The Best Dress Shoes for Kids – The 6 Most Stylish, Supportive, Comfortable, and Affordable Styles!
It can be overwhelming for parents to choose what dress shoes to provide to their children. There are several different choices out there, and most of the time parents find themselves staring at a wall of shoes that look very similar, but in reality, they are very different. I am going to provide you with a list of affordable, comfortable, and durable dress shoes for kids based on my many years of shoe fitting experience.
If you are looking to provide your child with a pair of stylish dress shoes without compromising your child’s foot comfort and foot health, you came to the right place. The dress shoes I am going to recommend in this article are going to provide your children with a formal look, without leaving your child’s feet sore or feeling uncomfortable.
Dress Shoes that Fit Different Foot Shapes
One of the most common mistakes that I see parents make is to not put a lot of thought into the type of dress shoes that they provide to their children, as they might wear them once in a while and for only a couple of hours. You might want to rethink this. It only takes a couple of wears in the wrong shoe size for your child to develop a foot issue.
All of the dress shoes that I recommend in this article are capable of fitting different foot shapes such as narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet. Some of the styles can also accommodate high insteps.
My Experience Fitting Children’s Shoes
I take children’s foot health very seriously, and I only recommend 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. The shoe store where I work specializes in helping children with “complex” foot shapes as well as foot and leg problems, but we provide regular shoe fittings as well.
Do You Know Your Child’s Foot Shape?
One factor that you need to keep in consideration is that not all children’s feet are the same. Children’s feet come in all shapes and sizes, and while most children have a medium width foot, some others might have a more “complicated foot shape” such as narrow or extra wide feet. Some children have high insteps — top part of the foot — which makes it a lot more complicated to find shoes that fit. Take a look at the image below to identify where the instep of the foot is located:
How to Retrieve Your Child’s Exact Foot Length and Shape
I created a virtual shoe fitting service that will help you retrieve your child’s shoe size from home. In that article 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.
I also don’t want you to fall under the assumption that if your child’s dress shoes don’t feel comfortable, it’s because they need a “breaking in” period. I strongly believe this is a sales tactic that most shoe stores use to close the sale. It is a fact that dress shoes tend to be stiffer than sneakers, but whenever someone tells you that your child needs to “break in” the shoes to feel better, they are basically telling you that the shoes are not designed or fitted for your child’s feet.
Key Features of the Dress Shoes I Recommend
1️⃣ 100% Leather Made: This feature is going to give your child a sleek look and allow your child’s feet to breathe. This is going to prevent bacteria from forming inside the shoes. Leather shoes also happen to be the most durable ones.
2️⃣ Extra Cushion and Padding: The dress shoes that I recommend provide extra padding around the heel area to increase comfort and prevent the formation of blisters. This is an area where children develop most blisters, so it’s important that there is enough cushion and padding to prevent friction between your toddler’s heels and the back of the shoes.
3️⃣ Non-Marking Outsoles: If your child is running around on tiles floor on formal occasions the shoes won’t leave a trace.
4️⃣ Round Toe-Boxes: You will notice that the dress shoes will have rounded instead of pointier toe-boxes, which is a key feature that helps prevent your toddler’s toes from overlapping one another or rubbing against the side of the shoes.
5️⃣ Extra Depth for Easy On and Off: This feature is ideal for toddlers with wide feet and high insteps.
The dress shoes I describe below are available in different widths, meaning that they are capable of fitting different foot shapes, so please choose the shoe width accordingly. 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.
Best Dress Shoes for Kids – Comfortable and Stylish
Children’s feet are constantly growing, and to get the most out of your child’s dress shoes, the shoes need to look appropriate for formal events, but also for school uniforms.
