Fitting new walkers for footwear falls somewhere between waiting at the DMV and watching Peppa Pig on the fun scale
Finding good toddler shoes is tedious. Sizing is often a guessing game. And it’s even more often a battle of aesthetics versus practicality. You’re focused on functional toddler walking shoes. Your kids clamor for glitter, unicorns, and sneaker soles that light up. But when it comes to finding the best toddler shoes, and sneakers, you want footwear that’s stable, solid, and flexible. The main function of any toddler shoe is to stop kids learning to walk from slipping, to protect their feet, and to give them sense of security.
Dr. Jane Andersen, a board-certified podiatrist based in North Carolina, explained what to look for when buying shoes for your toddler: “You want a flexible shoe without a rigid sole. You want the foot to develop on its own,” she says. “In a perfect world, toddlers could walk barefoot but in this case, a thin sole protects their feet.”
When it comes to sizing, “Make sure you ask if there’s any pain or if the shoe rubs anything. You want a little bit of room, a thumb’s width, in the toe box so there’s room to grow. It’s important to have them try the shoe and be able to test them and wear them around,” says Anderson.
Special occasion shoes are fine for an hour or two, but “their primary shoes need to be flexible so their foot musculature can develop normally,” advises Dr. Anderson.
And here’s another pro tip from her: “Try to avoid passing on shoes from siblings. If they’re worn out, they’re not providing the right fit or structure. Don’t share shoes between children. Sunday shoes that you wear for two hours? Pass those on. But daily shoes? Not a good idea to share them.”
These are some of the best toddler shoes to buy, all of which have earned the American Podiatric Medical Association’s seal of approval. These sneakers and loafers all have the distinction of being considered “beneficial” to foot health by the organization. Some loafers fun. Others are no-nonsense. But all shoes will serve your beginner walkers well as they find their footing.
Sam Waterproof Boots for Kids by See Kai Run
Now that cooler weather is here, it's time to look into getting proper boots for your walker. These are lightweight, waterproof, and flexible. The interior is lined with fleece, and there's a removable mesh sock liner for breathability. The rubber soles give kids plenty of traction.
BUY NOW $65.00
See Kai Run Kids Gilman WP/IN Toddler Boots
These hardy boots are made for rough weather. They have an upper made from waterproof textile and synthetic materials with leather accents and faux-fur cuffs. The seam-sealed, waterproof membrane construction and water gusset keep feet dry and the thermal lining keep 'em warm.
BUY NOW $75.00
See Kai Run Atlas II Waterproof Toddler Sneakers
Rugged and waterproof, these boots have a dual hook-and-loop strap closure for easy on/off. Plus, the seam-sealed, waterproof membrane construction and water gusset keeps feet dry. And the lining is breathable.
BUY NOW $75.00
Atlas II Waterproof Boots by See Kai Run
A great pair of miniature hiker boots, this one has a double strap closure and a rubber toe cap for added durability and stability. There's a thermal insole to keep toddler feet warm.
BUY NOW $75.00
Momo First Walker Leah Toddler Shoes
The fan-shaped toe box on these toddler shoes is designed to give growing feet plenty of room to move around, instead of being squashed. And the rubber soles with deep tread pattern make these shoes slip-resistant.
Buy Now $39.99
Stevie II Sneakers by See Kai Run
If you're looking for best-in-class traction, these shoes are pretty much it. They have a rubber outsole with a herringbone lug pattern for stability and balance, and faux elastic laces for a secure fit and easy on and off.
BUY NOW $48.00
Stride Rite Soft Motion Artie Toddler Shoes
A stellar shoe for beginner walkers, this one has rounded edges to reduce stumbles and falls. The hook-and-loop closure makes these easy to take on and off, and the rubber bottoms give kids a nice sense of stability.
Buy Now $47.95
See Kai Run Tanner Toddler Shoes
These toddler shoes are breathable and comfortable. They have an adjustable hook-and-loop strap that help kids get a great fit. And the built-in rubber toe caps make the shoes even more durable and stable.
Buy Now $40.99
See Kai Run Waylon Toddler Sneakers
A sweet, simple sneaker with adjustable hook-and-loop straps, a padded collar and tongue, and herringbone treads for greater traction when your kiddo is running around.
