Second Hand Shoes for Kids – Stop Hurting Your Child’s Feet
Wondering if it’s safe for your child to wear second-hand shoes? Before you pass down those hand-me-downs, there’s something important to consider. One of the biggest problems with used shoes is the condition of the heel counter—the firm part at the back of the shoe that provides crucial support and stability. In second-hand shoes, this area often becomes stretched or misshapen, leading to poor foot alignment and potential long-term issues like flat feet or heel pain.
It’s almost always better to invest in a new pair of shoes—even an affordable style—rather than risk the problems that can come from used footwear. The only exceptions I usually recommend are rain boots and snow boots, as they hold their shape well and are worn for short periods. Still, always check them for signs of wear or damage before handing them down to your child.
The Complications of Providing Children with Hand-Me-Down Shoes
There are several health risks to watch out for when it comes to hand-me-down shoes for kids, including:
Foot Shape Mismatch: Used shoes often mold to the unique shape of the previous child’s feet, which can cause discomfort and improper support for your child.
Worn-Out Support: The tread and heel counter in second-hand shoes may be worn down, reducing the shoe’s stability and support and increasing the risk of injuries.
Hidden Germs: Older, used shoes can harbor bacteria and fungus, creating an unhealthy environment for your child’s growing feet.
The Problem with Stretched Heel Counters
Have you ever noticed how kids love to kick off their shoes without bothering to undo the laces or Velcro straps? It might seem harmless, but each time they yank their shoes off this way, they’re stretching out the heel counter—the sturdy part that supports the back of the foot. Over time, this can leave the heel counter loose and floppy, turning supportive shoes into ones that no longer do their job properly.
Close-up Images of Stretched Heel Counters
The first picture shows the worn shoe and the picture below shows a brand-new shoe. Do you notice the difference around the heel counter of the shoe? The one on the left has been stretched out. This is the type of hand-me-down shoe you will definitely want to stay away from. That shoe style won’t provide any support to your child’s heels.
Comparing Costs: New vs. Second-Hand
While second-hand shoes might seem like a bargain, the potential costs of dealing with foot problems in the future can outweigh any initial savings. Investing in even the cheapest pair of new shoes is preferable to using hand-me-downs, as new shoes will provide the structural integrity and support necessary for your child’s foot health.
When selecting shoes for your child, consider brands that offer durability, comfort, and support at an affordable price. My top recommendations are listed below. Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links, earning us a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Durable, Supportive, Comfortable, and Affordable Kids’ Shoes
1. Shoe style Ride 10 Jr by Saucony
These affordable kids’ sneakers for sale are lightweight and flexible, provide reliable support, and have a versatile design, perfect for active toddlers and little kids.
- Order the shoe Ride 10 Jr by Saucony on Amazon or Zappos
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Velcro closure
- Leather and mesh upper for durability and breathability
- APMA Certified
- Several previous models are available
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
2. Connor by See Kai Run
These See Kai Run affordable kids’ shoes provide a flexible sole, breathable materials, and a wide opening for easy on-and-off—perfect for busy kids on the go.
- Order the shoe Connor by See Kai Run on Zappos or Amazon
- Not available in wide or extra wide widths but fits naturally wide
- Semi-perforated leather paired with suede-feel overlays for durability
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
3. Axon by Saucony
These Saucony shoes for older kids offer responsive cushioning, breathable mesh uppers, and a secure fit.
- Order the shoe Axon by Saucony on Amazon or Zappos
- Available in medium and wide widths
- EVA midsole provides increased shock attenuation, responsive cushioning and lasting durability
- Padded tongue and collar
- Cushioned footbed
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
4. Rave Run by New Balance
These affordable New Balance kids’ sneakers for sale are available in different widths to accommodate wide or extra wide feet. Previous versions of the Rave Run often have the same quality and fit but come at a lower price, making them an even more affordable option without sacrificing support or comfort.
