The 15 Greatest Toddler Footwear of 2024

As a mom of a really energetic little one, I’ve seen first-hand how vital toddler sneakers are for his or her correct improvement, from taking these first steps to working and leaping in puddles. Over the previous couple of years, my son has examined several types of toddler sneakers, permitting me to find out what withstands a toddler’s tough play. For starters, the precise sneakers shield tiny ft on completely different surfaces, like wooden chips on the playground and rocks on the sidewalk, with out hindering a busy toddler’s mobility or steadiness.

It doesn’t matter what model you’re searching for, from informal to fancy, toddler sneakers needs to be comfortable, supportive, and match nicely (and be lovely—however that goes with out saying). “Contemplate your little one’s distinctive foot form, and don’t be afraid to strive a wide range of kinds. It may be that one model is simply too slim or vast to your particular person little one (or runs small or huge), whereas one other model matches excellent,” says pediatrician Whitney Casares, MD, MPH.

To seek out one of the best toddler sneakers, we spoke with consultants and had dad and mom and their youngsters (between the ages of 1 and 4.5) put over two dozen pairs of sneakers via a number of exams at residence, evaluating their design, match, stability, adjustability, breathability, and total worth. A pediatrician from our Skilled Board additionally reviewed the contents of this text for medical accuracy, together with particulars like when youngsters ought to begin sporting sneakers and easy methods to discover the precise pair.

Our Favourite Toddler Footwear

Tips on how to Measure Toddler Toes for Footwear?

Utilizing an everyday family ruler, measure your kid’s foot from heel to toe. You too can have them stand on a chunk of paper, hint round their ft, and measure the space between the heel and the longest toe. We advocate that you simply add half an inch to the foot measurement to get a cushty match. Then, use the model’s sizing chart to resolve your kiddos’ shoe measurement. In fact, you too can take your little one to a shoe retailer for an correct measurement. In line with specialist Mark Mendeszoon, DPM, ft needs to be re-measured each six months to make sure accuracy.

Shoe sizes for kids are damaged down into a couple of classes: toddler, toddler, little youngsters, and massive youngsters. The toddler, toddler, and little child sizes vary from 0 to 13, whereas huge child sneakers begin over at 1 to 7 (the equal of a males’s 7). Toddler sneakers normally embody a “T” or “C” subsequent to the quantity to point that it’s a toddler or little child shoe. Keep in mind that not all manufacturers adhere to the identical language, and it’s best to at all times verify the scale chart earlier than buying. 

Greatest First Strolling Footwear 

Stride Ceremony Mushy Movement Zips Runner Sneaker

Why We Like It 

The Stride Ceremony Mushy Movement Zips Runner Sneakers are simple to placed on, fashionable, and cozy on tiny ft. They’re accessible in two width choices and a number of colours. We liked how simply these Stride Ceremony toddler sneakers slip on and off via the outsized opening. The adjustable hook-and-loop Velcro closure is a breeze to tighten and maneuver, even for impartial toddlers.

A reminiscence foam footbed was tender and supportive for our little tester’s ft as they walked and ran on the park and day care. The versatile but slip-resistant rubber soles have glorious traction on a wide range of surfaces, together with exterior within the rain. The anti-stink mesh lining proved true—we observed zero odor and dampness although the toddler sporting them usually runs sizzling. 

However Take Observe 

Sadly, these Stride Ceremony toddler sneakers usually are not on the corporate’s machine cleanable listing. Nevertheless, the leather-based and textile higher (made with recycled supplies) didn’t get too soiled after a number of bouts within the mud, snow, and grass. After months of testing, they seemed good as new. 

The Particulars: 

• Measurement vary: 3 to six
• Materials: Leather-based and textile higher
• Sole sort: Exhausting (rubber)

Nike Flex Runner 2

Why We Like It 

From walks across the neighborhood to taking part in on the park, these Nike toddler sneakers are sturdy on a number of terrains, due to a sturdy foam sole. “The sneakers had good traction for working and leaping on the playground’s rubber turf and grass turf, in addition to on concrete,” mentioned our tester’s mother or father.

