Socks and soft shoes are fine when children are babies, but it’s time for a footwear upgrade once your child hits the toddlerhood. The best shoes for toddlers provide the perfect mix of support and comfort for a smooth transition to wearing footwear more regularly. After speaking with podiatrists and parents, we chose Stride Rite’s Soft Motion Kylo Sneaker as the best toddler shoe overall. Parents in search of a slip-on shoe will appreciate the hugely popular Nike Toddler Flex Runner 3. But there are plenty more great options on the market to consider.
Once your kiddo starts to walk, it’s time to upgrade their footwear to a pair of the best toddler ... More shoes.
Illustration: Forbes / Photos: Retailers
When looking for shoes for toddlers, it’s important to focus on footwear “that still allows some ‘feel’ and muscle development, but also protects the foot from the elements,” says Dr. Richard H. Graves, a board-certified podiatrist at Sol Foot and Ankle Centers in Longwood, California. But the ideal style and type of shoe ultimately comes down to personal preference, provided you hit some basic requirements. (Scroll down for more.) These 10 shoes emerged as the best during testing with our own children. Here’s why.
Comes In Wide And Extra-Wide—And Approved By The APMA
MOST POPULAR
stride rite
Stride Rite Soft Motion Kylo Sneaker
Sizes: 3 to 6, medium to extra-wide | Material: Leather upper, memory foam footbed | Sole: Rubber | Closure: Hook and loop (like Velcro) |Other features:APMA-approved, slip-resistant sole
These were my now-4-year-old’s first sneakers, and they’ve been durable enough to be passed down to her 1-year-old sister. The convenient hook-and-loop closure makes it easy to get your child into their shoes and out the door.
Stride Rite is known for creating quality kids’ shoes that are strong enough to pass down to younger siblings. The brand’s Kylo sneaker is an affordable, durable and flexible pick. It features an Ortholite memory foam footbed for your toddler’s comfort, along with a rounded rubber sole for sturdy traction. This shoe is specially created for new walkers and is approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) for your baby’s foot health. Choose from among seven color combinations for a look that matches your little one’s budding style. These shoes also come in medium, wide and extra-wide sizes to suit a range of little feet.
What our editors say: “I’m impressed with the Kylo sneaker’s slip-resistant sole,” says Margaret Badore, Forbes Vetted’s baby and kids gear editor. “My toddler falls less when running around in these shoes than some of the others we’ve used, and seems to get better traction on playground equipment and slick floors.”
Best Value Toddler Shoe
Adorable, Breathable Sneakers For $10
Target
Cat & Jack Toddler Parker Sneakers
Sizes: 4 to 12 | Material: Cotton-polyester upper, cotton lining and insole | Sole: Polyester and rubber | Closure: Hook and loop | Other features: Breathable upper, machine-washable (air dry)
At $10, it’s hard to beat the price of these Cat & Jack shoes from Target. My 6-year-old had these shoes as one of his first pairs, and they held up well enough to be passed on to his younger siblings. But they’re more than just a good bargain. These sneakers have a comfortable cotton lining with a breathable upper to raise the odds your little one will actually wear them.
The sneakers secure with the help of two hook-and-loop sticky tabs for a more snug fit for those who tend to step out of their shoes. While you’re probably not shopping based on looks alone, it doesn’t hurt that these shoes come in adorable patterns. One downsides is that the sole provides slightly less traction than some of the other toddler shoes on this list. Also, keep in mind that though they are machine washable, they should be air-dried only.
Best Toddler Shoe For New Walkers
Flexible Shoes Designed With Podiatrists And Pediatricians
Ten Little
Ten Little Everyday Original
Sizes: 4 to 13 | Material: Vegan leather upper, cotton lining | Sole: Natural rubber | Closure: Hook and loop | Other features: APMA-approved, non-skid and flexible sole, no-slip tongue, designed with pediatricians and podiatrists
Ten Little’s APMA-approved Everyday Original sneakers are ideal for toddlers still trying to get more steady on their feet. The wide, rounded toe box is made for new walkers as is the flexible construction. Also, the natural rubber soles are designed to ensure little ones can feel the ground a bit, providing feedback as they walk. Kids love the stickers that come with these colorful shoes, too, allowing them to personalize their footwear. They’re available in 11 colors.
What our editors say: Several Forbes Vetted editors prefer Ten Little sneakers for their little ones, including the deputy editor Rose Gordon Sala. “I tried these shoes with my youngest who actually had a walking delay, and I feel really good about their APMA-approved design as she continues to grow," she says. Sala adds that these sneakers are lightweight and—while snug enough to stay on her toddler’s feet—easy enough for them to put on independently. “I just wish they were machine washable,” she says.