- Order the shoe Rave Run v2 by New Balance on Amazon
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Lightweight injection-molded EVA foam midsole provides lightweight cushioning
- Removable insoles
- Machine washable
- Oversized openings
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
5. Shoe Style Grand Court 2.0
These stylish and affordable Adidas sneakers for sale offer a padded collar for added support and excellent ankle support.
- Order the shoe style Grand Court 2.0 by Adidas on Zappos or Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
6. Order the shoe style 545 Bungee by New Balance
These previous versions of the 545 Bungee offer identical fit and performance at a lower price, giving you great value for your money.
- Order the shoe 545 Bungee by New Balance on Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Lightweight EVA midsole
- Double velcro straps
- Leather and textile upper
- Reinforced toe cap for durability
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
7. KFomme
These affordable wide slip-on shoes feature a soft, stretchy knit upper and wide toe-box design, making them an excellent option for kids with wide feet.
- Order the shoe KomForme on Amazon
- Fits wide feet
- The wide round toe provides ample space for your child’s toes
- Canvas
- I suggest that you get this slip-on shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
8. Shoe 680 V6 by New Balance
These kids’ New Balance shoes on sale feature a cushioned EVA midsole and easy pull-on bungee laces for easy on and off.
- Order the shoe 680 V6 by New Balance on Amazon
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Lightweight injection-molded EVA foam midsole provides lightweight cushioning
- Removable insoles
- Machine washable
- Oversized openings
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
9. Quick Street Sneaker by Skechers
These affordable black and white school shoes for kids comply with most school uniform requirements.
- Order the shoe Quick Street Sneaker by Skechers on Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Breathable
- Lightweight Design
- Machine Washable
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
10. Tennis EZ-Ons by Dream Pairs
These breathable and affordable kids’ sneakers feature a highly breathable knit upper that promotes airflow, keeping feet cool and dry during active play.
- Order the shoe Tennis EZ-Ons by Dream Pairs on Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Breathable mesh upper
- Padded tongue and collar
- Lightweight EVA sole delivers a natural feel
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
Are Any Other More Affordable Shoe Choices Available?
If you’re uncertain about which shoes are best for your child, don’t hesitate to reach out for personalized recommendations based on your child’s unique foot shape and needs.
How to Order the Correct Shoe Size Online
I’ve developed a virtual shoe fitting service that makes finding your child’s perfect shoe size easy—right from home! In my article, I guide parents step by step to measure their child’s exact foot length and width, so you’ll know whether your child has narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet. Plus, I can help you figure out if your child has a high instep, which is crucial for getting the right fit and keeping little feet happy and comfortable.
Hand-Me-Down Shoes – When Are They Appropriate?
If buying new shoes isn’t an option, don’t worry—you can still make hand-me-downs work with a few careful checks. Always pick up the shoes and feel them to ensure they’re still sturdy and supportive, and inspect the tread to see if it’s worn down. It’s also a plus if the shoes are machine washable, so you can clean out any lingering bacteria.
If you’re considering hand-me-down shoes, keep these two key tips in mind:
First Tip: Make sure the shoes aren’t overly worn or misshapen.
Second Tip: Check the insole to see that it hasn’t molded to the previous child’s foot shape.
These simple steps can help keep your child’s feet comfortable and healthy, even in second-hand shoes!
Common Questions Parents Ask About Hand-Me-Down Shoes
“Is it safe for my child to wear hand-me-down shoes?”
It really depends on the condition and shape of the shoes. Hand-me-down shoes can sometimes weaken your child’s foot muscles and ligaments, increase the risk of bacterial or fungal infections, and—even more importantly—alter the natural shape of your child’s growing feet.
“My children will wear these shoes for such a short time that it won’t affect them. It’s not worth buying a new pair when they grow out of them so quickly!”
