Kids Shoes and Kids Sneakers Online - High-Quality, Trendy, and Sustainable

At Junior Steps, you will find a wide selection of children's shoes for all ages and occasions. From the first steps to adventures in the rain or snow, we offer shoes that are not only comfortable but also durable and trendy. Whether you're looking for cool children’s sneakers, pre-walkers, baby shoes, smart lace-up shoes for kids, warm long boots, soft slippers, sturdy lace-up boots, short boots for kids, waterproof rain boots, warm snow boots, water sandals, or a variety of children’s accessories, you’ll always find what you need with us.

Explore our full collection of children's shoes below by category

Each shoe is designed to optimally support growing feet. Here are some of the most popular options:

• Kids Shoes and Kids Sneakers: Perfect for daily wear, with trendy designs and a great fit.
• Baby Shoes and Pre-walkers: Specially designed for first steps, with flexible soles and soft materials.
• Kids sandals: Light sandals that are perfect for warm summer days.
• Lace-up Boots: Robust and stylish, ideal for active kids.
• Long Boots and Short Boots: Suitable for all weather conditions and easy to pair with any outfit.
• Rain Boots: Essential for rainy days and puddle jumping.
• Snow Boots: Protection from the cold and snow, with a warm lining.
• Children’s Slippers: Comfortable and soft for indoors, perfect for cold days.
• Sports Shoes: Specially designed for movement, with good cushioning and support.

Why are high-quality children's shoes so important?

Children's feet are still developing. Ill-fitting or cheap shoes can hinder foot growth or lead to issues such as flat feet, heel pain, or poor walking posture. High-quality children's shoes support the arch of the foot, provide adequate cushioning, and ensure a good fit, allowing your child to move comfortably and healthily.

What should I look for when buying children's shoes?

When buying children's shoes, it is essential to consider the following points to ensure you make the right choice for your child's foot development:

• Proper fit: Ensure enough room at the toes (about 12-13 millimeters) and a secure heel fit. This prevents sliding inside the shoe and provides stability.
• Flexible sole: The sole should be flexible and roll smoothly at the toes so the foot can move naturally and the step is properly supported.
• Breathable material: Choose natural materials like leather, which allow ventilation and prevent excessive sweating, which can lead to blisters or athlete's foot.
• Sturdy heel: The shoe should have a firm heel (counterfort or heel piece) to provide proper foot support and maintain correct posture.
• Size chart or measuring: Always use a reliable size chart or have your child's feet professionally measured in our children's shoe store to ensure the correct size and fit.

By paying attention to these points, you provide your child’s feet with the proper support and ensure they can develop comfortably and healthily.

How do I know if children's shoes fit properly?

Many parents opt for sports shoes, but these are often too wide for their child's feet. This can lead to discomfort and a poor fit. A good children's shoe should meet the following criteria to provide optimal comfort and support:

• The shoe provides about 12-13 millimeters of space at the toes (roughly one finger's width). This ensures the toes can move freely without too much space, which often happens with shoes that are too wide.
• The shoe fits snugly at the heel without being tight. A shoe that is too wide can cause poor heel support, making the child walk unstably.
• The shoe should not be too tight or too loose. Many sports shoes are too wide at the top, causing the foot to not be fully wrapped, leading to sliding and potential blisters. However, if the shoe is too tight, it can hinder blood circulation and cause pain, pressure spots, or even skin damage. It's important that the shoe wraps the foot properly without pinching.
• Let your child walk around a bit—If the shoe feels comfortable, doesn’t rub or irritate, and the child can move freely without too much sliding, the fit is likely good.
• Watch for signs such as tripping, pain, or frequently taking off the shoes. This could be a sign that the shoes are too wide or poorly fitting, which often happens when choosing shoes that are too wide.

Shoes that are too wide provide insufficient support and stability, which is especially problematic for the development of children’s feet. Always choose shoes that fit well but still provide enough room for the natural movement of the foot.

How often should I buy new children's shoes?

Children's feet grow quickly. On average, children need new shoes:

• From 1 to 2.5 years, every 3 to 4 months
• From 2.5 to 6 years, every 5 months
• From 6 years onward, every 6 months

Regularly check the fit. A quick test: remove the insole and see if the toes still fit within the edges.

