So you have a newly-mobile little one. An official toddler. It’s a whole new world for both of you and while you’re baby-proofing all the things and chasing them down the hall, it’s also time to stop (you know, when they’re asleep) and consider what first walker shoes to start them out with. They’re a little different from pairs for older kiddos. New toddlers need shoes designed to keep them upright (obviously) and support their foot development. Luckily, there are so many baby shoes for new walkers to choose from, so you’ll be able to find the perfect pair or two for their little feet.
Carter's Relay Sneakers
Carter's line of shoes for new walkers, called Every Step, features sneakers, boots, Mary Janes, moccasins, and even high-tops. A double hook-and-loop closure makes it easy to put on and take off these shoes, and the cute, classic styles and colors mean they'll easily match with your child's outfits.
The First Steps line from Wobbly Waddlers,offer a flexible rubber sole, leather insole, ankle support and additional stability to support toddlers as they learn to walk. The shoes in this line are handmade in Mexico and come in cute and classic styles.
Four heart cutouts dress up this classic leather Mary Jane from BirdRock Baby. There's an elastic band at the ankle that keeps shoes snug and makes it easy to take them on and off. And with each purchase, BirdRock Baby donates a day's worth of food to a child in need through the charity Feed My Starving Children. BirdRock Baby also makes super cute moccasins and baby booties in a variety of colors and styles and at reasonable prices.
RO + ME by Robeez, their line of soft-soled shoes, feature eye-catching metallic and sequin accents and casual designs that can be dressed up or dressed down. They're especially made for babies in all stages from crawlers to walkers. Available in 6 styles.
Zutano booties not only stay on little feet; they have a grippy sole that give them stability. Parents will love the hook-and-loop side closures, which make slipping the shoe on and off squirmy baby feet a breeze. Available in a ton of colors and prints.
Pediped's First Walker Shoes are designed for a toddler's first steps, with flexible soles and spacious toe boxes that let little feet learn to grab onto the ground and march forward with confidence. Available in 7 fun color combinations, too.
For almost 100 years, Stride Rite has been making shoes for teeny tiny feet. The kicks in the Stride Rite Soft Motion line are built for toddlers' first steps, with bendy flexible bottoms, strong closures and rounded soles that won't trip up your toddler. Plus, these shoes come as small as a size 3 and in three different widths, so you should be able to find ones that fit well.
These slip-on baby shoes are incredibly flexible, soft, and come in a ton of different colors! They're also really affordable, so you can grab a few to mix and match.
jbrds Stand2Walk Baby Shoes' sock-like upper and injection-molded support cage are designed to promote the healthy development of feet + provide the support for first steps. They come in multiple colors, too.
It's never too early to start them on a journey into the classics. The footwear classics, we mean. These little Superstars come in multiple colors, too.
All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.
If there’s one thing we know to be true, it’s that kids will keep outgrowing their shoes, whether you get out to the store or not. If you’re anything like us, it feels like the very first thing that gets too small is a pair of kiddo’s shoes. How does that happen?! There’s actually a pretty good explanation (thanks, science!). From ages 1-3 years, kids need a new pair of shoes two to three times a year on average. For older kids, ages 3-10, twice a year. Babies’ feet can grow up to half a shoe size every two months until they hit the 15-month marker! Not only are their feet growing in size, but they’re also changing shape rapidly. No wonder we’re always on the hunt for new shoes!
In hopes of making shoe shopping easier, we’ve found some of the best shoes for kids, and all of them can be bought online. These kicks are from our favorite brands and retailers, so you’re sure to find the right pair for your growing little ones. And, if you’re looking for weather-appropriate shoes for kids, check out our favorite water shoes for kids and the best boots for kids.
