How to Choose the Right Shoes for Kindergarten or Daycare

Starting kindergarten or daycare usually comes with quite a long list of things your child needs. Spare clothes, outdoor clothes, rainwear, indoor shoes, and much more.

When it comes to footwear, one question tends to come up quickly: what kind of shoes are actually the most practical for kindergarten or daycare?

When choosing shoes for kindergarten, it is worth looking beyond appearance alone. A child may spend a large part of the day in indoor shoes, while outdoor play involves running, climbing, jumping, and playing whether the ground is dry, wet, or muddy.

A good kindergarten shoe should therefore ideally be:

• well suited to the shape of the child’s foot
• the correct size
• spacious enough around the toes
• lightweight
• flexible
• secure on the foot
• easy for the child to put on independently, where possible

The most important thing is that the shoe fits the child’s foot

Children’s feet do not differ only in length.

Two children with the same foot length can have very different:

• foot widths
• toe shapes
• instep heights
• heel widths
• overall foot shapes

This is why shoes should not be chosen based on the size number alone.

A size 25 from one manufacturer may be noticeably longer, wider, or narrower than a size 25 from another. More importantly, two shoes with the same internal length can have completely different shapes and may suit very different feet.

A good shoe should be long and wide enough while still staying securely on the foot.

Pay particular attention to the toe box. The child’s toes should be able to sit naturally inside the shoe, and the big toe should not be pushed inward by the shape of the shoe.

A shoe that is long enough but too narrow is not really the right size.

How much extra room should there be?

This is one of the most common questions when choosing children’s shoes.

A shoe that is too small will quickly restrict the toes, but a shoe that is too large is not a good solution either. If the shoe moves around on the foot or the child has to grip it with their toes while walking, running and climbing may become uncomfortable.

For indoor kindergarten or daycare shoes, around 5–8 mm of extra space in front of the longest toe is usually a good guideline.

For closed outdoor shoes, slightly more room may be appropriate, usually around 8–12 mm.

Winter shoes may need a little more space still, as thicker socks and some growing room also need to be considered.

These numbers should not be treated as absolute rules.

The right amount of extra room depends on factors such as:

• the child’s age
• the type of shoe
• the shape of the shoe
• how securely the shoe fits around the heel and instep
• the child’s walking ability

For younger children, it is especially important not to choose a shoe with excessive growing room simply in the hope that it will last longer.

Children run, climb, and change direction quickly at kindergarten. A shoe that is too long can get in the way of natural movement.

Always measure both feet

One of a child’s feet may be slightly longer or wider than the other.

Before buying shoes, it is therefore a good idea to measure both feet and choose the size based on the larger foot.

It is best to measure the child’s feet while they are standing, as the foot becomes slightly longer and wider under body weight.

If possible, measure the width of the foot as well as the length.

With barefoot shoes, a lot of attention is often given to length, but width and the overall shape of the shoe are just as important.

There should be enough room for the toes

It is also worth looking at children’s shoes from above.

Does the shape of the shoe resemble the shape of the child’s foot, or does it become noticeably narrower towards the toes?

Many conventional shoes may technically be long enough, while still narrowing considerably around the toes.

A good children’s shoe should allow the toes to rest in a natural position.

This is particularly important if the child has:

• wide feet
• fan-shaped feet
• a long big toe
• a relatively straight inner edge of the foot

One of the main advantages of barefoot shoes is usually their wider, more naturally shaped toe box.

The shoe should move with the child’s foot

Children do not spend their kindergarten day simply walking calmly down a corridor.

They:

• run
• jump
• squat
• climb
• sit on the floor
• stand up repeatedly
• play on their knees
• change direction quickly

Their shoes should be able to move with them as naturally as possible.

For this reason, it is worth choosing shoes with a sufficiently flexible sole.

A very stiff shoe can restrict the natural movement of the foot.

A simple test is to pick up the shoe and try bending it around the ball of the foot. An indoor children’s shoe should not feel like a rigid boot.

