Kids’ Shoes for the Playground – The Most Durable Kids’ Shoes!
Have you been looking for a pair of sturdy, comfortable, and durable shoes for your child to take to the playground? Do you feel like your children are always wearing out their shoes before they are ready to outgrow them? There are certain shoe styles that I have fitted before that hold up better than others. These shoes come with a reinforced toe-box and a durable outsole, and I can guarantee you that your children will outgrow these shoes before they destroy them since they are practically indestructible. Let me show you a list of the best kids’ shoes for the playground based on my many years of shoe fitting experience.
When you take your children to the playground it’s important to provide them with a pair of sturdy, supportive, and comfortable shoes. Children are always playing rough, they like to jump and skid, and if the shoes are not made from durable materials, you will soon start noticing the shoes wearing out. The shoes need to be breathable too to prevent bacteria from building up inside the shoes.
If you want to keep your kids’ feet healthy, you must provide them with a pair of supportive and durable shoes that must be the correct size. Investing in a pair of supportive and durable shoes will end up saving you a lot of time and money in the future.
I will show you a selection of the best kids’ shoes for the playground, but first, let’s take a look at what features these shoes provide and how you can figure out your child’s exact foot size from home.
Why Are Your Kids Wearing Out the Shoes So Fast? – Let’s Find Out!
I want to clarify that children should always outgrow their shoes before they wear them out. Depending on the age of your child and the amount of growth you provide them, your kids’ shoes should last anywhere between 3 ½ to 6 months.
It is a fact that certain children are more active than others, which means that their shoes might start wearing out faster. Noticing some signs to wear in your kids’ shoes is normal, but they shouldn’t look so worn off to the point that they need to be replaced.
There are several reasons why your children might keep destroying their shoes:
- You are buying shoes made of low-quality materials: Shoes that are made from low-quality materials tend to wear out faster.
- You are not fitting your kids’ shoes correctly: Shoes that are too long or too short wear out faster.
- Your children are taking off their shoes without undoing the velcro straps or the shoelaces: This leads to the shoes getting stretched and worn out faster.
- Your child might like to drag his/her feet when walking.
All of those reasons contribute to your children wearing out their shoes faster than you expected.
If you notice wear signs on the sides of your kids’ shoes —take a look at the picture below for clarification— it means that your children are taking off their shoes without undoing the velcro strap or the shoelaces. In this case, children are using their opposite foot to remove the shoes.
Parents need to emphasize to their kids to always undo the velcro straps or the shoelaces before taking the shoes off. When children yank their shoes off, they are making the heel counter of the shoe (the part that provides ankle support) softer.
Durable Shoes – The 5 Most Important Features!
The shoes that I recommend provide the following features to your child’s feet:
1️⃣ Substantial Outsoles: The outsole of your kids’ shoes should be made out of rubber to resist the constant friction between your kids’ shoes and the floor.
2️⃣ Breathable: Shoes that breathe properly tend to last longer since when bacteria build up inside the shoes it makes the materials of the shoes wear down faster.
3️⃣ Reinforced Toe-Boxes: This feature is great especially for children who drag their feet or like to constantly be kicking stuff.
4️⃣ Lightweight and Flexible: These features help prevent your kids’ feet and legs from easily getting tired.
I only write reviews of shoe styles 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 kids’ shoes for the playground. 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 Best Kids’ Shoes for the Playground
- Order the shoe style Chandler 2 CNX by Keen on Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Elasticized lace panel with hook-and-loop closure
- Protective rubber toe bumper to protect your toes
- Reverse Strobel construction provides a streamlined interior
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Chandler 2 CNX Sport by Keen on Zappos
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Elasticized lace panel with hook-and-loop closure
- Protective rubber toe bumper to protect your toes
- Reverse Strobel construction provides a streamlined interior
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Wanduro by Keen on Zappos
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Double velcro straps
- Protective rubber toe bumper to protect your toes
- Higher traction outsole provides grip in muddy environments and on rocky surfaces
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Wanduro Hound by Keen on Zappos
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Double velcro straps
- Protective rubber toe bumper to protect your toes
- Higher traction outsole provides grip in muddy environments and on rocky surfaces
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style H2sho by Keen on Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Velcro closure
- Higher traction outsole provides grip in muddy environments and on rocky surfaces
- Rubber toe-cap for maximum durability
- Machine washable
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Wader by Geox on Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Double velcro straps
- Water-friendly
- Rubber toe-cap for maximum durability
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Nova 3 by Merrell on Zappos
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Velcro closure
- Abrasion -resistant toe bumper
- Long-lasting leather upper with combined mesh panels.
