The Best Shoe Brands for Toddlers – The 3 Most Durable and Affordable Brands!
Looking for durable, comfortable, and affordable toddler shoes? If you don’t have access to a specialty kids’ shoe store, finding the right pair can be overwhelming. With so many brands and styles out there, it’s essential to choose shoes that provide proper support during your toddler’s key developmental years. As a children’s shoe fitter with over 10 years of experience, I’ll walk you through three of the best shoe brands for toddlers—New Balance, Stride Rite, and Saucony—and highlight the most popular and parent-approved models from each.
Reliable Shoes and Shoe Brands for Toddlers
While popular toddler shoe brands like See Kai Run, Pediped, and Livie & Luca have gained attention recently, I’ve found that other brands may offer better long-term benefits for your child’s feet. From my experience fitting all of these brands, the ones I recommend most are those that consistently deliver quality, support, and a range of width options—including medium, wide, and extra wide—to ensure the best possible fit for your toddler’s growing feet.
The Best Shoe Brands for Toddlers – My Top 3 Picks
New Balance, Stride Rite, and Saucony consistently deliver supportive, lightweight, flexible, and high-quality shoes for toddlers. However, the best fit will depend on your toddler’s specific foot shape, as some brands cater better to wide, narrow, or chunky feet than others.
Some styles within these brands perform much better than others—and I’ll show you the best ones shortly. These recommended shoes will support your toddler’s natural movement, healthy foot growth, and provide the grip they need to stay steady on their feet.
Number One: Stride Rite
Stride Rite is a trusted name in children’s footwear, known for its focus on fit and quality. It’s my top recommendation for toddlers learning to walk, as their shoes are specially designed to support balance and stability during those early steps.
1. Wes and Soft Motion by Stride Rite
These Stride Rite toddler 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.
Key Features
- 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 cradles 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
2. Thompson by Stride Rite
These toddler Stride Rite shoes feature flexible soles and rounded toe designs to support natural movement, making them a favorite among parents and podiatrists alike.
Key Features
- 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
3. Shoe Style Artie and Adalyn by Stride Rite
These Stride Rite extra wide toddler 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.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style 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
4. Shoe Style Elliott by Stride Rite
These high-top booties by Stride Rite offer excellent support and a comfortable fit.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style 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
5. Holly by Stride Rite
These white Mary Jane Stride Rite shoes are crafted from genuine leather with a scalloped edge design, cushioned footbed, and a secure hook-and-loop strap—ideal for special occasions with both style and support.
- Order the dress shoe Holly by Stride Rite on Zappos or Amazon
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Oversized openings
- Antimicrobial linings for odor prevention
- I suggest that you get this dress shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
6. Shoe style Archie and Kiki by Stride Rite
These Stride Rite toddler sandals feature breathable materials and secure fit, and they offer the support and flexibility needed for a growing child.
Key Features
- Order the shoe Archie and Kiki on Amazon or Zappos
- Available in wide and extra wide widths
- Leather upper
- 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 half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
7. Shoe Style Martin by Stride Rite
These Stride Rite booties feature wide toe boxes and plush cushioning, making them perfect for everyday wear.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Order the shoe style Martin by Stride Rite on Zappos
- Available in wide and extra wide widths
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
Number Two: Saucony
Saucony is a top pick for toddlers who are already walking, thanks to their supportive, lightweight, and flexible shoes. Offering medium to extra-wide widths, Saucony delivers high-quality footwear that parents love—without breaking the bank.
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.
Key Features
- 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
These lightweight and flexible Saucony toddler shoes are a parent favorite thanks to their all-day comfort, reliable support, and versatile design.
- 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 a lightweight feel
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
Number 3: New Balance
New Balance is my top choice for toddlers with extra-wide feet, high insteps, or who need orthotics. Their shoes offer extra depth, allowing feet to fit comfortably without rubbing or pressure on the instep—perfect for a secure, irritation-free fit.
1. Shoe style 574 by New Balance
Designed with roomy toe boxes and available in wide and extra wide widths, these New Balance toddler shoes are ideal for toddlers with broader feet or high insteps.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style 574 New-b V1 by New Balance on Amazon or the New Balance website.
- Available in wide and extra wide widths.
- Received the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA).
- Durable rubber outsole pods.
- Synthetic/mesh upper.
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size.
2. Shoe style NEW-B FIRST by New Balance
These New Balance baby shoes are a game-changer for toddlers who are learning how to walk.
- Order the shoe NEW-B FIRST by New Balance on the New Balance website or Amazon
- Available in wide and extra wide widths
- Breathable
- Flex grooves for natural movement
- Pull tab on the back
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your baby’s current foot size
3. Shoe Style Fresh Foam Arishi v4 by New Balance
These toddler New Balance shoes are a versatile, budget-friendly option that combines comfort, flexibility, and a stable base of support. It’s also ideal for growing toddlers with wider feet.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style Fresh Foam Arisihi by New Balance on Amazon or the New Balance website.
- Available in wide and extra wide widths.
- No-sew tip for added durability where kids need it most.
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size.
4. Shoe style 990v6 by New Balance
This New Balance toddler shoe features a firm heel counter, rugged rubber outsole, dual-density collar foam, and ENCAP midsole—perfect for toddlers with flat feet, overpronation, weak ankles, or muscle tone challenges.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style 990v6 New Balance on Amazon or the New Balance website.
- Available in wide and extra wide widths.
- Leather upper.
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size.
5. Dynasoft by New Balance
These shoes are a top-tier pick for toddlers with wide feet. Available in medium, wide, and extra-wide sizes, with a removable insole and spacious toe box to comfortably accommodate wider feet.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style Dynasoft by New Balance on Amazon or Zappos.
- Available in wide widths.
- Round toe design.
- Padded footbed.
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size.
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Get in Touch for a Personalized Suggestion
Finding the perfect shoe for your toddler doesn’t have to be overwhelming. If you’re unsure about what to choose, get in touch for a personalized suggestion tailored to your toddler’s unique foot shape and walking stage. My experience as a passionate shoe fitter allows me to provide expert recommendations to meet your child’s specific needs.
Every child is unique, and their footwear needs can vary significantly. By considering factors such as foot shape, growth patterns, and activity levels, I can provide tailored suggestions that meet your toddler’s specific requirements.
How to Order the Correct Shoe Size Online
Ordering the correct shoe size online can be challenging, but my virtual shoe fitting service can help. This personalized service takes into account your toddler’s unique foot shape and walking stage, ensuring that you choose the right size and style for their needs.
Comfortable Socks for Toddlers
In addition to selecting the right shoes, choosing the right socks is equally important. Look for seamless socks made from breathable materials to prevent irritation and ensure comfort.
Many parents face the challenge of balancing quality with their budget. While it’s tempting to opt for cheaper shoes due to frequent size changes, investing in durable brands can save money in the long run. High-quality shoes last longer and provide the necessary support, reducing the need for frequent replacements and potential medical costs from foot-related issues.