The toe field is pretty vast and options ample area for wiggling toes. Pull tabs on the heels and tongue are the cherry on high of the slip-on design. We observed our tester’s ft had been heat after sporting the sneakers however didn’t odor or really feel sweaty; we credit score the breathable and light-weight materials on the smooth and sporty higher. 

However Take Observe 

These Nike toddler sneakers don’t have any adjustable straps, however that didn’t have an effect on their efficiency. The sneakers match nicely due to the midfoot and heel straps, solely slipping off our 3-year-old tester’s ft when he was making an attempt to climb a steep slope on the playground. In any other case, the fashionable sneakers stayed put via a lot of working, leaping, and strolling. 

The Particulars: 

• Measurement vary: 2 to 10
• Materials: Not listed
• Sole sort: Exhausting (foam) 

Ten Little First Walker

Why We Like It 

Though our 18-month-old tester solely began strolling a couple of months in the past, she actually put these sneakers to the take a look at at day care and the park. Flat rubber soles have excellent traction and assist for infants or toddlers studying to stroll. We admire the cotton-polyester higher and cotton lining, which hold ft dry and stop overheating. 

One among our favourite options of those first strolling sneakers is the adjustable Velcro straps, which permit dad and mom and caregivers to discover a safe match—no matter how thick their little one’s socks are—that may final all day. 

However Take Observe 

The foot-shaped toe field promotes the pure form of ft and matches comfortably, though the rubber toe scuffs simply. 

The Particulars: 

• Measurement vary: 3 to six
• Materials: Cotton and polyester higher, cotton lining
• Sole sort: Exhausting (rubber)

Greatest Toddler Water Footwear and Sandals 

Eager Toddlers’ Newport H2

Why We Like It 

The Eager Newport H2s are sandals and water sneakers that give toddlers the splash of confidence they should tackle any water journey. After placing these sneakers on, our 22-month-old tester may “confidently discover completely different terrains with out my worrying that she was going to lose her steadiness or the shoe was going to come back off,” says her mother. We admire that the froth insole absorbs shocks from uneven surfaces and supplies arch assist for consolation out and in of the water. An adjustable hook-and-loop closure is one among our favourite options of this Eager toddler shoe. We additionally love how the bungee lacing provides an outdoorsy aptitude however doesn’t require tying. 

However Take Observe 

We admire the light-weight rubber sole that helps the roomy toe field. Nevertheless, we discovered that the sneakers scuffed and obtained soiled simply. On the plus aspect, these toddler water sneakers are machine cleanable, and the polyester webbing higher dries shortly, so youngsters don’t have to attend lengthy to take them on their subsequent journey.

The Particulars: 

• Measurement vary: 4 to 7
• Materials: Polyester webbing higher
• Sole sort: Exhausting (rubber)

Croc Basic Clog

Why We Like It 

Accessible in additional than two dozen colours, the Crocs Toddler Basic Clog matches true to measurement and incorporates a heel strap for a safe match on kiddos. Our favourite half is that these sneakers are simple to slide on and off, as our 3-year-old tester confirmed. 

The corporate makes its sneakers with trademarked Croslite (a resin materials), which we discovered simple to wash and dry. As well as, the clogs have holes to carry airflow to the ft, an amazing function that retains ft from overheating on the pool and seashore. And you may at all times pair socks with these sneakers when it is cool exterior. 

However Take Observe 

Whereas not excellent for sports activities or working actions, the Crocs toddler sneakers are a stable choice for most children’ day by day actions. The corporate additionally sells them in grownup sizes, so everybody within the household can match. 

The Particulars: 

• Measurement vary: 4 to 10 
• Materials: Croslite
• Sole sort: Exhausting (Croslite)

Merrell Little Child’s Naked Steps Sandal

Why We Like It 

The Merrell Little Child’s Naked Steps Sandals showcase your favourite tootsies with out sacrificing correct foot improvement. Rounded edges, a large open-toe field, and a versatile grippy outsole provide stability for toddlers to run, bounce, and climb safely. The lovely buckle particulars are secretly Velcro straps with an additional strap across the heel to supply a personalized match for rising ft. After adjusting the 2 higher straps the primary time our tester wore them, we solely wanted to open and shut the heel strap when placing the sneakers on and taking them off. 

