The Most Durable Shoe Brands for Kids – The Top 3 Most Durable Shoe Brands

March 2, 2023 Durable Shoes Juan Valenzuela 0 - Comments

Most parents complain about how their children destroy their shoes so quickly that it’s not even worth investing in a good quality pair of shoes. However, the reason why your child might be destroying the shoes in the first place is that the shoes are poorly made to begin with. Certain shoe brands are more consistent than others when it comes to manufacturing high-quality and durable shoes for kids.

Are Your Child’s Shoes Constantly Falling Apart?

If you notice that your child’s shoes always get worn out or destroyed before your child is ready to outgrow them, then you must try a different shoe or a different shoe brand. Children should always outgrow their shoes before they are ready to be replaced, and depending on your child’s age you should be replacing their shoes anywhere between 3 to 6 months. The younger the children are, the faster they outgrow their shoes.

I get contacted by parents from all over the world who want to know which are the most durable shoe brands for kids since they are frustrated about having to replace their kids’ shoes faster than they expected it.

Most Common Areas Where Children Destroy Their Shoes

The most common area where children wear down or destroy their shoes is at the front part of the shoes. Do any of the images below look familiar?

Under-Armour-shoes-for-kids
Under-Armour-shoes-for-kids

The second most common area where children wear down or destroy their shoes is at the sole. Do any of the images below look familiar?

Under-Armour-shoes-for-kids

If you notice that your kids’ shoes wear down on the side where the eyelets (shoe holes) are then this is not related to the quality of the shoes. I have seen several cases of the shoes wearing down in that area, but that is actually happening because the child is removing the shoes with the opposite foot without undoing the shoelaces or the Velcro closure. See the image below for clarification purposes:

Most Common Reasons Your Child’s Shoes Are Falling Apart

1️⃣ Wearing shoes made from low-quality materials.

2️⃣ Wearing shoes that are too short or too narrow.

3️⃣ Having a foot condition such as flat feet, overpronation, or low muscle tone.

Are Expensive Shoes More Durable?

I want parents to understand that more expensive shoes don’t necessarily translate into better or more durable shoes for their kids. I have fitted certain shoe styles that are made from high-quality materials and are very reasonably priced, and I will show you these shoe styles shortly.

What Are the Most Durable Kids’ Shoe Brands?

Let’s take a look at the top three most durable shoe brands for kids. Among each one of these brands, certain shoe styles are more durable than others and will last even the roughest and tumble playtimes.

Top Choice: Keen 

This shoe brand is mostly known for manufacturing some of the most supportive and durable kids’ summer sandals. However, there are certain sneakers made by Keen that have proven to be the most durable and comfortable ones.

Most Keen kids’ shoes are constructed for all types of conditions and surfaces and they provide lasting comfort and support through all types of play. Keen shoes also have soles with great traction that resist slipping, and Velcro fasteners that make it easy for your child to take the shoes on and off. These shoes are practical and versatile for all-season wear! 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.

Most Durable Keen Shoes for Kids with Medium or Wide Feet

  • Order the shoe style Chandler by Keen on Amazon
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Hook and loop strap with toggle closure
  • Rubber toe-cap for maximum durability
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Targhee by Keen on Amazon
  • Fits narrow and medium feet
  • Toggle lace for easy on and off
  • Higher traction outsole provides grip in muddy environments and on rocky surfaces
  • Waterproof
  • Padded collar and tongue help to reduce irritation and discomfort
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Targhee Sport Hound by Keen on Zappos
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Hook and loop strap with toggle closure
  • Rubber toe-cap for maximum durability
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Targhee Low Wp by Keen on Zappos
  • Fits narrow and medium feet
  • Toggle lace for easy on and off
  • Higher traction outsole provides grip in muddy environments and on rocky surfaces
  • Waterproof
  • Padded collar and tongue help to reduce irritation and discomfort
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Chandler by Keen on Amazon
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Premium leather uppers
  • Water-friendly
  • Quick water channeling helps provide superior grip on slippery and wet terrain
  • Velcro closure with toggle lace
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Steel Grey/Brilliant Blue by Keen on Amazon
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Premium leather uppers
  • Water-friendly
  • Quick water channeling helps provide superior grip on slippery and wet terrain
  • Velcro closure with toggle lace
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Wanduro by Keen on Zappos
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Velcro closure
  • Higher traction outsole provides grip in muddy environments and on rocky surfaces
  • Rubber toe-cap for maximum durability
  • Machine washable
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Breathable Comfortable by Keen on Amazon
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Velcro closure
  • Higher traction outsole provides grip in muddy environments and on rocky surfaces
  • Rubber toe-cap for maximum durability
  • Machine washable
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

Second Top Choice: New Balance 

This shoe brand is mostly known for manufacturing durable and supportive kids’ shoes that are capable of accommodating all types of different foot shapes, especially children who have very wide feet. Certain New Balance shoes come with a reinforced toe-cap that is going to prevent your child from destroying the front part of the shoes. The shoe also features a durable suede upper construction with breathable mesh panels.

