Toddlerhood is a time when kids can explore and run free. They’re just learning to walk, but they’re already taking off at full speed! One of the essential purchases you’ll make as a parent for your toddler is shoes. Whether it’s running shoes or everyday footwear, here are the 10 best running shoes for toddlers.
We’ve compiled this list from our own research and recommendations from other parents who have been in your position before.
We hope this helps you find the perfect pair that will keep your little one safe and sound while they learn how to take their first steps into adulthood!
10 Best Running Shoes For Toddlers
Contents
- 1 10 Best Running Shoes For Toddlers
- 1.1 1. Hiitave NT190506 Toddler Shoes
- 1.2 2. Puma 36713713 Unisex-Baby 4 Toddler Shoes
- 1.3 3. Dadawen 10076-1221 Toddler Running Shoes
- 1.4 4. Nike BQ5673 Toddler Running Shoe for Girls
- 1.5 5. New Balance Unisex-child 680 Running Shoe
- 1.6 6. New Balance IAARIBC2 Running Shoe Boys
- 1.7 7. Nautica Kids Fashion Toddler Sneaker Boys-Girls
- 1.8 8. Nautica Gazelle Kids Fashion Running Toddler Shoe
- 1.9 9. Adidas Unisex-Child Racer Tr 2.0 Running Shoe
- 1.10 10. New Balance Kid’s 888 V2 Hook and Loop Running Shoe
- 1.11 How To Choose Best Running Shoes For Toddlers
- 1.12 FAQ About Best Running Shoes For Toddlers
- 2 Final Verdict
1. Hiitave NT190506 Toddler Shoes
These toddler shoes from Hiitave are a great choice because they have built-in arch support to promote correct foot positioning as your toddler learns to take their first steps.
They’re breathable and lightweight, too, so your little one won’t be too hot while wearing them. These also have good slip resistance, so they’ll do well on slippery surfaces like wooden or tiled flooring.
Key Features
- Breathable mesh fabric
- Light-weight & Flexible rubber sole
- Arch support for good foot positioning
- Slip resistance to prevent slipping on slippery surfaces
- Developed with durability and support in mind.
- The non-slip rubber outsole gives superior traction and stability.
- This is a great picnic table for days spent outside playing and having fun.
This adorable pair of Zephyr shoes by Jamberry Nail is both stylish and casual, making them ideal for various situations and making your child feel at ease.
Hiitave NT190506 Toddler Shoes is designed with flexible rubber soles and lightweight, breathable fabrics. These shoes have arch supports to promote correct foot positioning as your toddlers take their first steps. They also have slip resistance to prevent slipping on slippery surfaces.
2. Puma 36713713 Unisex-Baby 4 Toddler Shoes
Puma’s Unisex-Baby 4 Toddler Shoes are the best running shoes for toddlers because they have a lightweight design and flexibility that will allow your kids to run and jump at their own pace.
They’re well ventilated, too, for when it becomes warmer outside. These shoes also feature reflective materials that make them perfect for early morning or evening walks.
Key Features
- Breathable mesh is upper with synthetic leather overlays for durability and support.
- Neoprene collar lining provides a snug, comfortable fit around your toddler’s ankle.
- Ultra-lightweight midsole made of high rebound EVA for comfort and cushioning.
- Reflective details ensure your little one is seen when walking in the fresh morning or in the evening.
Puma 36713713 Toddler Shoes is designed with lightweight mesh upper and synthetic leather overlays. The neoprene collar lining provides a snug, comfortable fit around your toddler’s ankle.
While the ultra-lightweight midsole is made of high rebound rubber for comfort. Reflective details ensure your little one is seen when walking in the early morning or evening.
3. Dadawen 10076-1221 Toddler Running Shoes
These Dadawen shoes are suitable for both boys and girls, so your little tyke can choose which outfit they want to match. These toddler running shoes have an open mesh upper that will allow air to circulate freely so your child won’t be too hot or uncomfortable during their activity.
They also feature hook-and-loop closures for safety because you can quickly tighten them if your toddler’s feet swell during the day.
Key Features
- The breathable mesh was upper for ventilation.
- Lightweight design
- An outsole that is flexible
- The sole is made of non-slip rubber.
