15 Best Toddler Boy Shoes We Love Right Now

As the old saying goes, kids grow up in the blink of an eye. If your little guy's feet are growing and needs new pair of shoes—whether toddler sandals or sneakers—we're here to help. We consulted an expert stylist to find out what features to consider when choosing a pair of toddler shoes, so you know exactly what to look for while you shop.

And if you're looking for specific shoe recommendations, we've got that too! Ahead, you'll find a selection of 12 pairs of stylish toddler boy shoes that cater to different foot sizes, budgets, and preferences.

What to look for in the best toddler boy shoes

To ensure you find the best toddler boy shoes, fashion stylist Marlene Anzaldua recommends paying attention to the straps, toe box, and materials. Here's why each one matters:

• Straps: When shopping for toddler boy shoes, it's important to pay extra attention to the straps. Velcro straps are often a good choice when buying toddler shoes, according to Anzaldua, these help toddlers become more independent and do things on their own.
• Toe Box: Your child's feet are growing, so make sure there's enough room at the toe box for natural foot movement and growth. "This is important because squished toes can be uncomfortable and detrimental to foot development," she tells Today's Parent of the proper fit. Look to brand sizing charts to be sure how each shoe measures.
• Material: The material of the shoe is also important because it can affect its durability and breathability. "You'll want to look for a material that is durable, flexible and breathable," she explains. "Feet are supported, and it is easy to run around while avoiding stinky feet." Leather, cotton canvas and perforated synthetics are a good start.

Best toddler boy shoes 2023

• Best overall: Puma ST Runner Sneakers
• Best budget: Simple Joys by Carter's Casual Slip-on Canvas Shoe
• Best sneaker: Lightweight Breathable Strap Athletic Running Shoes
• Most versatile: Palladium Ace Kids' Lo Strap
• Best dress shoe: Meckior Toddler Boys Oxford Shoes
• Best sandals: Crocs Crockband Sandals
• Best water shoes: UBFEN Water Shoes
• Best Amazon: HITAVE Toddler/Little Kid Boys Girls Shoes 
• Best wide: New Balance Unisex-Child Rave V2 Running Shoe
• Best arch support: adituo Lightweight Breathable Sneakers
• Best luxury: POLO RALPH LAUREN Unisex-Child Telly-K
• Best Nike: Nike Free Run 2 Baby/Toddler Shoes 
• Best Adidas: Adidas Superstar Shoes 
• Best Walmart: Wonder Nation Toddler Boys Oxford Dress Shoes

Best overall

Puma ST Runner

If you're on the hunt for a classic pair that won't let you down, look no further than these Puma sneakers. A thick, multi-level sole supports the foot and ankle even when they're zooming around the playground at top speed.

These come in sizes for both toddlers and big kids, and the flexible bottoms with a killer grip make them perfect for park and pre-K recess shenanigans. The velcro closure makes it a breeze to put on and take off, and don't forget the classic red, white and black color scheme—it goes with everything!

Pros:

• Available in both toddler and big sizes
• Features flexible sole with grip
• Velcro-strap closure
• Classic design and color scheme

Cons:

• For a better fit, some reviewers recommend sizing up

Best budget

Simple Joys by Carter's Casual Slip-on Canvas Shoe

These toddler boy shoes are a steal of a deal for under $25, but they also offer the perfect combination of comfort and style. Your little guy will wear them everywhere—especially because they're a cinch for toddlers to put on and take off all by themselves. We love that these shoes come in seven sizes (up to 10 for toddlers) and feature four fun prints.

The simple slip-on design and flexible sole features are swoon-worthy, making it easy for your little one to run, jump, skip or walk. Reviewers also love this shoe (the shoe has a 4.6-star rating and thousands of five-star reviews, by the way), with many saying the textile canvas upper is easy to clean and the fit is true to size, so you won't need to size up or down.

Pros:

• A slip-on design and the lack of laces make it easier to put on and take off the shoe
• A flexible outsole feature provides freedom of movement and additional security for the feet
• True-to-size fit
• 100% textile canvas upper makes the shoes easy to clean, according to reviewers

Cons:

• Some reviewers say these wear out quicker than other shoes, especially if worn daily

Best sneaker

Lightweight Breathable Strap Athletic Running Shoes

Choose these breathable and lightweight running shoes for the perfect balance of comfort and sophistication. Sleek and sophisticated in design, they fit toddlers up to size 10 (and then move into little kid sizes). Choose from 19 colors ranging from classic black to flashy red or always-great gray.

Made from breathable and lightweight materials, this shoe features shock absorption to keep little feet happy and aligned. They also feature a lace-free design (the velcro strap allows you to adjust the tightness) and a non-slip sole for easy wear and long-term safety.

