The Best Toddler Shoes To Support Kids On The Move

Stride Rite is known for creating quality kids’ shoes that are durable enough to pass them down to younger siblings. The brand’s Kylo sneaker is an affordable, durable and flexible pick. It features an Ortholite memory foam footbed for your toddler’s comfort, along with a rounded rubber sole for sturdy traction. This shoe is specially created for new walkers and is approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) for your baby’s foot health. Choose from among seven color combinations for a look that matches your little one’s budding style.

What the parents say: These shoes last. They were my now-4-year-old’s first sneakers and they’ve been durable enough to be passed down to her 1-year-old sister. The convenient hook and loop closure makes it easy to get your child into their shoes and out the door.

At $10, it’s hard to beat the price of these Cat & Jack shoes from Target. But they’re more than just a good bargain. These sneakers have a comfortable cotton lining with a breathable upper to raise the odds your little one will actually wear them. The sneakers secure with the help of two hook-and-loop sticky tabs, helping you to get a more snug fit for those who tend to step out of their shoes. While you’re probably not shopping based on looks alone, it doesn’t hurt that these shoes come in adorable patterns. Keep in mind that they are spot clean only.

What the parents say: My 6-year-old had these shoes as one of his first pairs, and they held well up enough to be passed on to his younger siblings—not bad for $10. Target customers have rated these adorable shoes a 4.5 out of 5 with more than 2,100 reviews. Many praise their durability.

Ten Little’s APMA-approved Everyday Original sneakers are ideal for toddlers still trying to get more steady on their feet. The wide, rounded toe box is made for new walkers as is the flexible construction. Also, the natural rubber soles are designed to ensure little ones can feel the ground a bit, too, offering feedback as they walk. Kids love the stickers that come with these colorful shoes, too, allowing them to personalize their footwear. They’re also available in 11 colors.

What the parents say: Several Forbes Vetted editors prefer Ten Little sneakers for their little ones, including the deputy editor Rose Gordon Sala. “I tried these shoes with my youngest who actually had a walking delay, and I feel really good about their APMA-approved design as she continues to grow,” says Sala. “They’re also lightweight and snug enough to stay on her feet while also being easy enough for her to put on independently. I just wish they were machine washable.”

If you have a kid who plays hard, you’ll soon learn that you’ll need to replace their shoes (and pants with the knees torn) more frequently than you might have expected. These Merrell toddler shoes are designed with a more rugged construction but still offer tots the lighter feel of a sneaker with easy on and off and a padded EVA footbed. It has a grippy, flexible sole with the right amount of traction for kids tearing up the playground or the nature trail. This particular pair of Merrells is machine washable and includes an anti-stink lining to reduce odors.

What the parents say: Sala reports she’s a longtime Merrell fan for her outdoor-loving kids. “I started buying these more rugged Merrell hiking-style sneakers for my kids, because I was tired of replacing their shoes every couple of months due to holes and torn straps,” she explains. “I’ve tried several Merrell kid styles and all have held up well to months of wear, but I especially like that these are machine washable.”

If you can’t be bothered with the Velcro-style straps, consider this sweet slip-on toddler shoe from Simple Joys by Carter’s. While it’s not as durable as a running shoe, it features a comfortable upper that’s stiff enough to hold its shape without digging into your child’s foot. The synthetic sole also helps your little one get a grip on the ground. These sneakers can be spot-cleaned with soap and water, in case of mud puddle run-ins. Choose from among five patterns, including subtle dinosaurs and a sparkly unicorn.

What the parents say: These toddler sneakers have racked up a positive rating of 4.6 out of 5 on Amazon with more than 3,500 reviews. “I was iffy on these shoes, but they are so stinking cute. They are easy to put on and very durable,” writes one reviewer.

The See Kai Run shoes often get a shoutout on best toddler shoe lists, because every pair is APMA approved, and the brand puts an emphasis on healthy foot development. This pair is specifically designed for kids who might need a brace or another type of orthopedic insert or custom insole added to the shoe, making them our favorite adaptive toddler shoe. The opening is a bit wider to allow for the addition of orthotics, and it doesn’t automatically flop back to the closed position, and the straps are extra long and can be customized further. This high-top includes a soft and flexible upper and is fully lined with minimal seams to reduce sensory irritation. See Kai Run designs are extra cute, too, and parents report that their kids can independently get the brand’s shoes on and off easily.

What the parents say: “My 2 year old uses it for orthotics,” writes one reviewer. “I love it because the straps aren't attached to go across the shoes so it's easy for the AFO brace to get inside the shoe.” Forbes Vetted editor Margaret Badore is also a fan. “Although my toddler doesn’t need orthotics, I’ve found these to be a great shoe for him,” she says. “The wide foot opening and hinges on the straps make them super easy to put on a wiggly toddler. They’ve held up great after over six months of use as his primary shoes.”