However Take Observe 

These sneakers match true to measurement, so we advocate ordering a half measurement up in case your little one is on the cusp of their shoe measurement (or in order for you room to develop). 

The Particulars: 

• Measurement vary: 4 to 10
• Materials: Not listed
• Sole sort: Exhausting (recycled rubber)

Greatest Toddler Working Footwear

New Steadiness Rave Run V2

Why We Like It 

Along with working, toddlers can simply bounce, climb, and deal with any playground gear within the New Steadiness Rave Run V2s. A sturdy rubber outsole provides small ft excellent traction on slides, grass, and extra surfaces with out slipping. The mesh higher permits loads of airflow, forsaking odors and sweaty ft. We admire the sneakers’ light-weight really feel, flexibility, and machine-washable materials. 

However Take Observe 

Don’t let the laces idiot you—a Velcro strap widens the sneakers’ openings, making it tremendous easy to place sneakers on in a jiffy. We simply want the strap was barely thicker. 

The Particulars: 

• Measurement vary: 2 to 10
• Materials: Not listed
• Sole sort: Exhausting (rubber)

Adidas Racer TR 23 Footwear

Why We Like It 

These sneakers are referred to as “Racer” for a purpose; our youngsters had no downside kicking balls, working, and taking part in sports activities in them. They match true to measurement with sufficient wiggle room within the toes and tremendous comfortable cushioning for every step. The sturdy rubber outsole has loads of traction for ft on the transfer, whereas the mesh higher is light-weight and breathable. 

Bonus: The higher incorporates no less than 50% recycled supplies. 

However Take Observe 

One function that shocked us was the colour of a few of the shoe’s options. Whereas the black model mentions “Cloud White” in its description, the stripes, heel tab, again, and tongue tab appeared mild lavender. We didn’t thoughts, however an older sibling getting their very own pair would possibly discover.

The Particulars: 

• Measurement vary: 1 to 10 
• Materials: Mesh higher, Cloudfoam midsole
• Sole sort: Exhausting (rubber)

Cat & Jack Toddler Parker Sneakers

Why We Like It 

In case you’re searching for reasonably priced toddler sneakers, the Cat & Jack Parker Sneakers boast a budget-friendly price ticket, so you should buy a number of sizes or pairs for siblings. Two Velcro closures on the higher are lengthy but easy to regulate, contributing to the sneakers’ glorious stability. We liked that our 19-month-old tester was in a position to put these sneakers on by herself. The outsole gave her good traction on completely different surfaces, however we advocate sneakers with extra grip for snowy climate. 

However Take Observe 

There are a few downsides to those toddler sneakers. In case your little one’s ft run sizzling, they could sweat simpler. The heel pull tab is simply too small to loop a finger via, so that you’ll want two fingers to drag on it.

The Particulars: 

• Measurement vary: 4 to 12
• Materials: Cotton
• Sole sort: Not listed

Greatest Mini-Me Toddler Footwear

Reebok Basic Leather-based Footwear – Toddler

Why We Like It 

Match your mini-me with the Reebok Basic Leather-based model you grew up with. Throughout testing, the rubber outsole saved up with an 18-month-old who likes to stroll, run, climb, and play to his coronary heart’s content material. “These sneakers offered extra traction and stability than a few of the others he’s used to,” mentioned the toddler’s mother or father, including that the sneakers even saved up with their son’s sweaty ft. “These sneakers virtually nonetheless odor new, which shocks me,” they mentioned. 

However Take Observe 

These Reebok toddler sneakers function a stretch lace closure, so you’ll be able to’t regulate them like Velcro straps. We adopted the sizing information and located that the sneakers match true to measurement, which eradicated the necessity to regulate. 

The Particulars: 

• Measurement vary: 4 to 10
• Materials: Full grain leather-based higher and EVA foam insole
• Sole sort: Exhausting (rubber)

Adidas Gazelle Footwear

Why We Like It 

Initially launched within the Sixties, the Adidas Gazelles are a streetwear icon. The traditional Adidas stripes and the phrase “Gazelle” in metallic gold grace the edges of the sneakers. Our testers wore them whereas working and driving their scooters in all forms of climate, and their ft by no means felt sizzling regardless of the suede materials. General, the sneakers slip on simply, due to the 2 Velcro straps (little child sizes have three straps), and have stable traction.

