Light Up Shoes for Children – 4 Facts You Must Know Before Purchasing Them
Is your child asking for light-up shoes, but you’re unsure if they’re safe for everyday wear? The good news is that many light-up shoes are perfectly safe—if they’re supportive, lightweight, and flexible. Some styles are even comfortable enough for daily use. However, not all light-up shoes are created equal. It’s essential to choose a pair that fits your child’s unique foot shape. That’s why my top recommendations include options available in wide widths, ensuring a proper and comfortable fit.
Fact One: Not All Light-Up Shoes Are Heavy and Clunky
One common misconception about light-up shoes is that they are heavy and cumbersome. While this might have been true for older models, many of today’s designs are surprisingly lightweight and flexible. Advances in technology and materials have allowed manufacturers to create shoes that are not only visually appealing but also supportive of children’s natural movements.
Fact Two: Some Light-Up Shoes Work as Everyday Sneakers
While light-up shoes are often viewed as a special occasion or novelty item, some styles are designed for everyday wear. These designs offer the durability and comfort of regular sneakers, making them suitable for school, playground activities, and other daily adventures. This versatility means that your child can enjoy the fun of light-up shoes without having to switch to a different pair for everyday activities, thereby providing both convenience and style.
Fact Three: Light-Up Shoes Can Fit Wide Feet
Many popular brands now design light-up shoes with wide and extra wide options, making it easier to find a comfortable, fun pair for kids with broader feet. Several of the styles I recommend are specifically made to accommodate wider foot shapes—so your child doesn’t have to miss out on the sparkle or the proper fit.
Fact Four: Light-Up Shoes Are Not Too Distracting for Children
Some parents worry that light-up shoes might distract their children from walking properly. While they might grab your child’s attention at first, the excitement usually fades quickly—often by the end of the day—and your child will go back to walking normally without focusing on the lights.
My Top Recommendations in 2025 for LED Shoes for Kids
As we look towards 2025, the selection of LED shoes for kids continues to expand with more brands and styles than ever before. Here are my top recommendations for the coming year:
1. M2P Surge Bounce by Stride Rite
Available in medium and wide widths, these Stride Rite light-up shoes are APMA-approved and combine comfort, support, and playful style.
- Order the shoe Surge Bounce by Stride Rite on Zappos or 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
2. Light Ups BILLY Classic D|R High
These BILLY light-up shoes are available in wide and extra wide widths, designed to combine fun and functionality for kids with wide feet. Featuring a full wrap-around zipper closure, these high-top sneakers allow for easy on and off, promoting independence.
- Order the shoe Light Ups BILLY Classic D|R High on Amazon or Zappos
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Heel pull tabs for easy wear
- Removable inserts for added ease
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
3. SR Lighted Glimmer 2.0 – ADAPT
These extra wide Stride Rite light-up shoes provide extra long straps and oversized openings for easy on and off.
- Order the shoe SR Lighted Glimmer 2.0 – ADAPT by Stride Rite on Zappos
- Available in extra wide widths
- American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) approved
- Oversized openings
- Padded heel collar of these shoes offers added comfort
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
4. Sneakers with Cute Bowknot by Yilan
These adorable light-up toddler shoes open extra wide, making it a breeze for little feet to slip in and out with ease—perfect for busy mornings and independent kiddos.
- Order the shoe SR Lighted Glimmer 2.0 – ADAPT by Stride Rite on Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Velcro closure
- Lightweight
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
5. Lighted Cosmic 2.0 Sneaker by Stride Rite
These light-up Stride Rite shoes provide a stable base of support and oversized openings for easy on and off.
- Order the shoe Lighted Cosmic by Stride Rite on Amazon
- Available in extra wide widths
- Padded heel collar
- Oversized openings
- Lightweight EVA midsole
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
6. Skechers Vortex 2.0 Sneaker
These Skechers light-up shoes are available in various sizes, including options for wider feet, it’s a perfect blend of style and functionality for growing children.
- Order the shoe Lighted Cosmic by Stride Rite on Amazon or Zappos
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Satiny stretchable lace front with adjustable instep strap
- Round toe-boxes
- Lightweight and flexible
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
7. Nickelodeon Paw Patrol Sneaker
These Paw Patrol light-up shoes are a delightful choice for toddlers and little kids who adore their favorite Paw Patrol characters.
- Order the shoe Paw Patrol Sneaker by Nickelodeon on Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Round toe shape
- High-quality soft materials
- Non-slip gripped outsole
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
8. Spiderman and Batman by Marvel Comics and Josmo
The Josmo Spider-Man and Batman Light-Up sneakers are perfect for young superheroes. They feature vibrant character graphics and LED lights that flash with every step.
- Order the shoe Spiderman and Batman by Marvel Comics and Josmo on Amazon or Zappos
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Perfect balance of support and lightweight design
- Colorful designs with LED lights
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
9. Frozen Light-Up by Disney
These Elsa Frozen light-up shoes provide a stable base of support while being lightweight and flexible at the same time.
- Order the shoe Frozen Light-Up by Disney on Zappos or Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Synthetic rubber outsole with lighted details
- High-quality soft materials
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
I only review shoes I’ve personally fitted, so I can confidently speak to their quality, support, and fit. Disclosure: Some links in this post may be affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you.
Contact Me for Personalized Recommendations
If you’re still unsure about which light-up shoes are the best fit for your child, feel free to contact me via email for additional shoe recommendations tailored to your child’s unique foot shape. I’m here to help you navigate the many choices available and ensure your child’s feet are well cared for. Personalized recommendations can take into account specific needs such as support, foot width, and any other concerns you might have.
How to Retrieve Your Child’s Exact Foot Length and Shape
Ordering shoes online can be tricky, especially when it comes to sizing. As a shoe fitter, I’ve developed a virtual shoe fitting service to assist parents in finding the perfect fit for their children’s shoes.
Saying No to Light-Up Shoes: Does It Make You a Bad Parent?
It’s completely understandable for parents to have concerns about light-up shoes, and every reason is valid—whether it’s about style, distraction, or support. Some parents believe:
- “A toy should be a toy, and a shoe should be a shoe.”
- “They won’t match any of their outfits.”
- “They’re too distracting.”
- “They don’t offer enough support.”
If you decide against light-up shoes, don’t worry—there are plenty of fun, stylish alternatives your child will still love. It’s all about finding a healthy compromise between your child’s wishes and their foot health.
Twinkle Toes by Skechers: Fun and Flashy, But Not for All-Day Wear
Twinkle Toes by Skechers are a favorite among girls thanks to their fun lights and glittery designs. However, they lack the support needed for all-day wear compared to brands like Stride Rite.
If your child loves Twinkle Toes, consider them for occasional use—no more than 4 hours a day. For school or active play, a more supportive sneaker is essential.
Share your favorite light-up shoe in the comments below—I’d love to hear which ones have worked best for your child!
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.