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Toddler

8 New Balance Toddler Shoes We Love Right Now

We tested for design, support, fit and more.

8 New Balance Toddler Shoes We Love Right Now

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New Balance has such an awesome toddler shoe lineup, from everyday kicks to running sneakers. To help you find the best pairs, we did some digging online to find you the top-notch New Balance toddler shoes that shine in terms of fit, material support, and style.

Why we love New Balance toddler shoes so much

We're obsessed with New Balance toddler shoes thanks to the extended size range offering both regular and wide widths, nearly endless color selection and the option to go with velcro, lace or pull-on closures. The brand is also particularly great about added arch support for little, growing feet and plenty of padding to make long days at the playground painless adventures.

Best overall

New Balance Dynasoft 545 V1 Hook and Loop

New Balance Unisex-Child Dynasoft 545 V1 Hook and Loop Running Shoe, new balance toddler shoes Merchant

This pair stands out as our top choice choice. It comes in various colors and sizes, from babies to little kids, and has wider options available to ensure they fit your little one’s feet perfectly.

The sneaker has everything little ones need for all-day comfort and support. We love that the DynaSoft midsole is super responsive and cushy, while the synthetic and mesh upper keep their feet nice and breathable with plenty of flexibility.

With a grippy outsole, these shoes are perfect for all sorts of activities, whether it's a bike ride or just running around the backyard. Best of all, the velcro closure makes it super easy to slip them on and off, which is very convenient.

Pros

  • Available in a wide range of sizes for infants, toddlers, and little kids
  • Available in wide sizes for every age group
  • 18 color choices
  • DynaSoft midsole
  • Synthetic and mesh upper
  • Grippy outsole
  • Velcro closure

Cons:

  • Some reviewers also say the velcro breaks down quickly

Best budget

New Balance Rave Run V2 Hook and Loop Running Shoe

New Balance Kids' Rave Run V2 Hook and Loop Running Shoe, new balance toddler shoes Merchant

Balancing your budget and your kicks? This New Balance pair is the perfect balance—quality without the hefty price. Not only are they under $50, but they're available in infant, toddler, little kid and big kid sizes, accommodating wide feet at every stage.

We love the lightweight EVA foam midsole, which provides cushioning without any bulkiness, and the durable rubber outsole gives great traction to help prevent slips or tumbles.

Pros

  • Available in a wide range of sizes for infants, toddlers, and little kids
  • Available in wide sizes for every age group
  • 15 color choices
  • Lightweight injection-molded EVA foam midsole
  • Synthetic and mesh upper
  • No-sew overlays
  • Durable rubber outsole

Cons

  • Weak velcro strength

Best colors

New Balance Playgruv V1 Bungee Sneaker

New Balance Kid's Playgruv V1 Bungee Sneaker, new balance toddler shoes Merchant

All the New Balance shoes on our list come in lots of different color options, but this particular pair takes the cake. And the construction is top-notch thanks to a lightweight synthetic upper and seamless overlay, so it's comfortable to wear.

The bungee closure is equally easy to use, making it a breeze to get the shoes on and off. We love the outsole EVA foam with rubber, which provides awesome grip and traction.

This shoe is available in a wide range of sizes for infants, toddlers, and little kids, with wide sizes available for every age group.

Pros

  • Available in a wide range of sizes for infants, toddlers, and little kids
  • Available in wide sizes for every age group
  • 25 color choices
  • Lightweight synthetic upper
  • Upper features no-sew overlays
  • Bungee closure
  • Ground Contact EVA outsole with rubber pods

Cons

  • Some reviewers report these shoes break down in a few months

Best for boys

New Balance 237 Bungee Sneaker

New Balance Unisex-Child Kids 237 Bungee Sneaker, new balance toddler shoes Merchant

These shoes boast a bungee lacing system that makes it a cinch to get them on, and thanks to the plush and cushioned soles, his feet can stay comfortable through every, hop, jump, and sprint.

We love that the unbacked synthetic upper allows for better airflow and moisture wicking, while the EVA midsole offers great shock absorption. On top of everything, the rubber tip wrap on the outsole provides great grip, allowing him to tackle any terrain confidently!

