Finding the perfect pair of shoes for your toddler can be a daunting task. It’s essential to find shoes that are comfortable, supportive, and safe for your little one’s developing feet. With so many options available, it can be challenging to know where to start.
When it comes to choosing the best toddler shoes, there are a few critical things to consider. First, it’s important to find shoes that fit well. Toddlers’ feet grow quickly, so you’ll want to make sure you’re buying the right size. Second, you’ll want to look for shoes that offer good support and stability. Toddlers are still learning to walk, so they need shoes that will help them balance and stay steady. Finally, you’ll want to choose shoes that are durable and able to withstand the wear and tear of daily use.
We spent hours researching and testing various toddler shoes to identify the best options on the market. In this article, we’ll share our top picks for the best toddler shoes and provide you with all the information you need to make an informed purchase. Whether you’re looking for shoes for outdoor play or special occasions, we’ve got you covered.
Top 3 Best Toddler Shoes
1. Simple Joys by Carter’s Unisex-Child Bailey Athletic Sneaker Running Shoe 10 Toddler Navy
2. Stride Rite 360 unisex-child Taye 2.0 First Walker Shoe 5 Toddler White
3. New Balance Unisex-Child Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Hook and Loop Running Shoe
As parents, we understand the importance of finding the perfect pair of shoes for our little ones. Not only do we want them to look cute, but we also want them to be comfortable and supportive. After researching and testing various brands and styles, we have compiled a list of the best toddler shoes on the market. Whether you’re looking for sneakers, sandals, or boots, we’ve got you covered. Check out our top picks below.
Simple Joys by Carter’s Unisex-Child Bailey Athletic Sneaker Running Shoe 10 Toddler Navy
If you’re looking for a classic sneaker for your toddler that doesn’t skimp on comfort and durability, the Simple Joys by Carter’s Unisex-Child Bailey Athletic Sneaker Running Shoe is a great choice.
Pros
- The ultra cushioned interior provides maximum comfort for little feet.
- The flexible sole with a super grip ensures stability and safety during playtime.
- The shoe is machine washable, making it easy to keep clean and fresh.
Cons
- The shoe may take some time to break in and may feel stiff at first.
- The sizing may run slightly small, so consider sizing up if your child is between sizes.
- The shoe may not be suitable for wider feet.
The Simple Joys by Carter’s Unisex-Child Bailey Athletic Sneaker Running Shoe is a great option for parents looking for a classic sneaker that is comfortable, durable, and easy to clean. The ultra cushioned interior provides maximum comfort for little feet, while the flexible sole with a super grip ensures stability and safety during playtime. Plus, the shoe is machine washable, making it easy to keep clean and fresh.
The shoe may take some time to break in and may feel stiff at first, but once it’s broken in, it provides great support and comfort. Keep in mind that the sizing may run slightly small, so consider sizing up if your child is between sizes. Additionally, the shoe may not be suitable for wider feet, so if your child has wider feet, you may want to consider a different option.
Overall, if you’re looking for a classic sneaker that is comfortable, durable, and easy to clean, the Simple Joys by Carter’s Unisex-Child Bailey Athletic Sneaker Running Shoe is a great choice.
Stride Rite 360 unisex-child Taye 2.0 First Walker Shoe 5 Toddler White
If you’re looking for a durable and comfortable first walker shoe for your little one, the Stride Rite 360 unisex-child Taye 2.0 First Walker Shoe might be the perfect fit.
Pros
- Easy to put on and take off
- Good width for comfortable fit
- Removable inserts for more room
Cons
- Front sole may separate after a few months of use
- Price may be a bit high for some
- Limited color options
We’ve been using these shoes for our child and have found them to be very easy to put on and take off, which is a huge plus when dealing with a squirmy toddler. The shoes also have good width, which means we don’t have to struggle to squeeze our child’s foot in. We also appreciate that the inserts can be removed for more room if needed.
However, after a few months of use, we did notice that the front sole started to separate from the shoe. While this wasn’t a dealbreaker for us, it’s something to keep in mind. Additionally, some may find the price to be a bit high for a toddler shoe, especially considering the limited color options.
