Buying shoes for children can feel overwhelming. Finding shoes that are helpful and not harmful can be it’s own challenge.

Here are a few suggestions for finding a good pair of shoes for your child’s development and make shopping a bit easier!

 

Things to look for in shoes for new walkers and toddlers:

• Wide toe box: room for toes, we want them to be able to use their toes to grip for balance
• Firm but flexible heel cup: cups the back of the foot with support
• Slightly flexible sole: allows the shoe to bend but is not flimsy or rigid
• Medium to high profile: provides some support to the ankle but does not need to be a high-top shoe
• Velcro closures: ensures a custom fit

Things to look for in shoes for older kids: 

• Arch support, flat soles are okay for occasional wear
• Flexible sole, not rigid
• Sturdy heel cup to support back of the foot 

Good for kids who have orthotics:

• Removable insole
• Wide toe box
• Extended shoe tongue
• Shoe ties or straps that will accommodate foot and orthosis
• If high-tops, we recommend a shoe with a zipper
• Typically, do not recommend sandals

Brands that work well for all categories:

• Stride Rite
• Skechers
• Nike
• Keen
• New Balance
• Vans
• Ten Little Kids
• Adidas
• Carter’s

Things to watch out for and avoid:

• Shoes without good traction, slip-ons
• Abnormal areas that are worn out on the shoe: outside or inside of sole, toe area, or heel area
• Repetitive blisters or calluses