Light Up Shoes for Children – 4 Facts You Must Know Before Purchasing Them
Has your child been asking you for a pair of light up shoes but you want to make sure that they are safe to wear before giving in? Some light up shoes are a lot more comfortable than others, and can be worn as everyday sneakers as long as they are supportive but lightweight and flexible at the same time. Light up shoes for children are safe to wear as long as they fit your child’s foot shape properly and are lightweight and flexible (some tend to be extra heavy).
Finding Comfortable Light Up Shoes for Your Child From Reputable Brands
As soon as children are old enough to start expressing their opinions, one of the first things that will come out of their mouths at the shoe store is: “I want light-up shoes!” They might have seen a friend wearing light up shoes at school or watched one in a TV commercial. The shoe company Skechers is always promoting their shoes when your kids are watching their favorite shows. Children are really persuasive and they will continue to beg for the shoes until you get them.
Certain shoe brands such as Skechers, Stride Rite, and Geox manufacture safe light up shoes for kids. There have been some issues with other shoe brands manufacturing poorly made light up shoes that ended up having issues with the batteries catching fire and not working properly.
Light up shoes have evolved over the years and are now in demand more than ever before. Every time there is a Disney movie coming out, Stride Rite is already manufacturing their light up shoes. Some examples are Frozen, Spiderman, Captain America, Hulk, Star Wars, and many more.
4 Important Facts About Light Up Shoes for Kids
Before you go shoe shopping, here is what you need to know:
1- Not all light up shoes are heavy and clunky, certain styles are lightweight and flexible.
2- Light up shoes are available in medium (M), wide (W), and extra wide (XW) widths.
3- Certain light up shoe styles can be worn as an everyday sneaker.
4- Stride Rite is not the only brand that makes light up shoes. There are other brands such as Geox, Clarks and Skechers which make several styles of light up shoes.
Let me first answer some common questions that parents have asked me throughout the years since there seems to be a misconception when it comes to light up shoes for children.
Are Light Up Shoes Appropriate for Everyday Wear?
There are two most common questions I get asked by parents at the kids’ shoe store that I work for:
1️⃣ Are light up shoes supportive for everyday wear?
The answer is yes, depending on the style that you choose. Shoe companies are making lightweight and supportive light up shoes that are meant to be worn for every day activities. However, some light up shoes are too heavy and bulky, and are meant to be worn for only a couple of hours a day.
2️⃣ Are light up shoes dangerous?
The answer is no, they are not dangerous and they won’t harm your kids’ feet. I know there has been a trend about the batteries of these shoes catching fire and not working properly. However, I have been working at a children’s shoe store for over 10 years now and we have never had a single issue with light up shoes. Some of my co-workers have been in the shoe business for over 20 years, and they also have never heard of light up shoes malfunctioning (catching fire).
Do They Make Light Up Shoes for Kids with Wide or Extra Wide Feet?
Stride Rite makes plenty of characters and movie shoes that light up. Noticeably, they also come in wide and extra wide widths. Please keep one thing in mind: Getting the right shoe width has the same importance as getting the right amount of length space. It doesn’t matter how much space your child has between the end of the toes and the end of the shoe, if the shoe is not wide enough, you will have to replace the shoes even though there is plenty of room in the front — since your child will outgrow the width faster than the length.
Are Light Up Shoes Too Distracting for Children?
Some parents often get worried that light up shoes might distract their children from walking the right way. While light up shoes might be distracting at the beginning, once the hype is gone (usually by the end of the day), your child will stop staring at the lights.
I only review shoes that I have fitted before, as that is the only way for me to tell how well-made the shoes are, the amount of support that they provide, and how they fit. 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 Light Up Shoes for Children that Are Comfortable and Safe to Wear
The light up shoes below can fit children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet. Just take a look at the description below each shoe to find out whether that specific model can accommodate your child’s foot shape.