The shoes below are a perfect choice for kids in elementary or middle school, as they provide optimal support that is going to promote good joint health and are ideal for gym class or sports practice.

Durable New Balance Shoes for Kids with Wide or Extra Wide Feet

  • Available in laces and velcro
  • Fits children with medium, wide, or extra 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
  • Available in laces and velcro
  • Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
  • Synthetic/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 574 by New Balance on Amazon
  • Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide
  • Velcro closure
  • Customizable fit adjusts to your child’s foot shape
  • Extra Deep
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style 574 by New Balance on Amazon
  • Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide
  • Velcro closure
  • Customizable fit adjusts to your child’s foot shape
  • Extra Deep
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Fresh Foam 650v1 on Zappos
  • Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide
  • 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 Fresh Foam 650v1 on Zappos
  • Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide
  • 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
  • Fits children with medium or 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
  • Fits children with medium or 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
  • Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide
  • 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
  • Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide
  • 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
  • Fits children with medium or wide feet
  • Velcro closure
  • Synthetic and engineered 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 DynaSoft v5 by New Balance on Amazon
  • Fits children with medium or wide feet
  • Velcro closure
  • ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
  • Mesh upper material features no-sew overlays for a sleek fit and feel
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
  • Velcro closure
  • ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
  • AT Tread outsole provides versatile traction during both on and off-road activities
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
  • Fresh Foam midsole cushioning
  • TPU heel clip for stability
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Fresh Foam 880V12 by New Balance on Amazon
  • Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide
  • Dual-layer midsole construction featuring top-bed foam cushioning and underfoot Fresh Foam X
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Fits children with medium or wide feet
  • Lace-up closure
  • Suede and mesh upper
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style 527 by New Balance on Zappos
  • Fits children with medium or wide feet
  • Lace-up closure
  • ENCAP® midsole technology provides support and maximum durability
  • Suede/mesh upper 
  • Fits orthotics
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Fits children with medium or wide feet
  • ENCAP midsole cushioning provides good arch and heel support
  • Leather and suede upper
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Fits children with medium or wide feet
  • Lace-up closure
  • Strong rubber outsole and cushioned midsoles
  • Fits orthotics
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Fits children with medium or wide feet
  • Lace-up closure
  • Suede and mesh upper
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Fits children with medium or wide feet
  • Lace-up closure
  • Suede and mesh upper
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
New-Balance-shoe-for-children-with-flat-feet
  • Available for big kids
  • Lace-up closure
  • Fits children with medium or wide feet
  • Suede and mesh upper
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size

Third Top Choice: Geox 

Geox is known for making high-quality shoes that are also comfortable and healthy for your kids’ feet. The biggest downside of this shoe brand is that most of its shoes tend to be on the higher end price wise.

In addition to being practically indestructible, one of the greatest advantages of Geox sneakers is that the sole of each shoe is made of micro-porous material which expels sweat, but prevents any water from entering the shoe.

Most Durable Geox Shoes for Kids with Medium or Wide Feet

  • Order the shoe style Savage 38 by Geox on Amazon
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Double velcro straps
  • 100% leather 
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Wader 21 by Geox on Zappos
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Double velcro straps
  • Rubber outsoles contain a special microporous membrane that is both breathable and waterproof
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Sprintye 6 by Geox on Amazon
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Velcro closure
  • Rubber outsoles contain a special microporous membrane that is both breathable and waterproof
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Nashik 10 by Geox on Zappos
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • GEOX rubber outsoles contain a special microporous membrane that is both breathable and waterproof
  • Durable
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Savage 10 by Geox on Amazon
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Double velcro straps
  • 100% leather 
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Sprintye 15 by Geox on Zappos
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Hook and loop closure for easy on off
  • Breathable
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Gisli by Geox on Amazon
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Leather made
  • Italian patented perforated waterproof and breathable outsole 
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Naimara by Geox on Amazon
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Leather made
  • Italian patented perforated waterproof and breathable outsole 
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Kalispera 37 L by Geox on Zappos
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Natural leathers
  • Velcro closure
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

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

In addition to being made from high-quality materials, the shoes need to fit the shape of your child’s feet perfectly. Kids’ feet come in all shapes and sizes, and some children might have a more “complicated” foot shape such as narrow, wide, extra wide feet, or high insteps.

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 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.

How I Came Up with the Most Durable Shoe Brands for Kids?

I have fitted every single shoe style from each brand and tested on children who always destroyed their shoes. Those children will come back to the store after a period of 3 to 6 months to have their feet resized and I will check how well the shoes held up.

Please remember that the right type of shoes are going to keep your kids’ feet supported and protected, while a shoe made from low-quality materials can cause discomfort to your kids’ feet and create foot issues such as blisters, calluses, and corns.

Having to replace your kids’ shoes before they are ready to outgrow them is a frustrating experience for every family. Investing a little more in your kids’ shoes can go a long way and end up saving you money in the future as you will be keeping your kids’ feet healthy.

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.

Is there a particular shoe brand or shoe style that you can recommend for kids who destroy their shoes? Please share your findings in the comments section below so other families can benefit from your feedback.