Back to school shoes: a pediatric physical therapist’s guide
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I love back to school shoe shopping! There’s something so nostalgic about it for me and new shoes just FEEL GOOD! I’ve learned a LOT, though, over the years as both a Pediatric Physical Therapist + Mama about what to look for in a shoe + which brands actually hold up! I’m so hopeful this list will take some mental load off your plate and help you know you’re setting them up for a successful year from the ground up :) I also want to remind you that you’re not screwing them up if you don’t choose a shoe from these brands I love—I’m here to provide you with the information and only YOU can make the best decision for YOUR family. You got this!
If you’re wanting to just get a basic understanding of WHY barefoot-style shoes are recommended, be sure to check out this post!
also-if your little one is required to wear shoes at daycare but is a newer walker (<6 months independent walking or standing), moccasins or first walkers are a fantastic option! Keep reading and I’ll link my favorites below.
This post contains affiliate links that aid in supporting The Movement Mama at no additional cost to you. You can learn more by reading my disclosure policy.
I do feel it’s important to say: many of these brands are small businesses. I know it totally stinks to have to pay shipping or to pay higher prices than you might on Amazon…but remember: you are directly supporting someone’s dream and their families/the families of their employees. I often find they have fantastic customer support and want to help make things right if they are not!
I also want to highlight things to consider when deciding whether to invest in higher-quality shoes versus reasons to purchase a cheaper pair off amazon:
Pricier shoes often are made with higher quality materials, meaning they will last longer, withstand more play, and wash up better.
Higher quality shoes have a better chance of surviving through multiple kids or having good resale value (ps: many of the brands below have Buy/Sell/Trade groups on Facebook where you can get a used pair for a fraction of the cost)
Many (but not all) of the below pricier brands are committed to safer materials, meaning fewer harmful chemicals on your little one’s feet
Pro tip: purchase gender-neutral colors if you plan on passing down through your family. Also, if you have children’s consignment stores or sales locally, be sure to dig through their shoe bins for the brands I list below!
All that to say, we’ve been in seasons where the best quality shoe just wasn’t an option for our budget. I promise you that your children will be okay! But if there’s one piece of attire I feel is worth the investment while you cut costs on others, it’s shoes.
now for the links…
*a note on sizing: be sure to check each individual brand’s sizing chart, as they are all different (annoying, I know!). Many of the brands offer printable size charts, as well!
1: Ten Little Everyday Sneaker : (these hold up SO well and are semi-waterproof/wash very easily. They do run large in our experience, so check their sizing chart and consider sizing down!) Note: This company also has an adaptive line
2: Whitin: this is a new-to-me brand from Amazon but I have friends who love their adult shoes. They also have these fun colors. If you scroll down on the product page, they have a super helpful sizing guide + I love that with Amazon returns, you don’t have to worry if you get the wrong size. Just FYI, these are a wider fit so they may not be appropriate if your child has narrow feet.
3: Saguaro (code movementmama): All back-to-school styles are on sale through 8/31/24! This brand has fantastic water-friendly options for summer and has recently expanded into the sneaker scene!
4: Origo (code movementmama): these are on sale right now, too! I did read that these need to be “broken in” and can feel stiff at first. As an aside, I am absolutely obsessed with my shoes from Origo & get compliments on them all the time!
5: Vivo Gaia: This is considered Vivo’s “starter sneaker” which I take to mean their “first walker”. Vivo was the first barefoot brand I tried and I’ve never looked back—they’re incredibly comfortable and well-made (this is what I have). You can also purchase refurbished shoes for a fraction of the cost here. Also of note: they have a 100 day money-back guarantee—even if you’ve worn them outside.
6: Feelgrounds: This is another brand that I discovered after trying them for myself first and loving them. Then this past summer, I got my oldest these adorable sandals and now we’re hooked! They also have a mesh version of their sneakers that would be great for the warmer months.
7: Cat & Jack Parker: This year’s BUDGET pick! These run very narrow but do have a wider toe-box than many “mainstream” brands. Be sure to remove the insole for a zero-drop foot position.
8: SeeKaiRun Stevie or Kristin (code school20 for 20% off select styles): I often get asked if the SeeKaiRun shoes for Target are just as good and unfortunately the answer is no…they’re made completely different and have almost none of the same features. It’s super disappointing and something I hope SKR changes in the future to make foot-healthy shoes more accessible! They DO have this one style that’s adorable for girls that is made more similarly to the SKR name brand shoes but the high top isn’t really necessary for most kids. Note: Their Adapt line is a great option for orthotics
9: Ten Little Laced Everyday Sneaker: The same great shoe from Ten Little, but in big kid sizing! (trust me and just go ahead and get the no-tie laces add-on unless your kiddo is just VERY good at tying shoes. Their teachers will thank you) *2024 update: these no-tie laces didn’t hold up super well for us with all the outdoor play we do, I would now recommend these instead. They do run large in our experience, so check their sizing chart and consider sizing down!) Note: This company also has an adaptive line
10: Amazon Mary Janes: I’ve gotten these the last several years for my oldest and loved them! They’re flexible with a wide toe box and they are cost-effective! Each size wouldn’t have lasted us more than a season, though, as the upper often detaches from the lower with time.
