Are you looking for the best school shoes for kindergarten? Children will be children, and there are no limits to the number of things they will try. Starting school may have started as a rough trip because your child did not know what was in store for them. However, as soon as they got the hang of it and made friends, you could not tear them away from the playground. Giving your little kid the best shoes is essential. The needs may differ for the younger kids. Keep that in mind.
The playground can be pretty rough, on your kid’s knees and their clothes. Children want to explore their new environment. You need to allow them if they are to learn how to handle themselves. The playground is a great place to learn various lessons. Do your child a favour and equip him or her for the world ahead. The shoes your child wears to the playground is an excellent place to start. You need to ensure that your child is well protected. Consider leaving wiggle room in the toe box. Rubber soles are also a great feature to have. Let us cut the shoe shopping curve for you.
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In a Hurry?
Are you in a hurry and wondering which shoes for school make the most sense for your child’s first day in school? Here is a quick guide. Look for shoes for the child well. If they are too big or too small, they can cause great discomfort and not allow the child to explore and develop. This can be caused by the child being self-conscious. Don’t dash your child’s confidence before he or she even has a chance to learn how to interact with other children. Also, ensure that the shoes are made of a material that is comfortable and will not bruise the child or be too rigid. Look for shoes that have safety in mind. They may be cute or pretty, but if they are not safe, step away fast!
Our Favourite
New Balance Kids’ 680V5
We have done our research and found our favourite to be the New Balance Kids’ 680V5 Hook and Loop Running Shoe. This shoe has a synthetic sole, its shaft measures approximately low-top from the arch and have an Injection Molded EVA midsole.
New Balance Kids’ 680V5 Hook and Loop Running Shoe
The good thing about kids school is that there is not much of a school uniform. Without that relaxed manner, our little ones would be missing out on this amazing shoe. The first notable characteristic that they have is the combination of the laces with the hook and loop system. This works wonders when your little one is still learning to do his/her own laces. You have the peace of mind in knowing that even if the shoes were to be removed, they could put them back on with the use of the secondary system. Laces are a bit more difficult to get the hang of. Beyond that, their upper is made of synthetic and textile material. The sole is made out of synthetic material that has a rubbery feel to it. It is a material that provides ample underfoot protection.
The shaft rises up to the low from the child’s arch. The EVA midsole is injected. This is one way to ensure quality control in the standard of the products that they produce. The shoe’s heel is what the manufacturer calls ABZORB heels. They are known to provide crash pad cushioning. Your child has support and protection as he or she runs around in the playing area. This is a brand that has been at the forefront of product development for athletes and others. One of the things that make them stand out from the crowded market is their commitment to product research and development as opposed to garnering more sales through marketing ploys such as celebrity endorsements. I am sure that is not something that matters much to your little one.
Pros
- The shoes are very comfortable.
- They provide great underfoot protection.
- The heel absorbs impact.
- There is a great selection of colours for kids.
- They are durable.
- They have a good velcro strap.
Cons
- Durability not great for extensive use.
- The sizes tend to run small.
- More could be done about quality control.
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Keds unisex-child Ella Mary Jane Sneaker
If you have not heard about Keds, that’s alright. They have only been around since 1916! Where have you been? They are one of America’s very first athletic and lifestyle brands. The design of this shoe is quite simple. It is made up of two colours. The upper and the soles are designed to contrast one each other. There are two parts that make it all up. The upper part is made out of leather. Rubber is used for the soles. It has not been left plain which is amazing. They have added a lovely subtle flower. It is not intrusive by any means.
On the interior of the shoes is a memory foam insole. It is enhanced with deep flex grooves that complement the memory foam. Your little one is guaranteed to have long term comfort wearing these. You will be pleased to know that the outsoles provide great traction. The flex grooves provide a lot of flexibility.
Pros
- The shoes are well made.
- The design is minimalistic
- They are reasonably priced.
- You get some beautiful designs to choose from.
