesh upper for durability and breathability
- APMA Certified
- Traction pods on the outsole for serious grip
- EVA midsole for lightweight feel
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Shoe style Ride 10 Jr by Saucony
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Velcro closure
- Leather and mesh upper
- Non-marking traction pods to help improve stability
- APMA approved
- Toe cap for extra durability
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Shoe style 2510 by Tsukihoshi
- Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- 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
- Order this shoe the same size as your toddler’s current foot size (shoe fits long)
- Shoe style 2510 by Tsukihoshi
- Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- Heel stabilizer provides lateral stability
- Removable insoles
- The insoles are Infused with natural Green Tea extract (no chemicals)
- Machine washable
- Order this shoe the same size as your toddler’s current foot size (shoe fits long)
- Shoe style RaveRun by New Balance
- 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
- Shoe style Sr Thompson by Stride Rite
- Available in medium and wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- Ortholite memory foam footbeds
- Opens super wide which makes in and out easy
- Recycled material linings to help reduce odor
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Shoe style SRT Winslow by Stride Rite
- Available in medium and wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- 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
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Shoe style Robyne by See Kai Run
- Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Double velcro straps
- Canvas upper
- Toe cap is durable for early steps
- Oversized opening for easy on and off
- APMA approved
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Shoe style Robyne by See Kai Run
- Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Double velcro straps
- Breathable textile lining and cushioned insole
- Padded tongue and collar for added comfort
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Shoe style Fern by Stride Rite
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Velcro closure
- Synthetic and engineered mesh upper
- This shoe has received the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance for promoting good foot health
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Jazz Court by New Balance
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- Generous toe box and instep to accommodate and support a first-walker’s needs
- Mesh and suede upper for durability and comfort
- Extra deep
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Shoe style Jazz Court by New Balance
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- Generous toe box and instep to accommodate and support a first-walker’s needs
- Mesh and suede upper for durability and comfort
- Extra deep
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
Little/Big Kid Sizes (10.5 to 7)
- Shoe style Nitrel v5 by New Balance
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Velcro closure
- Synthetic and engineered mesh upper
- Stitched-on toe cap for extra durability
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Nitrel v5 by New Balance
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Velcro closure
- Synthetic and engineered mesh upper
- Stitched-on toe cap for extra durability
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Russell by See Kai Run
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Double velcro straps
- Removable, contoured, leather-lined footbed for breathability and comfort
- Lightweight and flexible
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Robyn by See Kai Run
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Double velcro straps
- Removable, contoured, leather-lined footbed for breathability and comfort
- Lightweight and flexible
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Velocity by Tsukihoshi
- Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- Heel stabilizer provides stability
- Removable insoles
- The insoles are Infused with natural Green Tea extract (no chemicals)
- Machine washable
- Order this shoe the same size as your child’s current foot size (shoe fits long)
- Shoe style 3584 Rainbow by Tsukihoshi
- Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- Removable insoles
- The insoles are Infused with natural Green Tea extract (no chemicals)
- Machine washable
- Order this shoe the same size as your child’s current foot size (shoe fits long)
- Shoe style 650 Bungee by New Balance
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- Mesh collar and tongue are padded with foam for a comfortable fit
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Fresh Foam Arishi v4 by New Balance
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- Synthetic and engineered mesh upper
- Durable rubber outsole designed to withstand wear-and-tear
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Wind Shield a/C by Saucony
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Velcro closure
- Supportive leather and mesh upper for breathability and durability
- Removable insoles
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style 3584 by Tsukihoshi
- Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- Removable insoles
- The insoles are Infused with natural Green Tea extract (no chemicals)
- Machine washable
- Order this shoe the same size as your child’s current foot size (shoe fits long)
- Shoe style Arishi v4 by New Balance
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- Synthetic and engineered mesh upper
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Closure 2.0 by Saucony
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Velcro closure
- Supportive leather and mesh upper for breathability and durability
- Removable insoles
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Velocer by Saucony
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Velcro closure
- Cushioned footbed
- Removable insoles
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Peregrine by Saucony
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Velcro closure
- Cushioned footbed
- Removable insoles
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
Would You Rather Get Specific Shoe Recommendations Based on Your Child’s Foot Shape?
