The Best Shoe Brands for Kids – The 5 Most Durable and Affordable Brands
Wondering what the best shoe brands for kids are? As a passionate children’s shoe fitter with over a decade of experience, I’ve helped thousands of families find the right shoes for all kinds of foot shapes and conditions. After testing countless brands and styles, I’ve found that five standout shoe brands consistently deliver when it comes to support, flexibility, durability, comfort, and affordability. Within each brand, certain models perform better than others—and I’m here to show you exactly which ones to trust, based on real-world fitting experience.
Why Choosing the Right Shoe Brand Matters for Kids
Every child’s feet are different, and that’s why it’s so important to find a brand that offers a variety of styles and features. From foot shape and size to specific needs like wide widths or orthotic-friendly designs, choosing the right brand means you’re setting your child up for healthier, happier steps.
Key Features of Comfortable Sneakers for Kids
The Best Shoe Brands for Kids – My Top 5 Choices
Choosing the right shoe brand for your child means balancing comfort, support, and fit. The top five brands stand out for offering durable, affordable shoes that adapt to different foot shapes and developmental stages. From New Balance’s custom-like fit to See Kai Run’s lightweight flexibility, these brands are built with growing feet in mind. To find the right one, consider your child’s walking stage, foot shape (narrow to extra wide), and any specific needs like flat feet or weak ankles.
New Balance: Top Pick for Unique Foot Shapes and Conditions
New Balance stands out for its exceptional fit, especially for children with unique foot shapes (wide, extra wide, high insteps). Their shoes cater to both width and length variations. This brand is also ideal for children with specific foot conditions (such as flat feet) needing special care. Below you can find my top New Balance shoes for kids.
1. Shoe Style 990v6 by New Balance. These are the absolute best New Balance shoes for wide feet, and they are available with Velcro or laces. The shoes offer superior depth and width for a comfortable fit. The downside that many parents complain about is the high price tag.
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- You can order the 990v6 with laces on the New Balance website, Amazon, or Zappos
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Also available in pink and navy blue
- There is also a Velcro version of these shoes available in navy blue and pink
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
2. New Balance Kids’ 574 NEW-B Hook & Loop. These New Balance extra wide shoes offer extra depth, wide toe boxes, and cushioned midsoles, providing both comfort and support. The wide Velcro straps allow you to open the shoe widely for easy on and off.
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Order the shoe 574 New-b V1 by New Balance on Amazon or the New Balance website
- Also available with laces on the New Balance website, Amazon, and Zappos
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Received the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
3. Shoe Style Fresh Foam 625 by New Balance. These New Balance running shoes for big kids with wide feet are perfect for kids who need a reliable all-around shoe, capable of supporting diverse sports engagements.
- Order the shoe Fresh Foam 625 by New Balance on Amazon or the New Balance website
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Fresh foam midsole cushioning provides an ulta-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Padded collar and tongue
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
4. Shoe Style Rave Run v2 by New Balance. These New Balance shoes with deep toe box provide extra depth and are available in wide and extra wide widths. Parents like that the shoes are offered at an affordable price point.
- Order the shoe Rave Run by New Balance on Zappos, Amazon, or the New Balance website
- Available in wide and extra wide widths
- Breathable mesh upper
- Padded collar and tongue
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
5. Shoe Style Fresh Foam Arishi v4 by New Balance. These New Balance shoes for children with wide feet can accommodate children with wide or extra wide feet. Families appreciate how this shoe is available in wide and extra wide widths and offered at a reasonable price.
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Order the shoe Fresh Foam 650 by New Balance on the New Balance website or Amazon
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Also available with laces on the New Balance website, Zappos, and Amazon
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
Stride Rite: Top Pick for New Walkers
Stride Rite is a top choice for babies and toddlers learning to walk. Their “transition shoes” support balance and stability, while sensory pods on the soles help little ones feel the ground—boosting confidence with every step. Stride Rite also offers durable shoes for older kids and comes in a range of widths (medium, wide, and extra wide) to accommodate all foot shapes. Whether your child is walking, running, or jumping, these shoes are built to keep up.
1. Shoe Style Elliott by Stride Rite. These high-top booties by Stride Rite offer excellent support and a comfortable fit.