Most Durable Toddler Shoe
Near-Indestructible And Feels Like A Sneaker
Merrell
Merrell Trail Quest Jr.
Sizes: 5 to 10, medium and wide | Material: Leather, mesh upper, EVA footbed | Sole: Rubber | Closure: Hook and loop | Other features: Grippy outsole, removable footbed, anti-stink lining, machine-washable
If you have a kid who plays hard, you’ll soon learn that you’ll need to replace their shoes more frequently than you might have expected. These Merrell toddler shoes are designed with a more rugged construction but still give tots a lighter feel, with their easy on-and-off design and padded foam footbed. The pair has a grippy, flexible sole with the right amount of traction for kids tearing up the playground or the nature trail. These Merrells are machine washable and include an anti-stink lining to reduce odors.
What our editors say: Sala and her outdoor-loving kids are Merrell fans. “I started buying these more rugged Merrell hiking-style sneakers for my kids because I was tired of replacing their shoes every couple of months due to holes and torn straps,” she says. “I’ve tried several Merrell kid styles, and all have held up well to months of wear, but I especially like that these are machine washable.”
Best Casual Toddler Shoe
A Lightweight Pick That Conveniently Slips On
Amazon
Simple Joys By Carter's Casual Slip-On Shoe
Sizes: 4 to 12 | Material: Textile canvas upper | Sole: Synthetic rubber | Closure: Slip-on | Other features: Lightweight and flexible outsole, padded insole, minimal silhouette
If you can’t be bothered with the Velcro-style straps, consider this sweet slip-on toddler shoe from Simple Joys by Carter’s. While it’s not as durable as a running shoe, it features a comfortable upper that’s stiff enough to hold its shape without digging into your child’s foot. The synthetic sole also helps your little one get a grip on the ground. These sneakers can be spot-cleaned with soap and water in case of mud puddle run-ins. Choose from among five patterns, including subtle dinosaurs and a sparkly unicorn.
What the parents say: These shoes are the quick and convenient when you need to run out the door saysRebeca Solorzano, senior vice president of programmatic operations and strategy at Forbes.“No Velcro, easy to slip on and stay on. They also give my son the independence and confidence to take his shoes off by himself when we come home and put them away,” she says.
Best Adaptive Toddler Shoes
A Roomy, Adaptive Design With A Wide Toe Box
Amazon
See Kai Run Dean Adapt High-Top Sneaker
Sizes: 4 to 13 (4.5 to 7.4 inches) | Material: Mesh lining, mesh and rubber upper | Sole: Rubber | Closure: Hook and loop | Other features: APMA-approved, machine-washable (air dry), sensory-friendly lining, deep toe box, removable insole, herringbone lug pattern for traction
The See Kai Run shoes often get a shoutout on best toddler shoe lists because every pair is APMA approved; the brand emphasizes healthy foot development. The Dean Adapt pair is specifically designed for kids who might need a brace or another type of orthopedic insert or custom insole added to their shoe. The opening is a bit wider to allow for the addition of orthotics, and it doesn’t automatically flop back to the closed position. Plus, the straps are extra long and can be customized further by cutting them to fit. This high-top pair includes a soft and flexible upper and is fully lined with minimal seams to reduce sensory irritation. See Kai Run’s designs are extra cute, too, and parents report that their kids can independently get the brand’s shoes on and off easily. Keep in mind that you’ll need to size up if you’re putting in orthotics.
What our editors say: “Although my toddler doesn’t need orthotics, I’ve found these to be a great shoe for him,” says Badore. “The wide foot opening and hinges on the straps make them super easy to put on a wiggly toddler. They held up great after over six months of use as his primary shoes, and were in good enough condition to be passed on when he outgrew them.”
Best Slip-On Toddler Shoe
A Bootie-Like Design Provides A Snug And Stable Fit
Dick's Sporting Goods
Nike Toddler Flex Runner 3
Sizes: 2C to 7C | Material: Mesh and leather upper, foam insole | Sole: Rubber | Closure: Slip-on | Other features: Heel and tongue pull tabs, foam-cushioned insole, reinforced toe tip
Nike’s massively popular Flex Runner 3 is perfect for those times when you want to get out the door as quickly as possible. The lace-free sneaker is a slip-on with a bootie-like design to make sure the shoe doesn’t fly off during intense playground sessions. These shoes have a foam insole for a comfortable feel, along with a wing-like shape around the heel for stability when your child is darting all over the place. Pull tabs big enough for an adult finger at the tongue and heel make the process of getting these sneakers on and off seamless.