If you tell me your child’s foot shape (narrow, medium, wide, extra wide) and the country that you are contacting me from I can provide you with specific shoe recommendations. You can contact me via email:
Do your kids take their shoes off without undoing the velcro strap or untying the shoelaces? Are their shoes all stretched out from not undoing the velcro or the shoelaces? Please share your thoughts and experiences below so other parents can benefit from them.
Wow, I didn’t realize that the right kind of shoe support was even an issue for children! I have a 1-year-old and a 3-year-old and I haven’t come across this problem of taking their own shoes off the right way but now I feel like I have the advantage because I can teach them this from the beginning and hopefully avoid this bad habit altogether! Now if only I could get myself out of this bad habit too haha!
Do you know where I can get cheap women shoes online? I will start running soon and I want a good supportive pair! Do you know anything about women running shoes? Thanks in advance!
Hello Laura,
It is important that you show them how to take their shoes off the correct way since they are young so they can start making it a good habit.I actually have fitted hundreds of mother’s that come to the kids’ shoe store where I work in kids’ shoes.
Did you know that f you wear a women shoe size 8 1/2 or smaller you can wear children’s shoes? You will get the same support and structure than the womens’ version, but you will pay half of the price! I can’t explain it here, but you can read a post I wrote where I describe how the shoe translation works between women and kids:
Women and Kids Shoe Size Conversion – Save Big Buying Kids’ Shoes!
You are very knowledgable! I had no idea about the negative impact of not taking your shoes off properly!
I told my son to start taking care of his shoes! He is always asking to get Nike shoes, and I always thought Nike shoes where the best type! I guess it was all their marketing efforts! I definitely won’t be buying them for anyone in my family again. Thank you for the information!
Tennille,
A lot of people associate the Nike brand with quality, top of the line products. When it comes to children’s shoes, they leave a lot to be desired . Their kids’ shoes are flimsy and non-supportive. There are plenty of other shoe brands for kids’ that are better than Nike. Take a look at this post where I describe the best kids’ shoe brands for kids’:
The Best Shoe Brands for Kids – The 5 Most Durable and Affordable Brands
This is a very in depth article you come across as very passionate about this subject. I agree with you that most children seem to do this with their shoes, I know my 2 children did! I am sure many people will find your article very interesting and helpful. I completely agree with you that the durability of the shoes are greatly reduced by taking the shoes off this way!
Hello Marie,
I don’t know what it is but most children love yanking their shoes off! For some parents it is a lost battle. I am glad you enjoyed reading the article!
Wow! I don’t have children, but I have many nieces and nephews that need to see this! I had no idea (although it makes GREAT sense!) that not taking shoes off properly would do such a thing. Kids definitely need good supportive shoes, as active as they are. I also had no idea that brands such as Nike and Under Armour offered so little support. What a great read, I will definitely pass your site along to my sister!
Hello Jen,
I am glad you found the post informative. Help me spread the word! Several parents associate Nike and Under Armour shoes with quality shoes, but this is far from the true. Their shoes ar more fashion oriented than anything else. The structure and support of their shoes is awful, but as kids’ start getting older, they start sking for the more popular brands!
I loved your article.
My kids never undo their shoe laces or undo their velcro. Is it like a habit they are born with because they all seem to do it.
Seriously is it really that hard? I tell them all the time they ruining their shoes and taking away any support from the feet but they till don’t listen.
I buy them really good shoes too.
Anyway, great article and will look into more of what you have to offer.
Thanks for a great read
Rose
Rose,
It’s crazy how they all seem to do it! But it is important that you explain them why they shouldn’t be doing it in order for them to get the full benefits that the shoes have to offer! If you are always looking to provide your kids’ with good supportive shoes, you can find the best shoes for children here:
The Best Kids’ Sneakers – Learn About the Best Shoes for Children Ages 3 through 10
My 6 year old boy and 3 year old girl both wear Nike shoes. They wear out fast and I thought they were just hard on their shoes (technically they are).
I had no idea taking them off properly was most likely the main culprit of the wear and tear. They are both Nike shoes as well. I will now have to consider a new brand and start making sure they understand the importance to taking their time when removing their shoes. Thank you for sharing this!
Erik,
Nike is a very popular brand, but it is not known for making sturdy, quality children’s shoes. The brand is more fashion oriented than functional. However, taking the shoes off properly will help tremendously in keeping the shape of the shoe.
Since your children tend to wear off their shoes faster than expected, you can find the best kids’ shoe brands here:
The Best Shoe Brands for Kids – The 5 Most Durable and Affordable Brands