Best toddler shoes: Footwear for your toddler’s first steps and beyond

Toddler footwear needs to work for all phases of a toddlers growth. Children develop at different stages, and not all toddlers will immediately spring onto their feet. Toddler feet continue to develop, even once they start walking, with bones growing and fusing as the child becomes bigger.

Remember: when your child first starts walking, barefoot is the best way to help their feet develop properly; it aids bone development and muscle strength. That said, children cant be barefoot all the time. Shoes that allow healthy growth are essential and good shoes will be comfortable, supportive and easy to put on and remove.

Finding the best toddler shoes that tick all these boxes may feel intimidating, but theres no cause for concern. Here, we guide you through what you need to know when choosing your toddlers first shoes. And below that youll find our pick of the best toddler shoes available in a range of styles and prices.

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Best toddler shoes: At a glance

• Best overall toddler shoes: Clarks City Bright | £24
• Best toddler trainers: Bobux Grass Court | £47
• Best toddler wellies: JoJo Maman Bébé Cosy Lined Ankle Wellies | £22

How to choose the best toddler shoes for your child

What features should I look for in a good pair of toddler shoes?

When shopping for toddler shoes, take note of the following:

• Flexible soles These allow for more natural movement, even when your child cant be barefoot.
• Non-slip soles Textured soles will help prevent falls as your child explores the world around them.
• Easy-to-use straps These are helpful for multiple reasons. Riptape straps are easy to open and close, making it easier for children to learn how to put on their own shoes. They also allow you to adjust the footwear as the child grows, ensuring the shoes continue to fit well.
• Roomy toe box Having about a half-inch of space at the top of the shoe allows for growth. Space in the toe box also allows children to flex and spread their toes, which is how they practise balancing.

How do I ensure the shoe fits correctly?

When you’re shopping for shoes for your toddler, measurements are crucial. If possible, its best to go to a store that specialises in childrens shoes, such as Clarks. Measurements should be taken of both of your childrens feet, since they can vary by as much as half a size.

If you cant get to a store, online guides can help you measure at home. Ensure that a child is standing up, and not curling their toes, when taking measurements of your childs feet.

Once you have a size to work with, its time to try on some shoes. Have your child wear the same socks they wear day-to-day to ensure the shoes fit comfortably. Once theyre wearing the shoes, use your thumb to push down on the front of the shoe to ensure the toes arent butting right up against the inside of the toe box.

Since childrens feet grow so quickly, its best to leave at least a half-inch, or a thumbs width, between the big toe and the top of the shoe. Check that the heel of the shoe is sitting securely against the back of the foot; if its too loose, it will slide up and down as they walk, potentially irritating the skin.

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The best toddler shoes you can buy in 2023

1. Clarks City Bright: Best toddler shoes overall

Price: £24 | Buy now from Clarks

The Clarks City Bright offer everything parents would want from a pair of casual shoes for their toddler. The canvas top is comfortable and lightweight, making it easy for children to move around. The rubber soles are flexible, encouraging more natural movement in the childs feet. They fasten using a riptape strap, making the shoes easy for parents and toddlers to put on and take off.

Aside from the conventional features that make these shoes a great choice, theyre machine washable, too. Parents can toss the trainers into the washing machine on a delicate cycle, and theyll be as good as new without any added effort.

Available in a variety of colours and patterns, youll have no trouble finding a pair to match any outfit. City Bright shoes also come in half sizes, standard width, wide and extra wide to help accommodate fast-growing feet.

Key details Sizes: 4 to 9.5; Colours: Navy Canvas, Silver, Pink Canvas, Navy Interest, Khaki Camo, Blue Multi, Khaki, Grey Combination, Bright Blue; Fastening type: Riptape; Materials: Canvas, rubber

2. Bobux Grass Court: Best toddler trainers

Price: £47 | Buy now from Bobux

A good pair of trainers is the everyday go-to for many people, and its no different for our children. These high-quality Grass Court trainers from Bobux are made with premium leather thats non-toxic and child-safe. Paired with a cotton lining, the leather allows the childs feet to breathe, making them super-comfortable.

The soles are highly flexible yet durable, and designed to handle whatever abuse toddler feet may put them through. The wavy pattern offers excellent flexibility and an anti-slip grip. The base is also slightly rounded to support the ankle and help with mobility.

With more than a dozen colours available, theres an option to suit any style and toddler. The Grass Court trainers are from Bobuxs Step-Up line, made specifically for early walkers. Theyre designed for the shape of a toddler’s feet, encouraging those beginner steps.

