If your kids love to run and play, these lightweight kids leather shoes may be just what you need. They’re made of soft leather and padded for comfort and flexibility.
Durability
When kids are on the go, they wear shoes at an incredible rate. They put them through all kinds of abuse: running, jumping, parkour, and playing games that could break anything with a stick or ball. That’s why shoes should be made with durability in mind. You want them to last a long time and stay together despite the rough play kids give them.
If your child wants to wear sneakers for everything from school to recess and afterschool activities, look for a shoe that can take it all. The UA Pre School Assert 9 running shoes have a cushioned midsole and are built to absorb shock and keep the feet of active kids comfortable. A classic rubber sole provides grip and should stand up to a lot of tag games.
Other lightweight, durable sneaker options include the Cat & Jack Toddler Parker shoes from Target and the Skechers GOwalk Lite-Silverfish. Both are available in wide sizes for kids who need extra support, and the flat, flexible soles will stand up well to a kid’s foot movement.
Other durable, lightweight kid’s shoes include the Nike Air Max 90 Ultra Light from the Nike Little Kids collection and the Puma ST Runner v3 NL little kids running shoe. Both offer the APMA approval and grippy outsole that you need to be confident your kid can run or play without getting blisters or overheating.
Flexibility
The best lightweight kids leather shoes are flexible so your child can move freely and comfortably. It is important for toddlers who are just starting to walk because it allows them to develop their balance and coordination without having to think about putting weight on one foot at a time. Flexible shoes also allow them to run and play with confidence, making it easier for them to push their athletic and sporting limits.
The simplest way to add flexibility to your child’s shoes is to replace the coloured insole that comes inside with a white additional insert. It will create more space for your child’s toes and can be removed when it’s no longer needed. It allows for more natural movement and reduces the impact on their feet from running or jumping, protecting their growing bones and joints.
You can also look for shoes with a flexible outer sole that will give your child more traction and cushioning. You can find these in sneakers or sandals, and they can be made from a variety of materials, including rubber, canvas and even suede. Look for shoes that have rounded toes, a padded interior and hook and loop straps that are easy to adjust for kids.
Style
A good kid’s shoe should look as stylish as it is comfortable. It should also provide enough cushioning for your child’s feet so that they can walk or run without causing injury. It should also be breathable to keep your child’s feet from becoming sweaty or cold during play.
Lightweight kids leather shoes are ideal for toddlers who are transitioning from early walking to a confident stride. They are also perfect for active kids who like to push their athletic and sporting limits—shop for running and jogging shoes that feature midfoot cage inclusions for support and comfort.
There are a number of brands that offer lightweight kids leather shoes. Tikki shoes offer a full range of styles from soft, buttery leather moccasins with rubber soles (for indoor/outdoor use) to super minimal sandal/moccasin style summer shoes and cozy wool winter boots. Zeazoo offers a variety of styles as well, from vegan leather sneakers to super minimal moccasins and even a winter boot that is machine washable!
Comfort
If kids are going to wear shoes, they need to be comfortable. Too tight a fit can cause blisters, and overly rigid shoes can make it hard for little feet to move properly. Look for shoes with a soft lining that feels gentle on the skin and that draws out moisture to keep feet dry. It’s also a good idea to choose shoes with grippy soles that are flexible enough to allow for proper foot movement.
Ideally, lightweight kids leather shoes should be made with a natural leather that is chrome-free and conforms optimally to little feet. Real leather also breathes, which helps prevent sweaty feet. Look for shoe brands that use natural leather or suede, such as Pololo or Momobaby (which has a great line of rubber-soled shoes that the APMA recommends).