After Thousands Of Steps, We Found The 9 Best Toddler Shoes

Forbes

7 hours ago

Toddler shoes may be adorable, but they serve a much greater purpose than acting as a cute accessory. The best toddler shoes protect their feet and provide just the right amount of support without being too restricting. As a mom to three—including twin toddlers—I've seen dozens of toddler shoes come and go. While toddlers outgrow shoes quickly, them, proper fit, flexibility and adequate width all still matter. After testing 15 shoes with toddlers of various walking stages and interviewing both a podiatrist and a pediatric physical therapist, we named the Stride Rite Soft Motion Kylo (for newer walkers) and the Stride Rite Journey 3.0 (for more experienced walkers) the best toddler shoes. Both styles offer comfort, a roomy toe box and easy on-off design.
We tested over a dozen options to find the best toddler shoes. ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: ALICIA BETZ Our Top Recommendations Best Toddler Shoe Overall: Stride Rite Soft Motion Kylo Sneaker
Best Value Toddler Shoe: Jan & Jul Mini Flyer Toddler Sneakers
Best Toddler Shoe For Wide Feet: Ten Little Everyday Original
Best Toddler Shoe For New Walkers: Nike Swoosh 1
Best Slip-On Toddler Shoe: Kizik Kids Anaheim
Best Toddler Shoe For Boys: Asics Contend 9
Best Toddler Shoe For Girls: Robeez Valerie First Kicks
Best Toddler Sneaker: New Balance Kid's 574 New-B Hook & Loop Sneaker
'Every stage of walking usually has a different need and a different type of shoe,' says podiatrist Priya Parthasarathy. 'Through toddler development, usually we start off with more flexibility and then transition into more arch support as kids grow older and get the mechanics of walking.' When choosing the best toddler shoes, I considered the different stages of walking and provided recommendations for little ones at all stages—from new walkers to those that are confidently traversing the playground.
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Sizes: 4 to 6 (Soft Motion Kylo), 5 to 10 (Journey 3.0) | Widths: Standard, wide | Closure: Hook-and-loop | Colors: 7 (Soft Motion Kylo), 4 (Journey 3.0)
What's notable: Both styles are APMA approved; the Soft Motion Kylo is flexible and supports early walking while the Journey 3.0 is a bit more structured to protect little feet as they begin to branch out and explore more.
What could be better: It can be difficult to find some Stride Rite styles in stock in your child's size. Because the brand as a whole sells really great shoes though, most Stride Rite shoes are a safe bet.
Overall, Stride Rite makes the best toddler shoes thanks to their comfort, APMA approval, easy on-and-off design, and roomy toe box. For new and early walkers, our top pick is the Stride Rite Soft Motion Kylo. Our tester liked that they're flexible yet still supportive, something the experts we spoke to recommend in a toddler shoe. At the same time, it's durable and sturdy enough to last until your child outgrows it—which isn't always the case with other first walker shoes. The Soft Motion Kylo is available in sizes 4 to 6, including wide options.
For older toddlers who have a bit more walking experience under their belt, the Stride Rite Journey 3.0 offers greater structured support and is more of an everyday sneaker than the Soft Motion Kylo. I found it to not be quite as flexible as the Soft Motion Kylo, and I was really impressed with its ample traction and overall durability while remaining very lightweight. Rickerd recommends the Journey 3.0 as an overall good sneaker for kids. It's available in sizes 5 to 10, including wide sizes. However, we've noticed that the stock of this shoe can fluctuate, so you might have to shop around a bit to find your child's size.
The best toddlers shoe brand is Stride Rite; they have a roomy toe box, and they're comfortable for ... More kids. ALICIA BETZ FOR FORBES
Both shoes are easy to get on and off thanks to a hook-and-loop strap, and by the time our toddler tester turned 2, he was able to put the Soft Motion Kylos on by himself—undoubtedly putting an end to some early morning battles. The Journey 3.0 is similarly easy to get on, opening wide enough for my wide-footed 3-year-old to slip his feet in easily. Both shoes also offer a wide option, so you can really get the right fit for your toddler.
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Sizes: 4 to 10 | Widths: Standard | Closure: Hook-and-loop | Colors: 12
What's notable: The hook-and-loop closure opens on both sides, making the shoes especially easy to put on. They also feature an adorable, kid-friendly design.
