The Best Toddler Shoes of 2025, Tested by Energetic Tots
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As a mother of a very active child, I’ve seen firsthand how important toddler shoes are for their proper development, from taking those first steps to running and jumping in puddles. Over the past couple of years, my son has tested several pairs of the best toddler shoes, allowing me to determine which ones withstand a toddler’s rough play. For starters, the right shoes protect tiny feet on different surfaces, like wood chips at the playground and rocks on the sidewalk, without hindering a busy toddler’s mobility or balance.
No matter what style you’re looking for, from casual to fancy, toddler shoes should be comfy, supportive, and fit well (and be adorable—but that goes without saying). “Consider your child’s unique foot shape, and don’t be afraid to try a variety of styles. It might be that one brand is too narrow or wide for your individual child (or runs small or big), while another brand fits just right,” says pediatrician Whitney Casares, MD, MPH.
To find the best toddler shoes, we consulted with experts and had parents and their children (aged 1 to 4.5) test over two dozen pairs of shoes at home, evaluating their design, fit, stability, adjustability, breathability, and overall value.
How to Measure Toddler Feet for Shoes?
Using a regular household ruler, measure your child’s foot from heel to toe. You can also have them stand on a piece of paper, trace around their feet, and measure the distance between the heel and the longest toe. We recommend adding half an inch to the foot measurement to get a comfortable fit. Then, use the brand’s sizing chart to decide your kiddos’ shoe size. Of course, you can also take your child to a shoe store for an accurate measurement. According to specialist Mark Mendeszoon, DPM, feet should be re-measured every six months to ensure accuracy.
Shoe sizes for children are broken down into a few categories: infant, toddler, little kids, and big kids. The infant, toddler, and little kid sizes range from 0 to 13, while big kid shoes start at 1 and go up to 7 (equivalent to a men’s size 7). Toddler shoes typically feature a “T” or “C” next to the size number to indicate that they are designed for toddlers or little kids. Keep in mind that not all brands use the same sizing language, so always refer to the size chart before making a purchase.
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Why We Like It
The Stride Rite Soft Motion Zips Runner Sneakers are easy to put on, stylish, and comfortable on tiny feet. They’re available in two width options and multiple colors. We loved how easily these Stride Rite toddler shoes slip on and off through the oversized opening. The adjustable hook-and-loop Velcro closure is a breeze to tighten and maneuver, even for independent toddlers.
A memory foam footbed was soft and supportive for our little tester’s feet as they walked and ran at the park and day care. The flexible yet slip-resistant rubber soles have excellent traction on a variety of surfaces, including outside in the rain. The anti-stink mesh lining proved true—we noticed zero odor and dampness even though the little one wearing them typically runs hot.
What Parents Say
“The shoes are very easy to put on and adjust… My son can even undo the strap and take them off all on his own.”—Julia, mom of a 2-year-old
But Take Note
Unfortunately, these Stride Rite toddler shoes are not on the company’s machine-washable list. However, the leather and textile upper (made with recycled materials) didn’t get too dirty after several bouts in the mud, snow, and grass. After months of testing, they looked as good as new.
The Details:
- Size range: 3 to 6
- Material: Leather and textile upper
- Sole type: Hard (rubber)
Other Early Walkers We Liked
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Why We Like It
Rather than two width options, these New Balance toddler shoes have three: medium, wide, and extra-wide. The adjustable hook-and-loop closures on these New Balance toddler shoes are praiseworthy because they provide a comfortable and secure fit on little feet. In addition to keeping feet in place, small toes have extra wiggle room without the shoes feeling too narrow or stiff.
A rubber outsole was just what our 2-year-old tester needed for stability at day care and beyond. We didn’t see any tripping or falling during testing, and the rubber had great traction on the ground. Overall, the design is solid enough for school but also works for other occasions, whether casual or dressy, regardless of the terrain, thanks to its durability and noticeably high quality.
What Parents Say
“The shoes are stable and add an extra pep in his step. He doesn’t trip or fall when he has them on.”—Jessica, mom of a 2-year-old
But Take Note
The only downsides we found with the New Balance 574 New-B Hook & Loop shoes were the warmth and slight odor on our toddler tester’s feet after a full day’s wear. Additionally, due to the reputable brand name, New Balance shoes command a higher price tag. However, we think the reliable traction these shoes offer makes them worthwhile.
The Details:
- Size range: 2 to 10
- Material: Synthetic upper
- Sole type: Hard (rubber)
Other Wide-Feet Shoes We Like
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Why We Like It
Our tester toddler loved these shoes so much that he wore them everywhere, even when learning about stalactites in a show cavern. Through running, jumping, and traversing the slippery surfaces of a cave, the rubber soles proved to have fantastic traction. Even the toe of the shoe has excellent grip. Our tester parent says, “Each time he rode his bike, he liked to stop with his toes, using that rubber grip. I’ve been worried about the shoes wearing out, but they’ve held up great. I’m super impressed.”
