What I Look for in Shoes for Young Children

By Anne Arwood, Founder of Fitted

Ever bought your child a pair of shoes only to have them fall apart after two months—or worse, cause them to trip or leave them limping after just one wear?
I’ve been there. As a mom of two, I’ve tried dozens of kids’ shoe brands over the years. Some were adorable. Some were more expensive than others. And some had no business being on a toddler’s foot.

That trial and error is what led me to create Fitted—a service that makes shoe shopping easier for parents by delivering high-quality, kid-tested footwear to your door. Whether your little one is just learning to walk or already racing around the playground, the shoes they wear matter more than most parents realize.

It’s easy to grab a pair of shoes at places like Target or Walmart—I’ve done it too! But in my experience, they often don’t last more than a few months, and they usually don’t offer the kind of structure growing feet really need. With Fitted, you’ll get expertly selected shoes from trusted brands—delivered to your door for no more than standard retail prices. It’s convenience, quality, and proper fit—all in one box.

The best shoes strike the right balance: flexible enough for movement, stable enough for support, and built to last through real kid adventures.

That’s what I look for in every pair that goes into a Fitted box—whether it’s our Fitted Seasonal Shoe Box for toddlers and big kids, or our Little Soles Starter Box for babies and new walkers.

---

1. Flexible, Supportive Soles

Shoes should bend with your child’s natural movement—but not flop around. I love brands like Tsukihoshi, See Kai Run, and Stride Rite for their flexible, foot-friendly soles that support balance and coordination.

---

2. Breathable, Sustainable Materials

Little feet run hot. I look for lightweight, breathable materials made to last—like Tsukihoshi’s washable mesh or EMU Australia’s natural wool and suede. I’m also a fan of Native Shoes, which are made from recycled materials (and yes, even bio glitter).

---

3. Easy On, Easy Off

Velcro. Stretch laces. Wide openings. When kids can put their shoes on themselves, everyone wins. Stride Rite, Keen, and See Kai Run make this part easy.

---

4. The Right Fit (Not Too Big!)

A proper fit includes just the right amount of space—about a thumb’s width at the toe, with a wide toe box to help toes wiggle, stretch, and grip for balance and stability.
✨ Read our guide to measuring at home and grab a Fitted Shoe Sizer to make sure you’re starting off right.

---

5. Durability That Delivers

Kids are tough on shoes. I’ve had pairs tear at the toes or wear out in just weeks. That’s why I rely on brands like Merrell, Keen, and BOGS—built to handle scooters, puddles, playgrounds, and whatever else your child throws at them.

“My son wore his Fitted sneakers all summer long—and they still look brand new. That’s never happened before!”
— Fitted Parent

---

6. Style Kids Love

Let’s face it: if they don’t like the shoes, they won’t wear them. I choose styles with bright colors, sparkles, or fun details that kids want to put on. Favorites include Cienta’s glittery canvas shoes and Mini Melissa’s sweet-smelling jelly shoes with playful flair.

---

📌 Quick Recap: What I Always Look For

• ✅ Flexible soles 

• ✅ Breathable, sustainable materials

• ✅ Easy on/off features

• ✅ Proper fit + wide toe boxes

• ✅ Tough, durable construction

• ✅ Styles that spark kid joy

---

👟 Ready to Step Into Better Shoes?

👉 Order a Fitted Shoe Sizer and use code GROWWITHFITTED20 to get $20 off your first Fitted Seasonal Shoe Box.
🍼 Shopping for a baby or new walker? Start with our Little Soles Starter Box—filled with first-step essentials to help them grow confidently from day one.

---

💌 Want More Tips Like This?

Join the Fitted Family email list for expert shoe fit tips, behind-the-scenes peeks, and early access to new collections. Sign up here.

---

With gratitude,
Anne
Founder of Fitted & Mom of Two