My son has these shoes and they are a dream on those days when we’re running late, which is most of the time. I just slip his feet in and we move on. I love that there are no laces or straps to fiddle with, and he seems to like the look and feel.
Best Toddler Shoe For Narrow Feet
Stylish—But Flexible And Lightweight Enough For Active Tots
Plae
Plae Ty
Sizes: 5 to 13.5 | Material: Suede; nylon or mesh upper | Sole: Latex-free rubber | Closure: Hook and loop | Other features: Removable insoles, hook and loop, machine washable
Finding the right fit for your child’s narrow foot can be tricky, which is why removable insoles can come in handy. The popular Plae Ty sneakers have a removable insole to allow parents to create more—or less—space as needed. The sneakers tend to run narrow as is, but if they’re too snug for your little one, you can simply remove the insole. The Tys come in 13 fun colorways that choosy toddlers can get behind, and they’re secured with the help of two straps. The sneakers are known for their lightweight feel and machine washability.
What our editors say: Badore calls these sneakers “sturdy and robust,” noting that there’s extra rubber around the big toe to provide protection for feet-draggers. “The soles are quite thick and the traction is good,” she says. “My toddler didn’t slip or skid while running around on tile floors in these shoes.”
Best Winter Toddler Shoe
Tot-Sized Uggs With A Lightweight, Flexible Sole
Zappos
Ugg Toddlers' Keelan Boot
Sizes: 6 to 12 | Material: Suede upper, sheepskin and textile lining, foam footbed | Sole: Rubber | Closure: Hook and loop | Other features: Anti-odor lining, molded and flexible outsole
Comfort is key with toddler shoes, and these Ugg boots have an abundance of it. They feature a cushiony microfiber lining to keep your child’s feet and ankles cozy, while the suede upper is soft to the touch. A sturdy rubber sole helps your child keep their footing, even over slippery terrain, while the thick inner lining keeps them nice and warm, even in intense winter weather. The shoes easily fasten on and off with the help of a concealed tab. Pick from among six colors, including Black the classic Chestnut or Rock Rose.
My daughter got these boots as a gift for her birthday and quickly became obsessed with them. She loves how comfortable they feel and has even insisted on wearing them to bed on some nights. They’re surprisingly easy to get on and off.
Native has long been considered a more stylish alternative to Crocs, and the brand’s Robbie Print Child shoes uphold that reputation. These shoes are made with foam and rubber, with an aerated upper that allows water to flow out. With the Robbie, kids can cruise through wet sand, pool shallow ends and rain puddles without fear of becoming waterlogged. The Robbie has additional support over the brand’s signature Jefferson shoe, with a sneaker-like outsole for sporty moments. The slip-on shoes also have enough cushioning to provide comfort on the playground, too. These shoes come in five colorways to suit a range of toddler tastes.
These Native shoes have replaced by 2-year-old’s precious Crocs as her go-to shoes for the beach, pool and even everyday use. I like that the shoes are water-friendly, so it’s no big deal if she decides to splash in puddles. It has a thick, supportive outsole, and the pretty design is also a hit with both me and my toddler.
Our editorial team has honed our kids’ footwear expertise by reporting on a variety of shoes and sneakers for all ages, from the best baby shoes for new walkers to the best kids’ water shoes.
The author, Korin Miller, has many years of experience writing about parenting and professionally reviewing products. She is a mom of four, including one child who is still a toddler. Her family has rigorously tested dozens of pairs of shoes for Best Shoes For Kids roundup, and her kids have worn a number of the shoes on this list.
This story was edited by Margaret Badore, the baby and kids gear editor at Forbes Vetted. She is a toddler mom herself, and has over 15 years of experience as a journalist and editor.
We spoke to three experts for their input on important features to look for in a good toddler shoe: Dr. Richard H. Graves, a board-certified podiatrist at Sol Foot and Ankle Centers in Longwood, California; Melissa Lockwood, a podiatrist at Heartland Foot and Ankle Associates in Bloomington, Illinois; and Claire Capobianco, a foot and ankle surgeon at Orthopaedic Associates of Southern Delaware.
This story is frequently reviewed and updated to ensure accuracy. It was most recently updated by Miller in August 2024 to include an additional top pick, the Native Shoes Robbie.
How We Chose The Best Toddler Shoes
To select the best shoes for toddlers, we rigorously researched dozens of options and evaluated shoes based on expert input, firsthand experience and feedback from other parents.
We incorporated the expert input from the podiatrists we interviewed to ensure all our picks matched the most important health criteria for toddler shoes.