11: Ten Little Mary Janes: While we haven’t personally tried these, I would say it’s safe to assume they would hold up better than the above! If I had more than one girl, I would definitely make the investment to be able to hand them down. They do run large in our experience, so check their sizing chart and consider sizing down!) Note: This company also has an adaptive line
12: Splay Sneakers (code movementmama): This will be the first season we try these out but they are definitely a tried and true barefoot brand from experts I trust. Will report back on our experience for sure. FYI: I’ve read the colors can fade with time + you must wash in cold water only to prevent shrinking but it’s a simple tradeoff for a more affordable barefoot shoe.
13: QFH: This brand was introduced to me this year by a mama whose little has Spina Bifida. She was looking for an affordable barefoot brand and has been impressed with these. They’re definitely what I would consider a “compromise” option, as they appear to have a toe-spring (elevated toe) and the material, to me, looks somewhat stiff on the upper. But for less than $20, they’re worth trying! Another Mama from the community also sent me a video of these and I think they look like a good budget option, as well!
14: VivoBarefoot Primus Sport: This is the kids version of the tennis shoes I have and they are fantastic. You can also purchase refurbished shoes for a fraction of the cost here. Also of note: they offer a 100 day money-back guarantee—even if you’ve worn them outside.
15: Little Love Bug Brown + Navy: Little Love Bug is an adorable Mama-owned brand that makes darling barefoot style shoes. These would qualify as our family’s “dress shoes” category, as I wouldn’t recommend utilizing these for a lot of outdoor play. They have all kinds of styles with various options for the sole but be sure to cross-reference them against what I look for in a shoe, as some of their sweet little ballerina slippers don’t meet my requirements for a wide toe box. Be sure to check out this page for the difference in the soles; I would choose the Barefoot sole!
now for the newer walkers…
If your little one has been walking less than 6 months or is just beginning to pull to stand, you may need a shoe for daycare or just for protecting their feet outdoors. You can read about WHEN your little one is ready for shoes here.
Below are fantastic options for this crucial developmental phase where we really want to prioritize them being able to feel through the bottoms of their feet + move without restrictions.
*a note on sizing: be sure to check each individual brand’s sizing chart, as they are all different (annoying, I know!). Many of the brands offer printable size charts, as well!
1: Ten Little First Walkers: One of my favorite features of these is how WIDE the tongue opens up…perfect for squeezing in chubby toddler feet. They also have a cheetah image in each shoe to help toddlers know which foot each one goes on—a Montessori Mama’s dream! We find this brand runs a bit large so be sure to cross-reference their sizing guide + potentially size down.
2: Birdrock Baby Mocassins: These come in so many fun colors and styles and are perfect for indoor use. Because they don’t have a grippy + puncture-proof sole, these are not appropriate for high volumes of outdoor use. I would say this is fantastic for when daycare requires shoes but babe is not really walking much yet!
3: Little Love Bug Low-Tops: Little Love Bug is an adorable Mama-owned brand that makes darling barefoot style shoes. These would qualify as our family’s “dress shoes” category, as I wouldn’t recommend utilizing these for a lot of outdoor play. They have all kinds of styles with various options for the sole but be sure to cross-reference them against what I look for in a shoe, as some of their sweet little ballerina slippers don’t meet my requirements for a wide toe box. Be sure to check out this page for the difference in the soles; I would choose the Barefoot sole!
4: Robeez Sneaker-Mocc: The same moccasin brand we all know and love but now in a cute tennis-shoe dupe! Robeez have great resale value + come in so many fun styles! Note: the moccasin/soft-sole style do not have grip + a puncture-proof sole and are only appropriate for indoor use BUT the “first kicks” version pictured does appear to have rubber on the sole that makes it more protective.
5: New Balance First Walker + Nike Swoosh 1: Both of these give you the same trendy features we know and love but with a more minimalist structure! I wouldn’t say either of these check all the boxes, particularly with the toe box, but they’re a great compromise shoe if you’re loyal to name-brands!
6: WonderNation Adaptive: This adaptive line from Walmart is a fantastic budget option if you can find them in-stock in your little one’s size!
7: SeeKaiRun STEVIE First Walker: Another great option from a high-quality brand!
8: Merrell BareSteps: This particular style would be considered a compromise shoe, in my opinion. They have a fantastic flexible-sole but the outer edge of the toe-box tapers more than I’d like to see + it’s got a toe-spring. Their water shoes are amazing, though!
9: Little Love Bug Black + White Sneaker: Be sure to look at my notes above about LLB.
10: Little Love Bug Brown + Navy: Be sure to look at my notes above about LLB.
There are so many other great styles for kids (& some for parents too) from these tried & true brands:
Splay (code: movement for 10% off)
WoolyBubs (great for smaller feet)
Origo (code movementmama for 10% off)
Saguaro (code movementmama for 10% off)