Key details Sizes: 18 to 22; Colours: Smoke, White, Navy, Black, Gold, Seashell, Sapphire, Emerald, Blueberry, Rose Gold, Raspberry, Fuchsia, Dusk Cloud, Moon Cloud, Aqua, White/Red/Rainbow, White/Silver/Rainbow, Neon; Fastening type: Riptape; Materials: Premium leather, cotton, thermoplastic rubber

3. JoJo Maman Bébé Cosy Lined Ankle Wellies: Best toddler wellies

Price: £22 | Buy now from JoJo Maman Bébé

Is there anything more appealing to children than splashing in puddles on rainy days? Even those kids who can barely walk will stomp in the rain as best they can while holding a parents hand. This is the reason a good pair of wellies are a must.

These wellies are ankle-length and wont feel clunky on your toddlers feet. The upper part of the boot and the sole are made from natural rubber, meaning theyre soft and flexible. They also have a fleece lining, helping your toddlers feet stay warm, even on the coldest days.

The rigid soles allow for a more secure grip, while the elastic sides make it easy to slide the boots on and off your toddlers feet. The wellies are available in two colours: a classic mustard yellow and a more understated navy.

Key details Sizes: 3 to 11; Colours: Navy, Mustard; Fastening type: N/A; Materials: Rubber, polyester

4. Kidly Canvas High Top Trainers: Best warm toddler shoes

Price: £24 | Buy now from Kidly

Toddlers need cosy shoes to get them through the winter months. These fleece-lined high-top trainers are the perfect shoe to keep them warm. The breathable, suede cotton canvas tops are stylish and come in four colour options. The lining is a polyester fleece, which will help hold in heat against the childs feet.

The shoes fasten easily with one riptape strap and elasticised laces, plus they include a pull tab on the back of the shoe to help children learn to put on the shoes themselves. The insoles are padded, keeping childrens feet comfortable throughout the day, while the recyclable rubber soles are designed to be anti-slip.

Designed to be easy to clean, they can be wiped or thrown into the washing machine. Free of animal derivatives, theyre vegan, too.

Key details Sizes: 4.5 to 13; Colours: Stone, Moss, Chambray Blue, Plum; Fastening type: Riptape, elasticised laces; Materials: Cotton canvas, polyester, recyclable thermoplastic rubber

5. Kidly Jelly Sandals: Best toddler sandals

Price: £14 | Buy now from Kidly

When playing poolside or by the beach during the summer, a good pair of water-friendly sandals are a must. These jelly sandals are ideal for children to wear in and out of the water, protecting their feet and keeping them comfortable.

Featuring closed-toe protection, children wont stub their toes on underwater rocks or other hazards. They have cushioned insoles that can be removed if needed. Although they have a buckle for appearances, the shoes use a riptape closure, so children can easily learn to put on and take off their sandals independently.

The sole is textured for added safety and slip prevention. Designed to dry quickly, they can be kept clean with a quick rinse and wipe. Its recommended that children wear socks for the first couple of uses to ensure a proper fit for optimal comfort without irritation.

Key details Sizes: 4 to 11; Colours: Khaki, Cloud Grey, Blush Pink, Apple, Tan, Thistle, Chalk, Coral, Honey, Sea Blue; Fastening type: Riptape; Materials: PVC, EVA

6. Geox Zyzie: Best toddler shoes for new walkers

Price: £25 | Buy now from La Redoute

Geox has worked with the Italian Association of Podiatrists to create the Geox First Steps line of shoes. The Zyzie baby slides are a comfortable, slipper-style shoe thats perfect for wear around the house. They have a perforated outsole, allowing the feet to breathe, and a removable waterproof membrane.

The shoes are designed in a natural shape, encouraging proper ergonomic development in childrens feet. The scored tread and balanced gait help provide stability as they learn to steady their steps. They also feature a highly flexible sole for more natural movement. With a single riptape, its quick and easy to put on and remove these shoes.

The tops of the shoes are felt, with fabric and adorable animal detailing on the front. Overall, these shoes are a cosy and reliable option for toddlers just starting to find their footing.

Key specs Sizes: 3.5 to 9; Colours: Grey/Navy, Dark Pink/Fuchsia; Fastening type: Riptape; Materials: Felt, synthetic material

Written by

Amanda Stellisano

Amanda Stellisano is a freelance writer and the creator of Modern Nan. She has written on various topics including skincare, home, garden and baby.

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