Saddle Shoes for Kids – The Best Classic Oxfords for Your Kid!
Saddle shoes for kids are a timeless classic that many parents remember wearing themselves—and they’re still just as popular today. Known for their distinctive two-tone style, these shoes have been a staple in children’s wardrobes for generations. Many schools even require saddle shoes as part of their uniform code thanks to their polished, traditional look. Beyond their classic style, saddle shoes for kids are incredibly versatile, pairing effortlessly with school uniforms, casual outfits, or even dressier occasions. They’re not just stylish—they also provide durability, comfort, and support, making them a smart choice for growing feet.
What Schools Usually Require Children to Wear Saddle Shoes?
Saddle shoes are often a must-have for children attending private and Catholic schools, thanks to their classic, polished look. While many brands make these shoes, not all offer the same level of support and durability. I’ll guide you through the most popular styles that combine comfort, long-lasting quality, and the classic look kids and parents love.
Are Saddle Shoes Supportive for Everyday Wear?
The best saddle shoes offer excellent structure and support, keeping your child’s feet comfortable throughout the school day. However, not all saddle shoes are created equal. While many brands look similar, the quality, construction, and materials can vary widely. Choosing well-made styles also means better durability, so the shoes can stand up to daily wear while keeping little feet healthy.
Best Saddle Shoe Brands: Footmates and School Issue
Shopping for saddle shoes for kids can feel overwhelming with so many styles and brands available. While it’s natural to compare prices, it’s even more important to choose a reputable brand known for quality and durability. Footmates and School Issue stand out as trusted options that combine comfort, support, and long-lasting wear for growing feet.
Below are my top picks for this year, with options to suit every preference and budget. Disclosure: Some links are affiliate links; we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Best Saddle Shoes for Kids in 2025
These saddle shoes feature leather uppers and linings, padded collars, cushioned insoles, and non-marking outsoles for all-day comfort. The styles I recommend also come in multiple widths, making them a perfect choice for children with wider feet.
1. Cheer 3 by FootMates. These classic saddle shoes for kids feature durable leather uppers, cushioned insoles, and a supportive fit, perfect for school or everyday wear.
- Order the shoe Cheer 3 by FootMates on Zappos or Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Firm heel counter provides stable lateral support
- Breathable leather lining
- Lace-up closure
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
2. Varsity 6300 by School Issue. These kids’ saddle shoes feature durable leather and cushioned insoles. They are also available in wide widths in case your child has wide feet.
- Order the shoe Varsity 6300 by School Issue on Amazon
- Available in medium and wide widths
- 100% leather
- Firm heel counter provides stable lateral support
- Breathable leather lining
- Lace-up closure
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s foot size
Saddle shoes are a timeless choice for both boys and girls, available in a variety of widths, styles, and colors. First introduced in 1906, they’ve remained popular for over a century because they’re not just stylish—they’re functional. Perfect for school, church, or casual outings, saddle shoes combine classic charm with practicality, making them one of the best footwear choices for growing children.
Reach Out for Specific Shoe Recommendations
If you’re unsure about which saddle shoes to choose for your child, don’t hesitate to reach out for a specific shoe recommendation. As a shoe fitter passionate about children’s foot health, I’m here to help you navigate the options and find the perfect pair for your child.
Order the Correct Shoe Size Online
Ordering shoes online can be tricky, but my virtual guide simplifies it. With precise steps, you can avoid the hassle of returns and ensure your child gets the right fit.
Great website. I haven’t seen or heard of people with saddle shoes in for ever. The other thing that I noticed in the last few years because of my grandbabies is….I couldn’t find the white high top shoes that we started walking in that were referred to as walking shoes.
All the best to you.
Michelle
Michelle,
I know which shoes you are talking about, they are made by Jumping Jacks and they are the cutest shoes! We sell them at the store but I haven’t been able to find that particular shoe online.They are still popular as first walking shoes and also for children who need extra support around the ankles.
Great reading and I have not seen saddle shoes for a long long time!
I think one of the problems of today is there a lot of shoe options and of course the prices vary, but lack the quality and for me this is a big thing.
So many times I have bought shoes for my children (and for myself for that matter) and within a couple of months they are falling to pieces.
I always remember one boy when I was in school many years ago and he had some saddle shoes. If I remember correctly he had them for the whole of the high school period – 5 years.
Now on a kid, that is what you can call quality!
Thanks for this info 🙂
Chros
Chris,
A lot of parents are not even aware that they still make saddle shoe. They are great quality school shoes, that guarantee that your child will outgrow the shoes before anything happens to the shoes.
Ooh my gosh! Thank you for this article, your whole website is simply fantastic!
I LOVE saddle shoes and was just talking to my sister who needs them for school uniforms. So, this was the perfect article to send her!
They last SO much longer than these canvas shoes they are always getting. They are also great for “hand-me-down” shoes since these kids grow so dang fast! I wear cowboy boots – so I am a huge fan of real leather shoes. They are getting harder and harder to find for children.
Thank you for posting the links – I did not know they came in other colors, the boys will be very happy with the blue and grey pair!
Most people don’t even know tat they still make saddle shoes! However, I wouldn’t recommend you using them as a hand-me-down shoe. I actually wrote a post about the negative impact and how you can compromise your kids foot health by using hand-me-down shoes, the post is called:
Second Hand Shoes for Kids – Stop Hurting Your Child’s Feet.
I know children feet grow fast, that’s why it is important to measure their feet properly, to leave the proper amount of growing room for them.
Remember that they are also available in wide widths!
Children’s shoes, the eternal dilemma, to buy expensive pair or two pairs but cheaper ???? I am the mother of two children three and six year old, and in the beginning I was very careful about all the features that you mentioned: quality of the shoe, the width and the support and these shoes are usually quite expensive. Children wear 2-3 months and need new because their foot rises. I think it is a good to buy quality shoes if you can afford it, because avoided later deformation of legs, wrong gait and irregular backbone.
Deva,
Your three year old child should be wearing shoes for 3 1/2 months, if you are fitting his or her shoes properly.
The size year old child should be wearing shoes for 4 1/2 to 5 months, again, if you are having his or her feet measured and fitted properly.
Please make sure you are having your children shoes fitted properly.
This site is great! You have so much information here that it’s almost hard to know where to start. I’m so glad to see that someone is doing a website like this because I have always felt that the first pair of shoes were the most important for any of my two children when they were babies.
I now have a grandchild who is almost two and running around like crazy at home in her socks. I told her mom that I would be happy to buy her first pair of shoes but that they needed to be fitted by a professional shoe source.
I have forwarded a copy of this site to her in hopes that she will read and understand what it is and how important those first shoes really are.
Thanks again for doing such great work. Extensive but needed.
Rene
Rene,
My goal is to inform parents about the important role that shoes play when it comes to taking care of our kids feet. I believe newer generations are not informed, or don’t care as much, about the importance that shoes play in our kids healthy feet, legs, and backs. I know that the information might seem overwhelming at first, but my goal was also to create a webpage that will have every single answer a parent might have about their kids feet.
In the homepage, you can find a “search” option, where you can type whatever it is that you are looking for, and it will pop up.