Overall, we would recommend the Stride Rite 360 unisex-child Taye 2.0 First Walker Shoe for its comfort, ease of use, and durability. However, if you’re looking for a wider range of colors or a lower price point, you may want to consider other options.
New Balance Unisex-Child Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Hook and Loop Running Shoe
If you’re looking for a pair of shoes that are both stylish and functional, the New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi v4 Bungee Lace kids’ running shoe might just be the perfect fit for your toddler.
Pros
- The lightweight Fresh Foam midsole provides excellent cushioning and support for growing feet.
- The breathable synthetic and mesh upper keeps feet cool and comfortable during active play.
- The alternative closure allows for quick and easy changes, making these shoes a great choice for busy parents.
Cons
- Some customers have reported that the shoe runs slightly narrow, so you may need to order a half size up.
- While the shoe is machine washable, some users have noted that the color fades after multiple washes.
- The shoe may not be suitable for very wide or flat feet, as the fit is designed to be snug.
We’ve found that the New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi v4 Bungee Lace kids’ running shoe is a great option for toddlers who need a comfortable and supportive shoe for active play. The lightweight Fresh Foam midsole provides excellent cushioning and support, while the breathable synthetic and mesh upper keeps feet cool and comfortable. We also appreciate the alternative closure, which makes it easy to get these shoes on and off quickly.
That being said, some customers have reported that the shoe runs slightly narrow, so you may need to order a half size up to ensure a comfortable fit. Additionally, while the shoe is machine washable, some users have noted that the color fades after multiple washes. Finally, the shoe may not be suitable for very wide or flat feet, as the fit is designed to be snug.
Overall, we think that the New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi v4 Bungee Lace kids’ running shoe is a great choice for parents looking for a comfortable and stylish shoe for their toddler. With its combination of cushioning, support, and breathability, it’s sure to keep your little one’s feet happy and healthy during active play.
Gerber Unisex-Child Boys and Girls Toddler Light-Weight Pull-on Sneaker Crib Shoe Purple 5 Toddler
These Gerber toddler shoes are a great option for parents looking for a comfortable and stylish shoe for their little one.
Pros
- Easy to put on and take off
- Lightweight and comfortable for toddlers to wear all day
- Machine washable for easy cleaning
Cons
- May slip on smooth surfaces when feet get hot
- Some customers reported issues with the quality of the paint and edging
- Not as durable as some other toddler shoe brands
We’ve found that these shoes are perfect for toddlers who are just starting to walk and need a lightweight, comfortable shoe that’s easy to put on and take off. The pull-on design is especially convenient for busy parents who don’t want to deal with laces or velcro straps.
One thing to be aware of is that some customers have reported that the shoes can become slippery on smooth surfaces when their child’s feet get hot. However, we haven’t experienced this issue ourselves and still find these shoes to be a great option for everyday wear.
Another potential downside is that the quality of the paint and edging may not be as high as some other toddler shoe brands. However, we think that the overall value of these shoes is still worth it.
Overall, we highly recommend these Gerber toddler shoes for parents looking for a comfortable, stylish, and easy-to-use shoe for their little one.
Stride Rite 360 Unisex-Child Jal Sneaker Tan 6 Toddler
We highly recommend the Stride Rite 360 Unisex-Child Jal Sneaker Tan 6 Toddler for parents who are looking for a pair of comfortable and durable shoes for their toddlers.
Pros
- The machine-washable feature makes it easy to clean and maintain.
- The hook-and-loop closures make it easy to put on and take off the shoes.
- The cushioned memory foam footbed provides excellent comfort for little feet.
Cons
- The shoes tend to run a bit small, so you may need to order a size up.
- The shoes may not be suitable for very wide feet.
- The shoes may not be suitable for very cold weather.
The Stride Rite 360 Unisex-Child Jal Sneaker Tan 6 Toddler is an excellent choice for parents who want a pair of shoes that are both stylish and functional. The machine-washable feature is a game-changer for busy parents who don’t have time to hand-wash shoes. The hook-and-loop closures make it easy to put on and take off the shoes, which is especially helpful when you have a wiggly toddler. The cushioned memory foam footbed is a real highlight, providing excellent comfort for little feet.