- Order the shoe SRT Elliot by Stride Rite on Amazon or Zappos
- Available in wide and extra wide widths
- 100% leather made
- I suggest getting this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
2. Wes and Soft Motion by Stride Rite. These Stride Rite baby shoes are designed with wide and extra wide widths, flexible soles, and a roomy round toe-box—perfect for toddlers with wide feet and high insteps.
- Order the shoe Wes by Stride Rite on Zappos or the Soft Motion Baby by Stride Rite on Amazon
- Available in extra wide widths
- Seamless construction cradle the baby’s natural shape
- Flexible, rounded, slip-resistant soles
- APMA approved
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
3. Thompson by Stride Rite. These Stride Rite baby shoes feature a flexible sole and a rounded toe design to support natural movement, making them a favorite among parents and podiatrists alike.
- Order the shoe Thompson Sneaker on Amazon
- Available in wide widths
- Awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)
- Padded tongue and collar for added comfort
- Breathable textile lining and cushioned insole
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
4. Shoe Style Artie and Adalyn by Stride Rite. The Artie and Adalyn Stride Rite shoes provide excellent width options (wide and extra wide) and a comfortable fit. Their design includes flexible outsoles and cushioned insoles, which are essential for active toddlers.
- Order the shoe Artie and Adalyn by Stride Rite on Amazon or Zappos
- Rounded edges to decrease stumbles and falls
- Available in wide and extra wide widths
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
5. M2P Player by Stride Rite. These Stride Rite boys’ shoes feature machine-washable materials, a memory foam footbed, and extra grip for traction, it’s perfect for school, play, and everything in between. Available in wide widths for a better fit.
- Order the shoe M2P Kendrick by Stride Rite on Zappos on Amazon
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Adjustable hook and loop closure with elastic faux laces
- Ortholite® memory foam footbeds
- Padded heel collar
- Machine washable
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
See Kai Run: Top Pick for Affordable and Lightweight
See Kai Run offers shoes that are both light and easy on the wallet. Their designs are vibrant and child-friendly, perfect for daily wear. The brand emphasizes practicality without sacrificing style. These shoes boast flexible soles that promote natural movement. Parents appreciate the blend of affordability and quality.
1. Shoe Style Stevie II by See Kai Run. These See Kai Run toddler shoes are a popular choice among parents for their wide toe boxes and adjustable straps, making them an excellent option for babies and toddlers with wider feet.
- Available for toddlers
- Order the shoe Stevie II by See Kai Run on Amazon or Zappos
- Not available in wide or extra wide widths but fits naturally wide
- Awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)
- Durable cotton drill upper, comfy leather insole, and recycled mesh lining keep feet fresh
- Breathable textile lining and cushioned insole
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
2. Shoe style Robyne by See Kai Run. These See Kai Run sneakers are stylish and provide a roomy toe box and flexible sole—perfect for active kids who need all-day comfort and a great fit.
- Order the shoe Robyne by See Kai Run on Zappos or Amazon
- Not available in wide or extra wide widths but fits naturally wide
- Awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)
- Padded tongue and collar for added comfort
- Breathable textile lining and cushioned insole
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
3. Lucia by See Kai Run. These See Kai Run Mary Jane shoes provide a durable construction and stylish design, offering both support and style for active children.
- Order the shoe Lucia by See Kai Run on Amazon or Zappos
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Black patent leather upper
- Padded collar for comfort
- Natural rubber outsole with deep lug pattern provides great traction for play
- I suggest that you get this Mary Jane shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
4. Shoe Style Kristin and Stevie II by See Kai Run. These See Kai Run sneakers are perfect for those looking for a more stylish option without sacrificing fit. With its adjustable closure and ample toe space, it caters well to wide feet while keeping up with fashion trends.
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Order the shoe Kristin and Stevie II by See Kai Run on Amazon or Zappos
- Not available in wide or extra wide widths but fits naturally wide
- Awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
5. Riley by See Kai Run. These double velcro straps See Kai Run sneakers are lightweight, flexible, and provide a roomy toe box and cushioned support—perfect for little feet that love to move and explore.