Toddler/Little Kid
- Order the shoe style M2p Lumi by Stride Rite on Amazon
- Stride RIte shoe style Lumi
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Supportive outsole and firm heel counter
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style M2p Lumi by Stride Rite on Amazon
- Stride RIte shoe style Lumi
- Available in medium and wide widths
- EVA midsole for extra cushion
- Foam padding around your ankle collar and under the tongue
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Lighted by Stride Rite on Amazon
- Stride RIte shoe style Cosmic
- Available in extra wide widths
- Padded heel collar
- Oversized openings
- Lightweight design with high-traction rubber outsoles
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style M2p Lighted Reptile by Stride Rite on Amazon
- Stride RIte shoe style Reptile
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Padded heel collar
- Oversized openings
- Ortholite memory foam for enhanced comfort
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Glimmer by Stride Rite on Zappos
- Stride RIte shoe style Radiant Bounce
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Padded heel collar
- Oversized openings
- The footbed is crafted with Ortholite memory foam for enhanced comfort
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style M2p Surge by Stride Rite on Zappos
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Padded heel collar
- Oversized openings
- The footbed is crafted with Ortholite memory foam for enhanced comfort
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
Little/Big Kid
- Order the shoe style M2p Lighted by Stride Rite on Amazon
- Stride RIte shoe style Cosmic
- Available in extra wide widths
- Padded heel collar
- Oversized openings
- Lightweight design with high-traction rubber outsoles
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Skylin 29 by Geox on Zappos
- Geox shoe style Illumines
- Fits medium and wide feet
- 100% leather
- Supportive outsole and firm heel counter
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Inek 22 by Geox Kids on Zappos
- Fits medium and wide feet
- EVA midsole for extra cushion
- Foam padding around your ankle collar and under the tongue
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Glimmer by Stride Rite on Amazon
- Stride RIte shoe style Radiant Bounce
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Padded heel collar
- Oversized openings
- The footbed is crafted with Ortholite memory foam for enhanced comfort
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Surge Bounce by Geox on Amazon
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Supportive outsole
- Lightweight and flexible
- Padded tongue and collar
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Surge Bounce by Stride Rite on Zappos
- Stride RIte shoe style Cosmic
- Available in extra wide widths
- Padded heel collar
- Oversized openings
- Lightweight design with high-traction rubber outsoles
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
How to Retrieve Your Child’s Exact Foot Length and Shape
To buy the correct shoe size online you need to know your child’s exact foot size and shape. There is a different article in which 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.
What Are the Best Everyday Sneakers for Kids with Wide Feet?
Here is an article that showcases the best wide sneakers for children with wide feet.
Saying “No” to Light Up Shoes: Does it Make You a Bad Parent?
For a fact, children might feel devastated when their parents tell them that they cannot get light up shoes. Some parents believe that their children should not wear light up shoes and this is totally fine because it is all a matter of freedom and choice. There can be many reasons as to why parents may be against light up shoes and they are all valid.
Some parents believe that:
- “A toy should be a toy and a shoe should be a shoe.”
- “The shoes won’t match any of their clothing.”
- “The shoes can be too distracting for the children.”
- “The shoes do not offer enough support.”
My advice to parents is that there are plenty of “cool” looking shoes that your children might like if you have to compromise, so do not feel like you are stuck with light up shoes.
Twinkle Toes Shoes for Girls – Are They Supportive Enough?
Twinkle Toes made by Skechers provide a myriad of light ups and sparkly shoes. These shoes are some of the most popular ones and girls love them. However, they do not offer the same amount of support you will get from a Stride Rite light up shoe.
So, if you decide to provide your little one with a pair of Twinkle Toes, then you should strongly consider providing her with an extra pair of every day supportive shoes for the playground or school. Twinkle Toes are meant to be worn for a maximum of 4 hours a day. For the rest of the day your child should wear good supportive sneakers. I have put together a selection of the best Twinkle Toes shoes for girls.
Light Up Shoes for Children: Do I Recommend Them or Not?
I do recommend light up shoes that are lightweight and flexible, and that provide everyday support. I have fitted hundreds of them and the expression on the faces of children is priceless.
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
Is there a particular light up shoe style that you can recommend? Have you found a pair of light up shoes for your child that has wide or extra wide feet? Please share your experiences below so we can all benefit from them!
I bought my daughter some light up shoes and she loves them but I was curious if she could play in the water in them?
Hello Krisalyn,
I don’t recommend that she plays in the water with them since the lights might get ruined. She actually shouldn’t play in the water with her everyday sneakers. I would recommend that you either get her a pair of sandals or boots for water play.
I hope this clarifies!
Re-Posted from FB June 28, 2018
Sherry Foster
June 26 at 11:46 AM
My son, Peyton has 2nd degree chemical burns from his sketcher lightable shoes. Apparently when they get wet the batteries release a chemical causing children’s feet to burn. THANK You Dr Jordon for taking the time to see and treat him in your booked solid day! greatly appreciated!
Hello Walter,
Thank you for sharing. It is very unfortunate what happened, I believe that was a manufacturer defect with that one particular shoe style but it is scary to know those things can happen.
My 3 year olds foot was burned last week when a battery in her light up shoe’s exploded while she was wearing them! It left a horrible burn mark on the bottom of her foot and she could hardly walk for a couple days! These are not safe!!
