From the moment they learn to walk, our little ones are unstoppable forces of nature.
They’ll trot, stomp and skip as far as their tiny feet can take them before stumbling over. With some help from mum, dad or caregiver, they’ll promptly get back up on their slightly unsteady trotters and attempt to run amok all over again. It’s a wonderful, often hilarious sight and one that parents tend to reminisce over once the kiddos have – quite literally – found their feet.
Ensuring little ’uns have the proper footwear to take them on life’s largest adventures is crucial. While it can feel counterintuitive to invest in high-quality footwear when our pint-sized humans are growing at lightning speed, choosing comfortable and purpose-made shoes which cushion those ever-growing feet is essential for preventing discomfort and shaping their limbs.
How to shop for children’s footwear
According to the Association of Paediatric Chartered Physiotherapists, buying the correct footwear is very important for toddlers and children as the foot is a complicated limb of the body. If they’re forced into uncomfortable and ill-fitting footwear for prolonged periods while children are growing, it could lead to damage and problems later in life.
The APCP additionally outlines some top tips for choosing suitable footwear, including:
- Ensure your child’s feet are measured by a professional
- Avoid shoes with pointed or narrow toes
- Avoid shoes with high heels
- Choose flexible footwear for breathability and freedom of movement, but ensure that it has a solid and supportive heel
- Ensure footwear has sufficient grip
- Choose footwear with sufficient fastening for better support – i.e. Velcro or laces rather than slip-ons
- Ensure footwear has a 1cm space at the end of the toes inside the shoes
- Avoid shoes which need to be “broken in”
With this advice in mind, we’ve curated a selection of the best kids' shoe brands on the market. Keep scrolling to accommodate those all-important first steps.
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Clarks
The foremost brand which comes to mind when conjuring up thoughts of children’s shoe manufacturers is Clarks.
Founded in 19th century Somerset by Cyrus and James Clark, the eponymous brand has since become the go-to destination for both casual and school-appropriate shoes for kids. We’re partial to the classic Torhill Lo, though you can browse hundreds of styles to suit your kid’s aesthetic.
Buy now, Clarks
La Coqueta
For children’s shoes that any adult would envy, look no further than the luxe world of La Coqueta. From formal and school shoes to sandals and ballet flats, La Coqueta specialises in premium footwear for precious feet. Founded in 2013, heritage and nostalgia are at the heart of La Coqueta’s entire range. The Spanish-born brand prioritises excellent craftsmanship and timeless fashion for the twinkliest of toes.
Buy now, La Coqueta
Liewood
Liewood is for the outdoorsy little ones. Home of welly boots, summer-proof sandals and protective water shoes, the Copenhagen-born brand is led by an ethos of functionality and innovation. Driven by Nordic design traditions, you’ll find comfortable, stylish and subtly colourful pieces in Liewood’s footwear range.
Buy now, Selfridges
Koel Kids
Dutch footwear brand Koel specialises in Barefoot trainers, wellies and boots for kids. Designed to offer supreme comfort and flexibility with suitable support, the Barefoot range features soles of widely varying widths for the littlest of kids. The brand also prides itself on making use of ecologically certified materials including bio leathers, bio lining and other vegan materials.
Buy now, Alpine Trek
Keen
Designed for small humans embarking on big adventures, Oregon-based footwear specialists Keen have been going since 2003. Often associated with wholesome boys and girls, their closed-toe sandals are brilliant for enjoying warmer while ensuring feet remain protected and pain-free.
Cold-climate warriors need not worry, for Keen is also home to over 200 original designs ranging from sandals to trainers and hiking boots.
Buy now, Amazon
Kickers
Kickers are a children’s footwear classic, offering timeless style and endless comfort in the classroom, playground and beyond. Though the Kick Hi and Lo styles tend to be the most popular, Kickers also has a range of sandal and trainer options for little ones.
Buy now, Kickers
Birkenstock
While slip-on footwear isn’t necessarily recommended for growing kids, Birkenstock’s children’s range solves the problem of slip-on sandals by offering adjustable footwear with brilliant ankle support. The anatomically shaped, wonderfully comfortable Birkenstock footbed is sure to keep kiddos comfortable all day long.
Buy now, Schuh
New Balance
Match with your mini-me with the help of New Balance’s kids’ shoes range, which goes from shoes made for toddlers and babies all the way up to big kids. From the iconic 550 sneaker with easy-fasten hook and loop closure, to Velcro and lace options in classic styles, give your little one the gift of style and comfort from a young age.
Buy now, New Balance
Kidly
A contemporary, fashion-forward destination for your 0-5-year-old’s wardrobe, Kidly stock many of our favourite kids and baby brands across its vast offering, but the unsung hero of the bunch is Kidly’s own brand clothes and shoes.
Home to everything from rain boots made from 100 per cent natural rubber and Jellies with cushioned insoles, to holiday-proof canvas sandals and high-top trainers, snow boots, beach shoes and so much more – it’s a tried and true one-stop-shop with style to boot.
Buy now, Kidly
Geox
Shoes are an endlessly entertaining piece of kit for our kiddos to enjoy. Plus, it makes our lives a whole lot easier when encouraging kids to put on their shoes and get out of the house.
The fun never ends with the classic Illuminus shoes from Geox, but the beloved shoe brand also stocks a variety of other breathable, cushioned styles for children with slightly more subdued preferences. You’ll also find some fabulous collaborations with your children’s favourite characters from Marvel and Disney over at Geox.
Buy now, Geox
Boden
When your child is just about ready to embrace their personal style, we recommend introducing them to kicks from Boden. The brand’s technicolour selection is sure to entice your little one, with styles ranging from high-octane metallics to oh-so-adult Chelsea boots.
Buy now, Boden
Converse
Cool kids on the block belong in a pair of Chuck Taylor All Star’s. Comfortable, versatile and stylish, Converse produce a range of easy-on and one-strap options if your little one hasn’t quite got the hang of laces yet. We’re also big fans of the customisable All Star’s, which make for a cool birthday gift.
Buy now, Converse
Camper
The home of conscious and purpose-built footwear, Camper has made a name for itself as a paragon of both practical and uber-chic kickers. Kids can enjoy comfortable ballerina flats, boots, trainers and sandals all year long which hark back to the brand’s Spanish heritage.
Buy now, Camper