However, it’s worth noting that the shoes tend to run a bit small, so you may need to order a size up. Additionally, the shoes may not be suitable for very wide feet, as some parents have reported that the shoes are too narrow for their children’s feet. Finally, the shoes may not be suitable for very cold weather, as they are not insulated and may not provide enough warmth for little feet.
Overall, we highly recommend the Stride Rite 360 Unisex-Child Jal Sneaker Tan 6 Toddler for parents who want a pair of comfortable and durable shoes for their toddlers. With its machine-washable feature, hook-and-loop closures, and cushioned memory foam footbed, it’s a great choice for parents who value both style and functionality.
PUMA Unisex-Child ST Runner Hook and Loop Little Kid Sneaker Toddler (1-4 Years) 9 Toddler Rosewater-peony-puma White
If you’re looking for a stylish and comfortable pair of shoes for your toddler, the PUMA Unisex-Child ST Runner Hook and Loop Little Kid Sneaker Toddler (1-4 Years) 9 Toddler Rosewater-peony-puma White is a great choice.
Pros
- The softfoam footbed provides excellent comfort for your child’s feet.
- The ground contact EVA outsole ensures a lighter weight while still providing the grip your child needs.
- The stylish midfoot panel gives the shoes a unique and fashionable look.
Cons
- The shoes may get dirty or marked easily, but they’re not tough to clean by hand or washer.
- Some customers have reported that the shoes break down and look stained after a month or so of everyday wear.
- The shoes may run small, so it’s important to check the sizing chart carefully before purchasing.
We recently purchased the PUMA Unisex-Child ST Runner Hook and Loop Little Kid Sneaker Toddler (1-4 Years) 9 Toddler Rosewater-peony-puma White for our toddler and have been very impressed with their performance. The softfoam footbed provides excellent comfort for our child’s feet, and the ground contact EVA outsole ensures a lighter weight while still providing the grip our child needs.
In addition to their performance, these shoes also have a stylish midfoot panel that gives them a unique and fashionable look. While they may get dirty or marked easily, we’ve found that they’re not tough to clean by hand or washer.
However, some customers have reported that the shoes break down and look stained after a month or so of everyday wear. Additionally, the shoes may run small, so it’s important to check the sizing chart carefully before purchasing.
Overall, we would highly recommend the PUMA Unisex-Child ST Runner Hook and Loop Little Kid Sneaker Toddler (1-4 Years) 9 Toddler Rosewater-peony-puma White to anyone looking for a comfortable and stylish pair of shoes for their toddler.
Simple Joys by Carter’s Boy’s Jack Sneaker
If you want a stylish and comfortable shoe for your toddler, the Simple Joys by Carter’s Boy’s Jack Sneaker is worth considering.
Pros
- The slip-on design makes it easy to put on and take off.
- The faux leather material is durable and easy to clean.
- The rubber sole provides excellent grip, making it suitable for running and playing.
Cons
- The sizing may run a bit large, so make sure to measure your child’s foot before purchasing.
- The shoes may not be suitable for wide feet.
- The color options are limited.
We recently bought these shoes for our toddler, and we are impressed with their quality and comfort. The slip-on design is convenient, especially when we are in a hurry to leave the house. The faux leather material is durable and easy to clean, which is a plus for parents. The rubber sole provides excellent grip, making it suitable for running and playing.
One thing to note is that the sizing may run a bit large. Our toddler wears a size 8, but we had to order a size 7 for a better fit. Also, if your child has wide feet, these shoes may not be the best option. Finally, the color options are limited, so you may not find the color you are looking for.
Overall, we recommend the Simple Joys by Carter’s Boy’s Jack Sneaker for parents who want a stylish and comfortable shoe for their toddler.
Gerber Unisex-Child Toddler Boys and Girls Athletic Sneaker Crib Shoe Blue Colorblock 5 Toddler
If you’re looking for a lightweight and colorful shoe for your little one, Gerber’s Unisex-Child Toddler Boys and Girls Athletic Sneaker Crib Shoe might be the right choice for you.
