Should Kids Wear Shoes with Velcro or Shoelaces? – Find Out Why Shoelaces Are the Better Choice!

Have you noticed that most kids these days are wearing shoes with Velcro instead of laces? It’s not that children are learning to tie their shoes later—it’s that parents are waiting longer to teach them, often because of one simple challenge: keeping the shoes tied throughout the day. Many parents tell me it’s not about learning to tie, but about maintaining the laces during busy school days. For some children, tying shoes isn’t just tricky—it’s genuinely difficult due to conditions like hypermobility syndrome or dyspraxia, which can turn this everyday task into a frustrating experience. That’s where Velcro comes in: it’s easy to use, can be fastened with one hand, and is especially helpful for children under age 5.

Should Kids Wear Shoes with Velcro or Shoelaces?

I always tell parents that sneakers with laces aren’t just about looks—they’re a game-changer for support and stability. Laces can be adjusted to fit your child’s unique foot shape, creating a snug, customized fit. Because they “hug” the foot more securely than Velcro closures, laced sneakers help kids feel steadier and better supported whether they’re walking, running, or playing. It’s a simple switch that can make a big difference in comfort and confidence!

Ever notice how nearly all athletic shoes come with laces instead of Velcro? That’s no coincidence. When kids are running full speed, leaping, or pushing their limits on the field or court, their shoes need to work just as hard. Laces allow for a snug, customized fit that locks the foot in place, offering the support and stability their growing bodies depend on. It might seem like a small feature—but in high-energy moments, it can be the difference between staying balanced or taking a tumble.

At What Age Should Children Be Able to Tie Their Shoes?

Many kids simply don’t have the fine motor skills or hand-eye coordination needed to tie their shoelaces until they’re at least 5 years old. Interestingly, I’ve often noticed that girls tend to pick up this skill a bit earlier than boys—many girls start learning around age 5, while boys often begin closer to age 7 or even older. That’s largely because girls typically develop fine motor skills a bit sooner. And remember, every child is different—some kids still struggle with tying their shoes even at 9 or 10 years old, and that’s completely okay. Patience and practice go a long way!

Why Should Children Learn How to Tie Their Shoes?

Beyond offering better support, stability, and the ability to adjust how snug or loose the shoes feel, there’s another reason laces become important as kids grow. By the time children reach around 10 years old, their average shoe size is about a 3½. Once they outgrow that size, finding shoes with Velcro becomes tricky—often the selection is very limited or non-existent. At that point, kids usually need to choose lace-up shoes or explore alternatives like toggle shoelaces, which provide the convenience of a no-tie solution and look like this:

Where to Find Velcro Sneakers in Big Kids’ Sizes: A Helpful Guide

If your child wears a shoe size larger than 3½ and still loves the convenience of Velcro over laces, you’re not alone—and I’ve got you covered! Check out the special guide I created that highlights the best Velcro sneakers available in big kid sizes, so your child can stay comfortable and stylish without the hassle of tying laces.

Are Shoe Companies Dropping the Ball on Kids’ Laces?

Have you ever wondered why it’s so hard to find lace-up shoes for younger kids? Many parents share the same frustration: the options for lace-up styles are incredibly limited below a kids’ shoe size 10½. Most shoe brands hold off on producing lace-up designs until children hit older age groups, leaving younger kids stuck with only Velcro choices.

Velcro shoes are a great choice for first walkers and toddlers—they’re easy to put on, quick to fasten, and perfect for little ones who are always on the move. However, if your baby or toddler has a specific foot condition, it might be worth choosing shoes with laces instead. Lace-up shoes can offer a more secure, customized fit, providing the extra support some little feet need for healthy development.