The Best Toddler Shoes for Every Activity, According to Parents

In a nutshell:

Based on feedback from parents in The Bump community, a survey of almost 350 parents and advice from a podiatrist and pediatrician, we chose the Stride Rite 360 Ryne Sneaker as the overall best toddler shoes. They stood out because of their durability, range of sizes and ease of care.

Now that baby’s officially a toddler, they’ll need footwear designed to fully support their early steps. Before picking out adorable shoes, “consider [your] toddler’s walking stage—soft-soled or barefoot-like shoes work best for new walkers, while experienced walkers benefit from slightly firmer soles with good arch support,” explains Mona Amin, MD, a pediatrician based in Miami, Florida and the host of the PedsDocTalk podcast. She advises parents to prioritize durability as they shop; after all, toddlers can be tough on shoes. Moreover, don’t forget to include your little one in the process. “Involving them in picking out their shoes can make the experience more enjoyable,” says Amin.

Based on feedback from hundreds of parents in The Bump community and advice from Amin and Miguel Cunha, DPM, a New York-based surgical podiatrist certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine (ABPM) and founder of Gotham Footcare, these are the best of the best when it comes to toddler shoes. Below, check out our favorites for every type of season and occasion. Plus, find expert-backed advice on measuring your toddler’s foot and tips to keep top of mind while browsing.

How We Chose the Best Toddler Shoes

To simplify your search for the best toddler shoes, we conducted extensive market research. After considering dozens of footwear options, we narrowed our list to these top-rated choices. When creating this article:

• We surveyed almost 350 members of The Bump community and asked about the toddler shoes they used with their families. We then asked parents to rate specific brands and styles based on their firsthand experience.
• We checked what was being said about toddler boy and girl shoes in The Bump forums to learn what parents liked (and disliked) about certain brands and styles.
• We interviewed a podiatrist and a pediatrician for advice on properly measuring toddler feet, tips to keep in mind when browsing and what qualities parents should prioritize when buying toddler walking shoes.
• We consulted kids’ footwear guidelines from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) to further understand what to look for in shoes for toddlers.
• To understand how these toddler girl and boy shoes have worked for families nationwide, we conducted exhaustive market research, scouring forums and message boards and reading user reviews.
• We looked at the most popular toddler shoe brands and styles on the market and considered several factors—like size range, sole type, material, APMA approval and price point—when choosing which options to feature in our article.

Editorial integrity is at the heart of everything we publish. Read about how The Bump develops and reviews all articles, including product reviews.

Best Toddler Shoes

*Note: Some names have been changed due to privacy requests.

A Guide to Toddler Shoe Sizes

If you’re confused about toddler shoe sizing, you’re not alone. Brands and retailers categorize toddler shoes differently, which can complicate things. Here’s what you need to know:

• Younger kids’ shoe sizes (for babies and toddlers) start at 0 and go up to 13.5. Then, the number scale restarts at 1 for older kids.
• Typically, toddler shoes (shoes for children ages 1 to 3) range from size 4 to size 9. Of course, this may vary based on the child, the brand and the shoe style.
• To ensure you’re buying the right size online, look for a label that mentions “walker” or “toddler.” If the shoes are labeled “youth” or “big kid,” it’s in older kids’ sizes.

How to measure your toddler’s feet

“First and foremost, when purchasing shoes for your toddler, one of the most important factors to consider is getting the right size. I recommend buying shoes at the end of the day when your toddler’s feet are most swollen. This ensures a more accurate fit,” Cunha advises. “If the shoes feel comfortable at the end of the day, they’re likely to feel comfortable throughout the day. I recommend having your toddler’s feet measured with a Brannock device while they’re standing, as this helps account for both length and width to get the best fit.”

Mom-of-one Ashley from The Bump community agreed, telling us: “I found it best to take [my son] into a store to get measured as his foot was growing so quickly.” Alternatively, you could print out a handy sizing chart for your tot to step on and measure their feet that way. (Zappos has a great one that also tells you if your kid’s feet are wide.)

Once you have the measurement, use a conversion chart to find the right size for your child’s foot length. Popular retailers—like Nordstrom—usually have standardized ones on their websites. For extra accuracy, consult a size conversion chart from the exact brand you’re buying from.

