9 super strong kids' shoes that are built to last (2024)

Kids grow fast. It’s hard to keep up with their growth spurts, and one area where it’s particularly problematic is with shoes. Chances are last season’s favorites can’t even get past their toes and are already on top of your donation pile. Pinching, squeezing, and callous-causing shoes are no fun—but kids’ shoes are expensive and when you have to replace them as fast as they wear them it can be pretty frustrating. Thankfully, there are some durable and affordable shoes on the market.

What to look for when you're buying kids' shoes

When it comes to finding shoes that are the right fit, the American Podiatric Medical Association has the following tips:

• Look for breathable shoes with good ventilation. Natural fibers and shoes with mesh portions allow for good airflow.
• Find shoes with a good grip that are sturdy through the middle—shoes that can bend and twist around the arch will lack support and will fall apart quickly.
• When shopping for shoes, look for mobility in the toes, which will allow the shoes to bend and move with the natural motion of a child’s foot.

Here are some of our favorite shoes that not only meet these guidelines, they are guaranteed durable and all come in at under $40. They’ll keep your kids’ feet comfortable, stable, stylish, and well-supported—until the next growth spurt.

1. Natives

Sizes: 4 toddler and upNatives have a cult following and we can see why. These versatile shoes are just as good for the beach, the splash pad, and summer storms, as they are for the first day of school. They are sturdy and breathable, and their close-toed style makes them schoolyard-friendly. We like that the comfy design lets them conform to your kiddo’s feet for callous-free wearability. They are also super durable and will last through numerous siblings.

Get the Natives unisex Jefferson shoes at Amazon starting at $16.88

2. Toms

Sizes: 4 toddler and upMoveable toes with a sturdy heel and a solid arch ensures these classic slip-ons hit on all the major points that podiatrists say are important when selecting a good kids’ shoe. Nice thick soles make for a super comfy fit for these well-priced slip ons, and their wide array of colors and prints lets kids express their personal style while keeping their feet well-supported.

As always with Toms, for every pair you buy another pair will go to a child in need, so your kids will look good while doing good.

Shop Toms kids' shoes on Zappos starting at $24.99

3. Keds

Sizes: 1 toddler and upKeds are a classic for good reason. Not only do they have a cool throwback style, they are good for your feet. They get the APMA seal of approval for being well-structured shoes, and they come in a wide array of cool styles—so your child won’t even know that their fun new shoes are considered “sensible” by doctors. They are durable, flexible, washable, and—with most styles coming in at under $35—affordable.

Shop Keds kids’ shoes on Amazon starting at $17.49

4. Skechers

Sizes: 4 toddler and upWell-cushioned and well-structured, Skechers are a just-right lifestyle sneaker that come in fun, flashy colors covered in sparkles, glitter, and light-up soles. Their whole range of sneakers get high ranks for being sturdy and comfortable and having excellent traction to guard against slipping. And, coming in at $29.99, typically—with the more expensive options barely reaching $35—these strike the perfect balance of durable yet affordable.

Shop Skechers at Target starting at $24.99

5. Stride Rite

Sizes: 3 infant to 8.5 youthWhether your child is learning to walk, or they are heading off to kindergarten, Stride Rite makes shoes that truly have a structure of a child’s foot in mind. For early walkers these shoes are build with “sensory pods” that allow them to better feel the ground beneath their feet. For older kids they make lightweight, high traction shoes that are sturdy and durable and last through years of play.

Shop Stride Rite on Amazon starting at $19.87

6. Ten Little

Sizes: 4 toddler to 13 toddlerDeveloped by moms who sought out the insight and expertise from podiatrists and pediatricians, Ten Little makes shoes that promote healthy foot growth, and help parents choose the right fit with ease.

Flat, flexible soles and printable Fit Finder, which shows you exactly where a child’s toes should hit when wearing a well-fitting pair of shoes, help make for the best and most comfortable fit that is geared towards healthy food development.

Shop Ten Little shoes starting at $36

7. Saucony

Sizes: 4 toddler to 10 youthAnother brand that gets the endorsem*nt of APMA, Saucony is known for being supportive, lightweight, and flexible—making them an ideal running and playground shoe for kids. They have a wide array of colorful patterns and colors and are made with a leather and mesh upper for breathability. Their EVA midsoles help distribute weight while giving plenty of cushioning, and they are made with stability and durability in mind.

8. See Kai Run

Sizes: 1 infant to 3.5 youthSee Kai Run shoes are basically overrun (excuse the pun) with awards from parenting and medical groups alike. As an APMA-approved brand, they are notable for changing the engineering of their shoes as the sizes increase, so each stage of your child’s rapidly growing feet are supported for healthy food development.

This brand makes shoes that easily transition from play to dress up out of high quality fabrics and leathers, always making sure that there is plenty of grip for exploring feet and lots of room for wiggly toes.

Shop See Kai Run on Amazon starting at $20.61

9. Sperry

Sizes: 1 infant to 3.5 youthA little bit preppy with a whole lot of support, this APMA-approved brand makes comfortable and functional kids' shoes that perform well even when their nautical-themed summer outfits have long been stowed away. These shoes are well-reviewed as being a great choice for kids with wide feet, and their substantial outsole helps protect and support kids’ feet anywhere they may run or play.

Shop Sperry kids’ shoes starting at $25.17

Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.