Flexibility does not mean that the shoe should be completely shapeless, however. It should still stay securely on the child’s foot without slipping around.

Lightweight shoes work well for active children

Children take a huge number of steps during a kindergarten day.

There is therefore usually little reason to choose a heavy indoor shoe with a very bulky sole.

A lightweight shoe allows the child to move more freely and is simply more comfortable over a long and active day.

This is one reason why barefoot shoes can work particularly well for kindergarten: their construction is often relatively lightweight and simple.

Indoor shoes should be breathable

Children may spend several hours at a time wearing their indoor shoes.

At the same time, they are usually very active.

It is therefore worth avoiding very thick or heavily insulated indoor shoes that can quickly make the feet too warm.

Good material options include:

• leather
• cotton textile
• mesh
• other breathable textiles

Sandals can also work very well as indoor shoes for many children because their more open construction allows better airflow around the foot.

Sandals, slippers, or closed indoor shoes?

There is no single option that is best for every child.

The right choice depends on the child, the kindergarten or daycare, and the environment where the shoes will be worn.

Sandals

Sandals are a popular choice for kindergarten, and for good reason.

They are usually:

• breathable
• lightweight
• easy to put on
• easy to adjust

For active play, we would generally prefer sandals with a closed or securely supported heel.

Slip-on sandals or shoes with a completely open heel are usually less practical for running and climbing.

Closed indoor shoes

A closed indoor shoe may work well for a child who prefers a more secure feeling around the foot or if the floors at kindergarten are relatively cool.

In this case, look for a shoe that is:

• lightweight
• breathable
• wide enough around the toes
• flexible through the sole

Soft slippers

Soft slippers can be an excellent option, particularly for younger children.

Pay attention to grip underneath the sole. Kindergarten floors can be smooth, and the sole should provide enough traction for active running and play.

The most important question is therefore not: “Should I choose sandals, slippers, or closed shoes?”

A better question is: “Can my child comfortably run, squat, climb, and play in these shoes?”

A young child’s shoes should not be too large

It is particularly important to be careful about sizing with younger children.

If a child is still developing confident walking and running skills, shoes that are too long or too heavy can make movement more difficult.

For example, there is little benefit in giving a two-year-old 15 mm of growing room purely to make the shoes last longer.

For younger children, it is generally better to choose shoes that fit well now and check the size more frequently.

Children’s feet can grow quickly, but oversized shoes are not a good way to plan for future growth.

Ideally, the child should be able to put the shoes on independently

This may seem like a small detail at home, but at kindergarten it can be very important.

Children are learning to dress themselves, while teachers may need to help several children at the same time.

Practical fastening options include:

• Velcro straps
• elastic fastenings
• easy-to-use buckles

Velcro shoes are often one of the easiest options because most children can quickly learn how to fasten them independently.

Shoes with traditional laces may be better saved for the stage when the child can already tie them independently.

A good fastening system also makes it easier to adjust the shoe to the child’s foot.

This is particularly useful for children with either a very low or a high instep.

The sole should provide enough grip

Kindergarten and daycare floors can be quite smooth.

It is therefore worth paying attention to the material and tread of the sole.

A very smooth or slippery sole may not be the best choice for an active child.

At the same time, indoor shoes do not need an aggressive outdoor tread.

What matters is that the child can run and play without the shoes slipping too easily.

What about socks?

Socks also affect how a shoe fits.

If the child will normally wear the shoes with socks, it is best to try or measure the shoes while wearing the type of socks they will usually use.

A very thick sock can make an otherwise well-fitting shoe too tight.

For indoor kindergarten shoes, a normal lightweight sock is usually sufficient.

Don’t forget outdoor shoes

Kindergarten footwear is not only about indoor shoes.

Outdoor shoes often have to cope with much more intensive use than shoes worn for an ordinary walk around town.

Sandpits, balance bikes, climbing frames, mud, puddles, and wet grass can put children’s shoes through a lot.

Lightweight and flexible

The child should be able to run, squat, and climb freely in their outdoor shoes.

