Editor’s Note: This post has been updated and revised for accuracy on April 2022 and reflects an up-to-date selection of indoor shoes for kids.
Are you looking for a pair of indoor shoes for your child to wear at school? Certain schools require your child to leave a pair of indoor shoes at school that has never been worn outside. While this may sound unnecessary and a waste of money to some parents, I will explain to you why I see this as a safety issue, rather than a waste of money.
Many schools require children to bring indoor shoes meant to be kept at school during the spring and fall. I have spoken with many parents who find this ridiculous and problematic. From a financial perspective, I understand how difficult it may be for some families, but I have spoken to several teachers who told me how indoor shoes make a big difference to the cleanliness and usability of the schools.
I will also provide you with a selection of the most affordable, yet well-made and comfortable pair of shoes for your child to leave at school.
I think the main problem is that schools use the term “indoor shoes” instead of “gym shoes”. For example, dirt dragged by other students’ shoes onto the gym floor where your child performs his or her physical education activity might put the students at risk of slipping and falling. The same applies when your child is running around and playing indoors. The “indoor shoes” dilemma is about making the school a safer place for your kids.
My Experience Fitting Children’s Shoes
I have been working for a specialized children’s shoe store for over 10 years now, that specializes in children with foot and leg problems, but we provide regular shoe fittings as well. Over the years I got familiar with the best shoe brands and the best shoe styles among those brands.
I always recommend parents to take their children to their local children’s shoe store to be properly fitted for shoes, since it doesn’t matter how well made or supportive the shoes are, if they’re not fitted properly, your child won’t get any of the benefits the shoe has to offer. What’s even worse, if the shoes are not the correct size you will end up creating several issues with your child’s feet such as blisters, calluses, and corns.
There are several reasons why schools require indoor shoes, and I believe they are all important.
If your school requires your child to wear indoor shoes, I will provide you with a selection of the most affordable and comfortable ones.
What Are the Best Indoor Shoes for Kids? – Get the Scoop!
Basically, we want to find a well-fitting quality pair of shoes for your child at a reasonable price. Some parents get confused when they hear the term “indoor shoes” and they immediately think of a pair of house slippers. Please be aware that most schools don’t allow children to use slippers as their indoor shoes.
That’s why I created a list of what most schools mean when they require indoor shoes for your child. Remember that this might not apply to your school, but when it comes to indoor shoes most schools require the shoes to fulfill the following requirements:
✅ Crocs are not allowed.
✅ Slippers are not allowed.
✅ Light-up shoes are not allowed.
✅ Heavy sneakers are not allowed.
✅ The shoes must be lightweight.
✅ The shoes must be flexible.
✅ The shoes must have a supportive rubber outsole.
Remember that your child will be wearing these shoes the majority of the time they are at school. That’s why the shoes must be supportive, comfortable and well-made.
How to Retrieve Your Child’s Exact Foot Length and Shape
If we find a pair of shoes that provides all of those features, your child will be ready to go! However, if you have read any of my previous articles, you probably know how important it is to provide your child with the correct shoe size. I actually wrote an article where I describe the simplest, yet most effective way to figure out your child’s foot size from home:
How to Measure Your Kids’ Foot – 2 Simple Steps to Determine Foot Length and Foot Width
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.
Since children’s feet come in all different shapes and sizes, it’s important to know the difference between narrow, medium, wide, and extra wide shoes. I like to recommend shoe styles that are available in different widths, that way we can guarantee that they will fit the shape of your child’s feet, no matter how narrow or wide they are.
Never purchase shoes that are too large in an attempt to compensate for the width, as you will end up compromising your child’s stability and making your child more prone to falling.
The Best Indoor Shoes for Kids ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Below you can find a list of the best indoor shoes for kids who need them for school, and these shoes are available in different widths including medium (M), wide (W), and extra wide (XW). Disclosure: Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases.
Boys
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Hook and loop closure system for easy on and off
- 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 toddler’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- Breathable textile lining and cushioned insole
- Double velcro straps for easy on and off adjustability
- Padded tongue and collar for added comfort
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Hook-and-loop 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)
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Hook and loop closure system for easy on and off
- Synthetic and engineered mesh upper
- Stitched-on toe cap for extra durability
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Leather and mesh upper for durability and breathability
- Hook-and-loop strap closure with elastic lace panel
- Anti-stink lining helps reduce odors
- Machine washable for quick and easy clean
- Order this shoe a half 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
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Velcro closure
- Generous toe box and instep to accommodate and support your toddler walker’s needs
- Rubber outsole pods designed to stand up to daily wear and tear
- Extra deep
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
Girls
- 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
- 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
- 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)
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Hook and loop closure system for easy on and off
- 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 toddler’s current foot size
- 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
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- 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
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Hook and loop closure system for easy on and off
- Synthetic and engineered mesh upper
- Stitched-on toe cap for extra durability
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- 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
- 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
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Velcro closure
- Generous toe box and instep to accommodate and support your toddler walker’s needs
- Rubber outsole pods designed to stand up to daily wear and tear
- Extra deep
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
Before you leave…
Did you know that socks play a key role in keeping your kids’ feet healthy? They act as a barrier between your kids’ feet and the shoes and they prevent the formation and buildup of bacteria inside the shoes.
Breathable and Seamless Socks for Kids
Wearing the correct type of socks is just as important as wearing the correct type of shoes. It is crucial that you provide your kids with breathable socks —especially for those kids who have sweaty feet— to keep their feet dry and healthy. If your child walks around with wet socks all day, they may develop several foot issues that go from getting blisters to developing infections.
Most children will run around in wet socks all day without complaining, so you need to constantly check your kids’ feet throughout the day to make sure they are not damp. Breathable shoes help decrease sweat accumulation, but a combination of breathable shoes and breathable socks will considerably reduce the sweat and in some cases fully eliminate it.
I actually wrote a post where I describe the best socks for children with sweaty feet. Go to the link below:
The Best Socks for Kids with Sweaty Feet – PREVENT Your Kids’ Feet from Smelling!
I hope I made you aware of the importance of providing your child with a pair of indoor shoes for school, and changed your mind to see that it’s not a waste of money; it addresses a safety issue and is a way of keeping the schools clean.
I advise that if you want to make sure your kids’ shoes make it home safely, you should label them either by hand on the shoes or with personalized labels.
Are Any Other Shoe Choices Available?
Do not hesitate to contact me directly at my e-mail if you have any further questions or if you need a different pair of shoes for your child. My e-mail address is:
fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com
Does your children’s school require your kids to wear indoor shoes? Have you tried any of the styles that I recommend? Please share your thoughts and experiences below so other parents can benefit from your experiences.
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