What could be better: Unfortunately, these shoes aren't APMA-approved. That doesn't mean they're not good, it simply means they haven't been evaluated and deemed beneficial for foot health.
I tested these shoes with my 3-year-old toddlers and they immediately became a favorite. My kids naturally gravitate toward them because they love the look, enjoy the comfort, and appreciate how easy they are to put on. The Mini Flyer is a bit of a cross between a first walker and a more structured shoe for an experienced walker. The sole has medium thickness—it's thin enough for kids to feel the ground a bit, but thick enough to provide protection. Because of this, I'd recommend it more for indoor use than more rugged terrain or playgrounds. When it comes to support and structure on the rest of the shoe, it's quite flexible, and there is some heel structure but not so much that it becomes restricting.
Jan & Jul Mini Flyer Toddler Sneakers open nice and wide to get chubby feet inside. ALICIA BETZ FOR FORBES Appealing To Kids And Parents
The shoes open nice and wide with a hook-and-loop closure that opens on both sides, and the wide toe box is ideal provides plenty of room for their toes to splay out. They also feel lightweight, and my kids are able to run, jump and play in them easily. The designs are really kid-friendly, with fun prints and patches on the tongue.
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Sizes: 4 to 13 | Widths: Standard | Closure: Hook-and-loop | Colors: 11
What's notable: These APMA-approved shoes are stylish and have plenty of flexibility for kids who are just learning to walk.
What could be better: Currently, the Ten Little Everyday Original shoes are only available directly through Ten Little, making access more difficult for families who prefer to shop in person or from larger stores. Wide And Roomy Fit Recommended By Experts
One of my toddlers has incredibly wide feet, and he has always been comfortable in Ten Little shoes, including the Ten Little Everyday Original. Even though the brand doesn't offer wide sizes, the shoes are wide to begin with. Like the Jan & Jul shoes, these are a good middle-of-the road option. They're more supportive and structured than a first walker, but they're not quite as structured as a true sneaker. The toe box is nice and roomy, and the shoes slide on easily thanks to the two hook-and-loop straps. Our tester appreciated the padded collar and tongue and found that his toddler could wear these shoes all day without any red marks or discomfort.
Both of the experts I interviewed recommended these shoes. 'I really like the flexibility that they offer and the width,' says Parthasarathy. Similarly, Rickerd recommended them as a good pick for kids with wide feet. Toddler-Friendly Extras
Our tester found these shoes to be incredibly toddler- and parent-friendly. I appreciate that the brand considers toddlers not just in the shoe's structure, but in the thoughtful extras as well. The color options are fun and vibrant, giving kids the chance to pick a pair they truly love. Each pair comes with stickers for personalization, and the insole includes helpful cues to teach kids which shoe goes on which foot.
If parents or toddlers are looking for a slightly different style, we have also used—and liked—the Eco Canvas Sneakers and the Retro Suede Sneakers , though this option is slightly narrower.
Dick's Sporting Goods Nike Swoosh 1
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Sizes: 3 to 7 | Widths: Standard | Closure: Hook-and-loop | Colors: 12
What's notable: These APMA-approved shoes are super flexible, which is important for a new walker. They're also easy to slip on with a side opening.
What could be better: These shoes tend to run more narrow than some other brands, so kids with wide or chubby feet might not fit into them well. A Minimalistic Shoe For Their First Steps
Though Parthasarathy recommends that toddlers go barefoot whenever possible, that isn't always possible when they're out in public and need their feet protected. 'When they're first starting to walk, you want to have shoes that are more flexible to allow their proprioception to form, and that's why barefoot is usually best,' she says. This is one of the many reasons I like the Nike Swoosh 1 for new walkers, as did our tester who found that the shoes are incredibly flexible and provide close to a barefoot feel.
The Nike Swoosh 1 is a great shoe for new walkers because it's soft and very flexible. DANIELLE FRITZ FOR FORBES Soft And Comfortable
These shoes provide a comfortable fit, with our tester calling them 'cozy.' They're also nice and soft and provide an easy introduction into wearing shoes for the first time.
