The Coolest Shoes for Kids – Fashionable yet Functional Shoes for Your Child!

In the past, children did not have any say in their fashion choices; those were made by their parents or grandparents. These days kids know what they want. It is hard to force them to wear what they don’t like. They want to wear what they see their friends wearing, or their favorite personalities are wearing. I have put together a list of the coolest shoes for kids based on my many years of shoe fitting experience.

My Experience Fitting Children’s Shoes – Over a Decade of Experience!

I have been fitting children’s shoes and orthotics for the last 10 years at a specialized children’s shoe store. We specialize in helping children with “complex” foot shapes as well as foot and leg problems, but we provide regular shoe fittings as well. We need to carry top-quality shoes that are available in different widths such as medium (M), wide (W), and extra wide (XW), as that’s the only way we can guarantee to fit every single child.

I understand that current fashion is important to children, but I always advise parents to never compromise on the way the shoes fit. Children want what is attractive and flashy as opposed to an adult who requires function and affordability.

Is it possible to find a pair of shoes that are attractive to kids but at the same time functional and healthy for their feet? I call shoes functional when they serve a purpose and provide good support, are flexible, lightweight, and breathable.

Most parents always want functional shoes for their children, but as kids get older, it gets harder and harder for them to tell them what to wear. If your child has reached that point, I will show you the coolest shoes for kids that are still functional and supportive of their feet.

Fashion Vs Function – Can You Combine the Two?

While we always want to make kids happy, providing them with a pair of fashionable shoes that don’t offer enough support might create numerous foot issues.

Fashion shoes are only meant to be worn for a couple of hours, and only once in a while. If your child wears fashionable shoes as his or her everyday shoes, it may lead to foot and leg pain. It can also lead to problems such as blisters, calluses and corns —the later ones are incredibly hard to get rid of.

There are few children’s fashion shoes that provide good support for your child’s feet. Some of these shoes are available in different widths such as medium, wide, and extra wide.

Please keep in mind that it doesn’t matter how much support a shoe provides, if it is not fitted properly, your child won’t get any of the benefits that the shoes have to offer.

I always recommend parents take their kids to their local children’s shoe store where a shoe fitter can properly measure their feet and find shoes accordingly. The concern parents have is that most local children’s shoe stores have been closing, and they are left with big retailers such as Nordstrom’s or Payless, which have sales staff and not trained fitters that don’t know how to properly fit shoes.

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

If you are one of those parents who don’t have a shoe store in their area that they trust, start by reading a post I wrote where I describe the best way to make sure your child is wearing the correct shoe size:

How to Measure Your Kids’ Foot – 2 Simple Steps to Determine Foot Length and Foot Width

In that article I help parents determine their child’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 child has a high instep or not.

Now that you know how to make sure your child is wearing the correct shoe size, you are ready to see a selection of the coolest shoes for children that also provide everyday support. Disclosure: Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases.

The Coolest Kids’ Sneakers ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

These shoe styles are actually available in toddler sizes, all the way up to big kid sizes.

Unsure About What Shoe Size You Should Order?

In each of the descriptions of the shoes, I indicate whether you need to order a half size or a whole size bigger than your child’s current foot size to provide the correct amount of growing room.

IMPORTANT TIP: Dо nоt uѕе these shoes as your kids’ running shoes or for playing sports. Othеrwіѕе, іt will damage thе light ѕуѕtеm аnd thе ѕhоеѕ wіll stop lighting uр. Also, don’t allow your child to wear this type of shoes in the rain.

Some children might prefer flashy and fun shoes with superheroes or cartoon characters, but are these shoes supportive enough? There is a small selection of light up shoes that actually provide good support.

However, you must be careful when you choose them. I have helped numerous children that came to the shoe store wearing character shoes from places like Target or Walmart, which don’t provide any support and are made from low-quality materials. Those types of shoes end up falling apart in a month or two, and children should always outgrow their shoes before they are ready to be replaced.

I have fitted light up shoes by Stride Rite that actually provide great support and are available in different widths. There is a post I wrote where I describe the best character and light up shoes for children and it’s called:

Light Up Shoes for Children – 4 Facts You Must Know Before Purchasing Them

In that post, I describe the most supportive, everyday light up shoes for children that are also available in different widths such as medium, wide, and extra wide.

Your child can wear these shoes as his or her everyday sneakers, but if your child is very active I would recommend getting him an extra pair of shoes for his or her more intense activities.

Now that you know which has been the most popular shoe style for children, you are ready to make the most informative decision!

Are Any Other Shoe Choices Available?

Do not hesitate to contact me directly at my e-mail if you have any further questions or if you need a different pair of shoes for your child. My e-mail address is: fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com

Have you tried this shoe style for your child before? Are there any other light up shoes you will recommend for children or adults? Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comment section below so we can all benefit from them!