The Best Shoes for Toddlers – Learn About the Best Shoe Styles for Your Toddler!

February 6, 2023 Toddler Shoes Juan Valenzuela 0 - Comments

Have you been looking for a pair of comfortable shoes for your toddler who is already walking? Toddlers should go barefoot as often as possible to promote healthy foot development,  good balance, posture and coordination. However, shoes play a key role in keeping their feet and legs healthy when they start learning how to walk and you start taking them outside. The best shoes for toddlers who are already walking should provide a soft, flexible outsole that allows the foot to move naturally.

With so many brands and styles available, how do you choose the best shoes for your toddler’s feet? I am a shoe fitter with over a decade of experience fitting children for their first pair of walking shoes, so I have a pretty good idea about which first walking shoes work better than others.

At What Age Do Most Toddlers Start Walking?

I have noticed that most toddlers start to walk anywhere between 8 and 18 months of age. That’s an exciting time for every parent, but you need to keep in mind that your toddler’s first walking shoes are critical in form and fit, and they will play a key role in keeping your toddler’s feet and legs healthy.

A baby learning how to walk holding onto furniture.

What Makes a Shoe Ideal for Walking Toddlers?

Choosing the right shoes for your toddler involves more than just picking a cute pair.

1️⃣ Firm Hold Vs Lack of Cushioning: This means that the outsole of the shoe for a toddler who is already walking must be more supportive compared to the outsole of the shoe for a toddler who is learning how to walk.

✅ Toddlers who are already walking are putting more pressure on their feet, and they will need more protection and stability. The image below shows a toddler shoe that provides a stable base of support:

❌ The image below shows a toddler shoe that is too flexible. If you can bend your toddler’s shoes like a spiral in all directions, then it’s highly likely that the shoes don’t provide the correct amount of support and stability:

first-walking-shoe-for-babies-learning-how-to-walk

2️⃣ Firm Vs Soft Heel Counter: The heel counter is the back part of the shoe, and shoes for toddlers learning how to walk should have a very soft heel counter while shoes for toddlers who are already walking should have a firmer one.

✅ The image below shows a toddler shoe with a firmer heel counter:

toddler-shoe-with-a-firm-heel-counter

❌ The image below shows a toddler shoe with a heel counter that is too soft:

toddler-shoe-with-a-soft-heel-counter

3️⃣ Flexible Vs Too Flexible: Your toddler shoes should bend at the toes but no further. If your toddler shoes are too rigid or you are able to bend them in all directions as a spiral, then it’s highly likely that the shoes don’t provide the correct amount of flexibility and stability.

✅ The image below shows a toddler shoe that provides the correct amount of flexibility. Notice how the shoe bends at the ball of the foot but no further:

A toddler shoe that provides the correct amount of flexibility.

❌ The image below shows a toddler shoe that is too rigid at the front. Notice how the shoe is too stiff at the toe box area. If you have a hard time bending the front part of the shoe, then I suggest that you choose a different one:

A toddler shoe that is too rigid at the front and doesn’t provide the correct amount of flexibility.

❌ The image below shows a toddler shoe that is too flexible. If you can bend your toddler’s shoes like a spiral, then it’s highly likely that the shoes don’t provide the correct amount of support:

A toddler shoe that is too flexible and doesn’t provide the correct amount of support.

The Importance of a Good Fit

Comfort is paramount when it comes to toddler shoes. The shoe should fit snugly but not too tight, providing enough room for the toes to wiggle. A well-fitting shoe helps prevent blisters and other foot issues. If you don’t have a specialized children’s shoe store in your area I suggest that you take advantage of a virtual shoe fitting service I created that will help you retrieve your toddler’s exact foot shape (narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide), and the exact shoe size you should order online.

The shoes that you choose for your toddler’s feet play a key role in keeping their feet and legs healthy. Every time a family comes to the shoe store with their toddlers I feel a great responsibility in finding the perfect pair of shoes, because those parents are putting their trust in me. 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.

The Best Shoes for Toddlers Who Are Already Walking

All of the shoes below are capable of accommodating different foot shape, so make sure that you read the description below each shoe to find out if it can fit your toddler’s unique foot shape. The shoes are made from high-quality materials that can withstand the wear and tear of daily play.

