Finding the Best Shoes for Toddlers

We found buying shoes for our twin boys the first time a bit daunting. We are so used to buying shoes for ourselves based on what size we are and can get away wearing shoes without good support. But what type of shoes are best for toddlers?

We decided to put this post together to share our experience of buying the best shoes for a child and pairs we recommend.

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Why Buy Shoes for your Toddler?

As your child becomes walking, it's important to find a comfortable pair of shoes that will help protect their feet from different surfaces they encounter while helping nurture their feet as they grow. 

We don't think any old shoe is good for your child and recommend further reading our guide to get some helpful tips on things to look out for when buying shoes for your toddler for the first time. Some shoes are only asking for trouble later in life while others are specifically designed with the input of podiatrists to ensure they are properly looking after your little one's feet. 

What to Look for When Buying Shoes for a Toddler?

• Make sure they fit - The most important thing when buying a pair of shoes for your infant is ensuring they fit! Shoes that are too big will cause them to trip over while shoes that are too small will cause blisters. While a poor fit may also cause problems later in life whether it be developed hammer toes or bunions. 
• Flexible - You want a shoe that is flexible and not too stiff. This is important as it gives your child's feet a chance to develop muscles to help them with their walking. Shoes that are too stiff don't allow muscles to properly develop.
• Closed shoes - While we think open shoes and thongs can look great, they're also not so great for your child if you're looking for an ergonomic pair of shoes. Open shoes have been been found to cause children to 'toe grip' which is where they try to compensate for the shoes being open by gripping with their toes as they walk. This doesn't set them up for success later in life.

What to Avoid When Buying Shoes for a Toddler?

You want your child to enjoy wearing their first pair of shoes and not loathe them. If the shoes aren't comfortable they'll quickly develop negative associations with the shoes and never want to wear them. For this reason we've created a list of things to avoid when buying shoes for a toddler: 

• Shoes with a sole that's too hard - Shoes that use a sole that's too hard and not flexible means that you're not giving your child's legs and feet muscles a change to develop. Instead look for something that's flexible so when you're buying the shoes, try to bend them in the middle and see how much they bend.
• Avoid features you see in adult shoes - Your child doesn't need the features you'll find in adult shoes like high backs, special arches, reinforced heels, etc. These only create early problems for your child's feet.
• Shoes designed for adults - Try not to avoid focusing too much on how the shoes look and instead how they feel in terms of having good padding, being flexible and most importantly, fitting your child properly.
• Shoes that are too big - Buying new shoes for your child can result in your child's feet moving around too much which can cause blisters, risk them tripping over but also developing long-term problems whether it be hammertoes, claw toes or bunions.
• Not checking whether the shoes fit a few months later - Shoes that are too small can restrict the growth of your child's foot so for this reason we recommend occasionally checking the shoes to see how they fit. 
• Avoid open toed shoes - These are no good for children as it's thought children are more inclined to toe grip when they are walking which creates an unnatural walking style that may result in problems down the track.

Is Buying Used Shoes for My Toddler OK?

Avoid if can. Buying shoes that have already been worn can be problematic as the shoes have begun to develop a mould that suits the previous child's feet which may mean they will sit awkwardly on your child.

Obviously if you're strapped for cash and have no other choice then go for it! It sure beats your child walking around barefoot on rough surfaces. 

How to Tell Whether the Shoes Fit?

We recommend getting your child to stand straight on their feet with their knees slightly bent. While they are in this position, see whether you can fit the equivalent of a pinky finger into the heel of the shoe.  Ideally you're looking for enough gap to give their feet space to move around as needed. You don't want too much space though as this can cause instability and blisters. 

We recommend checking how the fit of the shoe is going on your child by checking for red marks on their feet from time to time. This will help you identify whether the shoes are too small and a bigger pair may be needed.

Should My Toddler Wear Socks?

Yes definitely. Socks are great as they help protect your child's foot from blisters while absorbing moisture and reducing friction between your child's feet and the shoe. All the while helping keep the shoe feel comfortable. 

Should My Toddler Still go Barefoot?

Yes from time to time. It's recommended that your child still go barefoot when they are walking indoors as this is a great way for them to develop motor skills on walking. While helping strengthen their leg and foot muscles.