The Best Shoe Brands for Toddlers – The 3 Most Durable and Affordable Brands!
Are you looking for a pair of well-made, comfortable, durable, and affordable pair of shoes for your toddler’s feet? If you don’t have a specialized children’s shoe store in your area then it can be hard to determine what shoe brands and styles will work best for your toddler’s feet. I am going to show you a list of the best shoe brands for toddlers based on my many years of shoe fitting experience.
There are several shoe brands for toddlers out there for you to choose from and some that have gained more popularity lately are See Kai Run, Pediped, and Livie & Luca. I have fitted all those shoe brands before, but I believe there are other shoe brands that your toddler will benefit from wearing as they are more consistent in the quality of their shoes and they are available in different widths such as medium, wide, and extra wide.
Reliable Shoes and Shoe Brands for Toddlers
I have fitted most children’s shoe brands and I can tell you that the best shoe brands for toddlers are the ones that make durable, supportive and affordable footwear for them, but the shoes need to also be available in a variety of widths such as wide, and extra wide widths. I noticed throughout the years how most toddlers tend to have wide or extra wide feet.
Top 3 Shoe Brands for Toddlers
There are 3 shoe brands that are consistent in the type of shoes that they manufacture. They all make supportive, lightweight, flexible, and high-quality shoes for toddlers, but depending on your toddlers’ foot shape some of these brands will fit the shape of their feet better than others:
➡️ Stride Rite
➡️ Saucony
➡️ New Balance
With that said, among these shoe brands, there are certain styles that work a lot better than others, and I will show you those specific models shortly.
I will make sure that the shoes that you choose are beneficial for your toddler, and that they will support their natural movement and normal foot growth. It’s important to provide your toddlers with a pair of shoes with good grip to prevent them from slipping and falling.
How to Order the Correct Shoe Size Online
I will show you a selection of the best shoe brands for toddlers shortly, but if you are going to be buying your toddlers’ shoes online, you need to be absolutely sure that you know your toddler’s exact foot size.
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 toddler’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 toddler has a high instep or not.
Below you can find a detailed description of the best shoe brands for toddlers. 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.
Number 1: Stride Rite
This shoe company is the first choice for many parents since the company designs and engineers footwear specifically to meet the needs of growing children. They are my go-to shoes for toddlers who are still learning how to walk, as they manufacture shoes that are specifically engineered to help your toddlers balance and learn how to walk while they are wearing the shoes.
Stride Rite makes lightweight, flexible, breathable, and comfortable shoes that are made to last. Their shoes come with the latest technology such as sensory pods that allows toddlers to feel the ground beneath for better traction and grip.
What I love the most about this shoe brand is how they offer shoes that are engineered specifically for toddlers who are learning how to walk, and the shoes are available in different widths such as medium, wide, and extra wide.
The Best Stride Rite Shoes for Toddlers
Boys
- Order the shoe style SRT SM Artie by Stride Rite on Zappos
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Rounded edges to decrease stumbles and falls
- APMA approved and built for first-time walkers
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Wes by Stride Rite on Amazon
- Available in medium, wide, and 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
- Order the shoe style SM Adam by Stride Rite on Zappos
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Seamless construction cradle the baby’s natural shape
- Flexible, rounded, slip-resistant soles
- Foam padding placed around the ankle collar and under the tongue for an incredibly comfortable fit and feel
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Martin by Stride Rite on Zappos
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Seamless construction cradle the baby’s natural shape
- Flexible, rounded, slip-resistant soles
- Oversized opening and pull tab on the back offer easy on and off
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Soft Motion Wally by Stride Rite on Amazon
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Seamless construction that cradles the foot’s natural shape
- APMA approved
- Oversized opening for easy-on
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Soft Motion Kylo by Stride Rite on Amazon
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Oversized opening for easy on and off
- Flexible, rounded, slip-resistant soles encourage natural motion and help improve balance
- Machine washable
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style SRT Elliot by Stride Rite on Amazon