BUY NOW $45.00
Justice Flex Sneaker by Pediped
These machine-washable kicks, which have a rubber sole and a Velcro enclosure for adjustability, are tailor-made for running and climbing with abandon.
BUY NOW $58.00
Stride Rite Soft Motion Mason Toddler Sneakers
A cool sneaker with removable memory foam insoles, and molded rubber soles for extra traction.
BUY NOW $46.00
Cruz II Toddler Shoes by See Kai Run
These toddler shoes have a flexible rubber outsole that provides great traction for safe play. We particularly love that these shoes have an extra-wide opening and adjustable hook and loop strap that gives toddlers an adjustable, secure fit.
BUY NOW $40.00
Saucony Wind A/C Toddler Shoes
These Saucony kicks are colorful, durable, breathable, lightweight, and comfortable. These sneakers, which come in a slew of patterns and colors, have a leather and mesh upper for durability and breathability. There's a 4mm heel to toe drop, meaning kids feel more stable. And the EVA footsole gives kids plenty of cushioning.
Buy Now $45.00
pediped Grip-N-Go Betty Toddler Shoes
Cute yet practical, these Mary Janes have a soft leather upper with a grippy, flexible rubber sole.
Buy Now $48.45
See Kai Run Russell Toddler Sneakers
See Kai Run's kicks have a herringbone lug pattern that provides great traction for play, which means the ability to run free at the playground during recess. They have a classic SKR fit with a wide toe box to allow for toes to move freely as your kid's feet grow.
Buy Now $47.99
ikiki Owl Squeaky Toddler Shoes
These toddler shoes have an adjustable squeaker that you can turn off and are made of breathable materials that provide comfort a-plenty. Plus, each grippy sole has a different color, so there's no confusion on which shoe goes on which foot. Yes, parents, it's a thing.
Buy Now $29.95
Pediped Dani Grip 'n' Go Toddler Shoes
These slip-ons have elasticized laces and a hook-and-loop strap for an adjustable, comfortable fit. The flexible rubber outsole allows for plenty of movement, while also providing solid traction.
BUY NOW $54.00
Every product on Fatherly is independently selected by our editors, writers, and experts. If you click a link on our site and buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Related Articles:
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The post The Best Toddler Shoes, According To a Top Foot Doctor appeared first on Fatherly.
#Gear
Dr. Jane Andersen, a board-certified podiatrist based in North Carolina, explained what to look for when buying shoes for your toddler: “You want a flexible shoe without a rigid sole. You want the foot to develop on its own,” she says. “In a perfect world, toddlers could walk barefoot but in this case, a thin sole protects their feet.”
When it comes to sizing, “Make sure you ask if there’s any pain or if the shoe rubs anything. You want a little bit of room, a thumb’s width, in the toe box so there’s room to grow. It’s important to have them try the shoe and be able to test them and wear them around,” says Anderson.
Special occasion shoes are fine for an hour or two, but “their primary shoes need to be flexible so their foot musculature can develop normally,” advises Dr. Anderson.
And here’s another pro tip from her: “Try to avoid passing on shoes from siblings. If they’re worn out, they’re not providing the right fit or structure. Don’t share shoes between children. Sunday shoes that you wear for two hours? Pass those on. But daily shoes? Not a good idea to share them.”
These are some of the best toddler shoes to buy, all of which have earned the American Podiatric Medical Association’s seal of approval. These sneakers and loafers all have the distinction of being considered “beneficial” to foot health by the organization. Some loafers fun. Others are no-nonsense. But all shoes will serve your beginner walkers well as they find their footing.
Sam Waterproof Boots for Kids by See Kai Run
Now that cooler weather is here, it's time to look into getting proper boots for your walker. These are lightweight, waterproof, and flexible. The interior is lined with fleece, and there's a removable mesh sock liner for breathability. The rubber soles give kids plenty of traction.
BUY NOW $65.00
See Kai Run Kids Gilman WP/IN Toddler Boots
These hardy boots are made for rough weather. They have an upper made from waterproof textile and synthetic materials with leather accents and faux-fur cuffs. The seam-sealed, waterproof membrane construction and water gusset keep feet dry and the thermal lining keep 'em warm.