- Order the shoe Riley by See Kai Run on Amazon or Zappos
- Not available in wide or extra wide widths but fits naturally wide
- Awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)
- Pull tab on the back
- Double velcro straps
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
ASICS: Top Pick for Kids with Narrow Feet Who Love to Run
Asics is a top choice when it comes to running shoes for kids. Known worldwide for their quality, Asics combines exceptional support, stability, and durability to keep up with your child’s boundless energy. Their running shoes, especially designed for kids with narrow feet, feature gel-infused cushioning that absorbs impact and boosts comfort. Just a heads-up—models with extra gel layers offer even more cushioning but tend to come with a higher price tag. Perfect for young runners who need serious performance and protection!
1. Shoe Style GT-1000 by Asics with Velcro. These Asics narrow shoes are lightweight, supportive, and feature secure velcro closure for easy on and off. This shoe provides a snug fit while offering excellent cushioning and stability.
- Order the shoe GT-1000 by Asics on Zappos or Amazon
- Available for little kids
- Fits narrow feet
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
2. Shoe Style Contend by Asics with Velcro. These Asics velcro shoes are a great choice for kids with narrow feet, offering a snug fit and structured support.
- Order the shoe Contend 8 PS by Asics on Amazon or Zappos
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Velcro closure
- Supportive leather and mesh upper for breathability and durability
- Removable insoles
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
3. Shoe Style GT-1000 by Asics with Laces. These Asics narrow running shoes are a top pick for kids with narrow feet, delivering a secure fit, excellent support, and lightweight cushioning.
- Order the shoe GT-1000 by Asics on Zappos or Amazon
- Available for little and big kids
- Fits narrow feet
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
4. Shoe Style Gel-Noosa by Asics. These Asics narrow running shoes are a popular choice for their vibrant colors and appealing design.
- Order the shoe Gel-Noosa by Asics on Amazon or Zappos
- Available for little and big kids
- Fits narrow feet
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
5. Shoe Style Contend by Asics. These Asics narrow shoes are known for their durability and support. Designed for active kids, these shoes offer a snug fit with a narrow heel counter.
- Order the shoe Contend by Asics on Amazon
- Available for little and big kids
- Fits narrow feet
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
Saucony: Top Pick for Quality and Affordability
Saucony shoes combine high quality, support, and comfort. Perfect for kids, Their shoes adapt to a variety of foot shapes without breaking the bank. Parents love that they get durable, well-fitting shoes that deliver both performance and value—making Saucony a trusted favorite for growing feet.
1. Saucony Kids’ Jazz Hook & Loop Sneaker. With a wide fit, lightweight design, and easy-to-use hook-and-loop closure, these Saucony shoes for toddlers with wide feet provide the support and flexibility that active toddlers need.
- Order the shoe Jazz by Saucony on Amazon or Zappos
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)
- Leather and mesh upper for durability and breathability
- Breathable textile lining and cushioned insole
- Machine washable for quick and easy clean
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
2. Shoe style Ride 10 Jr by Saucony. The Saucony Ride is a parent favorite thanks to its all-day comfort, reliable support, and versatile design. Lightweight, cushioned, and durable, it’s 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
- Traction pods on the outsole for serious grip
- EVA midsole for lightweight feel
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
3. Peregrine Shield KDZ A/C by Saucony. These Saucony sneakers feature a durable outsole for excellent traction, a water-resistant upper, and an easy-on hook-and-loop closure—perfect for exploring in comfort and style.
- Order the shoe Peregrine by Saucony on Zappos or Amazon
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Velcro closure
- Cushioned footbed
- Removable insoles
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
4. Shoe Style Kinvara by Saucony. These Saucony gym shoes are lightweight and offer excellent cushioning and flexibility. It’s perfect for kids who enjoy running and other high-impact activities.
Key Features
- Order the shoe Kinvara by Saucony on Amazon
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Foam padding placed around the ankle collar and under the tongue
- Comfort sockliner molds to your foot with padding in the heel for ultimate cushioning at heel-strike
- Engineered mesh for structure, stretch and enhanced breathability
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
5. Axon by Saucony. This Saucony shoe offers 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
Don’t be too quick to judge an entire shoe brand based on one bad experience—it could simply be a rare manufacturer defect. Even the best brands occasionally produce a flawed pair. The good news? All five of the recommended shoe companies are known for their excellent customer service and will usually offer a refund or exchange if something goes wrong.
