Children’s busy lives demand reliable running shoes and sandals that withstand wear and tear. Look for models with sturdy soles to maximise wear resistance.
Rigid soles and materials that don’t flex with your child’s feet can prevent proper foot development and cause pain and discomfort, so selecting the ideal shoe requires close consideration of length, width, and fit.
Lace-up
Children who take running seriously require shoes with good traction and cushioning, sturdy uppers, and flexible midsoles to last throughout their play and training miles. Experts generally advise purchasing running shoes specifically for young feet as they will provide more comfort and durability than general trainers. Nonetheless, many trainers recommend buying available trainers over children-specific runners as these tend to cost more but provide greater traction and cushioning over standard runners.
Summer kids shoes near me that drain water is ideal for splashing around in pools or park sprinklers. Look for shoes with waterproof fabrics and mesh that keep feet cool and dry – Merrell Hydro line features its own M Select Dry membrane, while Columbia Kids Drainmaker features a moulded footbed and grippy soles perfect for traversing streams or puddles.
Easy slip-on and off shoes for kids are an ideal choice, particularly for younger ones. As many children don’t know how to tie laces, shoes with Velcro make a perfect option. There are various colours to choose from, suitable for outdoor activities like hiking and camping; they also contain no animal products!
Slip-on
Slip-on shoes are an excellent choice for kids because they are easy to put on without laces, providing good traction to prevent falls. Slip-on also make cleaning simple; plus, an array of colours and styles is available so that there is sure to be one perfect for every personality in the family!
Vans sneakers have long been considered timeless classics, featuring elastic on both sides to make pulling them on easier for toddlers and machine washability, making them great for messy situations such as running through mud. Another excellent slip-on sneaker for kids shoes near me with organic and fair trade materials used for its comfortable sock-like shoes that feature adjustable uppers to fit each foot perfectly and are durable enough for daily wear.
Rothy’s slip-on shoes, constructed from recycled single-use water bottles, offer another eco-friendly solution. Machine washable, these eco-friendly shoes come in various colours and patterns that you can match up with outfits suited to children of any age – plus kids sizes mean they are readily available for your little ones’ feet!
No-tie
No-tie shoes provide an effective solution for children who struggle to tie shoelaces. With elastic laces that stay securely fastened to each shoelace, no-tie shoes allow your children to easily slip-on lace-up sneakers without fear of accidentally untying them during playtime.
These stretchy shoelaces work in sneakers, tennis shoes and skate shoes and are an all-purpose solution for children of all ages. Additionally, their untidy nature prevents trips, falls and injuries caused by untied laces, making this an excellent solution for kids with mobility issues who find traditional shoelaces difficult to tie.
Why not try these sneakers with an iconic LEGO brick tread for kids who love LEGO? Not only will they be comfortable running around all day and looking cool – Maisonette co-founder Sylvana Ward-Durrett says her son loves how easy it is to slip on and off!
Sandals
If your children enjoy water play and need shoes that suit their outfits, these toddler sandals from Crocs may be just what they need. Crafted to slog through streams, puddles and ocean waves without weighing your child down, parents have reported these high-quality sandals are very durable even during rough play. Plus, they come equipped with an EVA footbed for maximum comfort and an ankle strap to customise fit them perfectly to their footbed size!
Kids can stay cool even during hot temperatures with their breathable jersey lining and quick-dry fabric. And the grippiness of the sole makes these shoes great for walking on uneven surfaces as well. You’ll find these cute sandals available for children aged from toddlers to small kids!