The 11 Best Shoes For Toddlers, According To Parents Who Have Tried ’Em All

Sneakers that look sharp but won’t slow your tot down—this suede and leather number is fashionable but not flashy. Parents report that the fit is great for wider feet and the leather isn’t stiff, so no blisters for your babe and no buyer’s remorse for you. We also like that this particular shoe comes with the American Podiatric Medical Association's seal of approval. “I have two small people who hate shoes, and I am a loyal Stride Rite fan,” says freelance contributing editor Emma Singer. “Their squishy and soft toddler sneakers have been saving my sanity for many a season.”

We love the playful look of the Ryders, but you can also file this guy under fuss-free fashion. Awarded the seal of acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), these lightweight shoes feature a soft lining and somehow manage to be both durable and flexible. They’re also a great option for kids with high arches or flat feet. (And come on, how cute is the little wagon on the side?) “My son has inherited my high-arched feet but these fit him perfectly as a toddler,” says executive editor Alexia Dellner. “I also loved the adorable designs and bright colors!”

When it comes to casual comfort, we vote mocs over Crocs. The faux-fur lining of these slip-ons is plush and plentiful, so perfect for keeping your kid’s feet warm around the house. But they also have a sturdy rubber sole, which means your toddler won’t slip on the tile floor, and you won’t have to pause and put him in “real” shoes when he wants to help you take out the trash. “My kid wears indoor shoes for school and we’ve been through a lot of different pairs over the years. This are by far not only the chicest (look at that faux-fur lining!) but also the sturdiest,” says Dellner.

When we signed up to be parents, no one warned us how freakin’ difficult it would be to measure our child’s shoe size. But the pros at Ten Little make the whole process easy. Answer a couple of questions and their online algorithm will recommend a healthy size in just a few clicks or they’ll mail you a free shoe fit finder. These cool shoes feature reinforced toe caps and non-skid soles, plus a range of fun colors (each pair also comes with stickers so your kid can personalize her kicks). The earthy mama in us also loves that these shoes are made from vegan leather and natural rubber. Rachel Bowie, senior director of special projects is a big fan of these kicks: “I love how seamless it is to truly grasp my child's foot size and to take his measurements. The box itself includes a sizing guide so that you can easily re-order the next pair, too. The shoes also really hold up well to wear and tear.”

These live up to their jazzy name. The bold color combinations are fun, playful and definitely a hit with kids, yet not offensive to adults (so you won’t find yourself wondering if you’re wrong for wanting to explain the definition of “tacky” to a toddler). The oversized Velcro tab means you have a larger margin of error while trying to secure them to the foot of a moving target, and if you’ve ever tried to put shoes on a toddler in a hurry, you know that’s a big deal. In fact, there’s a good chance your kiddo can put these on himself, so you won’t even have to break a sweat before leaving the house. PureWow’s editor-in-chief, Jillian Quint, gives these top marks for both functionality and how easy it is for kids to put on themselves. “I also love the retro look,” she adds.

The Jefferson slip-on from Native is a thing of beauty; it might even be the perfect shoe. Somewhere between Toms and Crocs, these slip-ons score top marks for both form and function. Not clunky, not ugly, not smelly, not heavy, not ouchy—just right. So easy to slide on, an 18-month-old might be able to do it without help; so sturdy they show no signs of structural wear and tear after hitting the pavement every day on the foot of a 5-year-old. The rubber material is super easy to clean too. Our only complaint is that, no matter how awesome they are, you can’t in good conscience ask your kid to wear them in the winter. PureWow’s director of brand strategy, Michela Hart, was a big fan of these for her 18-month-old daughter last summer. “I love that they are super easy to slip on and off (my toddler can easily take them off once we get home too). As a side note, my daughter actually took one off and tossed it while on a walk at the end of last summer which was never recovered so maybe that's a downside too! I also love that they are waterproof so great for water parks/activities in the summer (double as water shoes).”

These sturdy boots come with enhanced traction to minimize skidding (because a toddler running around in the snow is a recipe for disaster). They also feature a Velcro buckle that makes it easy to tuck snow pants into them and get out the door in no time, plus a soft plush lining to keep little toes comfy. Quint agrees: “Sorel snow boots are really hearty and easy for kids to put on and take off themselves,” she explains. “I also love that this pair has a big Velcro closure, which makes it so much easier for my daughter to deal with (sans meltdown).” Available in multiple colors.

The Soft Motion line from Stride Rite is perfect for toddlers who are walking, running and climbing with the best of them, but still relatively new to the concept of footwear. These sneakers are soft and flexible from heel to toe, but not in that I’m-a-sock-pretending-to-be-a-shoe way, and the rubber soles are thick and can take a playground beating, or a thousand. The best part? Your child won’t complain about wearing them every day, and you won’t need to buy another pair until she’s ready for the next size up.

It’s the universal law of parenting: It doesn’t matter what the weather is doing—if there is mud somewhere then your kid will find it. These cute kicks from See Kai Run are ideal ‘get dirty’ shoes: great grip for adventure seekers plus they’re machine-washable and quick-drying. Parents also agree that these shoes go on quickly and without a struggle. Writes one happy reviewer: “My daughter attends a forest school, so a durable, waterproof, every day sneaker was a must. This is a fantastic shoe. Like all See Kai Runs, they are a super comfortable sneaker and have a lot of padding. She has dipped them almost entirely in mud and her socks are still bone dry. They are pricey yes, but if your kid spends most of their day outside, then this shoe is a must.”

Maybe you’re looking forward to a warm-weather getaway, or maybe you’re merely daydreaming about summer, but if you’re searching for some very small sandals, you should check these out. The material is soft, so it won’t rub or cause discomfort, and it wipes clean in a second. Parents love the simple style: gender-neutral, cute and easy to dress up or down. Most importantly, these weren’t designed by a sadist, so there are no buckles! The Velcro closure is secure and easy to use, so you can spend more time in the sun and less time swearing under your breath.

Our overall favorite rain boot for kids are just as durable as their adult counterpart. Made from a 100 percent recycled polyester lining and a specially developed tread to reduce slipping, these stylish boots comes in a variety of solid colors as well as glitter-coated and rainbow designs. Extra bonus? Because they’re made of fully waterproof, natural vulcanized rubber, they’re super easy to clean