What are good children’s shoes for walking?

Want to take your children on walks? Start by preparing them with good quality shoes. Whether it’s a stroll to the park, a nature trail or the school run, the right footwear makes all the difference. At Start-Rite, we’ve been crafting shoes for little feet for over two centuries, so we know a thing or two about what makes a good walking shoe for children.

What is a good children’s shoe for walking?

When choosing walking shoes for children, it’s important to look beyond style and focus on function. A good walking shoe should offer:

• Traction: Grippy soles help prevent slips, especially on uneven or wet surfaces.
• Comfort: Cushioned insoles and flexible soles support natural movement and reduce fatigue.
• Support: A secure fit around the heel and arch helps with balance and posture.
• Breathability: Materials like leather or mesh allow air to circulate, keeping feet cool and dry.

Children’s feet are still developing, so it’s vital to choose shoes that support healthy growth while allowing them to explore the world with confidence. That’s where our expertly designed collections come in - built to meet the needs of growing feet and active lifestyles.

Good school shoes for walking

School shoes need to do more than just look smart - they have to stand up to daily wear and tear and be comfortable enough for walks to and from school. Our 'Toughest Ever’ collection of school shoes are all designed with durability and comfort at their core. These shoes are built to keep up with busy school days and energetic kids.

Here are some of our top-performing boys’ school shoes:

• Rhino Sherman: A robust lace-up with a flexible sole and scuff-resistant toe bumper. Available in sizes from primary through to seniors, it’s a reliable all-rounder for growing feet.
• Quad: Built for durability, Quad includes a reinforced toe and padded collar for extra comfort.
• Parker: Sleek yet strong, Parker offers a lightweight feel with tough materials. A great choice for boys who want style without compromising on resilience.

And for girls, we’ve got equally impressive options:

• Embrace: A stylish pick for girls, Embrace blends a classic silhouette with tough construction. It’s supportive, comfortable and built to last.
• Barcelona: Smart and feminine, Barcelona is perfect for senior school settings. It delivers a refined look with all the durability you’d expect from our Toughest Ever collection.
• Luna: With a sporty edge and sturdy build, Luna is great for younger girls who need a shoe that can handle both classroom and playground adventures.

Good boots for walking

When the weather turns or the terrain gets tricky, a good boot can be a game-changer. Whether it’s a walk in the park, a countryside ramble or just a walk around the city, boots offer extra protection and support for little feet on the move.

Look out for these key features when choosing walking boots for kids:

• Padded collars for ankle support and comfort.
• Waterproof or water-resistant materials to keep feet dry.
• Deep tread soles for grip on slippery or uneven ground.
• Lightweight construction to avoid tired little legs.

Here are some standout styles that combine practicality with personality:

• Scoot: A great shoe/boot hybrid, Scoot offers extra protection with a rip-tape fastening. Made from soft nubuck leather, they’re gentle on skin and flexible for natural movement.
• Totter: A great first boot designed for toddlers. Soft leather uppers, padded ankles and lightweight soles for all-day play.
• Wonderland: These bring sparkle and practicality to little girls’ wardrobes. They offer the same supportive features as Totter, with a touch of fairy-tale charm.
• Big Puddle and Little Puddle: When puddles call, these waterproof wellies answer. Built for year-round splashing, the slip-on design and grippy soles make them safe and fuss-free.

Good summer shoes for walking

When the sun’s out, sandals and canvas shoes are go-to choices for kids, but not all are created equal when it comes to walking. While flip-flops and flat slip-ons might be fine for the beach or garden, they often lack the support and structure needed for longer walks or active play.

For summer strolls, playground adventures and family outings, it’s best to choose shoes that offer:

• Cushioned footbeds for comfort on the move.
• Adjustable straps for a secure fit.
• Closed toes for added protection for longer walks.
• Breathable materials to keep feet cool.
• Flexible soles that move naturally with the foot.

Here are some standout summer styles that combine comfort, support and seasonal style:

• Trekker: This sporty structured sandal has a cushioned footbed, rip-tape straps and a grippy sole for excellent traction making them ideal for everything from park play to light hiking.
• Enchant: Little girls will love these pretty patent sandals, featuring a flexible sole, breathable leather linings, cushioned insoles, padded collars, and adjustable buckles for cool, comfortable, all-day wear.
• Wriggles: These lightweight canvas shoes come with rip-tape straps and a classic T-bar to ensure a secure fit, while the breathable fabric keeps feet cool. The flexible sole supports natural movement, making them ideal for gentle walks and everyday play.

Good trainers for walking

Trainers are a versatile and essential option for kids who are always on the go. Whether it’s a walk to the park, a day at nursery, or a weekend family outing, the right pair of trainers can offer the perfect balance of comfort, support and durability. Plus, trainers pretty much go with anything!

When choosing walking trainers for children, look for:

• Shock-absorbing soles to reduce impact on growing joints.
• Breathable uppers to keep feet cool and fresh.
• Secure fastenings like rip-tape or laces for a snug fit.
• Lightweight construction to support natural movement.

Here are some top picks that combine function with fun:

• Duel: This rugged yet lightweight trainer is perfect for energetic little ones. The bold colour combo adds a fun twist, while the padded ankle, flexible sole and rip-tape straps ensure comfort and security. Ideal for nursery, playdates and weekend walks.
• Tickle Star: A playful trainer designed for pre-schoolers who love to move, Tickle Star offers rip-tape fastening and padded collar to ensure a secure and comfy fit for everyday wear.
• Orbit: A sporty trainer boot that works for school as well, Orbit blends the structure of a boot with the flexibility of a trainer. It’s ideal for kids who need a bit more ankle support without sacrificing comfort.

From school runs to summer strolls, muddy trails to playground adventures, the right footwear helps children walk with comfort, confidence and joy. At Start-Rite, we believe good walking shoes should do more than move - they should support healthy development, encourage exploration and stand up to every step of childhood.

With over 200 years of experience in fitted footwear, we’re proud to help families choose shoes that are built for movement and made to last. Explore our collections and let your child step out in shoes that are as ready for adventure as they are.