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- 100% leather made
- Sensory pods to feel the ground beneath for better traction and grip
- Lace-up closure
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
Girls
- Order the shoe style SM Adalyn by Stride Rite on Amazon
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Oversized opening for easy on and off
- Flexible, rounded, slip-resistant soles encourage natural motion and help improve balance
- APMA approved
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Zips Runner by Stride Rite on Zappos
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Oversized opening for easy on and off
- Padded tongue and collar
- APMA approved
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Sm Lucianne by Stride Rite on Amazon
- Available in medium and wide widths
- The footbed is crafted with Ortholite memory foam for enhanced, superior comfort
- Oversized opening for easy on-and-off, also suitable for wider feet
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Soft Motion Baby by Stride Rite on Zappos
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Oversized opening for easy on and off
- Flexible, rounded, slip-resistant soles encourage natural motion and help improve balance
- APMA approved
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Thompson by Stride Rite on Amazon
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Oversized opening for easy on and off
- Flexible, rounded, slip-resistant soles encourage natural motion and help improve balance
- APMA approved
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style SRT Elliot by Stride Rite on Zappos
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- 100% leather made
- Sensory pods to feel the ground beneath for better traction and grip
- Lace-up closure
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Soft Motion Baby by Stride Rite on Amazon
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Over-sized opening for easy on/off
- APMA approved and built for first-time walkers
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
Number 2: Saucony
Saucony is a great shoe brand for toddlers, as they produce shoes that are supportive, lightweight, flexible, and affordable. I recommend this shoe brand for toddlers who are already walking.
This shoe brand offers shoes in medium, wide, and extra wide widths. I have fitted several different Saucony shoe styles and I am pretty confident that your toddlers will outgrow their shoes before wearing them down. If you are making a trip to the playground with your toddler, Saucony’s high-quality materials such as leather and mesh uppers, rubber outsoles and flex grooves, will keep your toddler’s feet comfortable and carefree.
What parents love the most about this shoe brand is how it makes affordable but high-quality shoes at the same time.
The Best Saucony Shoes for Toddlers
- Order the shoe style Ride 10 Jr by Saucony on Zappos
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Parents’ favorite style
- 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 toddler’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Ride 10 Jr by Saucony on Zappos
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Parents’ favorite style
- Velcro closure
- Leather and mesh upper
- Non-marking traction pods to help improve stability
- APMA approved
- Toe cap for extra durability
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Jazz Lite 2.0 by Saucony on Amazon
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Removable insoles
- Machine washable
- Oversized openings
- I suggest that you get this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Jazz Lite 2.0 by Saucony on Amazon
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Leather and mesh upper for breathability
- Velcro closure for easy on/off and adjustability
- Machine washable
- APMA approved
- I suggest that you get this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Jazz Hook by Saucony on Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Velcro closure
- Cushy lightweight EVA midsole for comfort
- APMA approved
- Anti-stink lining helps reduce odors
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Flash A/C 3.0 by Saucony on Zappos
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Velcro closure
- Cushy lightweight EVA midsole for comfort
- APMA approved
- Anti-stink lining helps reduce odors
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Kinvara 14 by Saucony on Zappos
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Velcro closure
- Cushy lightweight EVA midsole for comfort
- APMA approved
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
Number 3: New Balance
New Balance is my go-to shoe brand for toddlers who have extra wide feet , high insteps, or need orthotics to be fitted inside their shoes. When toddlers have a high instep, I always try the New Balance shoe styles as they tend to be the deepest shoes. Deep shoes allow the toddler’s feet to fit deeply inside the shoes, and prevent the top part of their feet (instep), to rub against the top part of the shoes.
