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The Best Shoes for Toddlers to Support Growing Feet

My Family Life Reviews Team
Written By My Family Life Reviews Team
Last updated: May 31, 2025, 09:09 PM
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shoes for toddlers

Finding the ideal pair of shoes for your toddler is no walk in the park; it’s a quest for functional, durable, and comfortable footwear that can be a daunting challenge. The ongoing struggle involves not only style and comfort but also the question of whether these shoes will remain a good fit for your rapidly growing toddler, without creating tripping hazards. As every parent knows, toddlers outgrow shoes in the blink of an eye. Explore our top pick, the Nerteo Shoes for Toddlers. Discover more options below to find the perfect pair to keep your little one comfortable and stylish. 

View all Contents
  • Finding Your Next Shoes for Toddlers: A Buyer’s Guide
    • Take Accurate Measurements
    • The Right Material
    • The Right Design
    • Final Thoughts
  • People Also Asked
  • Why Trust Us?
  • Contributors
  • Related Reads

Our Top Picks of Shoes for Toddlers

  • Nerteo Toddler Sports Sneakers: Best Overall (Shop Now) →
    Read more about this shoes for toddlers ↓
  • Crocs Unisex-Child Classic Clog: Great for Summers (Shop Now) →
    Read more about this shoes for toddlers ↓
  • HsdsBebe Toddler Hard Bottom Shoes: Impressive Foot Protection (Shop Now) →
    Read more about this shoes for toddlers ↓
  • Adituo Toddler Lightweight Breathable Sneakers: Great for Active Toddlers (Shop Now) →
    Read more about this shoes for toddlers ↓
  • COODO Toddler Sports Sneakers: Most Durable (Shop Now) →
    Read more about this shoes for toddlers ↓

Detailing the Best Shoes for Toddlers of 2025

Nerteo Toddler Sports Sneakers

Best Overall
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Sneakers are always an excellent choice for young ones learning to walk, and these sneakers from Nerteo rank as the top shoes for toddlers on our list. Why? Well, these kicks combine comfort and durability in a super functional design that features an adjustable hook-and-loop closure and breathable material.

These shoes for toddlers have an elastic lace design that offers superior foot stability and the perfect amount of stretch to maximize your little one’s comfort. These sneakers are ideal for indoor and outdoor use, and their breathable insoles can help prevent sweaty feet. You can even toss these shoes for toddlers into your washing machine without having to worry about damaging them, and they rank as our top choice thanks to the style, comfort, and support they offer.

Product Pros
  • Adjustable design available in various sizes
  • Breathable material to lessen sweat buildup
  • Comfortable and protective fit
  • Offers great foot stability
Product Cons
  • Most suited for casual wear

Crocs Unisex-Child Classic Clog

Great for Summers
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People of all ages love wearing Crocs because they’re so comfortable and super easy to put on and take off. These Crocs clogs for toddlers are a great choice for your little one to play in at the park and take part in fun-filled summer activities without losing their balance. These comfy, versatile shoes for toddlers are great for the hot and humid season, and their flexible material offers you and your child strong durability.

These shoes for toddlers are manufactured with 100% flexible synthetic material, and they’re ideal for children learning to walk because they provide a roomy surface that lets them wriggle their toes without experiencing any discomfort. They come in a wide variety of colors and a few different sizes, and they can even be decorated with fun beads and charms that are sold separately.

Product Pros
  • Comfortable and breathable design
  • Roomy, flexible fit
  • Durable synthetic material
  • Sold by a trusted brand
Product Cons
  • Some toddlers struggle with open-toe shoes

HsdsBebe Toddler Hard Bottom Shoes

Impressive Foot Protection
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Here’s a design that combines high fashion with high functionality! These hard-bottom shoes for toddlers are ideal for foot protection thanks to their functional blend of material. The upper part of these sneakers is manufactured with premium polyurethane (PU) leather and a sweat-absorbing lining of high-quality polyester, providing stability and protection to children learning to walk and run.

The breathable, moisture-wicking fabric and sturdy rubber sole of these shoes for toddlers offer your child a firm grip. The sole is designed to deliver maximum foot support, preventing your little one from falling and tripping, and their hook-and-loop strap closure makes them easy to put on, keep on, and take off. These handcrafted shoes for toddlers feature adorable designs, with many choices available for both little boys and girls.

Product Pros
  • Wide interior to accommodate growing feet
  • Comfortable and breathable material
  • Available in several sizes
  • Features a variety of adorable designs
Product Cons
  • Manufacturer’s size chart may be inconsistent

Adituo Toddler Lightweight Breathable Sneakers

Great for Active Toddlers
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Are you shopping for an energetic and active toddler who’s always running around, creating mayhem in the house? These lightweight and breathable shoes for toddlers from Adituo can be a great choice, as they can provide children with both foot stability and protection.

These shoes for toddlers feature arch support and insoles that can keep your child stable and comfortable, helping to prevent tripping accidents. These sneakers’ hook-and-loop closure makes them convenient and easy to use (for little ones and yourself) and their mesh fabric creates a comfortable, breathable interior. These sneakers for toddlers are available in a wide variety of fun colors and patterns, and you can pick them up in various sizes as well, from “Toddler” to “Little Kid.”