Toddler Sizes (0 to 10)
- Order the shoe style Soft Motion by Stride Rite on Amazon
- Available in medium and wide widths
- APMA approved and built for toddlers
- Easy on-and-off with an oversized opening hook and loop closure
- Rounded, slip-resistant soles encourage natural motion and help improve balance
- I suggest that you get this dress shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style SM Jodie by Stride Rite on Zappos
- Available in medium and wide widths
- APMA approved and built for toddlers
- Easy on-and-off with an oversized opening hook and loop closure
- Rounded, slip-resistant soles encourage natural motion and help improve balance
- I suggest that you get this dress shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Laura by FootMates on Zappos
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Removable, dual insoles in medium and wide are provided to allow customized fitting
- Breathable leather lining and cushioned leather-lined footbed cradles children’s feet
- Ideal for formal occasions and casual wear
- I suggest that you get this dress shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Bucky by Footmates on Amazon
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Removable, dual insoles in medium and wide are provided to allow customized fitting
- Breathable leather lining and cushioned leather-lined footbed cradles children’s feet
- Ideal for formal occasions and casual wear
- Lace-up design
- I suggest that you get this dress shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Harper by Footmates on Zappos
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Removable, dual insoles in medium and wide are provided to allow customized fitting
- Breathable leather lining and cushioned leather-lined footbed cradles children’s feet
- Ideal for formal occasions and casual wear
- Adjustable buckle closure with hidden elastic
- I suggest that you get this dress shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Willy 3 by Footmates on Zappos
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Removable, dual insoles in medium and wide are provided to allow customized fitting
- Breathable leather lining and cushioned leather-lined footbed cradles children’s feet
- Ideal for formal occasions and casual wear
- Lace-up design
- I suggest that you get this dress shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Holly by Stride Rite on Zappos
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Oversized openings
- Antimicrobial linings for odor prevention
- I suggest that you get this dress shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Brian by Deer Stags on Zappos
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Padded insole
- Dual goring at vamp
- Ideal for formal occasions and casual wear
- Slip-on design
- I suggest that you get this dress shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style SRT Cordaline by Stride Rite on Amazon
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Easy on-and-off with oversized opening and adjustable double hook and loop closure
- Organic canvas lining helps reduce odor
- I suggest that you get this dress shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Gamefish by Sperry on Amazon
- Available in medium and wide widths
- 100% genuine leather upper
- Easy on-and-off with an oversized opening hook and loop closure
- Alternative closure with fixed lace for easy on/off and adjustability
- I suggest that you get this dress shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Bluefish Crib by Sperry on Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- 100% leather
- Alternative closure with fixed lace for easy on/off and adjustability
- Memory foam footbed
- Lightweight and flexible
- I suggest that you get this dress shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Elegant by NINA on Amazon
- Fits narrow, medium, and wide feet
- 100% leather
- Cushioned insole
- Buckle closure
- I suggest that you get this dress shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
Little/Big Kid Sizes (10.5 to 7)
- Order the shoe style Pavia by Naturino on Zappos
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Leather upper
- Supportive outsole with firm heel counter
- I suggest that you get this dress shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Murphy Sneaker by Stride Rite on Amazon
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Premium leather with a padded heel collar
- Memory-foam insole provides enhanced comfort
- I suggest that you get this dress shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Reese by Hush Puppies on Zappos
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Cushioned memory foam footbed for all-day comfort
- Mesh lining for added comfort and breathability
- Oversized opening
- I suggest that you get this dress shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Unisex-Child Jace by Hush Puppies on Amazon
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Double velcro straps
- Padded collar for comfort
- Memory Foam foot bed for all-day comfort and support
- I suggest that you get this dress shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Mary Jane Flat by Hush Puppies on Amazon
- Available in medium and wide widths
- 100% leather
- Breathable leather lining and cushioned leather-lined footbed cradles children’s feet
- Ideal for formal occasions and casual wear
- I suggest that you get this dress shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Willy BTS by Footmates on Zappos
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Leather lining and footbed
- Easy on-and-off with an oversized opening
- Lace up closure for secure fit
- I suggest that you get this dress shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Josie Flat by Hush Puppies on Zappos
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Slip-on design for easy on and off
- Elasticized top line for a no-slip fit
- Breathable textile lining and a cushioned textile insole
- I suggest that you get this dress shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Youth Slip On by Florsheim Berwyn on Amazon
- Available in medium and wide widths
- 100% leather
- Padded collar for comfort
- Memory Foam foot bed for all-day comfort and support
- I suggest that you get this dress shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Pegasus by Nina on Zappos
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Slip-on design for easy on and off
- Man-made lining and footbed
- Breathable textile lining and a cushioned textile insole
- I suggest that you get this dress shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Gavin by Hush Puppies on Amazon
- Available in medium and wide widths
- 100% leather
- Easy on-and-off with an oversized opening hook and loop closure
- I suggest that you get this dress shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Mary Jane Flat by Hush Puppies on Amazon
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Mesh linings for breathability & odor prevention
- Cushy memory foam footbed for all day comfort and support
- I suggest that you get this dress shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Oxford by Florsheim Billings on Amazon
- Available in medium and wide widths
- 100% leather
- Easy on-and-off with an oversized opening
- Lace up closure for secure fit
- I suggest that you get this dress shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Elegant by NINA on Amazon
- Fits narrow, medium, and wide feet
- 100% leather
- Cushioned insole
- Buckle closure
- I suggest that you get this dress shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Pavia by Naturino on Amazon
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Genuine leather
- Padded insole
- I suggest that you get this dress shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
These are the most stylish, supportive, comfortable, and affordable children’s dress shoes that I have fitted before. If your child has a “complicated” foot shape such as narrow or extra wide feet and you can’t seem to find any dress shoes that fit I suggest that you take a look at other resources I created.
Are Any Other More Affordable Choices?
It is a fact that you will be able to find cheaper dress shoes than the ones I recommend, but considering the quality and support that the shoes provide, they are very reasonably priced. The shoes I recommended are also capable of fitting different foot shapes such as narrow, medium, wide, and extra wide feet, as well as high insteps.
Please keep in mind that poorly made dress shoes are one of the most common reasons why children develop foot issues such as blisters, calluses, and corns.
What Are Some Good Dress Socks for Kids?
Here you can find a list of the best dress socks for kids that are seamless, comfortable, and durable.
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 different dress shoe that has worked well for your child and that you want to recommend? Please share your findings below so other parents can benefit from your experiences.