- This is a brand that we are fond of.
- They fit quite snugly if you get the sizing right.
Cons
- Some of the straps run too short.
- The shoes run narrow in some cases.
- The strap may be difficult to so for a toddler.
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Converse Kids’ Chuck Taylor All Star 2v Low Top Sneaker
The great thing about established brands like the Converse is that you seldom have to second guess yourself. They carry an iconic look and design that we have all become familiar with. Whether you are a fan or not, one thing we cannot deny is that they are perfect for toddlers. This is a shoe that is lightweight and comfortable. Once those two critical boxes are ticked, we may then consider the aesthetic side of things. They excel in this regard as well. There is nothing in particular that we can say makes this design work. Perhaps this is a great example of simplicity being key!
The shoe is 100% textile. While that means they do not provide protection from water, it also means that they are very flexible. Each foot can move without hindrance. Your child can move at will. The soles are made out of rubber. You will know that this will deliver incredible traction as they move about. The shaft measures low-top from the child’s arch. They are secured by a double hook and loop closure that allows for ease of wearing and removal of the shoes. That iconic, classic canvas upper that we have known Converse for features on this shoe as well. Finally, the inside has a soft foam sock liner that makes the shoes that little bit more comfortable.
Pros
- This is an iconic design.
- The shoes are lightweight.
- They have a soft foam sock liner on the inside.
- They are very easy to put on and to remove.
- They provide some arch support.
Cons
- They do not always run true to size.
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Saucony Kids’ Baby Jazz H&l-K Sneaker
If a uniform is not a concern, here is another top pick for you. It is an exciting design that your child will like. This is a design that is identical to the adult version, the Jazz HL. They are very comfortable shoes. There are two parts that make up the upper part of the shoes. These are the suede and mesh upper material that combined. They sit on a rubber outsole that delivers great stability as well as durability. What we loved the most was that they are easy to put on and to remove. This is down to the hook and loop alternative closure. It delivers the ability to adjust them to be as tight or as loose as you would like them around each foot. This gives you room to get the perfect fit.
Once the shoes are on, they provide your child with a lightweight shoe that is easy to move around in. The EVA midsole enhances the amount of comfort that your child gets. It is also resistant to impact. They are designed to equip your little runner, jumper or climber.
Pros
- They are an absolute bargain when quality is considered.
- They are very easy for children to put on and remove.
- There are various designs and colours to pick from.
- The velcro allows adjustment.
- The shoes are lightweight.
- They provide great traction and grip.
- They are fairly durable.
Cons
- Toe area could use more reinforcement.
- They tend to run narrow.
- They could be more flexible.
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adidas Toddler Baseline Shoes
There are not many Adidas designs that are as iconic as this one is. Just the 3 stripes laid on a plain shoe. Your child may be too young to weigh into what is iconic and what is not, but they can sure appreciate other aspects of this shoe. The upper part of the shoe is made of leather. This is a sign that they will be somewhat weatherproof. Not entirely, but they’d generally do a better job than most synthetic shoes would. The shaft of the shoe measures low top from the child’s arch. These shoes were designed to fit seamlessly into your child’s day to day life. They provide the comfort and support that the hyper world of kids life demands. If white is not your little’s colour, there are other colours that you can choose from. This is hinged on a loose uniform code at the school.
With the synthetic leather upper, you are assured of a pair of shoes that can take punishment. Children are not known for their caring nature of their shoes. And they shouldn’t be. They should instead have a shoe that supports them as they explore. For fastening, you have a two hook and loop closure strap system. It makes it very easy to put the shoes on and to remove them. This allows your child some independence, if and when they desire it. For the ones that are always on the move, having traction under their feet is of utmost importance. That is where the rubber cupsoles come to the rescue. They create sufficient friction as the child moves, keeping them from sliding and falling. The 3-stripes and the heel patch are all made of synthetic leather. If the version with the shell toe is available, I would strongly encourage you to get that one. Not only does it provide more protection for the toes. It also makes that region a little more durable.
