5 THINGS TO LOOK FOR IN KIDS SHOES

  • WIDE TOE BOX

    Little toes need room to spread naturally. A wide, foot-shaped toe box supports balance and avoids squeezing developing feet.

  • THIN FLEXIBLE SOLE

    Heavy or rigid shoes can make early steps harder. Lightweight shoes allow little feet to lift and move naturally.

  • LIGHTWEIGHT

    Heavy or rigid shoes can make early steps harder. Lightweight shoes allow little feet to lift and move naturally.

  • SECURE FIT

    First walking shoes should stay comfortably in place without gripping or restricting the foot. An adjustable closure can be especially helpful for narrower feet.

  • BREATHABLE DESIGN

    Little feet can become warm quickly. Breathable materials help air circulate and keep them comfortable throughout the day.

VELCRO OR SLIP-ON SOHLS®?

Both styles are approved by Podiatrists, feature the same flexible outsole, wide toe box and breathable knit construction. The best choice comes down to fit and your child's foot shape and preference.

SOHLS® FIT FINDER

  •  

    VELCRO SOHLS®

    Our most popular choice for first walkers. The adjustable Velcro strap creates a secure fit and the wider opening makes them easier to put on – especially for narrower or more delicate feet.

    Best for: First walkers, narrower feet and parents wanting extra adjustability.

    SHOP VELCRO SOHLS®
  •  

    SLIP-ON SOHLS®

    A soft, fuss-free option. Our double-layered ActiveKnit is designed to stretch to the shape of the foot while staying comfortably secure, with a flexible collar that moves naturally with every step. It is especially comfortable for wider or chubbier feet and higher insteps.

    Best for: Wider feet, higher insteps and little ones who are already walking confidently.

    SHOP SLIP-ON SOHLS®

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU

View all

APPROVED & RECOMMENDED BY INDUSTRY EXPERTS

Reviewed, tested and recommended by leading paediatricians, paediatric podiatrists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and early childhood educators – without paid endorsement.

  •  

    Dr Daniel Golshevsky (Dr Golly) | Leading Paediatrician

    Choosing your baby’s first walker shoes can feel overwhelming — with so many options and opinions out there, how do you know what’s actually best for growing feet? We sat down with paediatrician and father-of-three Dr Daniel Golshevsky (Dr Golly) to cut through the noise and share practical, expert-backed advice. From when babies truly need shoes, to what features support healthy development (and which styles to avoid), here’s what parents should know before buying their little one’s first pair.

    Learn more

  • Elise Adams | Senior Podiatrist

    BHSc (Podiatry) Senior Podiatrist,
    SolePod, NSW

    “My daughter has been wearing SOHLS for years now and absolutely loves them! As both a mum and a podiatrist, I’m a big believer in allowing children to be barefoot as much as possible to support their natural foot development as they grow. SOHLS are designed to mimic that barefoot feeling, while still providing the protection little feet need. I recommend them for their easy-on design, wide toe box, super-flexible sole, removable insoles and range of styles to suit every little one.”

    @thesolepod
    thesolepod.com.au

  • Ali Day | Senior Physiotherapist

    (B. Phty, APAM) Director &
    Author of The Baby Playbook

    "As a mum on the Gold Coast, I want shoes that are easy to get on and off and easy to wash. As a paediatric physio, my checklist runs a little deeper. I'm looking at flexibility through the sole, a wide toe box, a firm supportive heel and a flat, protective base. When I came across Little SOHLS, it was nice to find a shoe that works for both sides of me, practical enough for everyday mum life by the beach and considered enough to meet my physio standards."

    @littleonesphysio
    The Baby Playbook

  • Joey Peppas | Occupational Therapist

    "As a paediatric OT, my passion is to ensure children are able to participate in their daily activities in way that is functional and promotes healthy development. Little SOHLS tick all these boxes through supporting healthy foot development in their wide-toe and lightweight design!"

    @otwithjoey
    Milestones Kids Therapy Hub

  • Free Shipping

    Free standard shipping for all AUS and NZ orders over $120

  • 30 Day Returns

    We've got you covered because we know little feet can be difficult!

  • Loved Worldwide

    We ship worldwide so our SOHLS can reach more little soles.

  • Quality Gaurantee

    If something’s not quite right, we’ll send you a fresh pair – no fuss, no stress.

AS SEEN IN

The logo list pauses when focused or hovered.

PRESCHOOLERS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Which style is best for my child?

Our Velcro style is a popular choice for first walkers because it opens wide and can be adjusted for a secure fit. It’s especially helpful for narrower feet or little ones still finding their balance.

Our Slip-On style is wonderfully fuss-free and often suits wider feet or higher insteps. This product is also fantastic for confident walkers and childcare days with easy on/off.
How much growing room should I allow?

For confident walkers, we recommend allowing approximately 0.7–1.4 cm of growing room. Too much extra space can make shoes harder to walk in, so it’s best not to size up excessively.
DO THE DIFFERENT STYLES FIT THE SAME?

They are built around the same sizing system, but the fit can feel slightly different because of how each upper holds the foot. Always measure your child’s foot and check the individual product sizing guide before ordering.
WHAT makes sohls® different to regular kids shoes?

sohls® are created specifically around the way little feet grow and move. Every detail – from the roomy toe box and flexible outsole to the lightweight, breathable upper – is designed to make everyday movement feel more natural and comfortable.
How do I measure my kid's feet?

Have your child stand with their full weight evenly distributed on a piece of paper, mark from the back of their heel to the tip of the longest toe. Measure both feet and use the longer measurement when choosing a size. You can also use our downloadable size guide found here .

30K+ PAIRS SOLD WORLDWIDE

Creators of the original, viral Velcro Knit shoe.

  • SOHLS® Velcro MOVE Toddler Shoe – Ivory Dune
  • SOHLS® Slip-on Toddler Shoe – Dusty Rose
  • SOHLS® Slip-on Toddler Shoe – Slate Grey
  • SOHLS® Velcro MOVE Toddler Shoe – Slate Grey
  • SOHLS® Velcro MOVE Toddler Shoe – Sunshine Yellow
  • SOHLS® Velcro MOVE Toddler Shoe – Sunshine Yellow