How to Choose the Best Shoe Brand for Your Child’s Unique Needs
When choosing a shoe brand for your child, consider their specific foot shape and activity level. Choose brands that offer features to accommodate these needs.
Finding the right pair can be overwhelming. If you’re unsure about your child’s shoe needs, personalized advice can be invaluable. Each child’s foot is different, requiring unique considerations for optimal comfort and health.
Do You Need Specific Shoe Recommendations for Your Child?
Children’s shoe needs can vary depending on their age, activity level, and any specific foot conditions they may have. If you have any questions or need any further assistance, you can contact me via email and I will get back to you as soon as possible. I am happy to help you find the perfect pair of shoes for your child, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
Why Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour Didn’t Make the Top 5 Kids’ Shoe Brands
While Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour are incredibly popular with kids, most of their shoes lack the support growing feet truly need for everyday activities. They also fall short when it comes to offering multiple width options, making it tough to find a good fit for children with wide or high-instep feet.
To break it down further—many Nike shoes, for example, are too soft and flimsy, offering little structure or stability. One key feature that’s often missing is a firm heel counter—the back part of the shoe that helps support the ankles and keeps the heel in place. Without it, kids miss out on the stability their developing feet need.
How to Accurately Measure Your Child’s Foot Size and Shape from Home
I created a free virtual guide that makes it easy to find your child’s exact shoe size—without leaving your home. Through this tool, you’ll discover whether your child has narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet, and I’ll also help you determine if your child has a high instep, which can make shoe fitting more challenging. It’s a quick and reliable way to take the guesswork out of buying kids’ shoes online.
But where do we find these shoes in stores? I wouldn’t want to order on line because of needing to try on.
Hello Rae,
You might find some of these shoe styles in your local shoe store. If you are unsure whether you have a good fitting children’s shoe store in your area I suggest that you take a look at this map that I created: The Best Kids’ Shoe Stores in the United States – Where to go for Proper Fittings
If you don’t have a children’s shoe store in your area you can retrieve your child’s exact foot length and shape here: How to Measure Your Kids’ Foot – 2 Simple Steps to Determine Foot Length and Foot Width
Juan, thank you for making such an interesting post, a lot of good things to know especially in these times where going out to the store in person is not always and option and a lot of shoe stores seem to be very low on stock because of covid 19 here in Canada.
I was wondering if you have any recommendations for my situation, I have 15 month old very active twin boys one of them was born with an extra baby toe on his right foot so as you can imagine it is quite a bit wider than his left foot, we still haven’t come to a decision about weather or not to do a surgery and have it removed, as long as it’s not hurting him right now. I was able to find a pair of nikes for the summer time with a sort of fabric mesh top where his foot could form to the shoe but now that it’s colder I want to find him something that will be water resistant and a little warmer, I ordered Nike manoa ACGs and it seems to be bothering him my husband suggested we try stretching it out with a blow dryer or hot water but if that doesn’t work I’m not sure what to order next… as I said before all the shoe stores here seem to be very low stock for actually going in and trying things on.
Thanks so much for reading this I hope to hear from you soon !
Hi Valarie,
I suggest that you take a look at the following article:
Best Shoes for Kids with Six Toes – Extra Deep and Rounder Toe-Boxes
To answer your specific question, we need to look for shoes that provide extra depth and rounder toe-boxes in order to prevent your son’s toes from overlapping and rubbing against one another or the side of the shoes. Nike tends to make shoes with pointier toe-boxes rather than wider ones.
I can send you specific shoe recommendations but I would need to know your son’s specific foot shape (narrow, medium, wide, extra wide). I help parents figure this out in a different article:
How to Measure Your Kids Foot – 2 Simple Steps to Determine Foot Length and Foot Width
Hi Juan. My son has narrow feet and I always buy him Asics. They tend to fit his feet best so your recommendation was right on point. That being said I have an older daughter who is really into his Nike sneakers and refuses to wear any other shoe brands. Her shoes always look quite flimsy and not as durable as a lot of other brands.
