The Best Sneakers for Toddlers – Affordable, Lightweight, Supportive, and Durable

February 26, 2023 Toddler Shoes Juan Valenzuela 0 - Comments

I have been working for a specialized children’s shoe store for over a decade, where we specialize in helping children with “complex” foot shapes as well as foot and leg problems, but we provide regular shoe fittings as well. Throughout the years, I got familiar with the best sneakers for toddlers with different foot shapes such as narrow, medium, wide, and extra wide feet.

What Are the Best Shoe Brands for Toddlers?

My favorite shoe brands for toddlers are Saucony, See Kai Run, Tsukihoshi, and New Balance. Keep in mind that among these shoe brands, there are specific shoes that work a lot better than others. I will show you a list of the best toddler shoes from these shoe brands shortly.

Saucony

There is a particular shoe style made by Saucony called the “Saucony Baby Ride”, that I have found to be one of the best fitting shoe for toddlers. The shoe is available in different widths, so it can fit toddlers with medium or wide feet. The shoe is also affordable and durable.

See Kai Run

See Kai Run is one of the most popular children’s shoe brands as it manufactures shoes that are supportive but lightweight and flexible at the same time. The shoes allow natural movement and growth and every single shoe is approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association

This is one of my go-to shoe brands for toddlers as the shoes can accommodate different foot shapes and promote healthy foot development. The shoes provide a combination of fashion and function and are made of the finest materials and craftsmanship.

Tsukihoshi

Tsukihoshi is my go-to shoe brand for toddlers who have wide feet and/or sensory issues, as the shoes are made from very soft materials that help increase comfort. This shoe brand manufactures awesome kids’ shoes that are functional comfortable, and durable.

What About Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour?

I have also fitted shoes from those shoe brands and I have noticed that they work better for older children. Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour don’t specialize in toddler shoes and most of their styles are too narrow.

The Importance of Providing Your Toddler with the Correct Shoe Size

One common mistake that I see parents make is assuming that once they figure out their child’s foot size, that size will automatically translate into their kids’ shoe size. This is one of the main reasons why children end up wearing the wrong-sized shoes.

The reason why it doesn’t work like this is that shoes can fit short, long, narrow, or wide, and depending on how the shoes fit, you need to adjust the amount of growing room that you will provide.

For example, if your toddler measures a shoe size 10 in the Brannock device (standard foot measuring tool), but the shoes fit “short”, then instead of going half a size longer to provide for growing room you will have to go a whole size longer and choose the shoe size 11.

How to Retrieve Your Toddler’s Exact Foot Length and Shape

I created a virtual shoe fitting service that will help you retrieve your child’s shoe size from home.

Now that you know how to figure out your toddler’s foot size from home you are ready to take a look at the best sneakers 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.

Best Sneakers for Toddlers for Healthy Foot Development

The Saucony and New Balance shoes below are available in different widths such as medium (M), wide (W), and extra wide (XW). The See Kai Run and Tsukihoshi shoes are not available in different widths but they fit wide.

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

Key Features of Toddler Sneakers

1️⃣ Extra Depth: There are certain toddler shoes that are deeper than others. Shoes that come with extra depth allow the child’s feet to sit deeply inside the shoes, making your child’s feet feel more comfortable and preventing your child’s heels from coming out of the shoes.

A pair of See Kai Run shoes with extra depth for babies with high insteps vs Nike shoes that won't work well for babies with high insteps.

2️⃣ Support: It’s important for your toddler that is already walking to have supportive shoes that are still lightweight and flexible. We need the shoes to be supportive to minimize the impact that your toddler’s feet take every time they become in contact with the ground, but they can’t be too heavy, as certain toddlers lack the strength to bend a harder sole.

Supportive New Balance kids' shoe vs an unsupportive Nike shoe.

3️⃣ Quality materials: Your toddler’s shoes must be made of good, quality materials that allow the shoes to last and prevent your toddler from destroying the shoes before they outgrow them. Shoes that are made of high-quality materials also allow your child’s feet to breathe and prevent smelly feet and the formation of bacteria inside the shoes.

4️⃣ Widths: Children’s feet come in different shapes and sizes, so the shoes need to be available in different widths such as medium, wide, and extra wide.

Comfortable Toddler Socks – Seamless and Breathable

I have seen several parents that allow their toddlers to wear their shoes without socks, and this can lead to the formation of bacteria inside the shoes. Parents should make sure that their kids are wearing socks with their shoes, as they act as a barrier between their kids’ feet and the shoes and prevent the buildup of bacteria inside the shoes.

I created a different resource that has a list of breathable and seamless socks for toddlers. In that resource I also show parents how to make sure they order the correct sock size.

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.

 Help me make this resource even better by adding your shoe recommendations as well!