New Balance makes some of the widest shoes as the shoes provide extra depth and come with rounder toe-boxes. When I have to help a toddler with extra wide feet and a high instep, I immediately start by trying a pair of New Balance shoes
The Best New Balance Shoes for Toddlers
Velcro Closure
- Order the shoe style RaveRun by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available in medium, wide and extra wide widths
- Oversized opening for easy on and off
- Lightweight injection-molded EVA foam midsole provides lightweight cushioning
- Hook and loop closure
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style RaveRun by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available in medium, wide and extra wide widths
- Oversized opening for easy on and off
- Lightweight injection-molded EVA foam midsole provides lightweight cushioning
- Hook and loop closure
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Rave Run V2 Hook by New Balance on Amazon
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (accommodates high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Mesh upper for durability and comfort
- Extra deep
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Rave Run V2 Hook by New Balance on Amazon
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Velcro closure
- ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Mesh upper for durability and comfort
- Extra deep
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Fresh Foam 650 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Velcro closure
- Leather and mesh upper
- Mesh collar and tongue are padded with foam for a great fit and added comfort
- Extra deep
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Dynasoft 545 by New Balance on Zappos
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Velcro closure
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Rubber outsole pods
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style 990v4 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Fits toddlers with medium or wide feet
- Generous toe box and instep to accommodate and support your toddler walker’s needs
- Extra deep
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Fresh Foam 650 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available in medium, wide and extra wide widths
- Oversized opening for easy on and off
- No-sew overlays
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style 574 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available in medium, wide and extra wide widths
- Oversized opening for easy on and off
- No-sew overlays
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style 574 NEW-B by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Hook and loop closure system for easy on and off
- Synthetic/mesh upper
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style 990V6 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Fits toddlers with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Removable insoles
- Extra deep
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
Lace-Up Closure
- Order the shoe style 2022 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Fits toddlers with medium or wide feet
- Suede/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style 990V6 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Strong rubber outsole and cushioned midsoles
- Suede/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style 990V6 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- Lace-up closure
- Strong rubber outsole and cushioned midsoles
- Suede/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style 2022 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Fits toddlers with medium or wide feet
- Suede/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
Comfortable Socks for Toddlers
Socks play a key role in keeping your toddler’s feet healthy, and it’s important that you provide your toddler with the correct sock style and the correct sock size if you want to keep their feet healthy. It’s important that the socks that you provide for your toddlers don’t constrict toe movement, as toddlers move their toes as a way of exercising their feet.
There are certain types of socks that are seamless and allow toddlers to freely move their toes even when they are wearing their socks.
- Order these socks made by Jefferies on Amazon
- Smooth toe seam provides less irritation and bulk for sensitive toes and feet
- Made with premium ultra soft cotton
- Quarter ribbed stay-up top is extra comfortable around ankles
- Order these socks made by SeriSimple on Amazon
- This baby socks are made of 82% Bamboo and 18% Elastane
- Premium breathable, super soft and comfortable fabric, medium thickness suitable for all seasons
- The elastic around ankle area is not tight which causes less pressure on kid’s sensitive ankle and gives more room for feet to breathe
- Order these socks made by Jefferies on Amazon
- Smooth toe seam provides less irritation and bulk for sensitive toes and feet
- Made with premium ultra soft cotton
- Quarter ribbed stay-up top is extra comfortable around ankles
- Order these socks made by SmartKnit on Amazon
- Completely free of seams
- “No heel” design allows young children to put on their socks with confidence
- Quarter ribbed stay-up top is extra comfortable around ankles
- Made in the USA from high-tech fibers designed to remove perspiration
- Order these socks made by Jefferies on Amazon
- Smooth toe seam provides less irritation and bulk for sensitive toes and feet
- Made with premium ultra soft cotton
- Quarter ribbed stay-up top is extra comfortable around ankles
- Order these socks made by Rambutan on Amazon
- Odor Resistant Bamboo (Rayon)
- Comfortable Comfort Seam Toe – Sensitive Toes Friendly (Hand Linked Toe)
- Machine washable
- Order these socks made by Jefferies on Amazon
- Smooth toe seam provides less irritation and bulk for sensitive toes and feet
- Made with premium ultra soft cotton
- Quarter ribbed stay-up top is extra comfortable around ankles
- Order these socks made by SmartKnit on Amazon
- Completely free of seams
- “No heel” design allows young children to put on their socks with confidence
- Quarter ribbed stay-up top is extra comfortable around ankles
- Made in the USA from high-tech fibers designed to remove perspiration
Get in Touch for a Personalized Suggestion
Without a doubt, 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 also contact me via email and I will get back to you as soon as possible. I am happy to help you find a different pair of shoes for your child so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
What is your favorite shoe brand for toddlers? Is there a different shoe brand that you have tried that I didn’t mention? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below so other parents can benefit from your experiences.