The shoes fit true-to-size without being clunky, which kept our tester toddler steady on his feet—well, as steady as a 3-year-old can be! The fit is also adjustable thanks to a Velcro strap along the top of the foot. And, as a cherry on top, our tester parent loved the vibrant colors, as well as how fade-resistant the shades are.
What Parents Say
“It’s like the company designed the shoes with kids in mind, not style (even though they are super cute and colorful). The interior lining and upper feature mesh allowed lots of breathability and zero sweating or overheating. I haven’t noticed any odors or smells, despite my son wearing these constantly for 4 weeks.”—Katrina, mom of a 3-year-old
But Take Note
While Amazon has the best price, its color and size options are limited. The Pediped site has the widest selection, but at almost $10 more.
The Details:
- Size range: 4 to 9.5
- Material: Synthetic mesh upper
- Sole type: Hard (rubber and Phylon)
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Why We Like It
Match your mini-me with the Reebok Classic Leather style you grew up with. During testing, the rubber outsole kept up with an 18-month-old who loves to walk, run, climb, and play to his heart’s content. “These shoes provided more traction and stability than some of the others he is used to,” said the toddler’s parent, adding that the shoes even kept up with their son’s sweaty feet. “These shoes almost still smell new, which shocks me,” they said.
What Parents Say
“I have received so many compliments on these shoes and have already recommended them! Not only do they give him the traction and mobility he needs, but they are adorable and stylish too! I just absolutely adore these shoes!”—Alicia, mom of an 18-month-old
But Take Note
These Reebok toddler shoes feature a stretch lace closure, so you can’t adjust them like Velcro straps. We followed the sizing guide and found that the shoes fit true to size, which eliminated the need to adjust.
The Details:
- Size range: 4 to 10
- Material: Full grain leather upper and EVA foam insole
- Sole type: Hard (rubber)
Other Mini-Me Shoes We Liked
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Why We Like It
In addition to running, toddlers can easily jump, climb, and tackle any playground equipment in the New Balance Rave Run V2s. A durable rubber outsole provides small feet with outstanding traction on slides, grass, and other surfaces, ensuring stability without slipping. The mesh upper allows for plenty of airflow, keeping odors and sweaty feet at bay. We appreciate the shoes’ lightweight feel, flexibility, and machine-washable material.
What Parents Say
“I can tell that my 2-year-old likes and prefers these shoes over his old sneakers because he always brings me this pair of shoes when I tell him it’s time to get our socks and shoes on.”—Nicole, mom of a 2-year-old
But Take Note
Don’t let the laces fool you—a Velcro strap widens the shoes’ openings, making it super simple to put shoes on in a jiffy. We just wish the strap was slightly thicker.
The Details:
- Size range: 4 to 10
- Material: Not listed
- Sole type: Hard (rubber)
Other Running Shoes We Liked
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Why We Like It
We love these shoes for occasions where Crocs or athletic shoes won’t cut it, but suit shoes would be overkill. For example, our tester toddler wore these to church and then out to eat afterward. The vegan leather material gives the shoes a more elevated look. And, with 11 colors to choose from, there’s one to match any outfit.
But these shoes don’t sacrifice functionality for aesthetics. They’re also approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) to support healthy foot development. They have a flexible sole that allows a full range of motion in their feet muscles, while still being firm enough to protect from sharp rocks and such.
What Parents Say
“The shoes look so stylish. I chose the mocha brown color so they’d match with various outfits and they’re great.”—Katrina, mom of a 3-year-old
But Take Note
These shoes took a little time to break in, but were comfortable afterwards. Additionally, our tester parent had some difficulty adjusting the Velcro straps, which was particularly stressful when running late.
The Details:
- Size range: 4 to 2Y
- Material: Vegan leather with cotton lining
- Sole type: Hard (rubber)
Other Casual Shoes We Liked
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Why We Like It
From walks around the neighborhood to playing at the park, these Nike toddler shoes are sturdy on multiple terrains, thanks to a durable foam sole. “The shoes had good traction for running and jumping on the playground’s rubber turf and grass turf, as well as on concrete,” said our tester’s parent.
The toe box is fairly wide and features ample space for wiggling toes. Pull tabs on the heels and tongue are the cherry on top of the slip-on design. We noticed our tester’s feet were warm after wearing the shoes but did not smell or feel sweaty; we credit the breathable and light material on the sleek and sporty upper.
