Britt Raborn

When Scarlett turned two and started really walking around, I realized that it was time to invest in some good shoes that would really support her as she learned to run and play more. We still have our $2 flip flops from Gap and fun shoes for here and there for imaginary play, but when we go to the park and send her to school, I want her feet to be supported during this time to help prevent injury and bad feet habits. There are several brands I have come to love and really appreciate over the past year. My daughter has wide feet, so there are brands that are better for this type of foot. Thankfully, there are quite a few, like Keds and Livie and Lucca!

For boys brands, my favorites are: Keen, Old Soles, Crocs, Sperry’s Salt Water, and Keds! I really didn’t know if I could get behind the crocs, but last summer when photos were put on the internet of Prince George romping around in those exact navy blue crocs, I was convinced that they were super cute! After we got our first pair, I realized the hype. The kids can slip them on themselves, they wash off, and are just light and easy to take/pack. If you want a more structured pair of sandal shoes for your child, Keen’s are the way to go! We have had a pair of these ever since Scarlett turned a year old! Best investment each summer! The Hunter rain boots have been used in our house since our daughter was about 20 months- she loves these! And I bought unisex colors so I could purposely pass them down 😉 Sperry’s and Old Soles are just adorable and look great with smocks, jon jons, and appliqué tops/shirts. You can pair the Old Sole’s for a fancier occasion or keep them casual! Salt Water Sea Wee’s are my favorite casual sandals to pair with jon jons, bubbles, and those sweet appliqué tops/shorts! We love how you can adjust the straps to wear longer, too! They are a tad tricky to navigate for young toddlers, but we have had no problem since she hit two. He had a few trips in them before 2, but I think it just took her some time in general to get balance down. Toms are one of our favorites to pair with really anything! They slip on very easily and we love the velcro! Keds are a classic pick for any outfit! You can easily pair these with jon jons, longalls, bubbles, pants/top sets! They are perfect for day school and are our go to for that! I love these red ones so much and already have a pair stashed away for Sullivan! Lastly are the Freshly Picked moccs! These are very trendy and hip right now! I love how you can also pair these with most outfits. So, these are my go to shoes for a young toddler (young 2s or younger) because they are perfect for places that have a kid zone or a science center where everything is indoor and soft flooring. Plus they are so easy to slip on and off!

For girls (I have a little more experience in this department), my favorites are: Keds, Livie and Lucca, Salt Water, Keen, and Mini Melissa! Keds and Livie and Lucca’s have options for wide feet- which is great for my daughter. Livie and Lucca’s are SO worth the price, and I’ve even found some second hand ones for a fraction of the cost. They hold up so well and are very well made. For now, we have these Pio ones for summer and I plan to get these Ruched ones for winter months! Late last summer, we had these Petals in white and they were just precious with smocks! Our favorite outdoor shoe for summer to romp around in are Keen’s! We’ve been buying these since Scarlett was about 20 months old and just love them! They are cool, easy to clean, and easy for them to slip on! The Hunter rain boots are our favorite rain boots! I purposely got unisex colors and I got them on major sale so that I could pass them down! Scarlett enjoys slipping these on and running around in them! Scarlett has worn Keds mary jane white shoes to mother’s day out ever since she started going at 15 months old! These have been amazing for literally every occasion! They are made so well and hold up to lots of play on the play ground. They also hold up well going through the washer! We also love these white keds as well! We love some Old Soles for pairing with nicer smocks or whenever we go to church, etc. They are soft leather and are very comfortable. The Footmates are a lot stiffer and better for holiday occasions- still love those though! Salt Water sandals are our absolute favorite for summer months! They pair perfectly with smock dresses, short sets, and everything! Have loved collecting these over the years in all the many colors and varieties. Love these heart ones too! Like I said in the boys section, I was not big on Crocs, but once I saw prince George romping around in them, I realized how cute and easy they were for tots! They wash off so easily and my 3 yr old can slip them on with no help! We also love the Freshly Picked moccs! These are very trendy and hip right now! I love how you can also pair these with most outfits. So, these are my go to shoes for a young toddler (young 2s or younger) because they are perfect for places that have a kid zone or a science center where everything is indoor and soft flooring. Plus they are so easy to slip on and off!  Lastly, we love our Mini Melissa’s for several reasons. One, they smell like cotton candy, two, are super comfy and have that soft jelly feel, and three, Scarlett calls them her princess shoes! They make so many fun varieties like bows, animals, fruit, and more!

Now, y’all tell me what some of your favorite shoes are for your toddlers! Did I miss any? We are always looking for comfy shoes, so I’d love to hear from you!

Boys