Pros:

• Breathable and lightweight materials
• 19 color options, from classic black to grey to red
• MD sole prevents slipping
• Shock-absorbing design ensures comfort and alignment
• The velcro strap is flexible and allows you to adjust the tightness

Cons:

• Some reviewers say these shoes run larger than normal
• Other reviewers say that these shoes take a while to dry if they become wet

Most versatile

Palladium Ace Kids' Lo Strap

The rugged good looks and easy-to-maneuver velcro straps of this Palladium toddler boy shoe makes it the most versatile pair on our list. Take it from the playground to dinner out with parents or a sibling's dressed-up recital without worry. An elevated, extra padded sole adds plenty of extra support and comfort.

Vegan construction with a leather look adds to the charm of this moderately priced selection. We also love the added heel finger grips for toddler hands to hold onto. Choose from toddler sizes 10.5 through big kid 3.

Pros

• Versatile wearing from the playground to dressed-up days
• Vegan construction
• Added padding and support
• Thicker heel
• Toddler sizes 10.5 through big kid 3
• Velcro easy closure
• Added finger loops by the heel

Cons

• Somewhat more expensive than other options on our list, but worth every penny and still moderately priced

Best dress shoe

Meckior Toddler Boys Oxford Shoes

With a timeless silhouette, rounded tip and high-quality PU leather materials, these toddler-friendly oxford shoes are versatile enough to be dressed up or down with jeans or slacks, making them perfect for any occasion from weddings to holidays.

They have a soft anti-slip sole and are available in seven sizes (including 10 for toddlers) and eight colors, with lace-up closure that can be adjusted for tightness. These handsome shoes also boast an impressive 4.5-star average rating on Amazon with hundreds of five-star reviews praising their comfort, style and fit. Into the cart, they go!

Pros:

• Wear in versatile settings ranging from houses of worship to family parties
• Soft anti-slip sole that prevents slips and falls
• High-quality PU material gives shoes an elegant feel
• A lace-up closure design allows for tightness adjustment.

Cons:

• While these shoes fit toddlers up to a size ten, some user reviews suggest these shoes do not offer a true-to-size fit

Best sandals

Crocs Crockband Sandals

These Crocs sandals are available in ten different colors and sizes up to 10 for toddlers. Expect loads of value for your money with these Crocs, and one of the best brand guarantees we've seen on kids sandals yet. We love how easy they are to toss in a park bag, pack for an upcoming vacation or sport at daycare.

Although these sandals are affordable, they have other outstanding features including comfort, ventilation and a velcro closure to regulate the tightness. Plus, keeping these sandals has never been easier: with a little soap and water, these will look as good as new! With stellar features like these, it's no wonder why this shoe was our top sandal pick for the best toddler sandals.

Pros:

• Affordable price
• Easy to clean with soap and water
• A comfortable and ventilated design keeps feet cool
• Velcro helps adjust the tightness

Cons:

• Limited use to warm weather

Best water shoes 

UBFEN Water Shoes

While these shoes were our top pick for the best toddler water shoes for toddlers, they're also pretty stylish to wear out of the water.  They are available in sizes up to 10 for toddlers, in 21 colors and are light and flexible thanks to smooth fabric and elastic materials.

These shoes boast quick-drying properties that prevent moisture buildup and include important safety features like rubber soles and a thickening insole. They also have a 4.6-star rating and up to 8,000 five-star reviews (whoa!) highlighting their snug fit, water-resistant capabilities and quality materials.

Pros:

• Lightweight, breathable, and flexible with elastic and diving materials
• Shoes dry quickly
• Rubber soles, and a soft, thickened insole provide security for the fit

Cons:

• Can trap beach sand

Best Amazon

Hiitave Toddler/Little Kid Shoes

If you're in the market for the best toddler-boy shoes, Amazon has thousands of styles from your favorite shoe brands and some new ones waiting to be discovered. With that being said, you really can't go wrong with these: they're affordable, breathable, easy to put on and take off and have tons of five-star reviews.

Available in sizes up to 10 and seven colors, these shoes feature adjustable Velcro straps and a non-skid sole to protect your little one from slips and falls. And the best part? They are machine washable, so keeping them clean will be a piece of cake.

Pros:

• Adjustable hook and loop closure
• Breathable mesh to keep feet comfortable
• Great for all kinds of activity (walking, running, playing, etc.)
• Non-skid sole keeps feet protected from slips and falls
• Shoes are machine washable

Cons:

• These shoes do not come in half sizes

Best wide

New Balance Unisex-Child Rave V2 Running Shoe

When it comes to finding shoes for toddlers with wide feet, the struggle is real! New Balance to the rescue with these supportive, timeless sneakers. Available in sizes up to 10 for toddlers, in wide sizes and with a roomy toe box and in oodles of colors—they're just the ticket..

