The Best Shoe Brands for Kids – Top 5 Most Durable and Supportive Brands
Last updated: June 2026 | By Juan Valenzuela, Certified Children’s Shoe Fitter
With hundreds of children’s shoe brands on the market, choosing the right one for your child can feel overwhelming. As a certified children’s shoe fitter with over 10 years of experience, I have tested hundreds of shoe styles across dozens of brands — and I keep coming back to the same five brands that consistently deliver when it comes to support, durability, fit variety, and value.
In this guide I will break down exactly why these five brands stand out, which styles I recommend most from each one, and how to match the right brand to your child’s specific foot shape and needs.
What Makes a Kids’ Shoe Brand Worth Recommending?
Before diving into the brands, here is what I look for when evaluating any children’s shoe brand:
Width options. Most mainstream brands only offer medium width. A brand that offers wide (W) and extra wide (XW) options is significantly more valuable for families who struggle to find shoes that fit.
Consistent sizing. Some brands run long, some run short. A reliable brand has consistent sizing across styles — so when you find a size that works, you can trust it across the line.
Supportive construction. Firm heel counter, appropriate flexibility, and a stable outsole. These are non-negotiables for healthy foot development.
Orthotics compatibility. Removable insoles and enough depth to accommodate custom orthotics, AFOs, and SMOs — increasingly important for children with foot conditions.
APMA approval. Shoes that carry the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance have been reviewed by podiatrists and found to promote good foot health.
Key Features of Comfortable Sneakers for Kids
The 5 Best Kids’ Shoe Brands
1. New Balance — Best for Unique Foot Shapes and Foot Conditions
New Balance is my top overall recommendation for children’s shoes — and by a wide margin. No other mainstream brand comes close when it comes to width variety, depth of construction, and consistency across styles. Their shoes come in true wide (W) and extra wide (XW) widths across toddler, little kid, and big kid sizes, and most styles feature a straight or semi-straight last that makes them ideal for children with flat feet and overpronation.
Best for: Wide and extra wide feet, high insteps, flat feet, overpronation, orthotics, AFOs, SMOs. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
1. Shoe Style 990v6 by New Balance. The deepest and widest shoe in New Balance’s lineup — my number one recommendation for children with extra wide feet, high insteps, or flat feet who need genuine structural support. Available in lace and Velcro versions.
Key Features
- Order with laces on the New Balance website or Amazon
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Velcro version also available on the New Balance website or Amazon
- Sizing tip: Order a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
2. New Balance Kids’ 574 NEW-B Hook & Loop. A more affordable alternative to the 990v6 that still delivers a straight last, firm heel counter, and excellent width options. One of the most versatile New Balance styles — works for school, everyday wear, and light sports.
Key Features
- Order on Amazon or the New Balance website
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Also available with laces on the New Balance website or Amazon
- APMA Seal of Acceptance
- Sizing tip: Order a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
3. Shoe Style Fresh Foam 625 by New Balance. A reliable all-around running and gym shoe for big kids. The Fresh Foam midsole provides ultra-cushioned, lightweight comfort and it is available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths.
Key Features
- Order on Amazon or the New Balance website
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Fresh foam midsole cushioning provides an ultra-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. An affordable, practical everyday shoe available in wide and extra wide widths. Parents consistently appreciate the price point and durability — one of the most popular New Balance styles for budget-conscious families.
Key Features
- Order on 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. A versatile, lightweight everyday sneaker available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths at a very reasonable price. One of the most popular New Balance styles I recommend for families on a budget who still need proper width options.
Key Features
- Order on the New Balance website or Amazon
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Also available with laces on Amazon or the New Balance website
- Sizing tip: Order a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
2. Stride Rite: Best for Babies and New Walkers
Stride Rite is my top recommendation for babies and toddlers learning to walk. Their shoes consistently feature rounded toe boxes, extra depth, APMA-approved construction, and width options including wide and extra wide — all the things a new walker needs.
What sets Stride Rite apart for early walkers is their sensory pod outsoles — small textured nodules on the sole that help babies feel the ground beneath them, improving balance and confidence with every step. Their high-top styles also provide excellent ankle support for toddlers with flat feet, low muscle tone, or overpronation.
Best for: Babies and new walkers, flat feet, low muscle tone, wide and extra wide feet, APMA-certified options.
1. Shoe Style Elliott by Stride Rite. A high-top bootie that provides excellent ankle support — my top recommendation for toddlers with flat feet, overpronation, or low muscle tone. The 100% leather construction molds to the shape of your child’s foot over time.
- Order on Amazon
- 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. A baby shoe with extra wide widths, flexible soles, and a roomy round toe box — perfect for babies and very young toddlers with wide feet and high insteps. Seamless construction cradles the baby’s natural foot shape.
- Order 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. A classic first walking shoe with a flexible sole and rounded toe design. A favorite among parents and podiatrists for its wide toe box, durable construction, and APMA approval.
- Order 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 (boys) and Adalyn (girls) provide excellent width options including wide and extra wide, with flexible outsoles and cushioned insoles for active toddlers. Rounded edges help reduce stumbles and falls.
- Order on Amazon
- 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. A machine-washable school and everyday shoe with a memory foam footbed, extra grip for traction, and adjustable hook-and-loop closure. Available in wide widths and practical for busy school days.