Toddler Sneakers
Smallbirds Wool Runners
Allbirds
Comfy, machine-washable, and ready-for-anything, these wool runners from Allbirds come in a ton of different colors. They're not itchy at all and they're sustainable, too, so you can feel good all-around when you snag these. Sizes 5T-10T
Whether your kiddo wears them as part of their school uniform, or just throws them on with shorts on the weekend, these little ballet flat sneakers are perfect for active little ones! As a bonus, the neutral color goes with everything. Toddler sizes 7-10 and Youth sizes 3-12
As part of Stride Rite's Project Fit Right line, these sneakers are APMA approved, have Ortholite® memory foam footbeds, are machine washable and are easy for them to put on and take off. Little Kids sizes 5-10, Big Kids sizes 10.5-6
Ten Little’s vegan shoes were designed in collaboration with world-class physicians, in hopes of creating a product that supports natural development and movement (think flat, flexible soles). Each pair also comes with fun stickers, so kids can have shoes that are unique to their style and personality. Little Kids sizes 4-13
Plae shoes are designed with the super active kid in mind. The TY is a knit design with velcro straps that makes for a super-light sneaker, which means your kid can run, jump and swing without missing a beat. It's offered in two fun color combos: Amped Aqua and Hyper Blue. Each pair is washable with removable insoles, and every pair comes with the option to sign up for a Growth Spurt Guarantee®. Little Kids sizes 5-13.5, Big Kids sizes 1-4.5
This shoe from Saucony was designed with features that specifically support growing feet. They are made from a machine-washable material, memory foam footbed for added comfort, increased flex grooves for added flexibility and have been awarded the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance. Available in lots of different color options! Toddler Sizes 4-10 (Regular, Wide, and Extra Wide)
These sweet high-tops are part of the collection from Billy Footwear, shoes that are designed for kids including kids with autism and sensory issues. They're like Converse and VANS having a perfect shoe baby, and they are easy on and easy off, with side zips. Created by Billy Price, who himself is paralyzed, and wanted to invent a shoe that any kid could rock. Toddler Sizes 5-10, Little Kid Sizes 11-3, Big Kid sizes 4-7, Medium and Wide widths.
We love KEEN for their durable and colorful shoes that will last even the most rough-and-tumble playtimes. Pictured here is their best-selling toddler Chandler Shoe, available in multiple colors. Toddler sizes 4-10, Little Kid sizes 8-13, Big Kid sizes 3-7.
ikiki Squeaky Shoes for Toddlers with On/Off Squeaker Switch
ikiki
Choose from 26 adorable different animal shoes that come with names like Sascha Narwhalski (the narwhal) to Leo Longfire (the dragon). Each pair of shoes comes with ankle support for new walkers, and the squeaker, which is located in the heel, is an orthopedic aid for kids who are prone to toe walking. The best part? You can turn the squeaker off if the sound isn't appealing. Toddler sizes 2-9, Little Kid sizes 10-13
Air cushioning makes these Nikes so light (perfect for little feet) and the grooved bottoms create extra stability. They come in 12 colors. Baby and Toddler sizes 2-10.
If your kiddos have feet that are on the wider side, New Balance sneakers are a huge hit. They're incredibly comfortable, come in so many colors and prints, and are rated super high. Our Managing Editor raves about them for her kids, too!
Glitter and twinkly lights? These cuties have everything your sparkly kiddos could possibly want. Plus, new VIP members get all shoes for $5, and free shipping on orders $10+.
Function meets style with any Kizik shoe. It's the first sneaker that is basically hands-free! All kids need to do is step on it as their putting their food in, then the heel pops down, you foot goes in and the heels is back in action and ready for the day. We love that Kizik's use no-tie stretch laces, have easy match left and right icons so your kids put the right shoe on the right foot, and are made with breathable materials.
Canvas sneakers are a closet must-have, especially for little ones. They're easy and lightweight, and these slip-ons from Blowfish Malibu Kids come in a bunch of different colors and prints.
Nike Air Zoom Crossover Basketball Shoe Big Kid at Famous Footwear
Famous Footwear
Kiddos love color and these Nikes are perfect for everything from the classroom to the court. They're lightweight, roomy, and offer ankle support, too.
The Kids Ace from Palladium is the mini me version of the adult Palla Ace, so you can match (if you're into that). They have a cool-kid vibe that's the definition of street style, plus the straps make them adjustable for maximum comfort and easy for kiddos who are just learning to put on their own shoes.
