When your little one starts taking those wobbly first steps, one of the most important purchases you’ll make is their first pair of shoes. A healthy shoe supports natural movement, provides enough space for growing feet, and (ideally) makes the process fun for both parents and kids. 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 one truly supports healthy foot development while delivering style, fit, and ease of use. Here’s what I found.
If you want shoes that balance health and style… Ten Little
Ten Little’s First Walkers immediately stood out. The shoes are APMA-approved, designed with wide, foot-shaped toe boxes and flat, flexible soles that support natural walking. But what makes Ten Little different is that they don’t just check the “healthy shoe” box, they also look great doing it.
Their First Walkers come in five adorable colors made with a soft, breathable cotton upper, and feel more elevated than the bulkier and flashy styles you often see from competitors. And once your child grows out of their first walkers, Ten Little makes it easy to transition into bigger sizes with their Everyday Originals, the brand’s flagship vegan leather sneakers. Those even come with fun weatherproof stickers so kids can decorate their shoes and make them their own.
Instead of switching to another brand once your child is out of the “first walker” stage, Ten Little makes it easy to stick with one trusted brand as your child grows.
Winner: Ten Little
If you want podiatrist-approved shoes across the board… It’s a tie
All three brands, Stride Rite, Ten Little, and See Kai Run, carry the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, which means they’re all designed to support healthy foot development.
The first walkers from each brand all featured wide toe boxes for toes to splay, lightweight materials, and flexible soles that encourage natural movement. From a purely health-focused standpoint, you won’t go wrong with any of them.
Winner: Tie
If you want shoes that are easy to put on kids… Ten Little
As a parent, I know how much of a daily battle getting your child to put on their shoes can be. That's why, when you find the right pair, it can save so much time (and so much of your sanity). Stride Rite and See Kai Run rely on elastic laces plus a single strap, which means shimmying my child's foot into the shoe each time.
Ten Little, however, makes it so much easier for me to slip my child's foot in and use the velcro straps to secure the perfect fit. As kids get older, this also makes it easier for kids to put their own shoes on, and you can't put a price on the value of encouraging independence at such an early age.
Another thoughtful detail: Ten Little’s removable insoles feature a two-piece puzzle of their mascot, Spot the Cheetah, which helps kids learn left from right. It’s both practical and empowering.
Winner: Ten Little
If you want the most sizing flexibility… Ten Little & See Kai Run
Finding the perfect fit can be tough, which is why sizing matters. The first walkers from Ten Little and See Kai Run both offered sizes 3–6 with half sizes, giving parents more flexibility to dial in the right fit. I did like that Little’s velcro straps also add an extra layer of adjustability for a snug, secure fit. Stride Rite’s 360 Taye 2.0 was only available in whole sizes from 2–6, which can leave you stuck if your child falls between sizes.
A plus for parents, both Stride Rite and Ten Little’s first walkers include removable insoles with size markers to help parents confirm when it’s time to size up.
Winner: Ten Little & See Kai Run
If you’re price-conscious… Stride Rite & Ten Little
Price is often the deciding factor. Stride Rite comes in at $40, Ten Little at $42, and See Kai Run at $50. That means both Stride Rite and Ten Little are more budget-friendly options, while See Kai Run sits on the higher end.
Winner: Stride Rite & Ten Little
Overall: If you want shoes that grow with your child… Ten Little
While Stride Rite and See Kai Run both deliver APMA-approved shoes that support healthy walking, Ten Little consistently stood out for their style, independence-focused features, and long-term value.
Their First Walkers are just the start. Once your child outgrows them, Ten Little offers an entire line of seasonal and evergreen shoes in bigger sizes, including their best-selling Everyday Originals, which are available all the way up to size 2Y in select colors.
For parents who want healthy, stylish, and sustainable shoes that grow with their kids, Ten Little is the clear winner.