BUY NOW $75.00
See Kai Run Atlas II Waterproof Toddler Sneakers
Rugged and waterproof, these boots have a dual hook-and-loop strap closure for easy on/off. Plus, the seam-sealed, waterproof membrane construction and water gusset keeps feet dry. And the lining is breathable.
BUY NOW $75.00
Atlas II Waterproof Boots by See Kai Run
A great pair of miniature hiker boots, this one has a double strap closure and a rubber toe cap for added durability and stability. There's a thermal insole to keep toddler feet warm.
BUY NOW $75.00
Momo First Walker Leah Toddler Shoes
The fan-shaped toe box on these toddler shoes is designed to give growing feet plenty of room to move around, instead of being squashed. And the rubber soles with deep tread pattern make these shoes slip-resistant.
Buy Now $39.99
Stevie II Sneakers by See Kai Run
If you're looking for best-in-class traction, these shoes are pretty much it. They have a rubber outsole with a herringbone lug pattern for stability and balance, and faux elastic laces for a secure fit and easy on and off.
BUY NOW $48.00
Stride Rite Soft Motion Artie Toddler Shoes
A stellar shoe for beginner walkers, this one has rounded edges to reduce stumbles and falls. The hook-and-loop closure makes these easy to take on and off, and the rubber bottoms give kids a nice sense of stability.
Buy Now $47.95
See Kai Run Tanner Toddler Shoes
These toddler shoes are breathable and comfortable. They have an adjustable hook-and-loop strap that help kids get a great fit. And the built-in rubber toe caps make the shoes even more durable and stable.
Buy Now $40.99
See Kai Run Waylon Toddler Sneakers
A sweet, simple sneaker with adjustable hook-and-loop straps, a padded collar and tongue, and herringbone treads for greater traction when your kiddo is running around.
BUY NOW $45.00
Justice Flex Sneaker by Pediped
These machine-washable kicks, which have a rubber sole and a Velcro enclosure for adjustability, are tailor-made for running and climbing with abandon.
BUY NOW $58.00
Stride Rite Soft Motion Mason Toddler Sneakers
A cool sneaker with removable memory foam insoles, and molded rubber soles for extra traction.
BUY NOW $46.00
Cruz II Toddler Shoes by See Kai Run
These toddler shoes have a flexible rubber outsole that provides great traction for safe play. We particularly love that these shoes have an extra-wide opening and adjustable hook and loop strap that gives toddlers an adjustable, secure fit.
BUY NOW $40.00
Saucony Wind A/C Toddler Shoes
These Saucony kicks are colorful, durable, breathable, lightweight, and comfortable. These sneakers, which come in a slew of patterns and colors, have a leather and mesh upper for durability and breathability. There's a 4mm heel to toe drop, meaning kids feel more stable. And the EVA footsole gives kids plenty of cushioning.
Buy Now $45.00
pediped Grip-N-Go Betty Toddler Shoes
Cute yet practical, these Mary Janes have a soft leather upper with a grippy, flexible rubber sole.
Buy Now $48.45
See Kai Run Russell Toddler Sneakers
See Kai Run's kicks have a herringbone lug pattern that provides great traction for play, which means the ability to run free at the playground during recess. They have a classic SKR fit with a wide toe box to allow for toes to move freely as your kid's feet grow.
Buy Now $47.99
ikiki Owl Squeaky Toddler Shoes
These toddler shoes have an adjustable squeaker that you can turn off and are made of breathable materials that provide comfort a-plenty. Plus, each grippy sole has a different color, so there's no confusion on which shoe goes on which foot. Yes, parents, it's a thing.
Buy Now $29.95
Pediped Dani Grip 'n' Go Toddler Shoes
These slip-ons have elasticized laces and a hook-and-loop strap for an adjustable, comfortable fit. The flexible rubber outsole allows for plenty of movement, while also providing solid traction.
BUY NOW $54.00
Every product on Fatherly is independently selected by our editors, writers, and experts. If you click a link on our site and buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Related Articles:
90-Year-Old Grandma Receives First COVID-19 Vaccine
Christmas Light Sales Are More Popular Than Ever Thanks to COVID-19
The Morality of Cancelling Student Loan Debt
Bill Nye Goes Viral, Throws Down About How Masks Work — Again
The post The Best Toddler Shoes, According To a Top Foot Doctor appeared first on Fatherly.
#Gear