Slow down there friend
Sneakers & Sandals Preschoolers Will Love
They've mastered walking...and jumping and running, so the shoes to get them through their first years of footwear are crucial. And also—adorable. From playful to practical, when it comes to decking out your preschooler, comfort and convenience will be high on your list of must-haves. But there’s plenty of room to have fun with style, too. After all, it’s never too early to learn self-expression!
Tips for Preschool Shoe-Shopping Success
Keep these pointers in mind and get ready to score a shoe-shopping win, whether searching new styles for a little athlete, a junior fashionista, or a budding bookworm.
Easy on / easy off makes everyone’s life easier
Picking a style your kiddo can get on and off with ease saves precious minutes on busy mornings and encourages independence.
Leave some wiggle room
Kids grow FAST, so choose a sturdy shoe that can hug the foot well even with a little space to spare. (And if you’re not sure of sizing, size up.)
Get a grip!
Active preschoolers are bound to take a tumble once in a while, but shoes with high-quality traction soles can help keep ‘em sunny side up.
Our Top 10 Shoes for Preschoolers
Fila Landbuzzer Toddler Boys’ Running Shoe
Make their first shoe — and school — experience so much fun with this slip-on style from Fila. They'll slide a tiny foot through the flexible collar and land on a cushy, padded insole. Breathable mesh with an elastic upper strap wraps the top of the foot, and a lightweight rubber outsole gives stability and support to each of his tiny steps.
Skechers Twinkle Sparks Star Glitz Toddler Girls’ Sneaker
She'll be the rock star of the playground in these Skechers high top sneakers. The canvas upper sparkles with every step thanks to glittery accents in the star cutouts, back strip, and tongue, with golden studs on the toe cap. The satin-padded lining adds a luxe feel to all the outer glam. A side-zip closure makes it easy to slide these showstoppers on and off.
Adidas Grand Court I Toddler Boys’ Athletic Shoe
Their love for sports starts young. Train their little feet for the feel of the courts with Adidas' legendary triple stripes for toddlers. A set of hook-and-loop strap closures make their first years in footwear a cinch. Lightweight and flexible with a rubber sole, cushioned insoles pad every step, jump, and leap they try.
Under Armour Assert 9 Toddler Girls’ Running Shoe
She'll love to get a running start in these long-lasting purple sneakers from Under Armour. The pastel palette and pretty tie-dye on the padded collar give a pleasing aesthetic, while the mesh upper and perforated side heel keep things airy and breathable. Elastic laces and a hook-and-loop strap keep her foot secure.
Everest Shark Aqua Sock Toddler Boys’ Water Shoe
At the beach, pool or playground sprinkler, kids love to splash around — and packing the right shoes for water play can save a world of hassles. These shark water shoes will have your toddler feeling like a king of the sea from the moment he slides them on. With dimensional fin features and a fierce shark face, they'll be as fun to wear as they are comfortable (padded insoles) and practical (easy hook-and-loop strap).
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star 2V Rainbow Castles Toddler Girls’ Sneaker
Meet the classic Converse Chuck Taylor, re-imagined for little feet! A handy heel tab makes it easy for kids to pull these on, and convenient double velcro straps allow infinite adjustability for a great fit. Add a comfy, cushioned insole and the iconic look of the Converse vulcanized rubber outsole and these are a winner on the playground.
Ground Up Construction Toddler Boys’ Casual Shoe
Your toddler will love tool time in these casual slip-on shoes. Boys who love to build will get a kick out of the playful tractor and construction print. They'll love the easy on-and-off, too, enhanced by the twin gore stretch. Comfort comes via the cushioned insole and lightweight, flexible outsole.
Puma Wired Slip-on Metallic Toddler Girls’ Running Shoe
Not every girl loves pink and purple or rainbows and unicorns. She can show off a subtle edgy style in these black slip-on shoes from Puma. Crisscross elastic straps shimmer with the metallic logo, in addition to providing support. Pull-tabs at the tongue and heel make the slip-on design an easy option when running and playing top her day's agenda.
Crocs stands up to whatever kids can dish out. Easy to clean and fun, fun, fun with designs the kiddos love to wear. The adorable retro floral features a cushioned insole and pivoting heel strap.
Adidas Closed-Toe Toddler Girls’ Water Sandal
When playtime calls for water fun, these toddler sandals for girls are just the right style. Adidas designed them in the shape of a shoe with a closed toe and adjustable strap to provide support for her first years on her feet. And they also opened them up with strategically placed quick-dry ports.