Our 2-year-old toddler tester was able to put these shoes on herself, which is always a bonus. They also stayed on really well throughout testing, which can be an issue with new walkers—you want something that will stay nice and snug to their feet to prevent them from tripping. Narrow Fit
Nike shoes tend to run a bit narrow and our tester for these shoes has pretty tiny feet, so it's important to note that kids with wide or chubby feet will probably be better off with a brand like Ten Little or New Balance.
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Sizes: 10C to 13C, 1Y to 7Y | Widths: Standard | Closure: Slip-on | Colors: 7
What's notable: The shoes is designed to slip right onto their feet, which can put a halt to many power struggles. They're comfortable, and they're best for older toddlers who are more experienced walkers.
What could be better: Unfortunately, these shoes aren't APMA-approved. That doesn't mean they're not good; it simply means they haven't been evaluated and deemed beneficial for foot health. They also aren't available in smaller sizes. They Can Slip Them On Without Help
One of the biggest struggles when it comes to toddler shoes is finding an option that they can get on easily, especially for toddlers who are in the 'I do it myself!' stage. With the Kizik Kids Anaheim, they really can do it themselves. My 3-year-olds are able to get these shoes on by simply slipping their foot inside—no bending, squeezing or velcro required. They also feature an animal print on the insole to help toddlers see which shoe goes on which foot. Once their foot slides in, the heel pops right back up every time. The toe box is pretty roomy, contributing to how easily the shoes slip on.
This shoe tested well with older kids in our guide to the best kids shoes , too, so if you have a 3-year-old who is about to leave toddlerhood behind, this is a great option. There are quite a few fun and rather unique color options, allowing kids to find what they like and have something that represents their style.
Toddlers like Kizik shoes because they can slip their feet in without help. ALICIA BETZ FOR FORBES Best For Older Toddlers
This is definitely a more structured shoe with a thick sole, so it's ideal for older toddlers. My kids have worn these on walks, at the playground and on other adventures with uneven surfaces. They've provided really great protection for their feet and allow them to be active without worrying about their shoes being uncomfortable or falling off. The sizing only goes down to 10C. We're currently testing the newly-released, more toddler-friendly Kizik Squeeze It shoes, and our tester has had good feedback so far.
Unfortunately, it looks like the Anaheims currently have extremely limited stock.
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Sizes: 4 to 9 | Widths: Standard | Closure: Hook and loop | Colors: 6
What's notable: A really durable option recommended by podiatrists. It's a supportive playground sneaker that can hold up to all day wear without being overly rigid or restricting.
What could be better: The shoes are more narrow, and sometimes the straps come undone on wider feet. They're also not APMA-approved, meaning that they haven't been tested and determined to be beneficial for foot health. Ideal For Running, Jumping And Playing
If you're looking for a sneaker for a toddler boy to run and jump around in, the Asics Contend 9 is ideal. 'When it comes to athletic shoes, I like New Balance and Asics, more for the kid that goes to daycare or school and that's running around. They have great structure,' says Parthasarathy. My 3-year-olds have both gravitated toward this shoe a lot. It's more of a true sneaker than a first walker, but it's not overly structured or restricting. They also have more flexibility than some of the other sneakers I tested.
My toddlers have worn these shoes quite a bit, and they've proven to be durable so far. This is another pair that has an animal printed on the insoles to help kids get their shoes on the right foot.
The Asics Contend 9 is a toddler-friendly sneaker that can keep up with all of their adventures. ALICIA BETZ FOR FORBES Not As Great For Wide Feet
Just by looking at these shoes compared to others I've tested, they're a bit narrower than other options. Between my two 3-year-olds, this shoe fits better on the one with more narrow feet. The hook-and-loop closure is tougher to fasten on my wider-footed child and sometimes comes undone while he's playing.
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Sizes: 6 months to 24 months | Widths: Standard | Closure: Hook and loop | Colors: 6
What's notable: These shoes are APMA-approved, and they come in a variety of adorable colors, allowing you to accessorize while also supporting healthy foot development.
What could be better: Toddlers with thicker feet might struggle to keep these shoes on. Supports Healthy Foot Development
Robeez's First Kicks shoes are APMA-approved, meaning they support healthy foot development which is essential when toddlers are growing and learning to walk. The shoe is pretty flexible and has a slightly supportive heel. A hook-and-loop closure allows you to easily open it up to slide their feet in, and there's a pull tab on the back to help get the shoe fully on.