These Amazon bestsellers are specially designed to protect little feet in and around the water. They feature an foam sole that’s sturdy enough to lend just a bit of support, while protecting your child’s feet from rocks and other sharp objects during any type of water play. Drainage holes in the sole, along with a mesh and knit upper, allow for water to flow in and out without weighing your little one down. There’s also a hook and loop closure to make the shoes easy to put on and take off. With 45 colors and patterns, it’s easy to find one to suit your little one’s style.

What the parents say: These inexpensive water shoes have earned a 4.6 out of 5 stars rating on Amazon with more than 7,000 reviews. “Love these. My little girl used them all summer and they have held up,” wrote one. “Easy to take on and off, lightweight, durable and quick dry.”

Crocs for the toddler set make a lot of sense. These sturdy sandals feature the brand’s signature Croslite material that can easily slog through puddles and streams, making it a great option for a day at the pool, beach or just stomping through the yard. The sandals have a strap at the ankle and heel for a personalized fit. That, along with another strap around the toe, helps ensure these sandals stay put.

What the parents say: As a mom to four, I believe my favorite part about these comfortable toddler shoes is that they’re easy to wipe clean and completely waterproof. Other reviewers praise their comfort and style. “Ordered these last minute for my 1-year-old and sooo glad I did,” writes one. “Brought them on a ten day vacation to the beach and we were not disappointed. They withstood the ocean, pool, splash pad, sand (so much sand and it came right off with a couple taps) and walking all over. Easy to put on my toddler and easy to take off too. They stayed on tight and he was comfortable walking/playing in them the whole time.”

Nike’s massively popular Flex Runner 2 is perfect for those times when you want to get out the door as quickly as possible. The lace-free sneaker is a slip-on with a bootie-like design to make sure the shoe doesn’t fly off during intense playground sessions. These shoes have a foam insole for a comfortable feel, along with a wing-like shape around the heel for stability when your child is darting all over the place. Pull tabs big enough for an adult finger at the tongue and heel make the process of getting these sneakers on and off seamless.

What the parents say: My son has these shoes and they are a dream on those days when we’re running late, which is most of the time. I just slip his feet in and we move on. I love that there are no laces or straps to fiddle with, and he seems to like the look and feel.

Kids tend to live in sneakers, but sometimes you want something a little more polished. Allbirds bridges the gap with Smallbirds Woolrunners, a petite take on the brand’s popular Woolrunners for adults. These sneakers look like a dressier shoe, with the same comfort kids appreciate from athletic shoes. They also have thick elastic laces, so you can slip your child’s foot in and out. Crafted from premium ZQ Merino wool, the Smallbirds Woolrunners have a high-quality look and feel. A nice touch? They can be tossed in the washing machine.

What the parents say: My toddler is partial to sneakers with glitter and lights, but she loves these simply designed shoes. The fit is surprisingly snug without being too tight, so I’m not worried about them flying off when we’re out. The elastic laces are also sturdy. I appreciate the fact that the shoes can go in the washing machine—that factor has kept these beige sneakers pristine, even though they’ve been worn to the park and playground.

Finding the right fit for your child’s narrow foot can be tricky, which is why removable insoles can come in handy. The popular Plae Ty sneakers have a removable insole to allow parents to create more—or less—space as needed. The sneakers tend to run narrow as-is but, if they’re too snug for your little one, simply remove the insole. The Tys come in 13 fun colorways that choosy toddlers can get behind, and they’re secured with the help of two straps. The sneakers are known for their lightweight feel, vegan materials and machine washability.

What the parents say: Badore calls these sneakers “sturdy and robust,” noting that there’s extra rubber around the big toe to provide protection for feet-draggers. “The soles are quite thick and the traction is good,” she says. “My toddler didn’t slip or skid while running around on tile floors in these shoes.”

Comfort is key with toddler shoes, and these Ugg boots have an abundance of it. They feature a cushiony microfiber lining to keep your child’s feet and ankles cozy, while the suede upper is soft to the touch. A sturdy rubber sole helps your child keep their footing, even over slippery terrain, while the thick inner lining keeps them nice and warm, even in intense winter weather. The shoes easily fasten on and off with the help of a concealed tab. Pick from among three colors: black, the classic Chestnut or Rock Rose.

What the parents say: My daughter got these boots as a gift for her birthday and quickly became obsessed with them. She loves how comfortable they feel and has even insisted on wearing them to bed on some nights. They’re surprisingly easy to get on and off.