Product Pros
  • Arch support for healthy foot development
  • Great for outdoor activities
  • Comfortable, breathable design
  • Easy to put on and take off
Product Cons
  • May require maintenance for long-lasting use

COODO Toddler Sports Sneakers

Most Durable
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Made with a sturdy anti-slip sole and durable knit fabric, these COODO Sneakers for Toddlers offer impressive durability. Their anti-slip nature can help prevent trips and falls on the playground, and if your toddlers love running then these sneakers are a solid choice for foot stability and protection.

Nobody wants a pair of sneakers that’s not going to last, which is why these shoes for toddlers are a good choice that offers great value. They come with an adjustable hook-and-loop closure that lets the shoes expand and contract depending on your child’s comfort and support needs, and they’re breathable too, so you won’t have to worry about discomfort while your little one is running around. These shoes from toddlers come in a wide variety of funky colors and sizes to keep your kiddo stylish and, more importantly, comfortable while wearing them.

Product Pros
  • Anti-slip sole design
  • Breathable, moisture-wicking fabric
  • Convenient, adjustable closure
  • Wide range of styles
Product Cons
  • Knit material may bother some children

Finding Your Next Shoes for Toddlers: A Buyer’s Guide

Three elements make the perfect pair of shoes for toddlers: the right fit, form, and functionality. As tempting as it might be, fashion is not a consideration here, and those cute frilly designs might just make your little one uncomfortable. Inexperienced buyers tend to select shoes based on their “cuteness,” which is why it’s important to keep some things in mind when shopping around. Keep reading to learn how to find a high-quality pair of shoes for your toddler in 2025:

Take Accurate Measurements

Toddlers grow very quickly, so it’s wise to take accurate measurements of their feet every three or four months. You can grab a tape measure and take the measurements yourself, but if you doubt your measurement-taking abilities (hey, it can be tough), head over to a children’s shoe store and request a professional to take the measurements for you — better safe than sorry, right?

Is there a noticeable difference between the measurements of their feet? It’s common for toddlers’ feet to have a slight difference, which makes buying a larger size a smart option. If you’re taking the measurements yourself, be sure that your child is standing upright without curling their toes. Does your child wear socks with their shoes? In this case, you should measure their feet with socks on, as socks add a thick layer that can make shoes uncomfortable if incorrectly sized. When you’re done taking the measurements, be sure to add half an inch between your thumb and the tip of the shoe.

The Right Material

Most parents gravitate toward affordable plastic and rubber shoes for toddlers, which makes sense as your children will outgrow them pretty fast. But do these materials support healthy growth in young ones who are taking their first steps and learning how to walk?

Toddlers need comfortable, supportive, and breathable material in a design that provides adequate foot protection. We strongly advise buying shoes for toddlers made from high-quality materials, such as cloth, canvas, and leather. Considering the outgrowth rate, you don’t need to buy too many of these — even one or two premium pairs are enough.

Breathability is another factor of the utmost significance, and canvas and leather are two porous materials that allow adequate air circulation. These flexible and versatile materials are also durable and easy to maintain.

The Right Design

It’s natural for parents to live out all their childhood dress-up fantasies through their little boys and girls, but is this necessary? You may want to give your little girl an elaborate collection of high-fashion footwear, but she doesn’t need those horridly pointy shoes and ruffled clogs. Toddlers need comfort, support, and stability to help them learn to walk and take control of their range of motion.

As they grow, children are experimenting with all the new things their limbs can do aside from crawling, like jumping, running, or riding a tricycle. Sneakers are a great choice, as they allow healthy foot development without constraining the feet. We advise buying sneakers made with PU leather and breathable fabric for a comfortable, snug fit. If you happen to be looking at boots, be warned that these can constrain children’s feet and compromise mobility.

Most parents can get confused when it comes to deciding between closed and open-toe shoes. Experts believe that open-toed shoes are a bad choice for toddlers, as they don’t offer adequate foot protection and create tripping hazards. If your little one prefers the comfort of open-toe shoes, Crocs are a safe closed-toe choice that can provide them stability.

Final Thoughts

Buying shoes for toddlers is challenging, as size requirements and your child’s comfort preferences are constantly changing. We strongly advise against expensive and high-fashion shoes for toddlers, as your child can outgrow these in a matter of weeks. Instead, focus on materials and designs that maximize foot protection and stability to help your baby learn to walk and run.

People Also Asked

What material should sneakers for toddlers be?

We recommend buying sneakers made with PU leather and breathable material, such as canvas.

How much should I spend on shoes for toddlers?

It's wise to shop with a flexible $20+ budget. Most decent choices range between $12 to $80 and above, and it really boils down to how much you want to spend on your toddler’s shoes.

Should I buy shoes that are one size larger for my growing toddler?

Shoes that are too big or inaccurately sized make it harder for toddlers to walk, in addition to creating tripping hazards. It may seem like a pragmatic strategy to control your spending, but it's simply not safe for your child.

Why Trust Us?

You can trust My Family Life to provide practical tips and product recommendations that genuinely prioritize your family's best interests. As parents ourselves, our mission is to create a supportive community where you feel empowered and informed, knowing that we genuinely care about making your parenting experience as smooth and joyful as possible.

Contributors

My Family Life Reviews Team
My Family Life Reviews Team
Toddlers
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