However Take Observe 

Adidas doesn’t present particulars on easy methods to wash the suede materials, however after one among our kiddos caught norovirus, we had no selection however to toss the sneakers into the washer. Dad and mom say these sneakers “went via a lot of muddy puddles,” they usually got here out like new from the washer and dryer.

The Particulars: 

• Measurement vary: 4 to 10
• Materials: Suede
• Sole sort: Not listed

Nike Courtroom Legacy

Why We Like It 

Sturdy, comfortable, and classy, the Nike Courtroom Legacy toddler sneakers are successful with dad and mom and youngsters. Like grownup Nike Courtroom Legacy sneakers, these toddler choices have the retro “Swoosh” and distinctive stitching. The thick rubber sole supplies good traction for leaping, working, and different actions and doesn’t weigh youngsters down. One massive Velcro strap is adjustable and uncomplicated, permitting youngsters to maneuver independently (and really feel like huge youngsters). 

However Take Observe 

The leather-based materials just isn’t breathable, and if worn all day, it might trigger youngsters’ ft to sweat and generally odor. Moreover, the white leather-based dirties simply. Whereas we had been in a position to clear scuffs with a wipe, they by no means seemed crisp white once more.

The Particulars: 

• Measurement vary: 2 to 10
• Materials: Leather-based
• Sole sort: Exhausting (rubber)

Greatest Toddler Footwear for Broad Toes

Stride Ceremony Winslow 2.0 Sneaker

Why We Like It 

For small ft that want a little bit further wiggle room, we advocate these Stride Ceremony toddler sneakers. The toe field could be very roomy, which was an amazing match for our 14-month-old tester. “The perfect half is the adjustable strap,” says one mother or father, including, “It’s so simple to get her foot into the shoe with loads of area.” 

The particular tread on the only creates steady traction for early walkers or veteran runners. Plus, these toddler sneakers for vast ft are authorised by the American Podiatric Medical Affiliation (APMA). The sneakers are additionally accessible in medium width. 

However Take Observe 

Sadly, the Stride Ceremony Winslow 2.0 Sneakers usually are not machine cleanable; we assume it’s as a result of absolutely submerging them in water could compromise the integrity of the outer artificial leather-based. To wash the sneakers, the corporate recommends wiping them clear.

The Particulars: 

• Measurement vary: 5 to 10
• Materials: Artificial leather-based
• Sole sort: Not listed

Saucony Jazz Lite 2.0 Sneakers

Why We Like It 

Just like the Stride Ceremony Winslows, the Saucony Jazz Lite 2.0 Sneakers are available medium and vast widths. The medium width seemed vast to us, but it surely match a 2-year-old nicely sufficient for him to comfortably run and stroll at day care, residence, and the streets of Manhattan. The rubber outsole has grooves to grip numerous surfaces and supply stability. Our favourite function of those sneakers is their materials; the leather-based and mesh higher give youngsters a lot of breathability, and the anti-stink lining prevents odors from forming. 

However Take Observe 

One among our dad and mom wasn’t a fan of the general look of the Saucony toddler sneakers, saying, “it’s a very good choice for college or daytime as a result of it’s snug, however I don’t see it working double responsibility as a pleasant sneaker to put on to fancier events.” 

The Particulars: 

• Measurement vary: 4 to 10
• Materials: Leather-based and mesh higher
• Sole sort: Exhausting (rubber)

New Steadiness 574 New-B Hook & Loop

Why We Like It 

Fairly than two width choices, these New Steadiness toddler sneakers have three: medium, vast, and extra-wide. The adjustable hook-and-loop closures on these New Steadiness toddler sneakers are praise-worthy as a result of they supply a cushty and safe match on little ft. Along with holding ft in place, small toes have further wiggle room with out the sneakers feeling too slim or stiff. 

A rubber outsole was simply what our 2-year-old tester wanted for stability at day care and past. We didn’t see any tripping or falling throughout testing, and the rubber had nice traction on the bottom. General, the design is stable sufficient for college however works for different events, each informal and dressy, no matter terrain, due to its sturdiness and noticeably prime quality. 