- Durability and style
- Hook and loop Velcro closures for easy on/off wear, maximum adjustability & safety.
- These shoes are great to wear as your child learns to walk.
- These shoes have good flex and durability for support as they learn to run.
Dadawen 10076 Toddler Shoes is designed with an airy mesh overhead for ventilation, hook and loop Velcro closures for easy on/off wear, maximum adjustability & safety.
These shoes provide a soft, comfortable feeling when wearing and provide good flex and durability for support as they learn to run.
4. Nike BQ5673 Toddler Running Shoe for Girls
Nike BQ5673 Toddler Running Shoes are designed with an open mesh upper for ventilation. These shoes have good flex and durability for support as they learn to run. The sole is made of non-slip rubber that provides durable traction on all surfaces, while the hook-and-loop closures ensure a secure fit for your toddler.
The Nike BQ5673 Toddler Running Shoes also have a lightweight design so that they won’t feel too heavy on your child’s foot.
Key Features
- Open mesh upper provides plenty of breathability as you go about your day.
- Hook and loop closure offers a secure fit.
- Phylon midsole to lightweight cushioning plus comfort.
- Kids’ running shoes with a lightweight design for easy movement.
Nike BQ5673 shoes are designed with an open mesh upper which provides plenty of breathabilities as you go about your day.
Hook and loop closure offers a secure fit, phylon midsole as lightweight cushioning also comfort—the cheap running shoes for kids with a lightweight design for easy movement. You may also consider the best women’s shoes for lower back pain, best weightlifting shoes for women.
5. New Balance Unisex-child 680 Running Shoe
New Balance unisex-child 680 Running Shoes are designed with a mesh upper and lightweight materials. The rubber outsole provides traction and durability; the synthetic overlays add support.
The New Balance unisex-child 680 Running Shoes also features superior cushioning to keep your child’s stride in optimal comfort, so there’s no need to worry about your child’s feet hurting after a long day at school or play.
Key Features
- Mesh upper by artificial overlays to lightweight comfort plus support.
- ABZORB crash pad cushions and stabilizes your landing on every step.
- The stretch lining allows for a comfortable fit.
- A durable rubber outsole serves to hold you grounded as you play, run and jump all day long.
New Balance 680 shoes are one of the best running shoes for toddlers. This is designed with mesh upper, synthetic overlays for lightweight comfort and support, absorb crash pad cushions, stabilizing your landing on every step, and stretch lining allows for a most comfortable men’s shoes. Its durable rubber outsole serves to hold you grounded as you play, run and jump all day long.
6. New Balance IAARIBC2 Running Shoe Boys
New Balance IAARIBC2 Running Shoes are designed with a mesh upper. These shoes feature the ABZORB crash pad cushioning and stabilize your landing on every step; stretch lining allows for a comfortable fit, and the durable rubber outsole helps to keep you grounded as you play, run and jump all day long.
The New Balance IAARIBC2 Running Shoes also have a lightweight design, which won’t feel too heavy on your child’s foot.
Key Features
- Mesh upper with synthetic overlays to lightweight comfort and support.
- ABZORB crash pad cushions and stabilizes your landing on every step.
- The stretch lining allows for a comfortable fit.
- A durable rubber outsole helps to keep you grounded as you play, run and jump all day long.
New Balance IAARIBC2 shoes are designed with a mesh upper which provides plenty of breathabilities as you go about your day, ABZORB crash pad cushioning stabilizes your landing on every step; stretch lining allows for a comfortable fit.
The durable rubber outsole helps to keep you grounded as you play, run and jump all day long—New Balance IAARIBC2 shoe lightweight design for easy movement.
7. Nautica Kids Fashion Toddler Sneaker Boys-Girls
Nautica Kids Fashion Toddler Sneakers are designed with a soft fabric upper, and flat laces. These shoes also feature the rubber outsole for traction and durability; a lightweight midsole provides cushioning, webbed rubber toe bumper perfects the best running shoes for toddlers.
Key Features
- Fabric is upper with a rubber outsole for traction and durability.
- The Webbed rubber toe bumper perfects the fit and feel of the shoes.
