Physical Therapist-approved shoe picks!

Good shoes are important as little ones’ feet grow and develop! It can be overwhelming to sift through all the shoes on the market and find what’s best. We did the research for you with the help of our Physical Therapist on the team to bring your our top recs for all ages and all occasions!

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See Kai Run Ryder II Sneakers: These shoes have a great flexible base and a wide toe! The strap is easy to pull off and put on, so great for littles working on independence. Sizing from little toddler to big kid, so great for first walkers and beyond!
Stride Rite Kylo Sneaker: These early walker shoes have a wide toe box and are pretty flexible. They come in normal and wide sizes so they work well for kiddos with wider feet!
Robeez First Kicks Sneakers - boy & girl styles: They’re flexible with a wide base and come in sneaker styles and dressier options!
RO+ME First Kicks Shoes: These have a dressier look for sneakers and shoes but still a relatively wide base. Price point is under $25, so a very affordable option.
Birdrock Baby Mocassins: How cute are these?! A slip-on style that stays on due to elastic around ankles and made of leather. Come in lots of colors.
Cat & Jack Parker Velcro Sneakers: Flexible, wide toe box with velcro closure. Normally $10, and go on sale for $7 frequently. Boy and girl color/pattern options, too!
Zutano Cotton Booties: My favorite baby booties made with organic cotton! These are great for pre-walkers and indoor walking because they don’t restrict movement, are easy to put on and tough (for babies) to get off! No more lost socks.
See Kai Run Brook III Sandals: We love See Kai Run shoes and these are no different! These have a wide toe box and a velcro, adjustable opening to easily get baby’s feet in.
L-Run Mary Jane Shoes: Cute Mary Jane-style sandals that open wide to get feet in. They have a supportive heel and toe bumper, and come in multiple colors!

New Balance Sneaker: New Balance is known for their wider toed shoes! One wide velcro strap makes for easy on/off and motivates your toddler/preschooler to do it themselves!
Lelsfit Barefoot Shoes: Come with elastic ankle support with an option to tie. Affordable price, and better toe coverage than some other shoes!
Pediped Sneaker: These have a wide base, and come with two sets of insoles so they fit your child for longer! They’re a higher price point, but worth it since they can last longer.
Cat & Jack Parker Velcro Sneakers: Flexible, wide toe box with velcro closure. Normally $10, and go on sale for $7 frequently. Boy and girl color/pattern options, too!
WHITIN Barefoot Sneaker: Great wide toe and easy straps for on and off. Under $40 and really good quality, sometimes you can catch them on sale for $30ish! Jenna and I both have for our boys!
JAN + JUL Knit Shoes: These are flexible, super cute, and colorful! There’s a breathable mesh version for summer.
Cat & Jack Dakota Retro Sneakers: Another great Target option with a slightly higher price point than the Parker style. More padding/thicker sole than the Parker but still flexible with a wide toe box. Comes in fun colors with a retro vibe.
Merrell Bare Steps Sneaker: These come in narrow and wide sizes, and both have a wider toe box. Lots of fun colors to choose from, too. Note: these don’t open as wide as some other shoes because of the laces.

Stride Rite Reggie Fisherman Sandal: A boy’s sandal with a closed toe and wide, flexible sole.
Cat & Jack Pull-On Loafer: Cute little boat shoes for springtime! Wider toe box than most boat shoes.
Merrell Bare Steps Sandal: Open toe with velcro closure and wide toe box. These have good traction on the bottom while still being flexible!
Stride Rite Ethan Sneaker: Loafer/sneaker with velcro closure, and insole comes out to accommodate wider feet. A little more support/less flexible than a true barefoot shoe, but allows toes to move freely.
Felix & Flora Sandal: A closed-toe sandals for girls with lots of color and style options.
Cat & Jack Marina Mary Janes: Similar sole as the Parker sneaker but in a casual dress shoe option for little girls!
L-Run Mary Jane Shoes: Cute Mary Jane-style sandals that open wide to get feet in. They have a supportive heel and toe bumper, and come in multiple colors!
Stride Rite Lacey Mary Jane: These are so cute and come in baby/young toddler sizes with a more flexible sole. Insole comes out to accommodate wide feet.
Felix & Flora Mary Jane: Another adorable option with a wider toe box than most and flexible sole - they velcro under the buckle so easy on and off! Jenna’s little girl has these and loves wearing her “dressy shoes.”
Stride Rite Whitney Sandals: If you live where it’s warm in the spring and summer, this is a great sandal with a wider toe box and velcro closure (disguised as a buckle).

Ten Little Rain Boots: These have the zero drop sole that we love and are pretty flexible rubber while still having some traction.
Cat & Jack Rain Boots: Fun prints and pull-on handles to help with independence. These rain boots have a wider toe box and minimal drop!
Hudson Rain Boots: With pull-on handles and a wide toe box, these are a budget-friendly option that are easy for kids to get on!
Tree Grandpa Rain Boots: Shorter rain boot with a pull tab on the back and a wide, flexible sole. Lots of fun colors!

Hobibear Sandals: My son, Paul & Jenna’s son John both have these sandals. We love the durability and support they provide! Really affordable, too.
Pediped Sahara Sandal: Closed toe, adjustable velcro to provide support where needed, and great reviews.
Dream Pairs Sandal: These have a flexible but sturdy base, velcro closure, and provide great traction!
TEVA Sandal: These have an open toe, with a top and back velcro strap to keep ankle secured. Come in some fun colors, too!
KEEN Sandal: A closed toe sandal and water-friendly for the splash pad or the creek! Durable with great reviews.
See Kai Run Sandal - girls’ & unisex: These have an open toe, but have two velcro closures to keep them on your kid’s feet!
Apakowa Sandal: These have a closed toe, adjustable back strap makes them more adjustable than most
Native Sandal: They’re lightweight, breathable, and durable for kids on the go! These sandals are great for beach, pool, and more!

Merrell Barefoot Shoe: A pricier option, that is solid with a wide base. These shoes offer a velcro closure instead of slip-on style.
JAN + JUL Water Shoes: These have a flexible solid sole, offer the cutest patterns, and super affordable.
Robeez Pull-On Aqua Shoe: Cute patterns, a wide toe box, and very flexible. For under $20, you can slip them right on!
Robeez Water Shoe: For an older toddler, some are more of a sandal, others are more sneaker-like. So many fun colors and patterns to chose from!

Simple Joys by Carter’s Boots: A lower price point, and a slightly firmer sole than others, these offer stretchy laces and velcro. Multiple colors and styles to choose from.
JAN + JUL Water-Resistant Boots: These open wide, have a flexible base, and are water resistant. The brand also has waterproof and taller styles for older kids. Lots of color options!
Merrell Boots: A wide base shoe to keep feet warm in the winter! And how cute?!
Stride Rite Boots: These have a cozy fleece lining and double velcro closure for easy on/off.