Safety is a top priority when choosing the best shoes for toddlers, so we made sure to note certifications like the APMA seal of approval and any shoes designed in collaboration with pediatricians and/or podiatrists.
We examined bestsellers on top kids’ shoe retailers. We narrowed the list down by sorting through reviews and considering whether the features like support, comfort and durability matched the experts’ suggestions.
We also considered cost, availability and kid-friendly designs and styles.
We gathered opinions from other other parents—every shoe on this list comes with a firsthand recommendation from either the author or a parent on the Forbes team.
What To Consider When Shopping For Toddler Shoes
The right toddler shoes can make all the difference between your little one cruising around in comfort and pitching a fit every time you need to slide on shoes and get out the door. Keep these factors in mind while you shop to find the right fit.
Foot Width
Just like adults, some toddlers have wide feet and others have narrow feet. Kids with wide feet typically have broader toes, while those with narrow feet may have slim-looking toes and feet.
Wide feet are usually the biggest concern. If you suspect that your child has wide feet, it’s a good idea to try them in both standard and wide sizes to see how they fit. If your child has pressure from the shoe against the widest part of their foot in a standard size, they may need wide shoes.
Support
This is a common misconception with shoes: While you want shoes to have a little flexibility, like in the toe box, the shoe shouldn’t be overly bendy. “You should not be able to bend the outsole of a shoe in a kid who is considered a walker,” says Claire Capobianco, a doctor of podiatric medicine and foot and ankle surgeon at Orthopaedic Associates of Southern Delaware. If you can fold the shoe in half or twist it from side to side, it’s not going to be supportive enough, Capobianco says.
Developmental Stage
There can be quite a range in development with toddlers. If your child is just learning to walk, Capobianco says it’s okay to have outsoles that are more flexible since these children aren’t as steady on their feet. “There’s quite a spectrum on how early or late kids walk, so the age of the toddler is hard to generalize,” she says. “It’s better to talk developmental stage when thinking of shoe flexibility.”
Cost
There’s no hard and fast number for how much you should spend on a toddler shoe, and more isn’t necessarily better. Just factor into your budget that you may need to replace your child’s shoes once or twice a year, given how quickly toddlers tend to grow, Capobianco says. If your child is particularly tough on their footwear or is a notorious toe-dragger, you may need to replace them even more often.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Kind Of Shoes Should A Toddler Wear?
In general, podiatrists told us to look for soft and flexible shoes that allow for some feedback or feel of the ground. They also recommended allowing tots to go barefoot at home. Of course, it’s different when you venture outside. “It’s important to have shoes on when children are playing outdoors in a non-grassy setting to protect feet from hazards like sunburn, cuts and injuries,” says Lockwood. The best toddler shoes for your child are ultimately ones they’ll wear. But, at baseline, toddler shoes should be made of breathable materials and be “relatively flexible in structure,” Lockwood adds.
Is Barefoot Best For Toddlers?
Yes, barefoot is best for toddlers—indoors, at least. “Barefoot in a home setting is always best for these young walkers as they learn and feel,” Lockwood says. However, when venturing outdoors, Lockwood says that toddlers and early walkers “should be in breathable—think canvas, cotton—materials” that are “relatively flexible in structure.” She adds, “It’s important that the toes are not pinched.” That said, most daycares do require shoes for health reasons. Babies don’t really need shoes at all, given that they don’t walk. Instead, you can simply put socks over your little one’s feet to keep them warm. “Babies—non-walkers—only need shoes for cute photos,” Lockwood says. Graves agrees. “As far as babies who are not yet walking, it’s best to be barefoot, but okay to put on shoes to protect the feet when necessary,” he says. However, Graves adds, “simply socks is great as well.”
How Do I Know My Toddler’s Shoe Size?
It can be tough. “Toddler feet grow incredibly quickly,” Lockwood points out. “It’s always best to take kiddos to the store and fit them with shoes.” And, she adds, “toes should not touch the end of the shoes—room to grow is key.” If making it to a store is difficult, Graves recommends using charts available online (often brands and retailers will have them on their websites). “There are many tools and charts available online now that allow you to measure a child's foot with a tape measure and convert the measurement to the shoe size,” Graves says.
Should Toddlers Wear Shoes All Day?
It depends on the circumstances. In general, toddlers who are learning to walk should be barefoot to help them develop the muscles in their feet, Graves says. However, it’s a good idea to put shoes on your toddler’s feet when you’re out and about to protect the delicate area—and of course, most preschools and daycares require shoes.
We included an additional top pick, the Native Shoes Robbie, as the best toddler shoes for wet conditions (like the pool or beach). We also added a shoe buying guide following our list of picks.
