The Best Shoes for Kids

Stride Rite is a tried-and-true kids’ brand, and if it’s your first time buying shoes for a new walker, it’s a great place to start. Either go to a store to get measured, or use their online sizing tips. Then try these American Podiatric Medicine Association (APMA)-approved first walker shoes (or another design from their sizable “soft motion” collection).

We love See Kai Run’s soft first walker shoes, but also their durable sneakers for toddlers (some of which are machine-washable), and their water-friendly sandals. Plus, their entire line is APMA-approved.

Want a simple, attractive first shoe that doesn’t light up, have a character’s face plastered across the side, or feel like junk? Ten Little has a line of well-made, APMA-approved basics (made with vegan leather) ranging from retro suede sneakers and high tops to rain boots, snow boots, and more.

We see Tsukihoshi sneakers everywhere, and have purchased them ourselves many times. With a simple Velcro strap, they’re pretty easy for kids to get on and off. They’re designed to be comfortable but also breathable; some are even machine-washable. With bright base colors and shiny silver accents, they’re a good-looking addition to any toddler wardrobe.

High-quality kids’ shoes can get expensive fast. And while the investment is sometimes worth it, it can also be a tough pill to swallow when it seems like you’re buying new sizes all the time. While the list price for Skechers is often over $40, in practice you can regularly find them in the $35 range on Amazon. They’re comfortable and lightweight, and come in a huge range of fun patterns (including, yes, light-up designs).

For something secure that dries quickly and won’t slip around, try these Merrell Bare Steps water shoes. If you want something super easy to slip into that can be fully hosed down and dries off right away, these popular Natives (available in lots of colors) are a good pick.

A toddler sneaker that completely eliminates the problem of trying to squeeze a reluctant foot into a tiny shoe? Yes, please. This ingenious design from Kizik is called the “Squeeze It,” because that’s exactly what you do — just squeeze the sides of the shoe so that it’ll open wide.

If there’s one thing we know about rain boots, it’s that we’ll always forget to order the next size up. Sometimes we only realize this once it’s actually raining, but if you connect the dots a day or two before, you’ll get these from Amazon in time. And if you’re a much better weather planner than we are, they’re still a good investment anytime.

With a water-resistant exterior and dual felt liners that can be removed if necessary, these are great intro snowboots for kids wearing toddler size 5-9. They’ll keep those little toes cozy whether they’re walking to school, playing outside in the yard, or going for a family winter hike in the woods.

If you’re shopping for a dress-up wardrobe filled with princess gowns — or you have a Dorothy Halloween costume in need of some ruby slippers — these inexpensive Stelle heels are a surprisingly durable pick. We’ve tested them on extended trick-or-treating outings, school costume days, and as play heels, and they’re impressively comfortable and, well, not junky. While they’re certainly not subtle, we could also see them working for a flower girl outfit if you don’t want to spend a ton on a fancier pair.

We like Skechers for elementary schoolers for the same reason we like them for toddlers: They’re comfortable, light, and flexible, but also not so expensive that it’ll be a disaster if they get ruined or your kid grows out of them in less than a year. With a wide variety of styles to choose from — from simple to more elaborate, and pretty much everything in between — we think of them as a great cornerstone to any kid’s shoe collection.

Yes, the Crocs of your youth are back…this time with accessories of their very own. With 28 colors to choose from, the classic Croc is basically your kid’s blank canvas. Just don’t be surprised when they request Jibbitz charms with everything from Pokemon and Minecraft characters to their favorite snacks (like Krispy Kreme, french fries, and Goldfish).

For shoes that go with dresses and party outfits, but can still stand up to your average school day or even playground excursion, we love Naturino. With a leather upper, easy-to-fasten strap, and rubber outsole, this pair is practical but also pretty.

While girls’ shoe sections are often full of sparkly, fun party wear, it can be harder to shop for more dressed-up boys’ shoes. Florsheim is a dependable destination for beautiful black, white, and tan pairs that will fit in at concerts, country clubs, weddings, or other events where you want the footwear to match the meticulously curated outfit.

While these shoes aren’t our favorites for very little kids — they can be tricky and time-consuming to get on — we like them for bigger kids because they can stand up to a lot of outdoor adventuring. More secure than a Croc, they have a grippy outsole and are water-resistant, machine-washable, and quick-drying. They’re also available in a wide variety of colors, from black and red to pink and purple.

The same water-resistant, lined boot we like for toddlers, just available in toddler size 10 through big kid size 7. These boots are the perfect complement to the great snow suits or snow pants from the same brand.

If you have a tween or teen, you probably already know that Adidas Sambas and Gazelles are hot (again) right now. Hey…it makes a whole lot more sense than the return of low-rise jeans.

Yes, the Puma Speedcat was first released more than 25 years ago, but it’s still going strong today — and there’s a great chance it’s already on your teen’s wish list. Available in 12 colors, from an immediately eye-catching red to a more neutral beige, it’ll go with anything in their closet.

You can’t go wrong with Nike Dunks or Air Force 1s — both of which come in Big Kids’ or (of course) adult sizes, so you can shop whichever section is a better fit.

In a sense, Crocs are a gift that keeps on giving, because there are literally hundreds of Jibbitz charms teens can use to personalize them. From mini crocheted flowers, Diet Coke cans, and sport team-themed packs to letters, numbers, and even little plushies, there are a million ways for your tween or teen to keep these fresh.

If you’re starting to feel like your tween would have appreciated your own high school shoe collection, you’re not wrong. Uggs are still crowd-pleasers, and these cute short boots, which hit just above the ankle, come in both kids’ and adult sizes.

While you’re still figuring out if your tween needs kids’ or women’s sizes, it’s likely easiest to visit a big department store and try on as much as you can. But one reliable brand for fancier occasions (for teens as well as adults) is Sam Edelman. They have a kids’ collection, but your older kids may be more interested in exploring the women’s heels, sandals, and classic flats.

For concerts, debates, graduations, special dinners, weddings, and more, your teen will need a pair of shoes to fit the occasion. We’re fans of Florsheim’s classic, well-made designs, and if your child has sized out of the kids’ sizes, the men’s collection will have what you need.

If you’re ready to invest in a long-lasting pair, or you anticipate being able to hand these down to multiple siblings, Hunter boots (either the short or tall version) feel decidedly more sophisticated than whatever’s still in the closet from your kids’ muddy-puddle days. They’re also perfect for sending off to college with any newly minted almost-grown-up.

For an upgrade from their kids’ boots of past years, try these popular, well-made options from Sorel. Good-looking enough to wear with regular clothes (as opposed to a full snow-suit getup), they’re another good buy if you have a college student headed somewhere cold.