Hi Nile,
Asics is my go-to shoe brand for children with narrow feet. They also provide excellent support and they are durable. As long as your daughter doesn’t have a foot condition or complains about foot or leg pain it’s okay for her to wear Nike shoes. However, when it comes to support and durability Nike doesn’t even come close to any of the 5 shoe brands I recommend.
I need a shoe brand that is durable as my son is always destroying his shoes. He has extra wide feet. Which shoe brand is the most durable one that can fit the shape of his wide feet at the same time?
I am tired of having to replace this shoes before he is ready to outgrow them.
Hi Jay,
I suggest that you choose any of the New Balance shoe styles. They are durable and can fit the shape of your son’s extra wide feet as long as you choose the extra wide (XW) width.
Hi Juan!
Among these 5 shoe brands which is the one you would recommend for a child who has flat and extra wide feet? I am thinking I need to choose either New Balance or Saucony but I am not sure which one to choose. My child is complaining about foot pain.
Hello
I suggest that you choose any of the New Balance shoes I recommend and choose the extra wide width (XW). I suggest that you also choose any of the shoes with shoelaces instead of velcro as they provide better support and stability. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Hi Juan – Thank you for all the informative articles.
My son is 8 years old. He is pretty tough on his shoes. 3 months max before shoes give up ?. But he uses only one pair everyday just to keep all details fair.
He uses Velcro.
Can you please suggest some good brands (under $50) and what models in those brands?
Thanks.
Hi Nilima –
Before I send you specific shoe recommendations I need to know whether your son has narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet. I also would like to know if your child has a foot condition or not.
After almost an year and half, I am still at same Dilemma. I think he has wide foot. We bought ASICS and within few months of starting school, there is already an hole near the toe area of left-side shoe. He doesn’t have any foot condition but does need good support/cushioning. He is bit on the heavy and tall side for his age.
Hello Nilima,
I don’t recommend Asics for children with wide feet, Asics can fit children with narrow or medium width feet.I suggest that you look into New Balance or Saucony.
Do you know if your son has a high instep? If you are unsure about your son’s exact foot shape I suggest that you follow the instructions here: How to Measure Your Kids’ Foot – 2 Simple Steps to Determine Foot Length and Foot Width
My boys used to wear New Balance running shoes. While being indestructible, I have found that these shoes do not offer much cushioning, and are very hard and not as flexible as other shoe brands. I don’t like them for myself either and wear only Brooks.
Hello Sandy,
Thank you for sharing. Among each shoe brand there are certain shoe styles that will be more flexible and provide more support than others, that is why I provide specific shoe recommendations among each shoe brand.
Plae shoes are amazing for children (and now adult styles too)! they fit great and are impressively durable, they have a guarantee although I don’t recall the terms of it off the top of my head, they also will replace the shoes should the child hit a growth spurt. They also accommodate children with orthopedics and inserts. If you haven’t heard of this brand before it’s definitely worth checking out.. their regular sneaker styles are around $40-55 but they offer a first purchase discount and have a rewards program as well 🙂
Hello Ashley,
I have fitted PLAE shoes before and they are great and the only reason why they didn’t make my top 5 list is because I believe the other shoe brands are even better. I actually even wrote an article that describes PLAE shoes. Thank you for sharing your own experience about PLAE shoes!
HI:
I have an 8 year old who is very active. He likes to run and play soccer at recess. All his shoes have worn out within 2 months. I’m unsure of what brand of shoes to get him as he has high arches and wide feet too. What brand shoe would suit all the above conditions? I was thinking of getting him indoor soccer shoes to wear so he doesn’t destroy his sneakers but I heard they don’t offer support..
Help!
THank you.
Best, Wenn
Hello Wenn,
There are several brands that will work for his feet, but among those brands there are certain shoe styles that will work better than others. There is a particular shoe style made by New Balance that is my to-go shoe for children who destroy their shoes. It’s durable, supportive, and available in wide and extra wide widths. You can find that shoe style here:
Supportive and Durable Shoe Style
If your son doesn’t know how to tie his shoes yet please let me know and I will provide you with some Velcro options.
