The 15 Best Shoes For Toddlers
In a previous life, you might have loved shoe shopping. But now you are in a strange new world, a place where just the idea of footwear is fraught with drama and stress. And if you’ve ever experienced an overpowering, frustration-born urge to throw a shoe as hard as you can at a wall and walk away, you are probably (hopefully) the parent of a toddler—and you are not alone. That’s why we compiled this list of the absolute best shoes for toddlers, all approved by real parents with real shoe problems.
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1. Stride Rite Wes Sneakers
Sneakers that look sharp but won’t slow your tot down—this suede and leather number is fashionable but not flashy. Parents report that the fit is great for wider feet and the leather isn’t stiff, so no blisters for your babe and no buyer’s remorse for you. (Full disclosure: I have two small people who hate shoes, and I am a loyal Stride Rite fan. Their squishy and soft toddler sneakers have been saving my sanity for many a season.)
2. Wonder Nation Lightweight Knit Sneaker
Considering how fast your toddler’s tootsies are growing, we think you will like the price tag of these sneakers. But don’t be fooled by the affordability—reviewers give these Wonder Nation kicks high marks for wearability. The soft, breathable fabric has a sparkle factor that your little one will love, and parents confirm that they are pretty in person. Bonus: The sole is cushioned for extra comfort, so your tot can’t complain (well, at least not about her feet.)
3. Timberland 6" Classic Boots
We think this rugged classic looks good on boys and girls alike, and goes well with most any outfit. They’re also built to last forever--even the most active adventurer will outgrow them before she wears a hole in ‘em, and they have a waterproof exterior with a climate controlled lining, making them equally practical for puddle splashing and snow-day play. Despite the bigger price-tag, parents keep picking these boots for their functionality, quality and kid-tested comfort.
4. See Kai Run Russell Sneakers
We love the retro look of the Russells, but you can also file this guy under fuss-free fashion. Another good choice for the wide-footed child (i.e., most toddlers), they make a great transition shoe for kids who have graduated from soft-soled squishy styles to more structured sneakers.
5. Norty Suede Leather Moccasins
When it comes to casual comfort, we vote mocs over Crocs. The faux-fur lining of these slip-ons is plush and plentiful, so perfect for keeping your kid’s feet warm around the house. But they also have a sturdy rubber sole, which means your toddler won’t slip on the tile floor, and you won’t have to pause and put him in “real” shoes when he wants to help you take out the trash.
6. See Kai Run Saylor Sneaker
Who hasn’t taken their toddler out, had an unexpected sprinkler encounter and then stuffed the soaked sneakers with paper towels while praying to the parenting gods that said sneakers dry before the afternoon playdate? (Just me?) These cute kicks from See Kai Run are ideal summer shoes: water-friendly and easy to put on. Though they’re not water shoes per se, the soft and breathable fabric is particularly quick-drying, and parents agree that these shoes go on quickly and without a struggle.
7. Adidas Continental Stay-put Closure Casual Sneaker
Simple and attractive design makes Adidas sneakers easy to match with just about anything, and parent reviews confirm that they deliver on comfort too. The soft synthetic leather is flexible, so you won’t have to convince your 2-year-old that some shoes need “breaking in”; an anonymous source told us this conversation is futile.
8. Totes Cirrus Charley Tall Waterproof Rain Boots
Splashing in puddles is a rite of passage for preschoolers everywhere, and these parent-approved galoshes are solidly waterproof and tall enough to protect little legs from getting drenched. Our favorite feature is how lightweight these guys are, making it easier for your toddler to run in them and easier for you when it comes time to carry her home. Clunkier, heavier puddle splashers are likely to rain on everyone’s parade.
9. Okilol Toddler & Kids Slip-on Walking Shoes
There’s a lot of false advertising in footwear, which you likely know if you have ever tried to stuff a toddler foot into a shoe that sold itself as a “slip-on” and lied. The good news is that this slip-on style from Okilol lives up to the description. Reviewers overwhelmingly report that these cute kicks are incredibly easy to put on, easy enough for your toddler to do it himself (and succeed before your patience expires). Parents also agree on the high-quality construction, which is pretty cool considering you don’t have to break the bank to buy ’em.
10. Stride Rite Soft Motion Artie Sneakers
The Soft Motion line from Stride Rite is perfect for toddlers who are walking, running and climbing with the best of them, but still relatively new to the concept of footwear. These sneakers are soft and flexible from heel to toe, but not in that I’m-a-sock-pretending-to-be-a-shoe way, and the rubber soles are thick and can take a playground beating, or a thousand. The best part? Your child won’t complain about wearing them every day, and you won’t need to buy another pair until she’s ready for the next size up.
11. Saucony Jazz Hook & Loop Suede Sneakers
These live up to their jazzy name. The bold color combinations are fun, playful and definitely a hit with kids, yet not offensive to adults (so you won’t find yourself wondering if you’re wrong for wanting to explain the definition of “tacky” to a toddler). The oversized Velcro tab means you have a larger margin of error while trying to secure them to the foot of a moving target, and if you’ve ever tried to put shoes on a toddler in a hurry, you know that’s a big deal. In fact, there’s a good chance your kiddo can put these on himself, so you won’t even have to break a sweat before leaving the house.
12. Native Unisex Charley
Maybe you’re looking forward to a warm-weather getaway, or maybe you’re merely daydreaming about summer, but if you’re searching for some very small sandals, you should check these out. The material is soft, so it won’t rub or cause discomfort, and it wipes clean in a second. Parents love the simple style: gender-neutral, cute and easy to dress up or down. Most important, these weren’t designed by a sadist, so there are no buckles! The Velcro closure is secure and easy to use, so you can spend more time in the sun and less time swearing under your breath.
13. Bogs Kids’ Snow Day Snow Boot
Scoop up these lightweight, non-cumbersome workhorses before the season’s first snow day, and you and your babe will be happy you did. The sole is super sturdy (meaning your toddler has all the traction she needs), the interior is fleece-lined to keep her extra warm and cozy, and the bungee-cord drawstring at the calf ensures she stays that way even after a snowball fight.
14. Converse Chuck Taylor All Star 2V PC Boots
You’re never too young to be cool, and it doesn’t get much cooler than Converse. These high-tops also get points for practicality, thanks to a Velcro closure, which makes them easy to put on. Plus, once your toddler has them on, they actually stay put. But the best thing about these puppies is that they perform just like sneakers on the playground, with the added luxury of a fleecy lining to keep feet warm in the winter.
15. Native Jefferson Waterproof Slip-on
The Jefferson slip-on from Native is a thing of beauty; it might even be the perfect shoe. Somewhere between Toms and Crocs, these slip-ons score a 10 for both form and function. Not clunky, not ugly, not smelly, not heavy, not ouchy—just right. So easy to slide on, an 18-month-old might be able to do it without help; so sturdy they show no signs of structural wear and tear after hitting the pavement every day on the foot of a 5-year-old. The rubber material is super easy to clean too. Our only complaint is that, no matter how awesome they are, you can’t in good conscience ask your kid to wear them in the winter.
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