This gender-neutral slip-on sneaker from Rothy's, your favorite sustainable shoe company, has been tested out by active, busy kids. The sneakers are washable and offered in 10 different colors and prints inspired by the bright colors of the 1970s. Like all Rothy’s shoes, the sneaker has an athletic outsole, and the stretchy knit is made out of recycled water bottles.
The newest spring styles from Toms don't disappoint. We especially love this Alp Platform Slip-On that's easy-on, easy-off. The canvas textile holds up to rough playground play and its cushy insole means your kiddo's feet will stay comfy as she jumps, runs, and climbs.
If you have a kid who hates getting their socks wet, Vessi has you covered. These 100% waterproof shoes are totally comfortable and totally cute as well so we love them for the playground. They're breathable, easy-off, and machine washable, too.
Sperry Little Kid's Spinnaker Washable Junior Sneaker
Sperry
Offered in three colors, the washable Spinnaker sneaker has velcro straps, memory foam footbeds, and non-marking rubber outsole with grip and traction that are perfect for climbing and running, whether it's during recess or after school.
This all-terrain sneaker from Merrell comes in several different color combos, is machine washable and has an easily managed hook-and-loop closure for young kids.
There's nothing like a basic sneaker to get your kid off on the right foot. This one from Under Armor has over 15 different colors, has durable leather overlays that lock in your midfoot to help with stability and an EVA-liner that provides step-in comfort.
All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.
Summer’s here! It’s time to get your outdoor enthusiast properly geared up for warm-weather adventures with a pair of water-friendly shoes that’ll take them from the pool to the park and back home again in style. Since we know it can be hard to figure out what they want, we searched high and low for tough footwear that isn’t afraid of a little H20, and that we know they’ll love. From Keen to Native Shoes, scroll down to see our favorite water shoes for kids.
Native Shoes Jefferson Bloom
This very popular shoe is not only comfy, but it can go just about everywhere, even in the pool! Offered in a dozen different colors, the Jefferson Bloom is a best bet for just about any kid. Super cool: they are made from repurposed algae!
Creek-jumping adventures await with this fun and comfortable shoe from Northside. No socks are needed and your kids can get them on and off with ease. They are super grippy on the sole and perfect for hikes and jumping off rocks. Bonus: they come in adult sizes too!
Ever heard of a shandal? Neither had we, but we think this water shoe from Adidas is pretty cool. It's a lightweight hiking shoe that can withstand wading in creeks or jumping in puddles. They have an easy on-off lace-free closure and a collapsible heel that makes it easy for little ones to manage.
These unique water shoes have rubber soles that are perfect for climbing and running and lightweight and quick drying. Plus, they come in dozens of different colors and prints.
The original outdoor/water shoe is always a good choice. The velcro fastenings make it easy for kids to take on and off and the foam bed offers comfort all day long.
This closed-toe option has a velcro back for easy on and off that kids can do themselves. A sturdy sole means they won't be slipping on rocks as you walk.
A classic water shoe that won’t fall apart, KEEN shoes are worth the price. The pull tab fastener holds the shoe tight on the foot and your kiddo can pick from tons of different colors and styles.
This fun shoe from Stride Rite is a perfect wet/dry shoe for toddlers. They are 100% washable, have a rubber outsole for traction and have Aegis™ and Biome™ lining that helps to reduce odor.
Simple but effective, these non-slip water shoes are perfect for on-the-go or travel, as they easily fold up and the rubber sole means kids can walk on wet surfaces with ease.
We can’t help but love the price of these water shoes! You won't be disappointed with this pick with toe bumpers and rugged outsoles for added protection and traction.
They may be less than stylish for adults, but they are super comfortable and come in dozens of styles and character collections, which make them perfect for kids! You can even buy JIBBITZ charms and let the kids decorate in their own style.
It’s a boy—and another boy and a girl! First-time North American river otter parents Elva and Dragonroll just welcomed triplets at the Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison, Wisconsin.