What is the difference between cheap and high-quality children's shoes?

The difference between cheap and high-quality children's shoes lies in the materials, fit, and support. Quality shoes are specifically designed to support the healthy development of children's feet. They offer:

• Better materials, such as real leather instead of synthetic materials. This allows the foot to breathe and prevents excessive sweating and foot fungus.
• Sturdy yet flexible soles that absorb shock and provide good grip, ideal for active children.
• An anatomically responsible fit. As the saying goes: "Shoemaker, stick to your last." These shoes are tailored to the natural shape of a child's foot—not too narrow, not too wide.
• A reinforced heel that offers extra stability and supports the foot well while walking and playing.

Cheap children's shoes often cut corners on these essential elements. They may look nice but can lead to complaints such as sore feet, tired legs, or poor posture. In the long term, this can negatively affect your child’s foot development.

Are more expensive children's shoes always better?

Not necessarily. The price doesn’t tell you everything, but it does say a lot. Focus on the materials, fit, and support. There are also affordable brands that offer good quality, such as Naturino, Babybotte, Develab, Franco Romagnoli, Hip, Lunella... Check the specifications and choose a shoe that fits your child’s foot.

Which children's shoe brands are reliable?

Some brands known for their quality, foot support, and fashionable designs include:

• Rondinella
• Zecchino d'oro
• Ocra
• Romagnoli
• Banaline
• Stones and Bones
• Cherie
• ...

These and many more brands on our webshop invest in ergonomics, sustainability, and healthy foot development.

Are second-hand children's shoes a good idea?

In most cases, no. Children’s shoes mold to the foot and walking style of the first child over time. If the shoes have already been "worn in," they may no longer offer the correct support for another child. This can lead to poor walking posture, pressure points, or even foot problems.

Only if the shoes have barely been worn and the sole and inside are still in perfect condition might they work as a temporary solution. But for the health and development of your child’s feet, it’s advisable to choose new, well-fitting shoes.

A good tip: If budget is a significant concern, you might consider buying high-quality children’s shoes from outlets or sales. They are cheaper and unused, making them ideal if you want to buy quality children’s shoes on a budget.

Do children's shoes need a closure (like laces or Velcro)?

Yes, a good closure is essential. It ensures that the shoe stays securely on the foot and doesn’t slide while walking or playing. This prevents friction, blisters, and an unstable walking posture.

• Velcro is ideal for younger children: easy to put on and take off while still being secure.
• Laces or buckles are better suited for older children because they provide a precise and adjustable fit, especially for narrower or wider feet.

A good closure system contributes to both comfort and safety during movement.

What impact do shoes have on the development of children's feet?

The right children's shoes play a crucial role in the healthy development of children's feet. They support natural growth, provide stability, and protect against overloading.

Good children's shoes help:

• Prevent flat feet
• Develop a correct and natural walking style
• Support muscles, joints, and posture

However, many parents unconsciously choose cheap sports shoes or sneakers that:

• Are too wide, causing the foot to slide and lack support
• Are made of synthetic materials that don’t breathe, leading to excessive sweating, blisters, or even athlete's foot
• Don’t offer reinforced heel or arch support, which can lead to knee, hip, or back issues over time

Additionally, shoes that are too small, too stiff, or not flexible enough can hinder the natural growth and movement of the foot.

So, always choose high-quality children's shoes that fit the shape of your child’s foot and are made of breathable, durable materials. This prevents problems and supports healthy, active development.

Why choose Junior Steps?

At Junior Steps, it’s all about quality, comfort, and personal service. Each pair of shoes is made with high-quality leather materials to protect your child’s feet. We always put the customer first and offer detailed advice in our store so that your child walks out with the perfect fit. Prefer shopping online? No problem! We offer the same service via email, Facebook, or Instagram. We measure the shoes for you to ensure they’ll fit perfectly with your online purchase. Plus, we follow the latest trends to make sure your child always looks stylish!

Find the Perfect Shoes

Browse our collection online or visit our store to try on the right shoes. Whether you're looking for sturdy boots, comfortable sneakers, or practical rain boots, Junior Steps has everything you need. Make every step special with our carefully selected children's shoes.

The collection of children’s shoes online in our webshop