I hope this helps!
I have a 4 year old who has shoe trouble. She only likes the little slip on plastic shoes from old Navy but can’t wear them to school. We have been to every shoe store in my area and can’t find her a pair of tennis shoes. She does not like a shoe to “move” on her foot when she runs or jumps or anything. When she does wear anything else besides the plastic shoes she tightens them so tight she gets marks on her feet or the strap drags the ground. We have tried putting in heal protectors and anything we can think of. Any suggestions? It’s almost like she is always between sizes.
Hello Desiree,
Have you consider providing her with a pair of shoes with shoelaces? They will grab her foot better and prevent her feet from moving inside the shoes.
Does she like to wear socks with her shoes? It’s important that she does since socks will cushion and protect her feet when she is pulling either the shoelaces or the velcro closure too tight.
My recommendation will be to try a shoe with shoelaces, but if she has a shoe in mind that she likes already, you can always put a tongue pad inside the shoe to prevent her feet from moving. A tongue pad is an adhesive-backed pad that goes in the tongue of the shoe and pushes our heels back against the shoes (securing them). Tongue pads work in all enclosed shoes.
You can learn more about tongue pads in an article I wrote called:
Leather Shoe Tongue Pads – Stop Heel Slippage
I hope this helps!
Hi,
My 3 and a half year old has achilis tendonitis and also has pigeon toe.
After reading your article I think we are going to get the insoles and try a pair of the new balance runners.
Do you need to go up a size if you use the insoles?
Any information is greatly appreciated.
We are in the process of seeing a consultant.
Regards,
Claire
Claire,
I will say that 90% of the time we do require a larger shoe size ( but we don’t want to go any longer than a whole size up of the size that your child measures in the shoe measuring sale). What you will probably need is a wider shoe. Most New Balance kids shoes come in wide and extra wide widths. Please make sure that the shoe style that you choose has a very firm heel counter. I hope this helps.
My two sons, ages 10 and 13, are very active and can wear out normal sneakers in 2 or 3 months or less (usually a hole forms on the toe or the soles start to come off). As I tennis player, I knew tennis shoes are designed to be very durable and can last for years, so I bought my sons some tennis shoes from a tennis website, and these indeed have lasted much longer. However, the tread on tennis shoes is pretty smooth and there’s not much traction like you would get with like running shoes. If a shoe company would combine the construction and materials of tennis shoes with the tread of a running shoe, then they’d have the best all-around kids general purpose sneaker. Still waiting to find such a shoe, but maybe Geox is it.
Hello Jon,
Your boys like to play rough! You make a good point, combining the traction of a running shoe with the construction and materials of a tennis shoe will give us a very sturdy, almost indestructible pair of shoes (maybe not for your two sons though).
I have fitted the shoe brand Geox before and almost all of their shoe styles are practically indestructible. I have helped several families who told me how their children destroy every single pair of shoes that they have own, I always direct them to Geox. You should give Geox a try and tell me how it goes!
Thank you for this detailed and helpful article. You introduced me to brands I didn’t know existed (Geox). I’m curious … do you think the quality of these kids shoe brands translates into the same brands adult shoes? I’m very much a brand loyalist if the product is good. It just makes life easier (everyone in the family gets New Balance shoes etc.) For my daughter, I’m going to try New Balance, Saucony and Asics per your recommendation and see which work best for her. But do you think that if I buy Mom a pair or the same shoes the quality will likely be there also? Thanks! Michelle
Hello Michelle,
Yes I do. However, keep in mind that even though the shoe brand might be popular, it all depends on the particular shoe style that you choose among that shoe brand. For example, New Balance makes great shoes for kids and adults. However, there are certain shoe styles made by New Balance that I wouldn’t recommend wearing either because they are too flimsy, non supportive, or no breathable.
New Balance, Saucony, and Asics are three great shoe brands, but keep in mind that they will fit different. For example, Asics won’t fit a child with an extra wide foot while New Balance and Saucony will. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Wow. Thank you for all this useful info.