Pros:

  • Available in toddler and little kid sizes
  • Wide sizes are available
  • 10 color choices
  • Unbacked synthetic upper
  • Bungee lacing system
  • EVA midsole
  • Asymmetric rubber tip wrap

Cons

  • Reviewers describe midsole as slightly stiff and firm

Best for girls

New Balance 515 V1 New-b Hook and Loop Sneaker

New Balance Kids 515 V1 New-b Hook and Loop Sneaker, new balance toddler shoes Merchant

These sneakers have a seal of approval from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), so you know they're designed to support your child's growing feet and keep them moving comfortably.

These sneakers have a lot going for them beyond just the basics. We love that the hook-and-loop closure is super convenient, so you can adjust it in a snap without having to mess with laces or anything like that.

Pros:

  • Available in a wide range of sizes for infants, toddlers, and little kids
  • Available in wide sizes for every age group
  • 20 color choices
  • APMA-approved
  • Hook-and-loop closure
  • Synthetic upper
  • Rubber outsole

Cons

  • Reviewers expressed concerns with velcro closure/strength

Best gender-neutral

New Balance Arishi Nxt V1 Bungee Running Shoe

New Balance Unisex-Child Fresh Foam Arishi Nxt V1 Bungee Running Shoe, new balance toddler shoes Merchant

These New Balance shoes aren't just about being gender-neutral, they've got you covered no matter your little one's shoe size.

You can snag a pair at any age, available in a range of sizes to fit infants, toddlers, little kids, and big kids. They come in various flattering colors, from bold royal blue to classic grey and pink.

Like all New Balance shoes on this list, these shoes excel in comfort and support from top to bottom.

Pros

  • Available in infant, toddler, little kid, and big kid sizes
  • Variety of sizes (regular and wide)
  • True to size
  • Durable materials
  • Lightweight and non-bulky

Cons

  • Hard to put on without help

Best rated

New Balance 997h V1 Lace-up Sneaker

New Balance Unisex-Child 997h V1 Lace-up Sneaker, new balance toddler shoes Merchant

This lace-up sneaker is a reviewer favorite, rocking a 4.7-star rating and hundreds of five-star reviews on Amazon thanks to modern styling and a perfect fit.

It's available in toddler, little kid, and big kid sizes, and includes wide options to cater to different foot sizes. There are 30 different color combos to choose from, so it's easy to find a pair that's both practical and super stylish.

These sneakers also stand out in terms of features. The upper is crafted from synthetic materials and breathable mesh, ensuring your little one's feet remain cool and comfortable all day.

The outsole boasts an EVA foam base, which offers excellent flexibility and shock absorption, and enables natural foot movement while cushioning every step they take.

Pros

  • Available in toddler, little kid, and big kid sizes
  • Wide sizes are available for every age group
  • 3o color choices
  • Lace-up closure
  • Synthetic and mesh upper

Cons

  • Some reviewers say they are clunky

Best wide

New Balance Kids' 990 V5 Sneaker

New Balance Kids' 990 V5 Sneaker, new balance toddler sneakers Merchant

If your toddler has wide feet, this New Balance sneaker offers lots of room for their toes to wiggle and their feet to expand as they grow up.

You can buy the same shoe in sizes for babies, toddlers, little kids, and big kids, and since they come in wide widths for each age group, you have tons of options to find the right fit.

These sneakers come in 22 different color choices so you can find a perfect pair of New Balance shoes for toddlers of all types. The strong rubber sole offers good traction and stability, while the cushioned midsole absorbs shock for even more comfort.

Pros

  • Available in a wide range of sizes for infants to big kids
  • Available in wide sizes for every age group
  • 22 color choices
  • Strong rubber outsole
  • Cushioned midsole

Cons

  • Over $50

This article contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.

This article was originally published on Apr 18, 2024

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Courtney Leiva has over 11 years of experience producing content for numerous digital mediums, including features, breaking news stories, e-commerce buying guides, trends, and evergreen pieces. Her articles have been featured in HuffPost, Buzzfeed, PEOPLE, and more.

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