The 10 Best Toddler Shoes, Approved By Both Parents And Kids

Sizes: 3 to 6, medium to extra-wide | Material: Leather upper, memory foam footbed | Sole: Rubber | Closure: Hook and loop (like Velcro) | Other features: APMA-approved, slip-resistant sole

These 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.

Stride Rite is known for creating quality kids’ shoes that are strong enough to pass 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. These shoes also come in medium, wide and extra-wide sizes to suit a range of little feet.

What our editors say: “I’m impressed with the Kylo sneaker’s slip-resistant sole,” says Margaret Badore, Forbes Vetted’s baby and kids gear editor. “My toddler falls less when running around in these shoes than some of the others we’ve used, and seems to get better traction on playground equipment and slick floors.” 

Sizes: 4 to 12 | Material: Cotton-polyester upper, cotton lining and insole | Sole: Polyester and rubber | Closure: Hook and loop | Other features: Breathable upper, machine-washable (air dry)

At $10, it’s hard to beat the price of these Cat & Jack shoes from Target. My 6-year-old had these shoes as one of his first pairs, and they held up well enough to be passed on to his younger siblings. 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 for 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. One downsides is that the sole provides slightly less traction than some of the other toddler shoes on this list. Also, keep in mind that though they are machine washable, they should be air-dried only. 

Sizes: 4 to 13 | Material: Vegan leather upper, cotton lining | Sole: Natural rubber | Closure: Hook and loop | Other features: APMA-approved, non-skid and flexible sole, no-slip tongue, designed with pediatricians and podiatrists

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, providing feedback as they walk. Kids love the stickers that come with these colorful shoes, too, allowing them to personalize their footwear. They’re available in 11 colors.

What our editors 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,” she says. Sala adds that these sneakers are lightweight and—while snug enough to stay on her toddler’s feet—easy enough for them to put on independently. “I just wish they were machine washable,” she says.

Sizes: 5 to 10, medium and wide | Material: Leather, mesh upper, EVA footbed | Sole: Rubber | Closure: Hook and loop | Other features: Grippy outsole, removable footbed, anti-stink lining, machine-washable

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

What our editors say: Sala and her outdoor-loving kids are Merrell fans. “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 says. “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.”

Sizes: 4 to 12 | Material: Textile canvas upper | Sole: Synthetic rubber | Closure: Slip-on | Other features: Lightweight and flexible outsole, padded insole, minimal silhouette

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 shoes are the quick and convenient when you need to run out the door says Rebeca Solorzano, senior vice president of programmatic operations and strategy at Forbes.“No Velcro, easy to slip on and stay on. They also give my son the independence and confidence to take his shoes off by himself when we come home and put them away,” she says.

Sizes: 4 to 13 (4.5 to 7.4 inches) | Material: Mesh lining, mesh and rubber upper | Sole: Rubber | Closure: Hook and loop | Other features: APMA-approved, machine-washable (air dry), sensory-friendly lining, deep toe box, removable insole, herringbone lug pattern for traction

The See Kai Run shoes often get a shoutout on best toddler shoe lists because every pair is APMA approved; the brand emphasizes healthy foot development. The Dean Adapt pair is specifically designed for kids who might need a brace or another type of orthopedic insert or custom insole added to their 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. Plus, the straps are extra long and can be customized further by cutting them to fit. This high-top pair includes a soft and flexible upper and is fully lined with minimal seams to reduce sensory irritation. See Kai Run’s designs are extra cute, too, and parents report that their kids can independently get the brand’s shoes on and off easily. Keep in mind that you’ll need to size up if you’re putting in orthotics.

What our editors say: “Although my toddler doesn’t need orthotics, I’ve found these to be a great shoe for him,” says Badore. “The wide foot opening and hinges on the straps make them super easy to put on a wiggly toddler. They held up great after over six months of use as his primary shoes, and were in good enough condition to be passed on when he outgrew them.”

Sizes: 2C to 7C | Material: Mesh and leather upper, foam insole | Sole: Rubber | Closure: Slip-on | Other features: Heel and tongue pull tabs, foam-cushioned insole, reinforced toe tip

Nike’s massively popular Flex Runner 3 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.

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.