I love saucony. My husband and I wear it ourselves so we bought both our daughters a pair. My youngest LOVED hers. And yes. She outgrew then while they still looked new (toddler- Velcro closing). Same as her deck for pair. My second one loved hers too. And even though they held up pretty well, the shoe laces barely survived 2 month or so. Kind of frustrating because the color is hard to match. However, saucony are my faves. I’ve also bought my first daughter some Geox while visiting Spain and I love the design and the colors.
Hello Mena,
Parents can relate to the best shoe brands for kids because they wear them themselves! Saucony shoes are one of our top selling shoes in the store, and Geox are for those children who need a durable and good quality shoe since they are practically indestructible. Thank you for stopping by!
Geox and saucany are the best. I would avoid stride rite unless for toddlers not for older kids the soles wear out and stitching comes apart.
Sue,
Thank you for your input. When you mention that the stitching on Stride Rite shoes comes apart, have you had this happen to you more than once? Some parents tend to shy away from shoe brands once they have a bad experience with it, but sometimes it’s just a manufacturer defect.
We have purchased stride rite for my very active 6yo boy and they always come apart at the stitching (on top of the toe). He definitely gives them lots of wear, but we are going to try another brand and see if we have better luck
Hello Jamie,
Certain Stride Rite shoe styles are better than others. If your child is really rough on shoes, you should loon into the New Balance shoe styles or Geox!
Wow I did not expect for there to be so much useful information on this article about fitting children shoes but there is. All of this information is great and can be helpful for parents trying to figure out how to make shoes fit better on their children. What is the most consistent shoe brand that you have ever fitted?
Gilbert,
If you mean consistency in terms of “fit”, New balance tends to be the best. When it comes to holding up, Geox are pretty much indestructible.
Thank you so much for sharing this. With three little ones we are always buying new shoes as they seem to fall apart as soon as the kids out them on. Usually we just buy cheap ones from Wal-Mart but i think it might be time to try something different. My wife loves Soucony shoes and i just recently bought a pair of new balance that i really like. I think we will look at one of those 2 brands for the kids and see how they fair.
New Balance and Saucony are two of the best brands I have ever fitted. Because they come in medium, wide and extra wide widths, they can fit all sort of feet! Children should definitely outgrow their shoes before they wear them out!
Hi Juan,
My son is 7 years old and his feet are growing really fast. If we buy new size in spring, in autumn these shoes don’t fit him anymore. So on the one hand, I understand that good shoes are important and I do want my son wearing shoes that are not made of good quality materials, but on the other hand I don’t want to spend big money for shoes that fit him only few months. We actually choose Nike shoes, as these are not so expensive and also they are durable enough for the time period these shoes fit him. We used to buy also Ecco shoes and these were both durable and very expensive. Do you have any experience with Ecco shoes?
Arta,
Some people love Nike shoes, but it is a brand that puts a lot of effort on marketing campaigns when they could be using some of that money to improve the quality and support of their shoes. I am not experienced with Ecco shoes but I do know they are made out of great quality! I have heard plenty of good things about that brand!
I have a nephew and I’m looking for shoes for his birthday. He is 8 years old on his birthday. I like the asics and the new balance. I have some questions though. Why is that nike is not on the list? Also adidas? Are nike and adidas not durable?
John,
I feel like Adidas and Nike are great brands, but not durable or sturdy like the ones I mentioned in the post. Nike and Adidas have a great marketing team and famous sport players doing commercials promoting the shoes, but that does not make them quality shoes. If you are looking for quality and durability, stick with the brands I recommend. You will definitetely see a difference!
Hi Juan, thank you for such an interesting post. I have tried for sometime several brands until I found one more durable and affordable for my kids, specially for my boy. Usually a pair of shoes was for 2 months! When I tried the Geox brand everything changed because those are much better in terms of quality and durability than the most brands in the market!
I never tried Asics, so, maybe it will be my next purchase!
I really don’t have any problem with my girl because she doesn’t screw up any shoes…
Thanks
Alex
Alex,
Geox shoes are practically indestructible! The quality and durability of this brand is superb, your child will definitely outgrow these shoes before anything happens to them! Asics makes great running shoes with a lot of support. As your son gets older and the velcro options are not available anymore, you should definitely consider Asics as his new brand, since Geox doesn’t make a lot of lace-up shoes.