- Rubber outsole for traction and durability.
The Nautica Kids Fashion Toddler Sneakers are designed with fabric upper, which provides plenty of breathability as you go about your day, flat laces for a more secure fit, and the rubber outsole for traction and durability. Nautica toddler athletic shoes also have a secure fit lace-up closure, and a lightweight design for easy movement.
8. Nautica Gazelle Kids Fashion Running Toddler Shoe
Nautica kids fashion gazelle are designed with a synthetic upper, and lace-up closure for a secure fit. It provides plenty of breathability as you go about your day; the lightweight midsole provides cushioning and a rubber outsole for traction and durability.
Key Features
- Synthetic upper for lightweight comfort and support.
- Lace-up closure for a secure fit.
- Rubber outsole for traction and durability.
The Nautica kids fashion gazelle running toddler shoes are made of synthetic materials, which give excellent breathability as you go about your day. The light midsole provides comfort, while the rubber outsole adds traction and durability.
9. Adidas Unisex-Child Racer Tr 2.0 Running Shoe
Adidas unisex-child racer tr 2.0 shoes are designed in a unique style; these shoes feature the flex groove tread pattern and stretchy clothes for a more natural range of motion and comfort.
The rubber outsole presents superior traction to hold you at your feet while needed; the mesh upper allows for a lightweight, breathable fit.
Key Features
- Flexible stretch mesh upper with synthetic overlay for a lightweight, breathable fit.
- Synthetic lining hugs your foot to keep it in place without adding weight.
- Lightweight EVA midsole for cushioning.
- Flex groove tread pattern for a more natural range of motion.
The Adidas unisex-child racer tr 2.0 shoes are made of rubber material that gives excellent grip with the ground; stretchy fabric lining helps you slip in and out quickly, and flex groove tread pattern with enhanced surface contact for improved support.
10. New Balance Kid’s 888 V2 Hook and Loop Running Shoe
New Balance kid’s 888 v2 shoes are designed with leather and mesh upper, and lace-up closure for a secure, comfortable fit. The rubber outsole provides traction and durability.
The ENCAP midsole technology delivers more stability as the foot lands during the transition from heel to forefoot. Which helps prevent injury; a durable rubber outsole helps keep you grounded as you play, run and jump all day long.
Key Features
- Leather and mesh upper for a relaxed, supportive fit.
- Lace-up closing toward a secure fit.
- ENCAP midsole technology delivers more stability as the foot lands during the transition from heel to forefoot.
- The rubber outsole provides excellent traction and durability.
The new balance kids 888 v2 hook and loop running shoes have the leather and mesh upper, providing a comfortable fit, lace-up closure for secure wear, and rubber outsole for an improved grip on different surfaces.
ENCAP midsole technology with enhanced stability as the foot lands during the transition from heel to forefoot helps prevent injury and the rubber outsole for enhanced grip.
How To Choose Best Running Shoes For Toddlers
Lightweight
For the best running shoes for toddlers, you want something lightweight but supportive. Look for a balance that carries your child’s weight well and provides just enough structure to keep feet and ankles supported without limiting movement or mobility.
Snug-fitting
Toddlers may not have the most developed sense of judgment regarding shoe sizes. You can make sure the shoes stay on by having them fitted snugly. Make sure that there is ample room for movement and growth but no slipping in the shoe’s shoe’s heel, front, or side.
Grip
Toddlers love to be active and experiment with different movements like walking upstairs backward or sideways, so you want to make sure they have a good grip when it comes to their shoes. There are plenty of the best running shoes for toddlers available in the market with different soles for better grip.
Sturdy
Toddlers love to be active, but that also means they can get into accidents quickly. You want sturdy, well-made shoes that will not only provide support but protect your little one’s feet from injuries.
Shock Absorbency
Toddlers tend to be hard on their feet and ankles, so you want shoes that will provide much-needed shock absorption. Look for shoes with good cushioning in the heel, the ball of the foot, and around the toes.
Odor Control
Toddlers can stink up a room in no time, and it only gets worse if their shoes smell. Look for toddler running shoes that come treated with antimicrobial agents to help control odor and bacteria growth.
