Key points
- The sole should be light and flexible and bend at the ball of the foot, not the middle (APMA).
- Look for nonskid soles, especially for slippery floors (AAP).
- APMA recommends laces or hook-and-loop to prevent toe clawing and gripping, so treat slip-ons with caution.
- An APMA Seal reflects a review of the shoe, not your child's fit. You still need to measure.
Soles: flexible, thin and grippy
APMA advises that young children wear light shoes with flexible soles that bend easily but still protect. Its 2012 tips with Stride Rite are more specific. The younger the child, the thinner and more flexible the sole should be, and it should bend at the ball of the foot, not in the middle.
Grip matters too. The AAP recommends comfortable shoes with nonskid soles, such as sneakers, for slippery floors. Carter's, for example, describes its new-walker shoes as having slip-resistant soles.
The 30-second bend test
- Hold the heelGrip the back of the shoe firmly in one hand.
- Push the toe upWith your other hand, press the front of the shoe upward.
- Watch where it creasesIt should flex easily where the ball of the foot sits. If it folds in the middle under the arch, or barely moves at all, keep looking.
- Check the outsoleTurn the shoe over and look for a textured, nonskid surface rather than a smooth one.
APMA notes that children may wear through soles before they outgrow their shoes, and that uneven wear at the toe or heel can signal a foot problem. If you see lopsided wear, mention it to your pediatrician or a podiatrist.
Closures: laces or hook-and-loop
APMA recommends laces or Velcro-style closures for children's shoes to prevent clawing, gripping and instability. A closure lets you snug the shoe to the foot, so the toes aren't left doing the work of holding it on.
| Closure | APMA guidance | Practical notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hook-and-loop strap | Recommended | Fast to fasten on a wriggly toddler; check that the strap reaches across a wide or high-volume foot |
| Laces | Recommended | Can be adjusted along the whole foot; double-knot them for active play |
| Slip-on or elastic only | Not among the closures APMA recommends | Convenient, but nothing to adjust; be extra strict about length and width |
Slip-ons and elastic-only styles are popular because they're quick. They aren't among the closures APMA recommends, though. If you choose them for convenience, be extra careful about fit, and consider keeping a strap or lace pair for long walks and active play.
Toe box and shape
APMA says the toe box should be at least as wide as the widest part of the foot, and it does not recommend narrow, tapered shoes. Carter's describes its new-walker shoes as having wide toe boxes. Ten Little says its shoes fit wide, chubby or high-volume feet, as well as AFO/SMO braces and orthotics. For sizing, see how to measure toddler feet.
Uppers: light, breathable, washable
APMA's call for light shoes applies to the whole shoe, not only the sole. Beyond weight, upper materials are mostly about comfort and practicality. Reima, for example, markets its APMA-accepted line with breathable materials and includes a machine-washable model.
- Breathable: look for materials the brand describes as breathable on the product page.
- Washable: if machine-washing matters to you, confirm it on the brand's care label or product page, and follow those instructions.
- Comfortable from day one: APMA advises avoiding shoes that need breaking in.
- Light: APMA recommends light shoes for young children, so compare weight in your hand when choosing between two pairs.
What the APMA Seal of Acceptance means
APMA awards its Seal of Acceptance after reviewing a shoe's function, flexibility, materials and workmanship, according to WWD. WWD reported that all 19 ASICS kids' models received it. Ten Little says its shoes carry the seal, and Reima sells an APMA-accepted collection. In 2012, Stride Rite's fit training program received the seal, according to a joint release.
| It does tell you | It doesn't tell you |
|---|---|
| APMA reviewed the shoe's function, flexibility, materials and workmanship | Whether the size you chose fits your child's foot |
| The design earned acceptance from a podiatric medical association | That shoes without the seal are unsuitable |
| It's a useful shortcut when comparing designs | That a higher price buys a better fit |
Sealed shoes can cost more. At the time of our research, Reima listed its APMA-accepted kids' shoes at $79.95 to $114.95, with one model on sale for $57.48. The AAP's advice still holds: buy well-made shoes, but don't spend a lot of money, since the first pair lasts only two to three months.
Match the shoe to the activity and season
- Everyday play: a light, flexible, nonskid sneaker with a strap or laces covers most days.
- Slippery floors: nonskid soles, according to the AAP.
- Hot, cold or uneven ground: shoes for protection, according to a 2022 AAP advisory quoted by Seattle's Child.
- Warm weather: a physical therapist's blog citing AAP guidance suggests sandals; the same fit rules apply.
Wondering whether your child needs shoes yet? See when toddlers need shoes.
Frequently asked questions
Are non-slip soles really necessary?
The AAP recommends comfortable shoes with nonskid soles, such as sneakers, for slippery floors. KidsHealth-style 'grippy' marketing aside, check the outsole yourself for texture.
Velcro or laces for a toddler?
Either works. APMA recommends laces or Velcro-style closures to prevent toe clawing, gripping and instability.
Are slip-on toddler sneakers bad?
They aren't among the closures APMA recommends. If you use them for convenience, be strict about fit and keep a strap or lace pair for active days.
Does an APMA Seal mean the shoe will fit my child?
No. The seal reflects a review of the shoe's function, flexibility, materials and workmanship. You still need to measure and check toe room.
Can I machine-wash toddler sneakers?
Only if the brand says so. Some lines, such as one Reima model, are sold as machine-washable. Follow the care instructions.
Where should a toddler sneaker bend?
At the ball of the foot, not in the middle, according to APMA's 2012 tips with Stride Rite.
Sources
- Buying Children's Footwear — American Podiatric Medical Association
- Children's Footwear — American Podiatric Medical Association
- Tips for Buying Kids' Shoes (2012) — Stride Rite and APMA via GlobeNewswire
- Shoes for Active Toddlers — American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org)
- Baby walking shoes — Carter's
- APMA-approved footwear — Reima
- Shoes collection — Ten Little
- ASICS kids line earns APMA Seal of Acceptance — WWD
- Why babies don't need shoes yet — Seattle's Child
- Shoe recommendations for children — DinoPT blog