Enough grip

A completely smooth sole is not usually the most practical choice for wet grass or playground surfaces.

Easy to clean

Kindergarten shoes will get dirty. That is almost guaranteed.

It is therefore worth considering how easy the shoes will be to clean before buying them.

Suitable for the weather

One pair of shoes does not need to work in every type of weather.

Depending on the climate and season, a child may use several different types of outdoor shoes at kindergarten, such as:

• lightweight sneakers
• sandals
• water-resistant shoes
• rain boots
• spring or autumn boots
• winter boots

Are rain boots suitable for the whole day?

Rain boots are excellent for muddy and very wet conditions.

However, they are not usually the best option for a long and active day when the weather does not actually require them.

Rain boots are often:

• less breathable
• stiffer
• heavier than regular shoes

It therefore makes sense to use them primarily when the weather and ground conditions genuinely call for them.

In dry weather, children are usually more comfortable in a lighter and more breathable shoe.

Are barefoot shoes a good choice for kindergarten?

Barefoot shoes can be an excellent option for kindergarten or daycare.

Their typical characteristics overlap closely with many of the things we look for in a good children’s shoe:

• a wide toe box
• a flexible sole
• low weight
• a relatively thin sole
• no height difference between the heel and forefoot, also known as zero drop

These features allow the foot to move relatively freely inside the shoe.

However, the word barefoot does not automatically mean that a particular shoe will suit your child.

A barefoot shoe can still be:

• too narrow
• too wide
• too long
• too low or too high over the instep
• the wrong shape for the child’s foot

This is why, at MyMara, we always look first at whether a particular model actually suits the individual child’s foot.

The label “barefoot” alone does not guarantee a good fit.

Could children simply go barefoot indoors?

If the kindergarten or daycare rules and environment allow it, children do not necessarily need to wear shoes throughout the entire day.

Being barefoot provides the foot with the greatest freedom of movement.

In practice, however, many kindergartens and daycare centres require indoor shoes for reasons such as safety, hygiene, or reducing the risk of slipping.

In that case, it makes sense to choose a shoe that restricts the foot as little as possible while still meeting the requirements of the kindergarten.

Check the size regularly

One of the most important parts of choosing children’s shoes actually happens after you buy them.

Children’s feet grow.

A young child may not tell you that their shoes are starting to become too small.

It is therefore worth regularly checking:

• the length of the child’s foot
• the width of the foot
• how much extra room remains inside the shoe
• whether the toes can still move freely
• whether the shoe has become too tight over the instep

It is particularly useful to check the size:

• at the beginning of a new season
• after a growth spurt
• if the child suddenly becomes reluctant to put the shoes on
• if red pressure marks appear on the feet
• if the toes are getting close to the front of the shoe

Younger children should generally have their shoe size checked more often, as their feet can grow surprisingly quickly.

Quick checklist for choosing kindergarten shoes

• ✓ Is the shoe long enough for the child’s foot?
• ✓ Is it also wide enough?
• ✓ Is there enough room for the toes?
• ✓ Does the shape of the shoe suit the shape of the child’s foot?
• ✓ Does the shoe stay securely on during running and play?
• ✓ Does the sole flex with the foot?
• ✓ Is the shoe lightweight?
• ✓ Is the material breathable enough for extended wear?
• ✓ Does the sole provide enough grip indoors or on the playground?
• ✓ Can the child put the shoe on independently, where possible?

If the answer to these questions is yes, you are already very close to finding a good kindergarten shoe.

The best kindergarten shoe is one the child can forget about

A good shoe should not demand the child’s attention throughout the day.

It should not pinch, slip around, fall off while running, or get in the way when the child is playing on the floor.

The child puts the shoes on and can then focus on much more important things: friends, playing, climbing, and exploring the world.

And we think that is one of the best ways to tell whether you have chosen the right shoes for kindergarten.

 If you are unsure which size or model would suit your child, measure their foot length and width and send the measurements to us. We will be happy to help you find suitable options from the MyMara collection.