Style
You want something your child will love wearing. If they like the style of a particular shoe or brand, make sure you get them plenty of pairs before they grow out of the current ones.
Price
Price is a significant factor in the buying decision. Make sure you set a budget and allocate money according to that limit. However, try not to go too cheap as it can affect the quality of the shoes and durability.
Quality Over Quantity
The adage that ‘quality is better than quantity’ applies to toddler shoes too. You can choose one or two pairs of good-quality shoes over six pairs of cheaper, lower-quality shoes.
Size
Measure your child’s foot from heel to toe and make sure you get an accurate measurement before choosing a shoe size. Allow a 3mm-4mm gap between the tallest toe and the footwear’s edge to provide room for growth.
Durability
Durability is an essential consideration as toddlers go through shoes very quickly. Consider shoes that can withstand some wear and tear, but also those that are easy to clean.
FAQ About Best Running Shoes For Toddlers
Q. What is the best toddler shoe?
It depends on preferences and what makes your child comfortable. It’s important to know that toddlers require shoes specifically designed for their unique needs, such as smaller size, extra comfort, and outstanding durability.
The right fit in a toddler shoe is much more than just making sure the length of the shoe is appropriate – it’s also about the width, the depth of the shoe that helps to hold your child’s foot in place, and how adjustable it is.
Q. What are ideal toddler running shoes?
A great pair of the best toddler sneakers should offer your child protection against injury while providing them with enough stability during their transition phase from walking to running.
Q. How often should I replace toddler shoes?
The lifespan of a pair of shoes depends on how frequently your child wears them and their activity levels. If your child is very active and wears out their shoes quickly, you may need to replace them as frequently as every three months.
When it comes to toddler shoes, durability is a crucial factor. The more durable the shoe, the longer it can hold up against your child’s destructive behavior and protect their feet from injuries.
Q. How much should I spend on toddler shoes?
You can buy well-made children’s shoes at different prices based on what you’re demanding. Make sure you have a budget and hold to it as much as reasonable.
However, don’t go too cheap – having a few pairs of good-quality shoes is better than buying a lot of low-cost, low-quality shoes that your child will grow out of within weeks.
Q. What are the best brands of toddler running shoes?
There are many reputable brands of toddlers’ running footwear in the shoe store now. Some of the top names to look out for include Altra, Nike, New Balance, Saucony, and Under Armour.
You can also get great toddler runners from brands that specialize in fashion footwear, such as Adidas.
Q. How tight should toddler running shoes be?
Your child’s shoes should not pinch or chafe, but they shouldn’t be so loose that there’s a lot of room for movement inside. Snug is the best fit when it comes to toddlers’ shoes.
Q. What is the best material for toddler running shoes?
A good pair of toddler running shoes will be made from a breathable, lightweight, and comfortable material.
Breathability is crucial as you don’t want your child’s feet to be sweating inside the shoe all day long.
Look for mesh or perforated upper jackets and synthetic or canvas linings that allow airflow. Leather is also a good choice as it usually offers unbeatable breathability.
Q. What is the best toddler running shoe sole?
You want a flexible but sturdy sole in your child’s shoes, so they provide good shock absorption and support when they run around on hard surfaces.
A gum rubber outsole provides excellent grip, while foam mid-soles cushion your child’s feet.
Q. What are the best toddler running shoes for fall?
Toddlers who suffer from cold feet in winter can benefit from getting a pair of thermal toddler running shoes that have thick insulating soles specifically designed to keep your child warm when they’re outside during extreme weather conditions.
Q. How to find the right size for toddler shoes?
The best way to find a pair of toddler running shoes that fit properly is by going to the store and being fitted with a few different pairs before you buy.
While shopping online can be advantageous, toddlers have unique feet, so it’s recommended to try them on in person whenever possible. Then measure your child’s foot accurately by using a ruler to check the length and width of their feet.
While you’re at it, make sure you also check insole measurements, so your toddlers’ shoes fit perfectly.
Final Verdict
As you can observe, there are plenty of the best running shoes for toddlers. We hope that this list was helpful to your search and wish you the best in finding the perfect shoe for your little one! Be on the lookout for these ten brands and styles that are sure to be favorites among toddlers.