Robeez offers a wide variety of stylish girls' shoes, including the Valerie First Kicks. Other First Kicks styles feature pink bows, white daisies, and metallic leather—making them a go-to choice for pairing with a cute outfit or dressing up for a special occasion. Ideal For New Walkers With Smaller Feet
Our tester has thicker feet and often struggles to fit into shoes, so it didn't come as a huge surprise that it was difficult to get her feet into these shoes. There is a good amount of cushioning around the shoe, which could explain why it can be tricky to find the right fit. Ultimately, they seem to work best for toddlers with slimmer feet.
Amazon New Balance Kid's 574 New-B Hook & Loop Sneaker
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Sizes: 2 to 10 | Widths: Standard, wide, extra-wide | Closure: Hook-and-loop | Colors: 29
What's notable: APMA-approved, these toddler shoes are available in wide and extra-wide sizes. They also have enough traction and support for outdoor adventures.
What could be better: They're a bit too rigid for younger toddlers. A Durable Option For All Day Wear
Sneakers are a good pick for toddlers who are more experienced walkers. 'As you get out of the first-walker shoe, the shoes tend to have more structure to them to prevent them from falling and slipping,' says Parthasarathy, who also recommends New Balance shoes thanks to their wide width. A shoe like this one is great for all day wear, being on the playground and running around with friends. This is definitely one of the more rigid shoes I tested, and I'd consider it a true sneaker. It definitely has good traction and a thicker sole.
The New Balance 574 New-B Hook And Loop is a more rigid sneaker that's best for experienced walkers. ... More ALICIA BETZ FOR FORBES Recommended By Experts And Loved By Kids
Rickerd recommends this shoe as an all-around great sneaker, and my wide-footed toddler chooses it almost every time. It slides onto his feet easily, and he never complains about discomfort while wearing them. After about two months of testing, it's held up remarkably well. With 29 color options—more than any other shoe we recommend—there's plenty of variety, though not all colors are available in every size. Other Toddler Shoes We Tested
In total, we tested 15 toddler shoes with a panel of testers, including new walkers as well as toddlers who have already been walking for a year or two. I personally tested many of the shoes with my 3-year-old twins.
See Kai Run Viento Sneaker : Though this brand is often recommended by professionals, we had trouble with the fit of these shoes. The shoe wasn't deep enough to hold my toddlers' feet and we were never able to get the strap to close securely. My toddlers also often asked to take these shoes off because they were uncomfortable.
Atoms Kids Model 123 : These shoes are bold and stylish, and they're machine-washable. However, they're more narrow than I would like for a toddler shoe, and they're not super easy to slip on.
Skechers Slip-Ins Ultra Flex 3.0 : This slip-on option didn't perform quite as well as the Kizik Anaheim. The material isn't as durable, and they're more narrow.
Saucony Unisex Child Jazz Lite 2.0 : Saucony is a really great kids shoe brand, but this particular style wasn't one of the best options we tested for toddlers. They're more narrow and rigid than many others we tested. We also noticed that it can be difficult to find these shoes in stock. What We're Testing Next
Kizik Squeeze It : These newly released shoes are designed specifically for toddlers. They allow parents to easily slip them on by squeezing the sides. We already have a 2-year-old testing them, and we're looking forward to gathering more feedback.
Billy Footwear : We're looking forward to testing a pair of these adaptive sneakers with a toddler who wears orthotics. They zip open to easily allow orthotics or other assistive devices to fit inside the shoe. Why Trust Forbes Vetted
At Forbes Vetted, the baby and kids gear team works diligently to test and recommend the best products for kids and families. We frequently recommend and test kids footwear, including the best kids water shoes and the best baby shoes . The author of this article, Alicia Betz , is a mom to three and an experienced parenting journalist and product tester. She has tested 13 of the shoes on this list with her kids.
, is a mom to three and an experienced parenting journalist and product tester. She has tested 13 of the shoes on this list with her kids. The editor of this article, Esther Carlstone , is an experienced editor and journalist who has also used a wide variety of shoes with her three kids.