However Take Observe

The one downsides we discovered with the New Steadiness 574 New-B Hook & Loop sneakers had been the heat and slight odor on our tester’s ft after a full day’s put on. Additionally, due to the respected model identify, New Steadiness sneakers carry the next price ticket. Nevertheless, we expect the dependable traction these sneakers provide makes them worthwhile. 

The Particulars: 

• Measurement vary: 2 to 10
• Materials: Artificial higher
• Sole sort: Exhausting (rubber)

Different Notable Toddler Footwear 

• Stride Ceremony Wes Sneakers: We love the Stride Ceremony Wes Sneakers as a result of they provide excellent traction, simple adjustability, and a cushty match. Cleansing them isn’t excellent (they’re not machine cleanable); you should spot-clean the fragile leather-based and suede materials. On the plus aspect, we used a humid rag and a little bit elbow grease, they usually seemed good as new.
• Ten Little Furry Excessive High: These Ten Little boots are nice winter toddler sneakers, due to their vegan leather-based higher and heat furry lining. Nevertheless, tiny ft that run sizzling could sweat in these boots as a result of the liner runs from toes to ankles.
• See Kai Run Robyne Purple Denim: These See Kai Run toddler sneakers provide implausible stability, two adjustable straps, and an excellent cute look. Sadly, that lovely design dirties simply, and the sneakers aren’t machine cleanable (spot clear solely). 
• Ten Little On a regular basis Sandals: We admire the pliability and adjustability of those sneakers. Plus, they’re simply downright cute. Nevertheless, we want the Velcro opened a little bit extra for simpler entry to slide wider ft in.
• Nike Jordan 1M Mid SE: Even the youngest members of the family can sport a pair of Js. Whereas the high-top design is traditional, they felt barely heavy, reminding us of shoes. Nonetheless, the Nike high-tops didn’t cease youngsters from transferring, stretching, wiggling, and dancing. 

How We Examined Toddler Footwear

To seek out one of the best toddler sneakers for water, on a regular basis put on, and past, we requested over a dozen parenting editors and their youngsters to include one or a couple of pairs into their day by day routine. For months, testers have been evaluating greater than two dozen toddler sneakers on the next attributes: 

• Match: To make sure an accurate match, we requested dad and mom and caregivers to press down on the entrance of the shoe, watch their little one run, bounce, and stroll, and make notes about stumbling or unnatural actions. 
• Adjustability: If relevant, dad and mom famous easy methods to regulate the sneakers, whether or not by way of Velcro straps, laces, or one other technique. 
• Stability: We had our tiny testers put on the sneakers day by day whereas partaking in common actions. We needed to know if the sneakers had been simple to stroll or run in, offered ample traction, had versatile but stable soles, and had been simple to placed on and take off. 
• Breathability: Like adults, youngsters can have sweaty ft, so we needed to verify the sneakers on our listing had been breathable. Dad and mom carried out a sniff take a look at on the shoe and their little one’s ft for any odors after which felt their ft to see in the event that they had been sweaty or overheated. 
• Design: For the general design, dad and mom described the appear and feel of the sneakers and requested their youngsters what they considered them when attainable. We additionally washed the sneakers when needed, figuring out if that they had simple or difficult cleansing directions and the way the fabric held up. 
• Worth: The toddler sneakers we examined value between $10 and $65. We requested testers if the sneakers had been price their value and if they might proceed to make use of them past our testing interval. 

Our Consultants

We spoke with a number of consultants about what dad and mom ought to search for in toddler sneakers: 

• Mark Mendeszoon, DPM, podiatrist, foot and ankle surgeon, and doctor spokesperson for the APMA.
• Kelly Fradin, MD, FAAP, a complex-care pediatrician, director of pediatrics at Atria Institute, and creator of Superior Parenting: Recommendation for Serving to Children Via Diagnoses, Variations, and Psychological Well being Challenges.
• Whitney Casares, MD, MPH, a pediatrician, creator of Doing It All: Cease Over-Functioning, and Develop into the Mother and Individual You’re Meant to Be, and founding father of Fashionable Mommy Doc.

