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Best Toddler Shoes to Protect Developing Feet
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items As a Physical Therapist, I am pretty particular about what shoes my children wear and what types of shoes I recommend to my clients. Barefoot is ALWAYS best when a baby is learning to pull to stand, cruise, and walk, and this is also true for toddlers as they learn to do more advanced gross motor skills like run/jump. But obviously kids can't be barefooted all the time – so here is a compilation of shoes I recommend most. I try to update this with changes in seasons and as my favorite brands release new products, but in general these are the things I look for: 1) wide toe box (where the toes go!), 2) supportive heel cup, 3) flexible sole (you should be able to bend th...
Sections
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Sneakers
Sandals/Water Shoes
Sneakers
Options for fall/winter/spring… and I always suggest having your baby/toddler start in a sneaker when they are first learning to walk over a sandal shoe (even if it is summertime!)
I love Stride Rite soft motion for a new walker (or close to walking!) These sneakers mimic being barefoot and allow a lot of flexibility in the feet!
Kids' Soft Motion Shoes
This is another very flexible but this brand does run more narrow – if you child has a chunky/wide foot, I would try a different brand like Ten Little!
See Kai Run: Toddler Shoes | Buy Kids Shoes Online
These are more expensive so they have never been my first choice for my own kids, but I recommend these shoes a lot for toddlers who need more stability (for example, for a child who is in Physical Therapy or who is a late walker!) These are also great for toddlers who have to wear an orthotic in their shoe.
PLAE
My toddler has a very narrow foot and these shoes fit him so well! Beware though – he started getting so fast when we first started wearing this brand :)
See Kai Run Basics Toddler Stryker Sneakers
Great for more narrow feet and the sole is very flexible! These are best fit for a toddler who has good balance and stability with walking already.
See Kai Run Basics Toddler Stryker Sneakers
Perfect dress up shoe for your older baby/toddler!
Surprize by Stride Rite Baby Boys' Lee Sneakers Mini Sneakers - Brown
For those who want their little girl in a cuter shoe!
Toddler Girls' Surprize by Stride Rite Betty Sue Sneakers - Brown
Perfect for a baby beginning to walk!
Surprize by Stride Rite Baby Sneakers - Navy
I love Stride Rites but they can get expensive! Their “Surprize” line is more affordable and you can find it at Target – and it is still a great shoe!
Surprize by Stride Rite Baby Sneakers - Gray
Recommend for a new walker!
Surprize by Stride Rite Baby Girls' Dwayne Sneakers - Pink
Recommend for a new walker!
Surprize by Stride Rite Baby Boys' Dwayne Sneakers - Black
Ten Little is my favorite brand of all time – they meet all the qualities I am looking for in a shoe, and the best part about them is they are so much easier to keep CLEAN!
Ten Little | Toddler and Kids Shoes - Everyday Original Sneakers
Comparable to Stride Rite's Soft Motion shoes – these are one of my favorites for those babies who are getting ready to take their first steps!
First Walkers
Ten Little's High Top variation – this is great for a toddler who needs a little more stability in their shoe.
Everyday High Top
these are great if your little one is wearing orthotics or braces!
Velcro Strap Extenders
Sandals/Water Shoes
A good pair of toddler sandals that actually stay on your kids' feet can be HARD to find – these are my top picks! Keep in mind --it is always recommended to start in sneakers when your child is just starting to walk.
These don't have a ton of support at the heel, but otherwise they fit the bill (at a great price!)
Toddler Tommie Slip-On Water Shoes - Cat & Jack™
I love that these water shoes actually have a heel cup and fully enclose the foot!
Toddler Oscar Water Shoes - Cat & Jack™
Better for an older toddler that has better stability.
See Kai Run Basics Toddler Shayna Gladiator Sandals - Purple
A great shoe for a new walker!
Surprize by Stride Rite Baby Girls' Carro Sneakers - White
These were the first sandals my son wore after he started walking – I love that they fully enclose the foot to give him stability!
Everyday Sandals
Better for an older toddler who has good stability when they walk!
Summer Sandals
For a strappy sandal, these actually give a lot of support! These are also a great price for a shoe you will only be able to wear for a 2 months or so!
Pink Toddler Casual Sandals | carters.com
Great as a summer sandal/sneaker mix, especially for a very active kid! These are great for outdoor adventures that might end up in getting wet (like playing in the creek!)
Pink Toddler Play Sneakers | carters.com
Another supportive strappy sandal, and I love the look of these!
Multi Toddler Adventure Sandals | carters.com