, is an experienced editor and journalist who has also used a wide variety of shoes with her three kids. We interviewed to experts to help inform our picks, provide recommendations and teach us more about what to look for in a toddler shoe. Our experts include Priya Parthasarathy , a podiatrist in the D.C.-area with Foot and Ankle Specialists of the Mid-Atlantic, mom of two young children and a spokesperson for the APMA, as well as Dr. KC Rickerd, a pediatric physical therapist and Founder of Milestones & Motherhood . How We Tested The Best Toddler Shoes
Testing toddler shoes involved watching tiny feet take thousands of steps—at home, on the playground, on the sidewalk and beyond. Here's a peek into our testing process.
We tested over a dozen pairs of toddler shoes with more than five kids to find the best toddler ... More shoes. ALICIA BETZ FOR FORBES Flexibility, Tread And Traction
Because toddler shoes need to balance flexibility and support, we bent and twisted each one to assess how well they flexed. We also squeezed and evaluated the heel cup to determine how much support it provided. 'The back of the heel shouldn't be able to collapse completely. So when they're younger, you'll see it's more flexible materials, but as they get older, the back of the heel should be a little firmer so their heel doesn't flop around,' says Parthasarathy.
We also noted how thick the sole was and how much traction each shoe provided. For newer walkers, we looked for thinner soles that still provide protection and traction, and for more experienced walkers, we looked for a thicker sole with more traction. We noted if the toddlers ever slipped or seemed unstable in the shoes. Comfort
Each tester evaluated how comfortable their toddler was in the shoes and also asked for their toddler's feedback if they were old enough to give it. We noted which shoes they preferred wearing, whether they tried to take certain shoes off and if they had anything positive or negative to say about them. We also noted if the shoes caused any irritation, marks or blisters. Durability
We used the shoes in various settings and noted any unusual wear to the shoes. While it can be difficult to conduct long-term testing since toddlers grow out of shoes relatively quickly, we continue to keep long-term testing notes on any shoes that we are able to. Ease Of Getting The Shoes On And Off
We evaluated how easy it was to get each shoe on and off by both parent and toddler. We paid close attention to how wide the shoe can open, as well as what the closure type is. We also made note if the toddlers were able to get the shoes on themselves (which tends to happen when they're 2).
It's also important to make sure that the shoes stay on, so we considered how well they stayed on the toddlers' feet and whether or not they were difficult to secure. What To Consider When Buying Toddler Shoes
When buying shoes for your toddler, you want to strike the right balance between something that will support their foot health and something they'll actually wear. 'The truth is, barefoot is generally best, but the need for protection for our little's feet at some point is pretty inevitable,' says Rickerd. Here are some factors to consider along with advice from our experts. Comfort And Fit
The right shoe should feel comfortable for them and shouldn't cause any rubbing or irritation. It should also go on easily without having to force the shoe. Whenever possible, have your child try on the shoe before buying it.
Consider the shape of your child's foot; some have wider and chubbier feet than others, so you want to pick a shoe that's designed for their foot shape. 'This is especially important for kids with flatter feet,' says Parthasarathy. 'You want to make sure they're wide enough to accommodate the width of their foot. If that doesn't happen, sometimes kids can even get ingrown toenails or start to develop curly toes where the toes just aren't being as spread out. Toddler feet are cute, chubby little things, and so they tend to take up more room in shoes, so the width is really important.'
Rickerd recommends looking for a shoe with a wide, foot-shaped toe box, not something that tapers at the toes. This helps ensure their toes can splay out, and it can help support their muscles as they get steadier on their feet.
Also remember that toddlers grow quickly, and so do their feet. 'You need to measure your children's feet very often,' says Parthasarathy. She explained that sometimes it can appear that something is wrong with a child's gait, but the real problem is that they've outgrown their shoes. Good Traction
Rickerd recommends grips on the bottom of the shoe to prevent toddlers from slipping. Because they're just learning to walk, you want the shoe to have enough traction that they won't slip without the shoe being overly bulky. Flexibility
'It should have some flexibility to it for the younger kids, but as you get close to the end of the walking phase, you want some structure to it,' says Parthasarathy. A good toddler shoe strikes a balance between being flexible enough that their foot can move naturally while still providing structure. Rickerd also explained that a supportive heel cup with some adjustability around the ankle can help ensure the shoe fits properly and reduce their foot slipping around inside.