When your little one starts taking those wobbly first steps, their first pair of shoes matters. But what comes after matters too. Toddlers grow quickly, and constantly switching brands can be inconvenient and expensive, especially once you find a shoe that works. But with so many options, how do you know which brand to choose?
I compared three popular first walker options—Ten Little First Walkers, Stride Rite 360 Taye 2.0, and See Kai Run Stevie Mini—to see which brand works best not just for early walkers, but as your child grows. I focused on longevity, ease of use, sizing flexibility, and overall value. Here is what I found.
Best value for the price… Stride Rite & Ten Little
Price matters, especially since kids outgrow shoes fast and most pairs only fit for a short window. When you know you’ll be buying multiple pairs in a year, higher price points add up quickly. Stride Rite comes in around $40, Ten Little around $42, and See Kai Run closer to $50.
That makes Stride Rite and Ten Little the more practical options for families who don’t want to keep paying premium prices every time their child sizes up. When you also factor in Ten Little’s wider range of styles and sizes beyond first walkers, the value goes further than just one pair of shoes.
Winner: Stride Rite & Ten Little
Best brand to grow with your child: Ten Little
When it comes to sticking with one brand beyond the first walker stage, Ten Little stands out. While all three brands make solid first walkers, Ten Little offers a wider range of shoes that carry kids well beyond those early months.
Their First Walkers transition easily into Everyday Originals and other seasonal styles in larger sizes, making it simple to stay with a brand your child already knows. The Everyday Originals, Ten Little’s flagship vegan leather sneakers, even come with weatherproof stickers so kids can personalize their shoes as they get older.
Instead of treating first walkers as a one-time purchase, Ten Little feels like a brand parents can rely on as their child grows.
Winner: Ten Little
Most sizing flexibility for growing feet: Ten Little and See Kai Run
Because children’s feet do not grow in perfect increments, sizing flexibility is important. Ten Little and See Kai Run both offer sizes 3 through 6 with half sizes, which allows for a more precise fit.
Ten Little’s Velcro straps add another layer of adjustability, helping the shoe stay secure as feet grow. Stride Rite’s 360 Taye 2.0 is only available in whole sizes from 2 through 6, which can make finding the right fit more difficult.
Both Ten Little and Stride Rite include removable insoles with size markers, which helps parents know when it is time to size up.
Winner: Ten Little & See Kai Run
Easiest for kids to put on… Ten Little
Ease of use matters more than many parents expect, especially when shoes become part of the daily routine. Stride Rite and See Kai Run both use elastic laces with a strap, which often requires more effort to get a child’s foot into the shoe.
Ten Little’s wide opening and adjustable Velcro straps make getting shoes on faster and less frustrating. That ease also supports independence as kids get older, helping them learn to put their own shoes on.
A thoughtful detail is Ten Little’s removable insoles, which feature a two-piece puzzle design that helps children learn left from right.
Winner: Ten Little
Podiatrist approved for healthy foot development: tie
All three brands, Ten Little, Stride Rite, and See Kai Run, carry the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance. Each offers wide toe boxes, lightweight materials, and flexible soles that support natural movement.
From a foot health perspective, all three are strong choices.
Winner: tie
Overall: If you want one brand that your child will love at any young age… Ten Little
Stride Rite and See Kai Run both deliver podiatrist approved first walkers that support healthy walking. But when you consider long-term wear, ease of use, sizing options, and style variety, Ten Little consistently stands out.
Rather than buying a great first walker and then starting over, Ten Little makes it easy to stay with one brand through toddlerhood and beyond.
For parents who want healthy, stylish, and sustainable shoes that grow with their kids, Ten Little is the clear winner.
