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4 toddler shoes that hold up to active kids

From toys to clothes, it’s no secret that toddlers are tough on their stuff. Whether it be too many trips through the sandbox or a drastic fabric color change, those tiny tots always seem to find ways to test the limits of all textiles and materials. Toddler parents often find themselves seeking out more durable brands of clothing and blends of fabrics to hold up to the daily wear and tear their children can have on items.

If your tiny tot is running through shoes faster than Usain Bolt, then we’d like to suggest a few top-notch, well-made, and quality everyday-wear style of shoe for your toddlers.

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Stride Rite 360 Athletic Running Shoes

From the brand you know, love, and have come to depend on for high-quality and well-built children’s shoes, we bring you Stride Rite’s 360 Unisex Athletic Running Shoes. This style of shoe is considered unisex, although it is available in two color options, one for girls and the other for boys. The durable and synthetic soles will hold up to your little one’s busy days of comings and goings. These shoes are not only blissfully machine washable, but they also light up!

Why we like these:

  • Unisex design
  • Machine washable
  • Light-up feature will delight toddlers

Native Shoes Jefferson Junior Water Shoes

For kiddos in warmer climates or for use during those hot summer months, your child’s new favorite pair of slip-on “sneakers” may be the perfect addition to their wardrobe — Native Shoes Jefferson Junior Water Shoes. These durable, made-to-last shoes are extremely lightweight and help keep your little one from tiring too easily. Also, they are easy to clean, requiring only a quick hand-washing before drying. With a quick and effortless slip-on/slip-off style, these shoes make them ideal for independent toddlers who enjoy spreading their wings to do things on their own.

Why we like these:

  • Slip-on design
  • Easy to clean
  • Lightweight for toddlers

New Balance V2 Hook and Loop Running Shoes

For active little ones who enjoy days outside, walks in the park, and trips to the playground, these hook-and-loop style sneakers from New Balance are just the right shoes for your busy toddler. These shoes feature a reflective material alerting others of their whereabouts, easy on-and-off hook-and-loop straps, a firm sole for extra foot support, and the familiarity of the shoe’s style — meaning they resemble adult styles, helping your little one feel more included in their styling choices. This also makes those “mini me” outfits easier to put together.

Why we like these:

  • Reflective material makes kids easier to spot
  • Hook-and-loop straps make them easy to get on and off
  • Firm sole offers extra foot support

Merrell Chameleon 7 Hiking Shoes

If your toddler is anything like their active parents, you will likely find yourself looking for a high-quality and rugged pair of hiking shoes to help your little one achieve similar heights on your family’s trips and outdoor excursions. These waterproof (yes, you read that correctly), lug-patterned shoes give your child good support to their foot and ankle while also providing great traction — thus keeping them on their feet much longer. Those side steps to find the perfect walking stick or smooth rock to skip are no longer frustrating when your little hiking buddy is sporting appropriate and durable footwear for the occasion.

Why we like these:

  • Great for hiking enthusiasts who want to bring their kids along
  • Waterproof design
  • Supports both foot and ankle

From water shoes to hiking shoes and all those comfy pairs of sneakers in between, finding durable and well-made footwear for your active toddler isn’t as difficult as it used to be. With more and more companies focusing on utilizing better quality materials for clothing and shoemaking processes, now couldn’t be a more perfect time to pick your little one up a pair of these comfortable, stylish, and tough rock kickers that will last longer than the weekend. Their feet and your pocketbook just may thank you for it.

Emily Pidgeon
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Emily's work has appeared in the Tube City Almanac, Tube City Online and our Affinity Sites. When she's not writing, she is…
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