The 9 Best Shoe Brands For Kids, According To Podiatrists

While Dr. Patrick McEneaney, doctor of podiatric medicine and CEO of Northern Illinois Foot and Ankle Specialists and certified pedorthist Michael Fishkin both prefer in-person shoe shopping, they know online shopping is often more convenient for busy or long-distance families. So when buying on the web, it’s imperative to ensure the shoes fit correctly after they get delivered.

To check the fit, McEneaney likes the time-honored thumb between the big toe and the top of their shoe — giving their quickly-growing feet a little room without being too big. “Otherwise, you know, you’re buying shoes way too often,” he said. 

Even if your kid is not a track star, Fishkin recommends getting them running shoes for shock absorption and stability in school, gym class, and other activities. “Running shoes are typically more secure on the feet, so they can help prevent injuries and be a little bit more protective,” Fishkin told us. For odor control and breathability, Fishkin likes shoes with a mesh upper (like many running shoes) and emphasizes looking for something with a rubber outsole on the bottom, as foam can grind down and interfere with your kid’s stride and posture.  

Dr. McEneaney and Fishkin also instructed to look for ample, if not extra support in the middle part of the shoe (around your kiddo’s arch), to relieve stress to the ball of the foot, ensuring their heel doesn’t pop out when they move and confirming that the width is correct. “Look at their feet while they’re standing before you buy shoes,” Dr. McEneaney said, explaining that many brands offer wide options for kids.

The expert’s last advice: while it’s less cost-effective, stick to new shoes, as hand-me-downs or second-hand options can affect your kid’s walk. When online shopping, decide what type of shoe your kid needs, screenshot a few options, and then have your kid choose a color from your pictures — instead of showing them a whole webpage and risking disappointment or overwhelm. 

Without hesitation, Michael Fishkin, certified pedorthist said New Balance and Asics are his "go-to" shoes to recommend for kids. "They take their adult shoes, and they size them appropriately for children," he said. "They incorporate a lot of their higher-end technology for adults into a kid shoe."

With Asics, Fishkin likes the Gel Venture style, saying they're a more cost-effective model with excellent cushioning shock absorbency, great traction and importantly, a ton of fun colors.

Get them from Asics for $39.95 (originally $55; available in sizes K10–3 and 15 colors).

For New Balance, Fishkin likes the kids' Fresh Foam Arishi. The sneaker boasts a bungee lace, top strap with Velcro, ultra cushion, lightweight ride and a rubber outsole. Though he also likes the kids' Fresh Foam X 1080v13, saying "That's New Balance's top neutral cushion running shoe for adults ultra plush, ultra cushion, smooth ride, sized down for kids' feet." Fishkin says New Balance offers some great wide and extra wide options for kids' shoes, which is another plus for the brand. 

Get them from New Balance for $54.99 (available in sizes 1–13.5 and two colors).

Looking for a more accessible option? Fishkin was excited to tell us about Billy Footwear, a universally designed shoewear brand with options for children and adults. Their kicks come in a bunch of kid-approved colors and styles, give ample support and protection and have an ingenious zipper opening to encourage independence in wearers with limited mobility.

Get them from Amazon for $22.19+ (available in a wide variety of styles and sizes).

If you forsee tide-pooling or pool days in your kid's future, Dr. Natasha Bhagat, doctor of podiatric medicine (DPM), at Northern Illinois Foot and Ankle Specialists wants you to grab shoes for that to. "A good water shoe like FeetCity can help your kiddo stay safe during their summer fun," Bhagat told us.

Get them from Amazon for $17.09+ (available in sizes 0–3 years and 45 colors).

Dr. Bhagat encourages looking for kid's shoes with a round, wide toe box. "You want their little toes to have room to wiggle and build strength as well," she said. She likes the options from Plae, which can go in the washing machine for easy cleaning. 

Get them from Plae for $72 (available in sizes 3–13.5 and 13 colors).

Another option you may even love for yourself, Dr. Bhagat likes Birkenstock for kids, with their anatomically shaped footbeds and lightweight construction. Options like this EVA style have three buckles, making them extra adjustable.

Get them from Birkenstock for $34.95 (available in little kids sizes 6–10.5, big kids sizes 3–11.5, and five styles).

Dr. Michelle Castiello, a board-certified podiatrist at Scarsdale Medical Group/White Plains Hospital says that shoes should be easy for kids to put on themselves — though she still recommends grabbing something with a full back.

While Dr. Castiello doesn't endorse any particular brands, Dr. Bhagat likes Stride Rite, which have a huge selection of Velcro and bungee shoes that are supportive without demanding tie-skills.

Get them from Stride Rite for $27 (originally $37; available in little kids sizes 5–10, big kids sizes 11–13, and four styles).

Dr. Castiello explains you want a grippy outsole to prevent slipping. "Look for a tread with deeper grooves. A wider base is also better for kids that have stability issues when walking," she said. 

Dr. Bhagat adds that some flexibility in the top of the shoe allows for natural movement and growth, but you still want something pretty solid and stable. For this, the doctor recommends the brand See Kai Run. 

"Kids usually do more high-impact activities, and you want the shoes to be able to withstand those forces," she said.

Get them from Amazon for $31.35+ (available in toddler sizes 4–11, little kids sizes 10–14, and nine colors).

Being a parent, Fishkin knows firsthand that the lessons of foot health may not always be enough to get a kid excited about their supportive shoes. To make a practical pair a little more of a party, he suggests swapping in colorful or patterned shoe laces your kids will love to make their steady shoes a little more enticing. 

Get them from Amazon for $8.49+ (available in sizes 28''–63'' and 41 colors).