Pros
- The shoes are easy to put on and to remove.
- They generally run true to size.
- No one could fault their aesthetics.
- They also accommodate wide feet.
- They are durable.
- There are several designs to choose from.
Cons
- They tend to be stiff.
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Buyer’s Guide
Your child’s first day in kindergarten is hard enough. The child has to adjust to a new environment, new people and a new routine. It may also be the first time that he or she is apart from you for such a long time. You do not want to add to this stress, by letting your child wear ill-fitting shoes. Be sure to look for shoes that will allow your child to run around. This means they need to be durable and comfortable. Many brands promise these qualities, but it is not all that deliver. Find out what other parents are saying. Most kids will not be shy in letting you know they do not feel comfortable in shoes. Research for reviews person and online and see which brands are leading the pack. You will also do well to ensure that the shoes fasten securely and not only that but that the child can put the shoes on and take them off by themselves.
Do toddlers need Clarks Shoes?
Well, they do not need Clark shoes. However, here is why they are good. Clarks shoes are great for kids because they are experts in the craft of making shoes for children. Clarks have been studying the biomechanics of kid’s feet for more than seventy years. Clarks have been making shoes for children for so long, they understand how children grow into their shoes and what is necessary. It is not about being loyal to a brand as it is about sticking to a brand that understands children’s feet.
Do toddlers need shoes with arch support?
Arch support is meant to help with flat feet and any pain that the wearer may be feeling in the feet. Flat feet in children are pretty common. Flat feet are pretty common in infants and toddlers. Generally, children’s feet are flexible and should not be stiff. As your child learns to walk, the foot muscles strengthen and the fat pads in the arch will not be as visible. Normal arches should develop in the child’s foot by the time he or she reaches the age of six.
However, you may want to know when you should be worried. When your child begins to complain about being tired and their feet hurting after a short time of standing, you need to look into it more seriously. Sometimes you will find your child trying to find ways to stay off their feet. Seeing your child’s feet flatten out when they stand is not an immediate red light. Look for other signs and symptoms before you start looking for shoes with extra arch support. The fat pad in the baby’s feet is what provides the arch support that your child needs. Your baby can do very well with a bit of extra padding in their shoes. However extra arch support is not necessary.
Is it OK for toddlers to wear used shoes?
Raising kids is not cheap! And if you are on your second or third child then you probably have several shoes that are sitting around from your first child. There is absolutely nothing wrong with kids wearing used shoes as long as these are not the first pair they ever wear. It saves on money and you can get great brands at a fraction of the price. Used shoes just need to be in good condition.
Are soft-soled shoes better for toddlers?
The best thing for toddlers is to allow them to walk barefoot as much as possible. They need to feel the ground and allow their feet to have a natural interaction with the ground. However, your little bundle of joy will need to go out of the house in shoes at some point. When they do, they must have the same feeling as if they are walking barefoot. Your toddler’s shoes should resemble them walking in shoes that resemble walking as close to the ground as possible.
How do I choose my baby’s first shoes?
Get your baby’s feet measured by a trained professional and then every 2 to 4 months to allow room for growth. Also, try to look for shoes that have natural linings nad socks with high natural fiber to allow them to breathe. Check that the shoes have the right fastening. Remember to never force your child’s foot into a shoe without unfastening them.
Final Thoughts
Your child deserves to know to feel secure and comfortable throughout the day. The shoes you buy will play a big role in this. Look for shoes that are not just cute but also comfortable and secure. Also, make sure that the shoes are appropriate for the weather. You don’t want to buy winter shoes for the hotter summer months. With the various options available on the market, you must know how to sift through them. We hope that our picks help you choose a pair that is best for your little bundle of joy. For the big kid, you may want to consider brands such as stride rite. Key features such as a memory foam footbed. Happy shoe shopping!
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