Montello, Fisher, and Lily made their grand debut Feb. 15. The zoo recently announced the birth on its Facebook and Instagram pages, noting that the river otter pups are currently hanging with their equally as adorable mama. Head to their social pages to see a photo of the adorable threesome!
According to the Henry Vilas Zoo, river otter moms have the sole responsibility of raising their newborn pups. This means the triplets won’t meet dad, Dragonroll, until they are around six to eight weeks old and can swim.
Zoo manager Johanna Soto told WMTV, “We are beyond excited to welcome these pups. Soto continued, “Triplets can be demanding, especially for a first-time mom, but Elva has been doing great and they have been growing at a very health rate from day one.”
While Dragonball is currently out and about at the Zoo, guests won;t get to glimpse the baby river otter awesomeness until sometime in late May.
Are you an amusement park enthusiast to the max? If you’re a carousel connoisseur or rave about roller coasters to no end, Clementon Park in New Jersey has a deal you’ll want to learn more about.
The park, which was founded in 1907, is for sale—and now you can live out your daydreams and become its sole owner!
photo courtesy of PRNewswire/CRG
So how does one go about buying an entire amusement park? Clementon Park in Clementon, New Jersey will hit the auction block on Mar. 23. Capitol Recovery Group (CRG), a global private equity firm, is auctioning the park as a whole or split into individual parts. This means you can score an entire amusement park with everything you need included or just buy the land, amusement equipment, rides, buildings, or liquor license.
CRG President Bill Firestone said, in a press release, “We are actively seeking a buyer for this iconic park located outside of Philadelphia and expect significant interest in the auction.” Firestone added, “The property includes a 25-acre lake, dam, amusement rides, a water park and a full liquor license.”
Way back in 1907 Clementon was founded by Theodore Gibbs and his sons as a “trolley park.” Located at the end of a trolley line, the park was initially built to encourage weekend ridership. Clementon was family owned until 2011. The park closed its doors in 2019.
If you’re ready to turn your dreams into a reality—bidders can register for the auction on CRG’s website here.
Merry Grinchmas! Skechers and Dr. Seuss have teamed up to deliver a nostalgic holiday collection for women and children inspired by the author’s beloved story How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The seasonal capsule now available online and select Skechers retail stores nationwide, is the latest release from the Skechers x Dr. Seuss collaboration announced in August.
The limited-edition capsule highlights The Grinch, featuring charming illustrations of the “mean one” and utilizing his signature green coloring throughout the designs.
Popular Skechers Street and BOBS from Skechers women’s styles get The Grinch treatment as well as three pairs for toddlers and kids.
Women can choose between the fierce Skechers Street Uno Rugged – You’re A Mean One with mischievous Grinch eyes and lug sole or the BOBS Beach Bingo – Grinchmastime slip-on from the charity-minded BOBS from Skechers line.
Kids big and small can match mom in Grinch printed high-tops or light-up sneakers. Skechers Boys’ Duratronz – Seuss World and toddler size Duratronz – Lil Seuss-Land canvas high tops feature The Grinch in his signature Santa hat on the shoe’s exterior and an illustration of Max the dog in a matching hat on the shoe’s interior side. Red and black striped laces and Dr. Seuss branding on the tongue complete the pairs. Skechers Magna-Lights: Grinchtastic in toddler sizing rounds out the collection with The Grinch peeking out over the shoe’s light-up sole.
With Halloween this week, most families are probably gearing up for their annual showing of It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. Historically, it’s been quite easy to tune in on television to catch the iconic cartoon, but in typical 2020 fashion, it’s different this year.
The sole home to the Peanuts fall feature will be on Apple TV+. Before you worry, the special will actually stream for free and here’s how.
All three specials will be completely free for everyone on specific dates. It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown will stream for free from Oct. 30-Nov. 1
If you need a little more encouragement, Apple TV+ will also be the home of Charlie Brown Thanksgiving and Charlie Brown Christmas specials, which will also stream for free. These fan fave flicks will stream Nov. 25 through Nov. 27 and Dec. 11 through Dec. 13.
