As a pediatric physical therapist, one of the most common questions I get from parents is: “What kind of shoes should my child be wearing?” It’s a great question — because the right shoes can make a big difference in a child’s comfort, coordination, and even development.
Children's feet are growing, changing, and learning just like the rest of their bodies. The right footwear helps support this growth without restricting it. Whether your child is just learning to walk or running around the playground, here’s what I recommend looking for in a pair of shoes:
Quack! Read to the end for some of my favorite shoe picks for kids! (and shoes I recommend saving your money on 👀)
Pro Tip: Let your baby go barefoot for as long as possible. It's one of the best ways to build foot strength and balance from the ground up.
The Ultimate Kids’ Shoe Checklist
1. Wide Toe Box
Children’s toes need room to wiggle, grip, and grow. A wide toe box allows for proper toe splay, which helps with balance and coordination. Shoes that taper at the front can crowd the toes and affect foot development over time. Look for a shoe that follows the natural shape of the foot — not one that pinches or curves inward.
2. Flexible Sole
The sole should bend easily at the ball of the foot — not be stiff like a board. Kids need to feel the ground to develop strength, stability, and proprioception (their sense of where their body is in space). A flexible sole encourages natural movement patterns and muscle use.
For toddlers and early walkers, softer, more minimal soles are often best. As kids get older and more active, a bit more structure can be helpful — but flexibility is still key.
3. Adjustable Closure
A good fit is crucial, and an adjustable closure helps achieve it. Whether it’s Velcro, elastic laces, or a hook-and-loop strap, you want something that keeps the foot secure without being too tight. Avoid slip-ons for young children — they’re often too loose and don’t provide enough stability.
Pro Tip: Adjustable closures also help kids practice independence when learning to put on their own shoes!
4. Secure Heel Cup
The heel of the shoe should hold the back of the foot snugly without slipping. This helps control alignment during walking and running. Look for a firm heel cup — not one that collapses when you press on it. A good heel fit can reduce tripping and improve posture and gait mechanics.
5. Flat Sole (No Heel Lift)
Kids don’t need a heel in their shoe — not even a small one. Elevated heels can shift their weight forward and change how their muscles engage. A zero-drop or flat sole helps promote natural posture and movement. It also supports better alignment up the chain — knees, hips, and even the spine.
6. Lightweight and Breathable Materials
Heavy shoes can make walking more work than it needs to be. Lightweight materials let your child move freely and naturally. Breathable fabrics also help prevent sweating and irritation — especially important during long school days or active play.
7. Minimal Arch Support (for Most Kids)
Here’s a big one: most kids don’t need arch support built into their shoes. Children are born with flat feet and develop arches naturally as their muscles strengthen. Over-supporting with stiff arch inserts can interfere with this process. If your child truly needs arch support (due to a medical condition), your pediatrician or PT will let you know.
So, What Shoes DO I Recommend? ✅
Here is a complete list of my favorite shoes on Amazon I always recommend to parents. See below for some of my top picks. These shoes check-off everything on the list and help your child put their best foot forward!
1. Ten Little
|
First Walker  |
Everyday Original  |
2. Stride Rite 360 Unisex-Baby Taye 2.0 Sneaker First Walker Shoe
3. Apakowa Kid's Boy's Girl's Soft Sole Close Toe Sport Beach Sandals
So, What Shoes DON’T I Recommend? ❌
Not all popular kids’ shoes are supportive of healthy foot development. Here are three types of shoes I commonly advise against — especially for everyday use or active play:
1. Crocs (and similar clogs)
While Crocs are easy to slip on and off, that’s exactly the problem — they don’t stay securely on the foot. Without a proper heel strap or closure system, kids tend to grip with their toes to keep them on, which can lead to poor walking mechanics and even foot fatigue or cramping. They’re also too loose for running and playing safely, which increases the risk of tripping.
👉 Best saved for quick trips to the backyard or poolside — not for school, playgrounds, or long walks.
2. Natives (and other stiff, rubber slip-ons)
Natives are cute, waterproof, and easy to clean — but they’re also rigid and narrow, with little to no flexibility in the sole. This can restrict natural foot movement and toe splay. Additionally, because they’re slip-ons, they often don’t fit securely, which can throw off a child’s gait and posture.
👉 While they may be okay for splash pads or beach days, they’re not ideal for regular, all-day wear.
3. Slippers
Slippers offer zero structure or support. I often tell families that slippers make feet work 3x harder to keep the slipper on compared to wearing a regular shoe. That takes away effort from kids being able to focus on moving the rest of their body and puts them at higher risk for falls. Long term slipper usage can lead to changes in walking patterns, so it's best to save your money and invest in a more supportive shoe.
Final Thoughts
The best shoe for your child is one that fits their foot, allows for natural movement, and supports age-appropriate development. You don’t necessarily need the trendiest brand or the most expensive option — just something that’s thoughtfully designed for growing feet.
We're always happy to help you make the best choice for your little one’s growing body.
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