We love how lightweight and breathable these shoes are thanks to clever mesh uppers that keep feet cool and safe. A velcro closure that allows for easy adjustment. The sturdy rubber soles and outsoles also ensure safety, so your little guy can run to his heart's content without slipping and falling.

Pros:

• Lightweight and breathable mesh upper keeps feet cool
• The hook and loop strap allows for easy adjustment
• Sturdy and durable rubber sole and outsole
• Lightweight EVA foam midsole provides lightweight cushioning to the feet.
• Available in wide sizes up to 10 wide for toddlers

Cons:

• Some say this pair of shoes runs a little small

Best arch support

adituo Toddler Lightweight Breathable Sneakers

If you're looking for a shoe that can keep up with your little one as they grow, these Audito shoes from Amazon might just be the perfect match. Available in 17 colorways and sizes up to nine for toddlers, they feature a wide interior and a secure fit for feet of all sizes.

These shoes have highly elastic EVA soles and arch support features that provide support and perfect alignment to the feet. The breathable upper also ensures that feet are comfortable and ventilated with every step. If they do get dirty, these shoes are machine washable and therefore easy to care for.

Pros:

• A wide interior and secure fit
• Machine washable for easy cleaning
• Comfortable and breathable upper
• High-elastic EVA insoles and arch support inside

Cons:

• Limited color options

Best luxury

Polo Ralph Lauren Telly-K

Take advantage of these gorgeous, high-end loafers that offer the perfect balance between casual and dressy. Made of 100% genuine leather, this loafer from POLO Ralph Lauren meets style and comfort needs perfectly. They're also durable and sturdy with an inclusive size range and four classic color offerings.

These loafers are comfortable and supportive, with a flexible leather sole, rolled moccasin toe and shaft measures from toe to arch. Despite costing over $50, this shoe has a a fanciful 4.4-star rating on Amazon, with many reviewers praising the high-quality materials, durability and fit.

Pros:

• Timeless loafer style
• 100% genuine leather
• Flexible leather outsole
• Shaft measures from toe to arch
• Rolled moccasin toe and logoed driving heel

Cons:

• Pricier than other options, but worth it for the style and quality
• Some reviewers say that these shoes run a little large

Best Nike

Nike Free Run 2 Baby/Toddler Shoes

If you're a Nike loyalist, here's a pair of toddler shoes your little guy will never want to take off. They are modern and stylish and come in four eye-catching colors and nine children's sizes to choose from.

Despite their beautiful design, these sneakers are breathable and comfortable with a leather and mesh upper, soft foam underfoot, and a secure strap to keep them in place. The tab on the back of the shoe also makes it easier to take off and the deep grooves in the sole ensure more grip with every step.

Pros:

• Nine sizes to choose from
• Breathable leather and upper mesh
• The strap on the back makes it easy to put on and take off the shoes
• Deep groves in the sole provide traction

Cons:

• Pricier than other options on our list, but worth every penny

Best Adidas

Adidas Toddler Superstar Shoes

Adidas delivers with this classic, always-in-style toddler shoe that's a breeze to wear and then pass down to younger siblings. Choose from 11 different sizes and various basic color options—there is the right fit and style for every foot.

These shoes are comfortable and durable and have a synthetic leather upper and textile lining and rubber on the toe cup for additional protection of the feet. The three Velcro straps also make it easier to put on and take off the shoes. Although these shoes cost over $50, consider them an investment.

They're classic and versatile enough to go with anything, including jeans, shorts and pants.

Pros:

• Synthetic upper leather and textile lining
• The rubber on the toe shell adds extra protection
• Hook and loop closure makes shoes easy to take on and off
• 11 size options in total

Cons:

• Limited color options

Best Walmart

Wonder Nation Toddler Boys Oxford Dress Shoes

Choose from three colors, sizes up to 12 and then love the perfect under-$20 price point. They also have hook and loop adjustable straps to keep them secure, plus rounded toes for added comfort and room to grow.

Like other shoes on our list, these have a 4.4-star rating with many reviewers praising their lightweight materials, comfy padding and flexible fit. Their durability may not be as good as other options, but let's be honest: their price is unbeatable. If you're looking for a handsome, expensive-looking pair of toddler boy shoes for a bargain—you've arrived.

Pros:

• Great under $20 price
• Sizing up to 12
• Hook and loop adjustable straps keep shoes secure
• Round toes
• Lightweight materials, comfy padding, and a flexible fit

Cons:

• May not be as durable as the other shoes on our list

Sources:

• Fashion stylist Marlene Anzaldua