First, let it be noted that I have no idea how to talk to babies. They stare at me like I’m from Mars and I stare back or read them the newspaper or something. Once in a restaurant a woman handed me her baby while she went to the restroom. Said baby and I had a staring contest, as there was not a newspaper handy. I jiggled it a little, which the baby didn’t object to, though I felt ridiculous. My husband took a picture, which I made sure no longer exists.
But with cats, it’s a different story. One conducted almost exclusively in babytalk. (I say “almost” because I do not use babytalk for communications like, “Get down off that shelf before you break the vase we bought in Italy!”)
The rest of the time, I sound like a blithering idiot. The blithering starts with their names. “Dushenka” becomes “Shenka-doodle” and “Toby” becomes “Toto-Booboo” or even “Toto-Booboo Baby.” (And we can’t overlook the geek-inspired “Toby-Wan Kenobi.” Sometimes Dushenka is even “Shenka-doodle-doo.” I knew you were wondering about that.)
I know there are those who feel these are not dignified things to call a cat, but the fact is that cats have no use for dignity. Despite their reputation, cats do the most un-dignified things, from licking their nethers to sneezing in my face. (One cat did this while I was blithering, “Sugar for mama?”)
Then comes feeding. “Does kitty want some noms? Nice noms for the kitty! Om-nom-nom!” And to think I used to make fun of my mother-in-law, who used to call her cat to the food bowl by yelling, “Pussy-Woo! Chickie!” (At least it’s not just me.)
For some reason, babytalk must be delivered in an unnaturally high-pitched voice. Of course, people talk that way to babies, too, but with cats it just adds to the absurdity. Maybe babies process language better at higher pitches, but I’m not really sure cats process language at all. Although I did once know one that would respond appropriately to a cry of, “Hey, you! You with the fur! Get down from there!” That was delivered in a regular, rather than squeaky, tone of voice, which is probably why it was effective.
Maybe the reason that I can babytalk cats but not babies is the fact that I have been around cats for years and years, while that encounter in the restaurant constituted most of the sum of my experience with tiny humans. It can’t be that only babies look at me like I’m from Mars, because the cats do too, when they aren’t just ignoring me.
Somehow, though, I feel that babies judge me and cats don’t. When your sole comment on anything is “mmma-weep!” (that’s a direct quote from Toby), you can’t afford to cop an attitude. (Dushenka has a wider vocabulary, including an assortment of purrs, trills, sighs, and snores. Dainty snores, but definitely different from the purrs.)
It’s ludicrous, I know, and one more sign that I may be turning into an official Crazy Cat Lady. Sometimes it’s even so bad that I make myself want to retch. (Does ittle Toto want snuggles from mama? Can I get the floofy white belly, Shenka-Doo? Does oo want to play with the nice mousie?) I mean, gag me. In either sense of the word.
Of course, it’s my belief that talking babytalk to babies sounds like blithering too. It’s just more socially acceptable. But since I’m seldom out in public with my cats, only my husband and closest friends know my little secret. And another little secret – I sometimes catch my husband cooing at the kitties as well.
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Hi! I'm a freelance writer and editor who writes about education, books, cats and other pets, bipolar disorder, and anything else that interests me. I live in Ohio with my husband and a varying number of cats.
Halfway through September, Facebook made an under-the-radar update to its Facebook Messenger Kids platform. Parents logged on to find a message informing them about a new “feature,” which allows kids to see who their friends are friends with, “making it easier for your children’s friends to connect with each other.” And thus, Facebook Messenger Kids went from being a messenger to a full-fledged social network.
The Trouble With “Easy” Connections
This new feature is off-putting for a few reasons: First, Facebook rolled the change out automatically. While parents need to opt in to allow their kids to be visible to their friend’s contacts, by default, kids can now see who their friends are connected with—and experience all the FOMO that goes along with that. And second, the change makes it easier for kids to connect with people they don’t know. And this is the first time that the tech giant’s platform has exposed kids to strangers. Back in 2019, a “technical error” allowed thousands of kids to connect with unauthorized users. This time, however, Facebook has intentionally opened up the Messenger Kids network to encourage kids to amass more contacts.