Elements to Contemplate in Toddler Footwear

• Measurement: Toddler sneakers differ in width and measurement, so checking sizing charts is essential to make sure your little one will get a correct match. “Shopping for sneakers the following measurement up will be helpful, as youngsters develop so shortly, and so do their ft,” Dr. Mendeszoon says. In case you’re not desirous about buying a full-size bigger for longevity, strive a half-size as much as discover the precise match. 
• Design: Select a shoe to your toddler that permits their foot to maneuver and develop naturally. Footwear that are not overly inflexible and onerous will assist your toddler develop robust, wholesome ft and posture. “Kids’s ft are extra variable in width and form than grownup ft; accordingly, getting them fitted or sized, particularly within the toddler years, is usually a huge assist,” says Dr. Fradin. Furthermore, go for sneakers that provide breathability and luxury and a sturdy sole to resist a number of surfaces. “While you’re in carpeted areas the place you’re not involved about sharp objects penetrating a shoe, go for tender sole varieties,” says Dr. Casares. “While you’re out and about on the concrete or different onerous surfaces, that’s when tougher, sturdier soles will serve you greatest.
• Development: Though toddlers outgrow their sneakers shortly, they’re onerous on them within the meantime, so sturdy sneakers are important. “Search for sneakers which might be light-weight and versatile as an alternative of inflexible and onerous to maneuver in,” says Dr. Casares. “Your child is studying easy methods to navigate the world. Make it as simple as attainable!” Encourage your little one’s newfound independence by discovering sneakers which might be simple to placed on and take off. “Until a baby is aware of easy methods to lace their sneakers, Velcro is probably the most handy and most snug sort of shoe for them,” says Dr. Mendeszooon. 
• Function and Season: Will your toddler be rocking these sneakers whereas taking part in with toys exterior or on a household stroll? Footwear they’ll use as their on a regular basis pair will doubtless differ from these they use for dressing up. Additionally, relying on the place you reside, your toddler will doubtless want a unique pair of sneakers for various seasons. Whether or not it’s a pair of breathable summer season sandals, protecting water sneakers, or cozy winter boots, hold the seasons in thoughts when searching for toddler sneakers. No matter season, one of the best toddler sneakers ought to match nicely, present assist, and be comfortable.

When Ought to Kids Begin Sporting Footwear?

“Most youngsters begin sporting sneakers as soon as they start strolling with stability and are prepared to go away the home on their very own two ft,” says Dr. Casares. “This typically begins at about 1 12 months previous, although all youngsters are distinctive.” As soon as youngsters start to maneuver, sneakers present a security barrier between issues on the bottom. “When youngsters are principally strolling, we should always put them in sneakers to stop damage, akin to strolling on sizzling surfaces or sidewalks close to damaged glass or canine poop,” Dr. Fradin provides.

Whereas sneakers forestall damage, Dr. Mendeszoon recommends youngsters go barefoot as a lot as attainable till 2 years previous. This advice permits a baby’s ft to develop usually and develop muscle tissue and energy, together with toe greedy. Nevertheless, there are some exceptions, Dr. Fradin particulars. “I do want toddlers barefoot except there are developmental causes akin to toe strolling or weak point on the ankle joint main them to profit from extra assist,” she says.

In any other case, going barefoot has its advantages, in keeping with Dr. Casares. “In case you’re simply hanging out at residence together with your toddler, attempt to let your toddler go barefoot as typically as attainable to allow them to be taught to optimize proprioception (the place their physique is in area) with out having to think about further material or plastic boundaries,” she explains.

Who We Are

Katrina Cossey is a commerce author, enthusiastic shopper, and devoted mother. She spent a number of years in broadcast journalism however discovered her true ardour in writing about one of the best merchandise for households, pregnant folks, and youngsters of all ages. She’s researched 1000’s of child merchandise, toys, items, and extra and personally examined a lot of them. In her spare time, you’ll doubtless discover her within the stunning outside of Oklahoma along with her husband and 4-year-old son. Katrina extremely recommends toddler sneakers with Velcro straps, a sturdy, onerous sole with traction, and a cushty match.