Sponsored with love by Zappos

Did you know that there’s such thing as a “healthy shoe for toddlers”? And healthy first time walker shoes? I had no clue that this was even a thing when Ava started walking. Heck, it wasn’t even something that crossed my mind! And I honestly can’t even remember why I started researching it to begin with but now that I know, I want my kids to wear shoes that are healthy for their feet, so that their little bodies can develop properly, so that they can explore with comfort and ease.

I mean, we watch what we put inside our kids’ bodies so why would protecting their bones and development be any different?

So I’ve got 6 tips for choosing the best healthy shoes for your toddler, with the help of Stride Rite.

1. Lightweight

You don’t want those shoes weighing your little ones down. You want them to be able to climb and run and jump and explore as though they’re wearing no shoes at all, but of course with the protection they need.

2. Flexible

A toddler’s shoe should be nice and flexible and able to bend with the foot and twist at the sole with ease, no matter the terrain.

3. Correct Fit

Sizing up is tempting, especially when our babies seem to be growing out of things every single week! But fit is extremely important when it comes to properly sizing a toddler’s shoes. So here are some tips for finding the right size for your toddler’s shoes:

• fit snugly at the heels so the foot doesn’t move forward while walking and running

• allow about a thumb’s width of wiggle room at the toes, while the child is standing up straight

• proper width since every toddler’s foot is different

4. Sturdy

This one’s a given. Of course you want the shoes you buy to last until they’ve grown out of them. And that’s something that not all shoe brands have going for them.

5. Grip

Of course, we don’t want our toddlers slipping and falling so that grip on the bottom of the shoe is important too!

6. Cute + Stylish

Totally kidding, of course. But it’s totally a bonus when the healthy toddler shoes you’re buying at totally cute too! And these Stride Rite shoes we snagged from Zappos are definitely no exception.

The SRtech line is built specifically for independent walkers, those toddlers in your lives. They provide a sturdier structure and sensory sole for our little on-the-move explorers, navigating new terrains and exploring the world around them!

Sign up to be a Zappos Rewards member and experience benefits such as free expedited shipping and you, too, can snag a pair of these SRTech Savannah White Stride Rite shoes too! I mean, aren’t they adorable? And healthy for Ava’s feet too!

Shop these Stride Rite sandals from Zappos at the link below!

P.S. If you live in Southern California, Zappos and Stride Rite are co-hosting an event at the Oxnard Strawberry Festival on May 18th and May 19th to celebrate Stride Rite’s 100th anniversary! Starting from humble beginnings in a converted stable in Boston, Massachusetts, Stride Rite is now internationally known for creating innovative styles and providing millions of babies, toddlers and kids with the best shoes for their developing feet. So come on over and celebrate with a day full of fun!