What Parents Say
“My son loves to run everywhere he goes and these shoes allowed him to do that without tripping or falling.”—Janice, mom of a 3-year-old
But Take Note
These Nike toddler shoes have no adjustable straps, but that didn’t affect their performance. The shoes fit well because of the midfoot and heel straps, only slipping off our 3-year-old tester’s feet when he was trying to climb a steep slope at the playground. Otherwise, the stylish sneakers stayed put through lots of running, jumping, and walking.
The Details:
- Size range: 2 to 10
- Material: Not listed
- Sole type: Hard (foam)
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Why We Like It
The Keen Newport H2s are sandals and water shoes that give toddlers the splash of confidence they need to take on any water adventure. After putting these shoes on, our 22-month-old tester could “confidently explore different terrains without my worrying that she was going to lose her balance or the shoe was going to come off,” says her mom. We appreciate that the foam insole absorbs shocks from uneven surfaces and provides arch support for comfort in and out of the water.
An adjustable hook-and-loop closure is one of our favorite features of this Keen toddler shoe. We also love how the bungee lacing adds an outdoorsy flair without requiring tying.
What Parents Say
“After putting them on her she has been an adventure bug. The shoe never fell off, no matter what shenanigans my toddler was doing, and they never gave her a rash or left any shoe marks on her.”—Madison, mom of a 22-month-old
But Take Note
We appreciate the lightweight rubber sole that supports the roomy toe box. However, we found that the shoes scuffed and got dirty easily. On the plus side, these toddler water shoes are machine washable, and the polyester webbing upper dries quickly, so kids don’t have to wait long to take them on their next adventure.
The Details:
- Size range: 4 to 7
- Material: Polyester webbing upper
- Sole type: Hard (rubber)
Other Water Shoes & Sandals We Liked
While not ideal for sports or running activities, the Crocs toddler shoes are a solid option for most kids’ daily activities.
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We appreciate the flexibility and adjustability of these shoes. However, we wish the Velcro opened a little more for easier access to slip wider feet in.
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Rounded edges, a wide open-toe box, and a flexible grippy outsole offer stability, but you may want to size up if your kid is between sizes.
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Why We Like It
Crocs has been a top brand in water shoes for years, from the OG clogs to their rainboots. Our tests definitely confirmed the hype, with our tester parent raving about how durable, convenient to put on, and easy to clean they are. In particular, the handles on the boots make it possible for kids to take the shoes on and off by themselves, saving time for busy parents. Our tester toddler found the boots to be comfortable and was able to run around on wet surfaces without slipping at all, proving how grippy the soles are.
What Parents Say
“These boots were easy to slip on and they allowed my son to run outside without slipping.”—Julia, mom of a 2-year-old
But Take Note
The boots are ankle-length, so they might not provide enough coverage for heavy rainfall or jumping in puddles.
The Details:
- Size range: 4 to 6
- Material: Croslite
- Sole type: Hard (EVA foam)
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Why We Like It
The suede and fleece design is perfect for maximum coziness on chilly days. The soles are made of rubber with a textured design called “lugs” for maximum traction. This type of sole is often found on hiking shoes to grip tricky terrain, so it’s a great way to keep toddlers from slipping and sliding. Good traction is especially important in winter, when conditions can be slick.
Aside from the grippiness, we’re also fans of the features designed to support healthy foot development. The toe box is extra wide, and the sole is flexible to allow for a full range of motion in the foot muscles. The memory foam footbed is cushy enough to provide all-day comfort. And you can either use Velcro or laces to put the shoe on for a more adjustable fit—an essential feature for constantly growing feet.
But Take Note
Some parents warn the Velcro loses grip or deteriorates quickly.
The Details:
- Size range: 4 to 10, medium or wide
- Material: Suede leather upper, memory foam footbed
- Sole type: Hard (rubber)
How We Tested Toddler Shoes
To find the best toddler shoes for water, everyday wear, and beyond, we asked over a dozen parenting editors and their children to incorporate one or a few pairs into their daily routine. For months, testers have been evaluating more than two dozen toddler shoes on the following attributes:
- Fit: To ensure a correct fit, we asked parents and caregivers to press down on the front of the shoe, watch their child run, jump, and walk, and make notes about stumbling or unnatural movements.
- Adjustability: If applicable, parents noted how to adjust the shoes, whether via Velcro straps, laces, or another method.
- Stability: We had our tiny testers wear the shoes every day while engaging in regular activities. We wanted to know if the shoes were easy to walk or run in, provided ample traction, had flexible yet solid soles, and were easy to put on and take off.
- Breathability: Like adults, children can have sweaty feet, so we wanted to make sure the shoes on our list were breathable. Parents performed a sniff test on the shoe and their child’s feet for any odors and then felt their feet to see if they were sweaty or overheated.