This shouldn’t be surprising, since Facebook’s number one goal has always been to have as many daily active users as possible. In general, the company wants its adult users to spend copious amounts of time on the platform because that gives them the chance to show more ads and generate more revenue. And while it’s true that Messenger Kids is ad-free, it’s not a huge logical leap to assume that this kids’ product exists to train the next generation of adult users. And, in order for children to access Facebook Messenger Kids, their parents also need to have an active adult account.
All of this is why I’m wary of the network—and why I’ve never considered putting my own young children on the platform. Even before they effectively turned Messenger Kids into a social network for children, I didn’t want my daughter to use it because I simply don’t trust the company. They’ve demonstrated a disregard for their users’ privacy over and over (and over) again, and I knew that their values didn’t align with my own.
But Where’s the Alternative?
This, unfortunately, also put me in a tricky spot as a parent: technology is going be a major part of my kids’ lives, and I wanted to be able to give them access to it. But when I looked at the available options for kids messengers, Facebook was the only option and that was an immediate non-starter.
Back in the day, I think Facebook did offer something novel to the world. When I first used the platform way back when, I found it was a decent way to connect with family and friends who were far away. But somewhere along the way, the predominant Facebook experience became less about connection and more about engagement and amassing as many “friends” as possible. (I remain convinced that was the sole purpose for the game Farmville.)
After a while, content became more polarizing and I started to feel like I wasn’t getting the same value out of it that I used to. And I believe that transformation in the user experience all ties back to their company values. Today, I do not trust their motivations because they’re a platform that’s optimized for growth above all else. I believe that this leads them to prioritize the needs of advertisers—often to the detriment of their users. So, I decided that I would solve my own problem, and hopefully, help out other families in the process. I knew that there were others out there who were also wary of Facebook, and I wanted to be able to give them and their kids an alternative way to stay in touch that wasn’t a thinly veiled onramp to a social network. That’s why I founded Kinzoo.
Competing on Values, Not Features
I believe that companies that are building products for kids need to hold themselves to a very high standard. They should always be striving to give children the best of technology, without exposure to the worst of it—and that needs to be built into a company’s values from the outset. Our mission is to be a catalyst for meaningful experiences, with kids at the heart. While technically, we’re vying for space in the same category as Facebook Messenger Kids, we’re not competing feature-for-feature. Rather, we’re competing on values. For us, the motivation behind our app is what’s important. We want to build something that creates real value for families without the mechanisms that often manipulate us.
So, as Facebook Messenger Kids starts to look less like a messenger and more like a Facebook training ground for children, I’m reaffirmed that families need an alternative. I’m emboldened in our vision to be the most trusted brand for incorporating technology into our kid’s lives. And I’m thankful that my own kids have a safe space to connect with family and friends—without the pressure that often comes with social media.
Sean Herman is the founder and CEO of Kinzoo, an exciting new company that helps parents turn screen time into family time. His first book, "Screen Captured," debuted at number one in Amazon's parenting category, and his writing separates technology fact from fiction for his fellow parents.
Have you ever wanted a quick chat with one of your fave BSC members? Now you can because starting today, Netflix is putting the members of the Baby-Sitters Club at your fingertips with a brand new hotline.
As of Jun. 26, just hop on the phone and dial 203-456-9090 to reach Kristy, Claudia, Mary Anne, Stacey and Dawn! The interactive experience lets callers get advice from Stoneybrook’s finest, in addition to taking a quiz to find out your BSC sole sister.
In addition to the quiz, callers can apply to join the Baby-Sitters Club, then get both their membership cards and quiz results via text message.
Perfect for OG fans and budding babysitters, the new hotline is here to get everyone excited about the new Netflix show that debuts on Jul. 3. Be sure to tag @NetflixFamily and use #babysittersclub when you share your results (and excitement) on social media!