Skip to content 
BabyCenter selects products based on research by our editors and the wisdom of parents in the BabyCenter Community. All prices and details are correct at the time of publication. We may find services from affiliate links.
My daughter, Lou, turned 1 in September and started walking almost overnight. One minute we were barefoot, the next I was suddenly searching for tiny shoes like it was my regular job. Unfortunately, I’m picky. I wanted a shoe that was stylish, supportive, easy to ride in, flexible enough for new hikers, and durable enough to survive playgrounds, mud, and daylight.
Apparently, finding a pair of shoes that check all of these boxes is incredibly difficult. Cheaper pairs are often flimsy or stiff, while some more expensive styles look cute but don’t really work for real toddlers. So when I kept seeing Ten Little shoes in the $40 to $60 range, I was skeptical. They looked beautiful, but I wanted them to do it too. Apparently they do.
Advertising | page continues below
Update: Ten Little offers here 20% off sitewide on orders of $75+ for members, plus free shippingIt will open a new window. No code is required. You just need to log in to your member account or add membership to your cart. If you’ve been wanting to try the brand, this is one of the best products I’ve seen lately.
Made by mothers and pediatricians, Ten Little shoesIt will open a new window they’re shaped like little feet, soft enough to sink in, and tough enough to survive stepping on the roughest playground. The tongue folds down to allow for easy entry for little feet. The removable insole provides extra room for chubby feet. And adjustable straps are great for first-timers who are still figuring it all out.
A few of my more experienced mommy friends had already dismissed Ten Little as one of those things they actually work (especially children with larger feet). So I did what every Millennial mom does: she went down the rabbit hole of the BabyCenter Community forums. Indeed, this kind of cooperation was forced. One mom commented on how perfect the toe box and removable closures were for her toddler.It will open a new window. One loved how the shoes were easy to ride and very flexible for first time hikers.
Are they more expensive than Amazon’s youth shoes? Of course. But once your child starts walking every day, the difference between cute shoes and worn shoes becomes apparent very quickly. These held up better than the cheaper pairs we tried, and Lou kept them without fighting me.
If you are entering the season of little shoes, these are the styles of Ten LittleIt will open a new window which found a permanent place in Lou’s transition.
Ten Littles
I see these slides as summer shoes. Kids can run around the playground without slipping and sliding thanks to the enclosed heel, non-slip soles, and bottom straps. These materials are also highly flexible to ensure they are safe and dry instantly, making them ideal for splash pads and water parks. Bonus: There’s a vegan leather versionIt will open a new window for everyday clothes.
- Sizes 3-13
- Quick drying, adjustable for a perfect fit
- Bottoms to reduce friction on ankles and feet, prevent blisters
- Fun things you can choose to change
Advertising | page continues below
Ten Little
Ten Little’s rain boots are the only ones I’ve found that aren’t stiff and flimsy or weirdly plastic-y. They’re easy to walk in, don’t fly, and come in bright colors Lou will love to see draped over her feet. Pair them with a good pair of socks and you’re ready for any rainy season adventure.
- Sizes 6-13
- The large toe box is soft
- Flexible rubber with good strength
- Removable insoles to ensure proper fit
- Optional jumbo stickers for personalization
If you’re just hitting the “real shoes” part like we are, BabyCenter’s guide to the best baby shoesIt will open a new window it’s a solid start. It covers basics, such as what to look for in the first pair of shoes and how to make sure they fit, including options that parents and children agree on.
Frequently asked questions
As soon as he goes outside more often. At home, barefoot is better. But when your child is out on the sidewalks, playgrounds, or any other soft surface, you’ll want shoes that protect their feet and help them walk comfortably — without being bulky or stiff.
Not as much as you might think. For new hikers, flexibility is more important than long or stiff ankle boots. You want their feet and ankles to build strength naturally. Shoes that flex and move are your best bet.
During this time, your baby’s feet are growing a lot. Most are flat, wide, and very flexible. So the shoes they wear should work with all of them, not against them.
The wrong pair (too tight, narrow, poorly made) can throw off your child’s gait or movement. The right pair should protect their feet without restricting them. That’s why experts recommend shoes with flexible soles, large toe boxes, and soft materials.