Confession time: I used to think all kids' shoes were basically the same. If they looked cute and didn’t fall apart within a month, I was happy. But then, my two-year-old started complaining about every pair we tried – we couldn't make it longer than a 15 minute walk without a meltdown.
At first, I thought the problem was him. Maybe he’d grow out of it; my other kids did. But a late-night spiral of research told a different story—one I couldn’t unsee:
Most kids’ shoes aren’t actually made for kids’ feet.
They’re just tiny versions of adult shoes: too narrow, too rigid, and completely wrong for the soft, developing feet of young children. This is what eventually led me to the only shoes my kids don’t want to kick off: Ten Little’s Everyday Original Sneakers.
1. Shaped Like Kids' Feet
Most kids' shoes are just mini versions of adult ones—and that’s a problem. Little feet are still growing, with bones that won’t fully harden until age 13. But the majority of the kids’ shoes today are narrow, stiff, and overly structured, which can hinder healthy development.
Ten Little’s Everyday Originals are different. They’re built just for kids. With a wide, foot-shaped toe box, these shoes let toes spread out the way they’re meant to. The flexible soles support natural movement, not restrict it. For the first time, my kid's toes had room to wiggle.
2. Designed by Doctors (and Moms Who Get It)
I care about what goes on my kid’s feet—and Ten Little gets it right. It was started by two moms who partnered with pediatricians and podiatrists to design shoes that support healthy foot development. They’re APMA-approved (that's the American Podiatric Medical Association), and every detail has a purpose—from the wide toe boxes and the flat, flexible soles to the grippy rubber bottoms that help little feet stay stable.
No arch support? That’s on purpose. Most kids are born with flat feet, and too much cushioning can mess with how arches form.. Ten Little’s flexible soles give their feet the freedom to grow stronger, build balance, and learn coordination the natural way.
When my kid wore other shoes (looking at you Converse and Adidas), I got constant complaints. Grocery runs were tough—his shoes squeezed his feet. Now with Ten Little, everything has changed. We tested them on the playground, in the sandbox, and during an epic scooter race in the backyard, and he has been comfortable every time.
3. Easy to Put On. Actually Orthotic-Friendly.
If you’ve ever wrestled a squirmy toddler into sneakers while running late, you know the chaos is real. That’s why I was so relieved when we found these shoes, which use hook-and-loop velcro straps for a secure fit, and they also work seamlessly with orthotics thanks to their roomy footbeds and removable insoles.
My son loves putting his shoes on himself now—thanks to the wide opening, adjustable straps, and a a genius left/right insole design (a two-piece cheetah puzzle to teach kids left from right). That tiny touch teaches independence and takes the guesswork out of getting dressed. Plus, Ten Little includes a free sticker pack to let my son personalize his shoes - he loves that these sneakers really feel like his own.
4. Easy Sizing (and Genius Size-Up Reminders!)
Can we just agree that figuring out kids’ shoe sizes is borderline impossible? One brand says he's an 11, another says 12. The moms behind Ten Little clearly get it. They’ve made finding the right fit doable.
It starts with their Fit Finder quiz—just plug in a few details, and it does the work for you. You can also use their Printable Fit Finder or order their free Signature Fit Finder pamphlet from their website. All super simple.
As any parent knows, kids seemingly grow out of their shoes overnight. Ten Little makes it easy to know when it’s time to size up. Every shoe has a removable insole with a size band—when your kid’s toes land beyond the colored band, it’s time for the next size. They also include a measuring tool in each shoe box, so as long as you’ve got one around, you’re covered.
Forgetful like me? They’ll even text you when it’s time to size up.
The Bottom Line
Ten Little isn’t just a cute kids' shoe brand; it’s built with intention. As a mom, I feel good about the shoes that I'm putting on my kids’ feet. If your child needs a healthy, stylish shoe they can put on all by themselves, this is it.
The Everyday Originals have officially become our go-to shoes—for school, errands, and everything in between. They’re supportive without being stiff, cute without sacrificing comfort, and actually built for the way kids move.
Do yourself (and your child’s feet) a favor and check them out. Trust me—your child's feet aren't the problem. You just haven't found the right shoes yet.