How to find the right shoe size for your toddler

It’s no secret that toddler feet grow quickly, so it’s best to leave a little wiggle room in their shoes. When your child is standing, “[ensure] there’s about a thumb’s width of space between the longest toe and the shoe’s front, and that the heel fits snugly without slipping,” Amin advises. “Make sure the toe box is wide enough to accommodate your toddler’s toes. There should be enough space for their toes to wiggle freely. Shoes that are too narrow can cause discomfort and complicate their ability to walk,” Cunha adds.

Furthermore, Amin advises parents to “always let your toddler try on shoes and walk around to test the fit and comfort before purchasing if you can.” Be sure to re-measure your child’s feet every few months (Amin suggests every two to three) to ensure a proper fit. Lastly, the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) asks parents to always buy footwear for their child’s larger foot, as “feet are seldom precisely the same size.”

What to Look for in Toddler Shoes

Fit is important, but it’s only one factor in finding the best toddler shoes for your kid. You must also consider their anatomy, which is we highly recommend buying shoes with an APMA seal where possible. The APMA Seal of Acceptance is only given to shoes proven to “promote good foot health” by foot specialists. This is super-important, especially now as your child is still developing. To view all the companies that sell APMA-approved kids’ shoes (and the specific pairs that have seals), visit the APMA’s website.

Additionally, these are other important factors Amin and Cunha suggest parents consider when buying toddler shoes:

• Supportive arches. “Even though toddlers have flat feet, they still need support for proper foot alignment as they begin to walk,” says Cunha. For proper foot development, opt for styles with firm, low arch support.
• Closure type. The best closure types are easy to put on (and take off) while keeping your kiddo’s shoes in place as they walk and play. “Shoes with secure closures, such as Velcro, elastic laces or adjustable straps, are ideal for ensuring a good fit and ease of use,” suggests Amin.
• Non-slip soles. For added safety as your little one walks and runs, Amin and Cunha agree that non-slip soles are necessary. Both experts recommend rubber as the best choice for sole materials because of its traction and shock absorption.
• Comfortable footbeds. Memory foam or EVA insoles will support and cushion your toddler’s arches. “Shoes should feel comfortable as soon as your toddler tries them on. If they feel too tight, they’ll likely cause discomfort over time,” says Cunha. To ensure your child’s feet are comfy, the podiatrist recommends letting your kiddo walk around the store in them for a bit so they have a chance to communicate if the fit is uncomfortable.
• Flexible construction. Amin tells parents to avoid stiff, heavy materials. Instead, she says to “look for shoes with flexible soles that bend at the ball of the foot to support natural movement.”

Best toddler shoe materials

Different activities and events call for different types of toddler shoes and materials. Amin and Cunha agree that parents should prioritize lightweight, breathable footwear for their kids. “Shoes made from breathable fabrics help keep your toddler’s feet dry and comfortable. This is especially important to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to discomfort or skin issues like blisters,” states Cunha. With that in mind, here’s a breakdown of the best toddler shoe materials out there:

• Leather. Both experts flag leather as a top choice for kids’ footwear. Not only does it work well for everyday activities and special occasions alike, but it’s also super durable. If that’s not all, Amin explains that it’s soft and allows airflow which helps to keep feet cool and prevent odors. Plus, it’s “flexible to allow natural movement of your toddler’s foot,” Cunha adds.
• Canvas. Amin flags canvas as another great option for active tots because it offers breathability, flexibility and easy cleaning.
• Mesh fabrics. Another great material for active toddlers is mesh. “Breathable mesh is lightweight and helps keep your toddler’s feet cool and dry,” Cunha shares. “This is especially important to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to discomfort or skin issues like blisters,” he explains.
• Knitted fabrics. Similar to mesh, knitted fabric “provides breathability, support and flexibility without restricting movement,” states Cunha.
• EVA. This material is commonly found in midsoles of toddler shoes like winter boots and sneakers, but some warm-weather styles (like Crocs) are made entirely out of it. Cunha recommends EVA to parents and describes it as a “lightweight, cushioned and shock-absorbing foam used in midsoles that provides arch support and comfort.”

About the writer:

Emma O’Regan-Reidy is an editor for The Bump. She specializes in writing e-commerce content and has spent years researching the best baby and toddler footwear brands. Based on her extensive market knowledge, she aims to create engaging, helpful articles to help both new and seasoned parents pick out the best shoes for their little ones—no matter the occasion.