The Best Shoes For Toddler Boys

The toddler years are an important time for a child’s development, especially when it comes to motor skills. During this period, children are learning to walk, run and maneuver up and down stairs. Instead of crawling around the house, you now have a little one who can move far and fast.

All that movement merits a good pair of shoes. During those early years, it’s fine to let your toddler roam around the house barefoot. In fact, doing so helps with developing healthy feet. But when that child leaves the house, a good pair of footwear is important.

One of the biggest challenges in choosing footwear for toddlers is that they can’t tell you when a shoe is uncomfortable. That means you, as the parent, have to watch carefully for signs the shoes might be the wrong fit. The right pair of shoes will help the child maintain balance and stability rather than causing tripping. Limping and trying to remove the shoes can be a sure sign something might be wrong with the shoes.

Another way to tell how a shoe is fitting is to look at the wear on the shoe itself. If it’s wearing in one area more than others, there may be something about that child’s walk that needs to be examined. Redness in areas of the foot after the shoe is removed can also tell you if a shoe is rubbing in a certain place.

The material of the shoe can cause discomfort, too. It’s important that the upper of the shoe is breathable to keep your toddler’s feet cool and dry. Sweating can cause moisture and lead to a rash or general discomfort. You can find shoes that are breathable but still have a sole that’s sturdy and durable. This will give your child the support he needs without him having to give up comfort.

• As handy as it can be to have only one pair of shoes, it’s important to look at a shoe’s purpose. Toddlers shouldn’t wear sandals for playing an outdoor game with friends, just as tennis shoes wouldn’t be your choice for a moisture-prone area like the beach or a swimming pool.
• A child’s foot can grow quickly, so you may be tempted to buy a size larger. While it’s definitely likely a too-large shoe today will fit a few weeks down the road, it’s also important to make sure a child’s foot isn’t moving around too much. Also, make sure the shoe you choose has a toe box that accommodates the entire foot without scrunching the child’s toes.
• The days of shoelaces in toddler shoes are long gone. Today, Velcro is the go-to fastener of choice. This makes it easy for older toddlers to learn to put their own shoes on and take them off. More importantly, though, it eliminates the risk of a shoelace coming untied and becoming a tripping hazard.
• Hand-me-downs might save money when it comes to clothing, but experts advise against it for shoes. Toddler shoes tend to mold to a child’s foot, making it unreliable for the support a child needs. As with adult shoes, used toddler shoes can also harbor fungus like athlete’s foot. One exception to this is a pair of shoes that was only worn once or twice or for special occasions.
• Arch support is essential for growing feet. Take a close look at the insoles of any shoes you buy to make sure you’re getting that support.
• The underside of the sole is important, as well. You’ll want a shoe that provides traction, whether a child is running around the house or navigating sidewalks with you after a recent rain.