It might seem practical, but it’s worth reconsidering. It only takes a few wears in shoes that don’t fit properly—or that have molded to someone else’s feet—for a child to develop foot problems. Shoes that have already shaped themselves to another child’s foot can change how your child’s feet grow, especially during critical stages of development. Even if kids grow fast, healthy foot development is worth the investment!
I understand that economizing is a part of everyone’s life, no matter the income bracket. I suggest buying the cheapest new shoe, rather than using a hand-me-down shoe. You can get an everyday shoe with excellent support and structure for the price of $35. Depending on the age of the child this shoe will last between 3 1/2 to 6 months. This is a smart investment to make since you will end up saving a lot of money if you take care of your children’s feet from an early stage.
I noticed that you didn’t cite any studies to back up all these claims of second hand shoes seriously damaging a child’s feet, where did you get all of this information from?
Hello Robin,
I have been working for a children’s shoe store for over 7 years, and my claims come from actually helping children who have foot problems due to wearing the wrong type of shoes, not just hand-me-down shoes. I don’t like to cite sources because there is so much information on the Internet that you can find sources pro hand-me-down shoes and against them, and then it’s a constant back and forth. My goal is to make parents aware of the negative impact that hand-me-down shoes can have on their children’s feet. However, all feet are different and while some kids’can develop serious foot issues from wearing hand-me-down shoes, others can wear them without any issues. I strongly recommend to parents to purchase new shoes for their kids, specially when it comes to their everyday shoes!
I am so glad you wrote this post. I don’t thing a lot of parents realize how important it is to have shoes that are properly fitted for their child. Everyone has a different wear pattern in their shoes and by using a second hand pair of shoes it can really damage a child’s feet. I know shoes are expensive and that kids do wear them for only a short time so can there be permanent damage to a child’s growing foot in just a few short months?
Margaret,
A shoe that does not fit properly can create a myriad of problems to a child’s foot, even if it is worn for a short period of time. As mentioned in the post, seventy percent of foot problems come from wearing the wrong type of shoe.
Did you know that bacteria and fungus tend to thrive within the materials of the shoes? Hand-me-down shoes might save you money at first, but in the long run, it will end up costing you more.
This is great information! I never thought about the dangers of wearing hand me down shoes. What if the child used an shoe insert for support? Is there a way to treat used shoes to get rid of bacteria and fungus? It’s hard to believe that stores with hand me downs would have shoes that could be contaminated with these things. Do they not treat the used shoes in some way? What kind of long term damage could be caused by using hand me down shoes?
Putting a shoe inset in a hand me down shoes will not do any good. Inserts or orthotics only work in good, supportive shoes. You can always wash the shoes thoroughly to get rid of any bacteria the shoe might be carrying over. However, the main disadvantage of wearing a hand me down shoes is the lack of support you are providing to your children. This can lead to foot problems, such as foot, leg or back pain later in lifel
I found this website very informative. As a mother of a two year old, who never keeps her shoes on, I was interested in reading about a child’s foot health. My same daughter was born with a club foot so good shoes are important. I would not want to risk the corrective measures we did on the wrong shoes.
I agree with you! Definitely keep her in good supportive shoes!I hope she is doing well and try to find out why she keeps kicking her shoes off.
Hi,
I love your site, a lot of information how not to hurt my kids feet’s.My wife entered your site and was very pleased and now she is going to spend my money 😉
You provide with all the answers a parent might have when it comes to fitting their children shoes!
Your web site already in my favorites.
The whole idea of this website is to provide parents with all the answers they might have about children shoes and how they fit. If you have any particular question do not hesitate to contact me directly!
This is a great page my daughters both have children now and are always having trouble picking out the best shoes for their children. I will be telling her about your site so maybe they will find help in getting shoes. I want everyone that needs shoes to be comfortable in them . You did a awesome job on this keep up the good work.
That’s exactly the purpose of the website! I want all parents to be informed about the importance of fitting children shoes so their children can be comfortable wearing them. Let your daughter know that she can ask any question she has, and I will be able to answer it!