DS is 2.5 years and currently in size 9, so well out of the super flexible (e.g., Stride Rite SRT) shoe size ranges.
Does flex continue to be a priority for you and your older toddler? See Kai Run shoes have thick rubber soles and they're not as flexible as I like. I do like the Nike Free Runs.
Does anyone have specific suggestions?
cantaloupe / 6131 posts
My son is the same age, although he has pretty wide feet. We wore Stride Rites almost exclusively until recently and have been happy with Saucony sneakers (in wide for him) with velcro straps and he really loves his current pair of Asics toddler running shoes (not wide but they are a rounded toe so it fits his foot).
The next sizes up I got are New Balances and Nikes, but he hasn't worn them yet.
clementine / 935 posts
DD is 2, and she wears See Kai Runs, Keens, and New Balance sneakers. They all seem fairly flexible, and now I'm more concerned about finding shoes that fit on her thick feet.
coconut / 8472 posts
@Raspberry: They told me once at Stride Rite that one they can run, they no longer need the flexible sole. DS had really high arches when he was that age, so we liked Stride Rites because they fit, we also like New Balance for him.
nectarine / 2951 posts
He should be old enough not to need that flexible sole anymore. We've had great luck with Stride Rite, especially since DS1 needed EW. We recently bought Saucony shoes for him, and they didn't hold up well at all. I'm going back to stride rite or New Balance.
wonderful pear / 26210 posts
My son is 6 and I've never had him in a rigid soled shoe, I just don't see how they fit in his lifestyle! He's a child and is wearing mostly sneakers. We've had good luck with Asics, New Balance and Merrell.
kiwi / 598 posts
@ShootingStar: @Alba4: Thanks for the tidbit about when flex isn't as important anymore!
persimmon / 1023 posts
Flexible soles and flatter heels are important at any age. I work with children and adults with foot and leg problems and we always recommend flat, flexible and wide for uninjured kids without congenital deformities. I actually buy all my sons shoes at Walmart or winners or other cheapie stores because they are flat and move with his feet. I don't understand why the big brands insist on stiffer soles.
nectarine / 2243 posts
@muffinsmuffins: yes! Exactly this! The foot is developing and needs to build its own stability; I see too many kids and young adults (and SO many adults) with flat foot problems. I'd do all that I can to avoid that.
wonderful kiwi / 23653 posts
Loooove New Balance!
Tho DD also wore SKR before 2 and they were fine b/c the soles weren't too thick.
pomegranate / 3658 posts
@Littlebit7: I agree. I may be biased because DH is really into barefoot running and it has been a complete lifesaver for him, but I 100% buy into the idea of flexible, thin soles being healthier for everyone.
pear / 1750 posts
I really like Skechers for my son, the soles are light and flexible. They do seem to run small, however, so I like yo take DS to the outlet (and they are cheap!)
wonderful cherry / 21504 posts
@Raspberry: my daughter is older, almost 4, but just moved into size 9. Her every day shoes are Surprize, the stride rite brand at Target, and they come in even bigger sizes. Still very flexible.
She wears others now too but these seem like the most comfortable still.
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