- Design: For the overall design, parents described the look and feel of the shoes and asked their children what they thought of them when possible. We also washed the shoes when necessary, determining if they had straightforward or challenging cleaning instructions and how the material held up.
- Value: The toddler shoes we tested cost between $10 and $65. We asked testers if the shoes were worth their cost and if they would continue to use them beyond our testing period.
Our Experts
We spoke with several experts about what parents should look for in toddler shoes:
- Mark Mendeszoon, DPM, podiatrist, foot and ankle surgeon, and APMA medical spokesman.
- Kelly Fradin, MD, FAAP, a complex-care pediatrician, director of pediatrics at Atria Institute, and author of Advanced Parenting: Advice for Helping Kids Through Diagnoses, Differences, and Mental Health Challenges.
- Whitney Casares, MD, MPH, a pediatrician, author of Doing It All: Stop Over-Functioning, and Become the Mom and Person You’re Meant to Be, and founder of Modern Mommy Doc.
Factors to Consider in Toddler Shoes
- Size: Toddler shoes vary in width and size, so checking sizing charts is crucial to ensure your child gets a proper fit. “Buying shoes the next size up can be beneficial, as kids grow so quickly, and so do their feet,” Dr. Mendeszoon says. If you’re not interested in purchasing a full-size larger for longevity, try a half-size up to find the right fit.
- Design: Choose a shoe for your little one that allows their foot to move and develop naturally. Shoes that aren’t overly rigid and hard will help your toddler develop strong, healthy feet and posture. “Children’s feet are more variable in width and shape than adult feet; accordingly, getting them fitted or sized, especially in the toddler years, can be a big help,” says Dr. Fradin. Moreover, opt for shoes that offer breathability and comfort and a durable sole to withstand multiple surfaces. “When you’re in carpeted areas where you’re not concerned about sharp objects penetrating a shoe, go for soft sole varieties,” says Dr. Casares. “When you’re out and about on the concrete or other hard surfaces, that’s when harder, sturdier soles will serve you best.
- Construction: Even though toddlers outgrow their shoes quickly, they’re hard on them in the meantime, so durable shoes are essential. “Look for shoes that are lightweight and flexible instead of rigid and hard to maneuver in,” says Dr. Casares. “Your baby is learning how to navigate the world. Make it as easy as possible!” Encourage your child’s newfound independence by finding shoes that are easy to put on and take off. “Unless a child knows how to lace their shoes, Velcro is the most convenient and most comfortable type of shoe for them,” says Dr. Mendeszooon.
- Purpose and Season: Will your toddler be rocking these shoes while playing with toys outside or on a family walk? Shoes they’ll use as their everyday pair will likely differ from those they use for dressing up. Also, depending on where you live, your toddler will likely need a different pair of shoes for different seasons. Whether it is a pair of breathable summer sandals, protective water shoes, or cozy winter boots, keep the seasons in mind when shopping for toddler shoes. Regardless of season, the best toddler shoes should fit well, provide support, and be comfy.
When Should Children Start Wearing Shoes?
“Most kids start wearing shoes once they begin walking with stability and are ready to leave the house on their own two feet,” says Dr. Casares. “This often begins at about 1 year old, though all children are unique.” Once children begin to move, shoes provide a safety barrier between things on the ground. “When children are mostly walking, we should put them in shoes to prevent injury, such as walking on hot surfaces or sidewalks near broken glass or dog poop,” Dr. Fradin adds.
While shoes prevent injury, Dr. Mendeszoon recommends kids go barefoot as much as possible until 2 years old. This recommendation allows a child’s feet to grow normally and develop muscles and strength, including toe grasping. However, there are some exceptions, Dr. Fradin details. “I do prefer toddlers barefoot unless there are developmental reasons such as toe walking or weakness at the ankle joint leading them to benefit from more support,” she says.
Otherwise, going barefoot has its benefits, according to Dr. Casares. “If you’re just hanging out at home with your toddler, try to let your little one go barefoot as often as possible so they can learn to optimize proprioception (where their body is in space) without having to consider extra fabric or plastic barriers,” she explains.
Who We Are
Katrina Cossey is an enthusiastic shopper and devoted mom. She spent several years in broadcast journalism but found her true passion in writing for Parents about the best products for families, pregnant people, and kids of all ages. She’s researched thousands of baby products, toys, gifts, and more and personally tested many of them. In her spare time, you’ll likely find her in the beautiful outdoors of Oklahoma with her husband and 4-year-old son. Katrina highly recommends toddler shoes with Velcro straps, a durable, hard sole with traction, and a comfortable fit.
Anja Webb is an associate editor at Parents. She has over eight years of editorial experience. When she’s not doting on her adorable niece and nephew, she loves shopping for shoes (much to her husband’s dismay).
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