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Moab Speed 2 by Merrell on Zappos
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Velcro closure
- Abrasion -resistant toe bumper
- FloatPro Foam™ footbed for enhanced cushioning and energy return
- Anti-stink lining helps reduce odors
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Knotch Peak by Keen on Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Hook and loop strap with toggle closure
- Rubber toe-cap for maximum durability
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Keen Newport H2sho by Keen on Amazon
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Toggle lace for easy on and off
- Higher traction outsole provides grip in muddy environments and on rocky surfaces
- Waterproof
- Padded collar and tongue help to reduce irritation and discomfort
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Moab Speed 2 by Merrell on Zappos
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Lace-up closure
- Higher traction outsole provides grip in muddy environments and on rocky surfaces
- Waterproof
- Lightweight EVA midsole
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Moab Speed 2 by Merrell on Zappos
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Lace-up closure
- Higher traction outsole provides grip in muddy environments and on rocky surfaces
- Waterproof
- Lightweight EVA midsole
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Moab 2 by Merrell on Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Waterproof
- Rugged rubber outsole
- Highly slip-resistant stability on wet and dry ground, over mixed terrain
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Agility Peak by Merrell on Zappos
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Suede and mesh upper for durability
- Lace-up closure
- Rubber toe-cap for maximum durability
- Waterproof
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Agility Peak by Merrell on Zappos
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Toggle elastic lace closure
- Rubber toe-cap for maximum durability
- Water-friendly
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Waterproof by Columbia on Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Omni-GRIP non-marking traction rubber outsole provides high grip across a wide variety of terrain
- Toggle lace for easy on and off
- Rubber toe-cap for maximum durability
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Redmond Waterproof by Columbia on Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Omni-GRIP non-marking traction rubber outsole provides high grip across a wide variety of terrain
- Toggle lace for easy on and off
- Rubber toe-cap for maximum durability
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
Are Any Other Shoe Choices Available?
If none of these shoes are available in your child’s shoe size or if you need the shoes to be made of a specific color don’t hesitate to email me at: fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com
These shoe styles made by the shoe company Keen have proven to be the most durable shoes for children. In addition to providing good support, these shoe styles are breathable and lightweight and flexible at the same time. I have fitted all of these shoe styles before and I know the amount of support that they provide and how well they hold up.
If you are tired of your children destroying their shoes at the playground, start by providing them with a pair of supportive and durable shoes.
Are You 100% Sure of Your Child’s Foot Size? – Let’s Find Out!
I always recommend parents take their children to their local fitting children’s shoe store that they trust, the issue is that most fitting stores have been closing down and parents need to end up buying their kids’ shoes online. There is nothing wrong with this, but you must know your child’s exact foot size to know what size to order.
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.
Never underestimate the key role that your kids’ shoes play in keeping your child’s feet and legs healthy. They will also end up saving you a lot of time and money in the long run. Try to emphasize to your kids the importance of undoing the velcro straps or the shoelaces before they take their shoes off or put them on, it’s a matter of making it a good habit.
Have you ever met a playground where your kids won’t climb, jump off, or swing from? From the sandbox to the slides, you will need to carefully select a pair of shoes that will survive serious playtime!
Have you found a particular shoe style that has worked well for when you take your child to the playground? Please share your findings below so other parents can benefit from your feedback.