Boys

  • Fits toddlers with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
  • Oversized opening for easy on and off
  • Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
  • 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 Ride 10 J by Saucony on Zappos
  • Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
  • 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
  • Order the shoe style SRT Winslow by Stride Rite on Amazon
  • Available in medium and wide widths
  • Toe cap reinforcement and bumptoe protection against stumbles
  • Opens super wide which makes in and out easy
  • Step-stabilizing design with comfy Ortholite memory foam footbeds
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Available in medium, wide and extra wide widths
  • Oversized opening for easy on and off
  • Lightweight injection-molded EVA foam midsole provides lightweight cushioning
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Stevie II by See Kai Run on Zappos
  • Fits medium and wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
  • Breathable textile lining and cushioned insole
  • Padded tongue and collar for added comfort
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style 2510 Racer by Tsukihoshi on Amazon
  • Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
  • Removable insoles
  • Lightweight and flexible
  • Extra wide toe box allows natural splaying of toes for better balance, comfort, and foot health
  • Long heel counter provides stability
  • Machine washable
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Jazz Lite 2.0 by Saucony on Zappos
  • Available in medium and wide widths
  • Leather and mesh upper for durability and breathability
  • Anti-stink lining helps reduce odors
  • Machine washable for quick and easy clean
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
  • Generous toe box and instep to accommodate and support a first-walker’s needs
  • Rubber outsole pods designed to stand up to daily wear and tear
  • Extra deep
  • 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 V1 by New Balance on Amazon
  • Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
  • Generous toe box and instep to accommodate and support a first-walker’s needs
  • Rubber outsole pods designed to stand up to daily wear and tear 
  • Extra deep
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

Girls

  • Fits toddlers with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
  • Oversized opening for easy on and off
  • Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
  • 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 Ride 10 J by Saucony on Zappos
  • Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
  • 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 child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style 2510 Racer by Tsukihoshi on Amazon
  • Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
  • Heel stabilizer provides lateral stability
  • Removable insoles
  • The insoles are Infused with natural Green Tea extract (no chemicals)
  • Machine washable
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
  • 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 Stevie II by See Kai Run on Zappos
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Canvas upper
  • Toe cap is durable for early steps
  • Double velcro straps
  • Oversized opening for easy on and off
  • APMA approved
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Sr Thompson by Stride Rite on Amazon
  • Available in medium and wide widths
  • Ortholite memory foam footbeds
  • Opens super wide which makes in and out easy
  • Recycled material linings to help reduce odor
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Available in medium, wide and extra wide widths
  • Oversized opening for easy on and off
  • Lightweight injection-molded EVA foam midsole provides lightweight cushioning
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Kya by See Kai Run on Zappos
  • Fits wide and extra wide feet
  • Leather and mesh upper
  • Two adjustable hook-and-loop closures for easy on and off
  • Padded tongue and collar for added comfort
  • APMA approved
  • Toe cap for extra durability
  • 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 V1 by New Balance on Amazon
  • Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
  • Generous toe box and instep to accommodate and support a first-walker’s needs
  • Rubber outsole pods designed to stand up to daily wear and tear 
  • Extra deep
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • 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

These shoes were handpicked by me and they have proven to be the best choice for toddlers who are already walking as they provide all of the features a toddler needs to promote healthy foot development:

  • Accommodate different foot shapes —medium, wide, extra wide— as well as high insteps.
  • Lightweight and flexible but supportive at the same time.
  • Breathable to prevent your toddler’s feet from sweating excessively.
  • Excellent traction to prevent your toddler from slipping and falling.
  • Secure velcro closure to provide your toddler with better stability.

Get in Touch for a Personalized Suggestion

I understand that it can be overwhelming to choose the perfect pair of shoes for your toddler. If you have any questions or would rather receive specific shoe recommendations, you can also contact me via email and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

Don’t Forget to Test the Flexibility

A good toddler shoe should bend easily at the ball of the foot but remain firm at the heel. This ensures the shoe will move naturally with your child’s foot.

New Balance toddler shoe with the correct amount of flexibility.

Keeping Your Toddler’s Feet Healthy with Comfortable Socks

Most parents allow their toddlers to wear their shoes without socks, as toddlers can get pretty fussy about wearing socks. Keep in mind that socks act as a barrier between your toddler’s feet and the shoes, and prevent the buildup of bacteria inside the shoes.

Seamless socks help allow your toddler to freely move their toes, which is really important as toddlers move their toes as a way of exercising their feet. It’s also important that you order the socks in the correct size. Socks that are too big might bunch up below your toddler’s feet and create discomfort, while socks that are too short can constrict toe movement. I created a different resource that has a list of seamless socks for toddlers.

What Are the Best Shoes for Toddlers Already Walking? – Watch Video

I created a video to help you visualize the difference between shoes for toddlers who are learning how to walk and toddlers who are already walking. You might find the video helpful next time you are at your local shoe store shopping for shoes.

How Often Should Toddlers Get New Shoes?

Toddler’s feet tend to grow pretty quickly, so even if you are providing the correct amount of growing room you can expect to replace the shoes every 4 months.

Are You Worried About Your Toddler’s Feet?

One common question parents have when it comes to their toddler’s feet is whether they have flat feet or not. Most toddlers are flat-footed when they first start walking and you might notice that their feet turn inwards, because muscle strength and ligament stiffness need to catch up to other development. However, the flat-footedness nearly always improves as they keep growing up.

Please inspect the shoes for quality construction. Look for even stitching, sturdy materials, and a solid sole. Avoid shoes with rough seams or glue marks, as these can irritate your child’s feet.