Pros
- The shoe is lightweight and comfortable for toddlers to wear for extended periods.
- The shoe comes in a variety of colors, making it easy to match with different outfits.
- The shoe is easy to put on and take off, thanks to the Velcro closure.
Cons
- The Velcro doesn’t stick well, causing the shoe to fall off easily.
- The shoe gets dirty easily and requires frequent cleaning.
- The strap is too short, making it difficult to keep the shoe securely fastened.
We recently purchased these shoes for our toddler, and overall, we are happy with our purchase. The shoe is lightweight and comfortable, making it easy for our little one to wear them for extended periods. The shoe comes in a variety of colors, and we were able to find a pair that matched several of our toddler’s outfits.
However, we did encounter some issues with the shoe. The Velcro closure doesn’t stick well, causing the shoe to fall off easily. We also found that the shoe gets dirty easily and requires frequent cleaning. Finally, the strap is too short, making it difficult to keep the shoe securely fastened.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a lightweight and colorful shoe for your toddler, Gerber’s Unisex-Child Toddler Boys and Girls Athletic Sneaker Crib Shoe might be a good option. However, be aware of the issues with the Velcro closure and strap length.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying shoes for toddlers, there are a few important factors to consider. We want to ensure that the shoes we choose are comfortable, supportive, and safe for our little ones. Here are some key features to look for when buying toddler shoes:
Fit
One of the most important factors to consider when buying toddler shoes is the fit. Shoes that are too tight can cause discomfort and even lead to foot problems down the road, while shoes that are too loose can be a tripping hazard. It’s important to measure your child’s feet and choose shoes that fit well. Look for shoes with a roomy toe box and a secure closure system to ensure a comfortable and secure fit.
Support
Toddlers are still developing their balance and coordination, so it’s important to choose shoes that provide adequate support. Look for shoes with a firm sole and good arch support to help your child maintain proper alignment and balance. Shoes with a padded collar and cushioned insole can also provide additional comfort and support.
Safety
Safety is always a top priority when it comes to our children, and choosing the right shoes can help prevent slips, trips, and falls. Look for shoes with a non-slip sole and a sturdy construction to help prevent accidents. Shoes with a reinforced toe and heel can also provide extra protection for active toddlers.
Durability
Toddlers are known for their high energy and love of play, so it’s important to choose shoes that can withstand the wear and tear of daily use. Look for shoes with a durable construction and high-quality materials to ensure they last through all of your child’s adventures.
By considering these key factors when buying toddler shoes, you can ensure that your little one’s feet stay comfortable, supported, and safe as they grow and explore the world around them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top recommended shoe brands for toddlers?
There are many shoe brands that are recommended for toddlers. Some of the top brands include Stride Rite, Pediped, See Kai Run, and Robeez. These brands are known for their quality, durability, and comfort.
Which shoes are best for toddlers with wide feet?
Toddlers with wide feet need shoes that are roomy enough to accommodate their feet. Look for shoes that have a wide toe box and a flexible sole. Some of the best shoes for toddlers with wide feet include New Balance, Saucony, and Stride Rite.
How do I choose the appropriate shoes for a toddler in the fall season?
When choosing shoes for a toddler in the fall season, look for shoes that are warm, comfortable, and durable. Shoes made from materials such as leather, suede, or synthetic materials are great for fall. Also, look for shoes with good traction to prevent slips and falls.
What features should I look for in preschooler footwear?
Preschooler footwear should be comfortable, durable, and easy to put on and take off. Look for shoes that have a flexible sole, a wide toe box, and a cushioned insole. Also, look for shoes with Velcro or slip-on closures for easy on and off.
Which toddler shoes are most recommended by podiatrists?
Podiatrists recommend shoes that provide good support, stability, and comfort for toddlers. Some of the most recommended brands include Stride Rite, New Balance, Pediped, and Saucony.
At what age should a toddler transition to different types of footwear?
Toddlers should transition to different types of footwear as they grow and develop. Generally, toddlers should transition to shoes with a more supportive sole and structure as they become more active and start walking more confidently. It is recommended to consult with a pediatrician or podiatrist for guidance on when to transition to different types of footwear.
