Shopping for kids' shoes can feel like an endless task, especially when you consider how quickly they grow! Kids need shoes that not only fit well but also support their active lifestyles. From the moment they start to cruise around furniture to running and playing outdoors, the right pair of shoes can make a significant difference. It's essential to choose footwear that allows freedom of movement while providing the necessary support.
As children grow, their shoe needs will evolve. Soft and flexible shoes are a must for younger kids who are just learning to walk. As they become more active, you'll want shoes that offer durability and comfort, along with features like easy fastenings to make getting ready a breeze. Knowing what to look for can help you make informed decisions and keep your child's feet happy!
With so many brands available, it can be overwhelming to find the right options. In this article, we will highlight some of the best kids' shoe brands that cater to different needs, ensuring that you can find the perfect fit for your little ones. Whether you're looking for stylish trainers or supportive shoes, we've got you covered!
Read more: Best kids’ trainers
There comes a point when patterns and styles become an important consideration, so it’s useful to find a brand with kid-approved shoes. In terms of practicality, online footwear shops can also help with sizing and often offer helpful guides to help provide a steer. With all this in mind, we’ve rounded up the best kids’ shoe brands to shop now.
What You Will Learn
- The importance of selecting the right shoes for children's developmental stages.
- Features to look for in kids' shoes including comfort, durability, and easy fastening.
- A curated list of the best kids' shoe brands available today.
- Helpful tips on how to measure kids' shoe sizes effectively.
Best Kids' Shoe Shops
Bobux
From humble beginnings in New Zealand, Bobux was created out of the need for a pair of shoes for the founder and co-founder’s daughter. Fast forward three decades and the brand is loved and worn by children in over 40 countries around the globe. The brand’s ethos focuses on crafting the best shoes for growing feet, and we can’t fault them.
Creating collections for your baby’s first shoe through to cool kicks for kids aged eight-years-old, there’s a Bobux option suiting even the fussiest of little feet. We know how hard it is to find a good shoe for an energetic toddler, which is why we’re championing the delight (£51, Bobux.co.uk). Made from vintage-style premium leather with reduced water absorption properties for longevity, these shoes use child-safe materials and dyes and offer brilliant grip – which is just what you need when enthusiastic play is the order of the day.
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Clarks
When we think of Clarks, we think of school shoes, but it’s not all about back-to-school necessities. Did you know Clarks has been making shoes since 1825? That’s just shy of 200 years of fine footwear. So it’s safe to say they know a thing or two about crafting credible shoes.
Finding shoes for a teenage boy is no easy feat, which is why we have chosen to showcase the cica in grey suede (was £50, now £26, Clarks.com). Rising to the demands of teenage activity, these kicks have been specifically designed for active kids, particularly those with a passion for action sports. Whether it’s breakdancing, football, BMXing or skating, these shoes are up for the challenge.
Parents will celebrate the antibacterial linings which keep feet smelling fresh, well… fresher. A cool, yet comfortable choice to fill your kid with confidence.
M&S
M&S has been helping time-short parents out for over 100 years, with the launch of its childrenswear range in the 1920s. And while the days of the reliable St Michael’s label in your child’s favorite jumper may be gone, the same quality and trust is still there, making it a family favorite.
Kids can embrace a brightly colored style with a pair of rainbow riptape trainers (£21, Marksandspencer.com). First things first though, these are incredibly comfy underfoot, as they boast squidgy padded foam for all-day comfort. They also help to keep pongy feet at bay too, as the antibacterial technology is designed to keep feet fresher for longer.
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Boden
British clothing retailer Boden was founded 30 years ago as a mail-order business, but you’ll now find bricks and mortar stores in London, as well as a rather irresistible online store. Specializing in playful clothing with bright colors and distinctive patterns, the brand has a collection for older children and teenagers – aged nine to 16, as well as mini Boden for younger kids.
Everyone should own a pair of Chelsea boots, and there’s a lot to love about a pair in leopard print (was £57, now £28.50, Boden.co.uk). The iconic leopard print ensures these treads stand out, but we especially love the metallic detail giving them a chic style. But they don’t just walk the walk – the pull tab and stretchy sides make them a practical choice for young fashionistas too.
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Start Rite
A Norwich born company and heritage brand, Start Rite has been proudly focused on children’s feet since 1792. Known for its stylish yet practical shoes – not to mention its royal family approved status – the brand works with biomechanics experts to create shoes that support kids’ physical development. You’ll always find a good fit with Start Rite as they offer whole, half and multi-width fittings for your own little prince and princesses.
Striking the balance between offering enough support for growing feet, and sufficient flexibility to go about a kids’ daily business, the explore shoe (£45, Startriteshoes.com) will start your adventurer off on the right foot. A highlight for us is the chunky double riptape fastening, which are a good size for little hands so they can put on and take off independently.
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Kidly
Pretty and practical, the Kidly range is predominantly made up of clothing from pack away puddle suits to super soft pyjamas. The shoe offering is small but mighty, with rain boots and jelly sandals. Childhood isn’t complete without beach days and your trusty pair of jellies. While the concept is the same, it’s safe to say the comfort and design has come a long way since our jelly shoe days.
Kidly’s jelly sandals (£14, Kidly.co.uk) are designed with a removable fast-drying cushioned insole which supports tiny feet. We love the imitation buckle, which has secretive Velcro hiding underneath meaning they can be taken off, or put on, in seconds – no adult help required.
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Poco Nido
Sheffield-based baby footwear brand Poco Nido was founded in 2011 and has a truly scrumptious range of baby and toddler shoes. With a range of mini, midi and mighty shoes, coming in vegan, leather, patterned design or classic colorways – there’s something to suit every little explorer.
The barefoot-friendly mighty shoes (£47.22, Poconido.com) deserve to be celebrated. Made from high quality, chrome-free, durable yet super soft leather, these really are small but mighty. Looking cute as a button, these shoes boast flexible, yet sturdy, TPU soles and when you combine that with the soft leather upper, toddlers are provided with a comfy yet supportive shoe.
Visit Poconido.com now
Next
Next – one of the UK’s largest clothing retailers – launched Next childrenswear back in 1987, and parents have been counting their lucky stars ever since. Its baby essentials and footwear and clothing for kids are popular with parents, and for good reason too. Turning to the expansive kids’ shoe collection, you’ll find good quality, at affordable prices.
We love the star charm T-bar shoes (£18-£20, Next.co.uk) for a party. The Mary Jane-style shoes come in pink, tan and white options and have a sweet star charm dangling from the buckle.
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Zara
Zara is a great place to shop for fashion-forward tweens and teens, with its on-trend styles for kids aged from 9 months right through to 14 years old. The high-street clothing name covers a wide selection of kids’ shoe styles, including boots, ballerina flats, espadrilles and slides.
Our current top picks include the brand’s denim sandals (£29.99, Zara.co.uk), which have a fun frayed edge as well as a practical track rubber sole and strap