- Order 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
3. See Kai Run: Best for Lightweight, Affordable, APMA-Certified Shoes
See Kai Run fills an important gap in children’s footwear — stylish, lightweight, APMA-certified shoes at an accessible price point. Their shoes fit naturally wide despite not being labeled as wide or extra wide, making them an excellent option for families who want quality and style without the premium price.
See Kai Run is particularly popular with physical therapists and podiatrists because most of their styles carry the APMA Seal of Acceptance and their oversized openings make them practical for children who need help getting shoes on and off independently.
Best for: Medium to wide feet, naturally wide fit, APMA-certified options, lightweight everyday wear, first walking shoes.
1. Shoe Style Stevie II by See Kai Run. One of my most recommended first walking shoes. Wide toe box, adjustable straps, and a flexible outsole that supports natural foot movement. Fits naturally wide despite no wide label.
- Order on Amazon
- Available for toddlers
- 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. The Russell (boys) and Robyne (girls) are two of my most practical toddler shoe recommendations. Double Velcro straps open widely for easy on and off, and the flexible outsole supports natural foot development.
- Order on 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. A Mary Jane style that combines a polished look with a wide toe box and flexible outsole. Excellent for toddler girls who need a dressier shoe without sacrificing comfort.
- Order on Amazon
- 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.
- Order on Amazon
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- 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 on 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)
- 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
4. ASICS: Best for Narrow and Medium Feet with Flat Feet or Overpronation
Asics is my top recommendation for children with narrow or medium feet who have flat feet or overpronation. Their gel cushioning technology provides excellent shock absorption — particularly beneficial for flat-footed children whose feet absorb impact differently due to reduced arch cushioning. Most Asics styles feature a straight last that helps guide the foot into a more neutral position.
Asics shoes run short, so I always recommend ordering a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size.
Best for: Narrow and medium feet, flat feet, overpronation, running and athletic activities, stability at a moderate price point.
1. Shoe Style GT-1000 by Asics with Velcro. My top Asics recommendation for children with flat feet. A straight last running shoe that provides excellent stability — one of the few straight last options I recommend for children with narrow feet specifically.
Key Features
- Available in Velcro or laces
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Straight last for stability and neutral foot alignment
- Gel cushioning for shock absorption
- Sizing tip: Order a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
2. Shoe Style Gel-Noosa by Asics. A vibrant, eye-catching style that appeals to kids while providing the stability and cushioning needed for flat feet. The Gel-Noosa features Asics gel technology and a supportive construction that helps guide the foot into a more neutral position.
Key Features
- Available for little and big kids
- Order on Amazon
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Gel cushioning for shock absorption and stability
- Sizing tip: Order a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
3. Shoe Style Contend by Asics. An affordable and reliable option for children who need comfortable gym and everyday shoes for flat feet. Designed with cushioning and support as the primary focus — ideal for running, jumping, and active school days.
Key Features
- Available for little and big kids
- Order on Amazon
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Cushioned midsole for shock absorption
- Durable rubber outsole
- Sizing tip: Order a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
4. Shoe Style Cumulus by Asics. A supportive everyday sneaker with a cushioned midsole, durable outsole, and breathable upper. One of my most recommended Asics styles for children with flat feet and narrow feet who need a stability-focused shoe for school and sports.
Key Features
- Available for little and big kids
- Order on Amazon
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Cushioned midsole for shock absorption
- Durable outsole with excellent traction
- Sizing tip: Order a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
5. Saucony: Best for Athletic Kids Who Need Straight Last Support at an Affordable Price
Saucony is my fifth recommendation — an excellent choice for active children who need straight last support for flat feet or overpronation without the premium price tag of New Balance. Their Cohesion KDZ line is one of the best-value straight last shoes available for school-age children, and several styles are available in wide widths.
Saucony shoes run short, so I recommend ordering a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size.
Best for: Narrow, medium, and wide feet, flat feet, overpronation, athletic and school use, affordable straight last options.
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 on Amazon
- 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 on Amazon
- 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 on 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 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 on Amazon
- 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
How to Measure Your Child’s Foot
Knowing which brand to choose is only useful if you order the correct size. I offer a free virtual shoe fitting service that helps you determine your child’s exact foot length and width from home — so you can order online with confidence.
Learn How to Measure Your Child’s Foot Here
Need a Personalized Recommendation?
Every child’s foot is different. If you are unsure which brand or specific style is right for your child’s foot shape, condition, or orthotic needs, reach out to me directly at customerservice@fittingchildrenshoes.com and I will provide a personalized recommendation at no cost.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
New Balance is my top recommendation overall. They offer the widest range of width options including true extra wide (XW), have the deepest construction of any mainstream brand, and their shoes are appropriate for children with and without foot conditions.
New Balance is the clear leader for wide and extra wide feet. Stride Rite, See Kai Run, and Tsukihoshi are also excellent options depending on the child’s age and specific needs.
Stride Rite is my top recommendation for babies and new walkers. Their sensory pod outsoles, rounded toe boxes, and APMA-approved construction make them specifically designed for healthy early walking development.
For children with wide feet or foot conditions, I recommend avoiding Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour — these brands design their children’s shoes for medium-width feet with tapered toe boxes and soft heel counters that are not appropriate for non-standard foot shapes.
Have a question about kids’ shoe brands or your child’s specific foot shape? Leave a comment below — I read and respond to every one.
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.