Hello Christine,
Thank you for your feedback.
Did you order a specific model from the ones I recommend in this article? Do you know the brand and style of the shoe that had that battery problem?
Just bought my son a pair. The light-up sketchers were a little expensive so I went for a generic no name brand. Will let you know how they fair!
Hello Sarah,
I hope they work out for your son!
Great article Juan. I actually just got my daughter a pair for Christmas from your recommendations. However, I’ve been reading a lot about light up shoes catching fire/melting. Have you heard anything about this and do you think it’s safe to leave them charging overnight?
Sharma,
The shoes I recommend don’t need to be charged overnight. They also present no harm whatsoever to your kids’ feet!
Hey! Both my kids have had light up shoes – multiple times really. I think it’s more of a novelty thing – they are interested in them at first, but pretty quickly they don’t even notice the lights at all, let alone them being distracting at all. So, I think they’re fine – but a bit of a novelty item.
I agree with you 100%. When they first get them, they keep looking at their feet and they won’t stop stepping on the floor to see them light up over and over again. After a couple of days, they even forget the shoe light up. However, every time they are back for new shoes, they ask for light up ones!
Light up shoes…..ahhh…brings back memories!
I remember when I was a kid and these things were the hit. Every single kid wanted a pair! From what I recall they were pretty comfortable and the quality didn’t deteriorate over time….but the fad eventually did. Good to see it making a comeback though!
Do they make these for adults too? Not asking cause I want a pair haha……only curious lol.
Irvan,
They do make light up shoes for adults.The quality of the light up shoes has improved tremendously during the last five years I have been in the shoe business. Light up shoes used to be bulky and hard to bend, and now they are lightweight and flexible, which makes them appropriate for everyday wear.
Hi there, great article!
I always knew that children wear shoes that have rollers and make squeaky sounds, but I rarely or have never seen a light up shoe. So thanks for this information.
How do light up shoes actually work though, using batteries? Anyway its not like I have any kids that I would want to buy them for, but I am just curious.
Thank you for this informative article =)
Light up shoes have become a huge trend among children. Once you have kids and they get old enough, they will ask you for light up shoes! There is a LED light that goes inside the shoe and there are usually six wires that go to the edges of the heel of the shoes.They are sensitive to any vibration, so every time the child takes a step the shoes they light up.
I stop buying my kids light up shoes when they start going to school. They go to a private school and light up shoes are not allowed. My kids usually lose interest in them by the time they are school going age. You have great advice about buying and fitting shoes. Children like being active and a properly fitting shoe is best for their balance. Great post.
Tatihden,
Are you telling me that your children got too old for light up shoes? I didn’t know that was even possible… 🙂 You are never too old for light up shoes. Thank you for stopping by.
Hey, Juan! Love your blog and your post. Even though I don’t have children myself and the whole “light up” shoes fad is not so big in Brazil, we do have our share of these. Unfortunately they are not available in different widths. If a child really wants one and the best fitting size length wise is not wide enough, what would you recommend as the next-best-fit?
Daniel,
Brazil is a beautiful country and with all the nice beaches I assume children probably wear sandals all day. If a shoe is not wide enough for a child, then my advise will be to stay way from it. Some people will purchase a longer size to compensate for the width, but this will compromise your child stability and make him/her more prone to injuries since they might be falling more.
My kids love the light up shoes! I remember being concerned it would distract them like you discuss, but have found that it does not distract them but only make them excited to actually put their shoes on which is a big hassle sometimes. It would have great to know that shoes can come in an extra wide width – when my son was young his feet were so fat he could hardly fit into any shoes. Thanks for this informative article.
Shannon,
You make a great point. There are certain children that will give parents the hardest time about putting their shoes on. Sometimes having light up shoes can bring this attitude of excitement in children when having to put on shoes. It is important for parents to know that shoes do come in different widths, and that there are some shoes out there that will fit even the widest feet.
What a great article. I bought light up shoes for my boys and they loved them. There is a lot more choices now. I noticed that my kids stopped looking down at their shoes shortly after they got them. One thing I liked was in the evening when we played hide and seek lol I could find them easily. They never figure it how I could do that so easily. Thanks for the information on the twinkle light up shoes. I never thought about them not having enough support for all day walking around. I was wondering, can these light up shoes be washed in the washer?
Tammy,
You have found one more benefit of light up shoes! There is a myriad of choices when it comes to light up shoes and the fact that they make them in wide and extra wide widhts is a huge plus for those children with wide feet who were not able to get them before. Do not put any light up shoes in the washing machine. There are certain brands that have machine washable shoes but NONE of the light up shoes are machine washable.