I remember the good old days taking my little one to shop for their first pair of shoes.
It seemed like Stride Rite was the gold standard back in the day.
Nowadays it seems like there are a ton of cool kid shoe brands out there that are just as great as Stride Rite.
So I did some digging to find other brands that are totally besties with Stride Rite.
Check out these 11+ brands that are just as awesome.
These brands have similar quality, styles and prices as Stride Rite so you can feel confident putting your kid’s feet in their care:
1. Robeez
Robeez are soft as a bunny’s ear and flexible as Gumby, which makes them tops for baby’s first steps.
They come in designs that are cuter than a bug’s ear, like polkadot booties or striped slip-ons, and their soles are grippy as sandpaper so junior can cluck around safely discovering their surroundings.
I dig that they come in cotton or fleece depending on the season, and many styles stretch as baby grows so you get your money’s worth of wear.
The velcro or zipper closures are simple for little fingers to learn, and they come in unisex colors so you don’t need to sweat whether to get blues or pinks.
If you’re in the market for baby’s first kicking shoes, keep Robeez high on your list since they’re comfy as bunny slippers and will have baby walking before you can say Jack Robinson.
Don’t be surprised if they become junior’s favorite shoes and they want to live in them 24/7 since they feel like walking on a marshmallow.
At around 20 clams a pair you can stock up on a few pairs without busting the piggy bank, so feel free to grab stripes, polka dots, solids or any design that tickles your fancy.
Between their comfy fabrics, slip-on ease and cute duds, Robeez prove that looks and comfort can be best buds.
2. See Kai Run
See Kai Run has choices that are fit for any adventure rugrat with their trail-worthy kicks.
Their shoes look spiffy enough to wear to Sunday school but are built for burnin’ rubber on the playground with durable uppers, thick soles and traction for gripping mulch, dirt or pavement.
What I like best is their designs are radical enough for any tough guy or doll but still have that chooch quality toddlers adore.
With options like high tops, low tops or slip-ons in leathers, mesh or ride materials, there’s no doubt junior will find their style and want to dance all day in them.
See Kai Run has every color of the rainbow to pick from, whether your tyke wants laid back lake blues or electric lime greens to light up the group.
The flexible EVA soles cushion landings better than any superball and their form fitting shaping wraps babes feet in comfort and support as they toddle around getting into mischief.
At around 50 bucks a pair you’re investing in shoes that will stand up to sandboxes, swings and all the rough and tumble of the terrible twos, so don’t be surprised if they become their new “happy shoes.”
So whether your moppets a speed demon or glamour puss, See Kai Run has rad kicks to help them explore in comfort and keep up with the fastest pack.
3. Pediped
If your jellybean has chubby feet or sensitive skin, Pediped flexibles could be the cat’s meow.
Made from soft, supple fabrics without seams or enclosed toes, these kicks hug feets without any pinch or pressure on growing toes and arches.
I dig that they come in easy pull-on styles like Mary Janes, slip-ons or lace ups without the fuss of wrestling tiny toes into tight leather.
The ultra suede or cotton uppers are lightweight and breathable to keep pads from getting sweaty, while flexible rubber soles offer all-terrain traction.
Pediped has styles for every season whether you need cozy fleece or mesh for hot summer pavement pounding.
At around 50 clams a pair you’re getting pediatrician approved shoes that feel like walking on marshmallows to encourage exploring in comfort.
So if your peanut has chubby feet, sensory issues or just likes the barefoot life, flexibles could be the best bet for first kicks that won’t cause stress.
Pediped proves comfort and support can come sans seams in ultra-soft designs your baby will love to kick up their heels in.
4. Cat & Jack
For affordable duds that don’t scrimp on looks, Cat &
Jack has got your jam.
As Target’s in-house brand, their quality is better than beans but their prices won’t crack your piggy bank like some fancy labels.
With on-trend styles rotating all season, you can grab a new pair any time trends shift without maxing out the plastic.
From rugged sneaks to slide sandals to rain boots, they have the latest sidewalk fashions in leathers, meshes or ride materials.
With boys sections stocked with cool colors and girls aisles loaded with glam hues, your dude or doll is bound to find their vibe.
At 20-30 clams a pair you’re saving serious dough without skimping on cushioning, arch support or mileage.
So whether you need a new pair weekly or just some kicks for kindergarten, Cat &
Jack is the ticket for quality on a budget that lets you look fly too.
Their on-trend rotating styles at low prices mean you can afford to follow microscopic trends and still have mad cash left for other essentials.
So if affordable cuteness is your mission, Cat &
Jack has you covered with the latest sidewalk stompers that won’t break the bank.
5. Soft Steps
For babies taking their first steps, Soft Steps are soft as a marshmallow.
Made from squishy thermoplastic rubber without seams or enclosed toes, these soles mold perfectly to growing feet without any pinch or pressure on tender pads.
I’m wild about their no-slip grip that lets babes explore kitchens, bathtubs or carpets without faceplanting.
They come in basic slides, Mary Jane or lace styles in unisex colors without frills so you know they’ll stand up to the rigors of crawling and cruising.
At only 15 bones a pair you’re getting shoes that feel like socks while supporting developing arches from first steps to toddling.
Since the rubber molds as they grow, they stretch for months of cozy wear unlike other shoes that get snug fast.
So if your bb is taking tentative steps, Soft Steps cushy caress on little feet means comfort over miles instead of weeks with other kicks.
Their flexibility and bargain price prove comfort for crawling bambinos doesn’t need flashy labels or hefty price tags.
6. See Kai Grow
Once bundles of energy learn to run, See Kai Grow has shoes that keep up mile after mile.
Made from extra supportive materials like leather, synthetic or mesh, their soles have firm arch cups and shock absorption for smoother landings after big leaps.
With heel and toe protection, these kicks are built to last all day romps at the playground or hours-long hikes through woods and fields on weekend adventures.
Unlike other toddler kicks, their soles don’t flatten out fast so moppets feet stay guided and grounded through active play.
I dig their breathable uppers that keep tiny tootsies from overheating on jogs or bike rides when excitement makes them forget to slow down.
See Kai Grow has classic low tops, high tops and sport styles in every shade so rugrats can find their personal signature look.
At around 50 bones a pair, the price is right for shoes meant to endure everything from obstacle courses to long trail walks without breaking the bank.
So if your moppet is constantly zooming from one game to the next, See Kai Grow has footwear tailor made for life in the fast lane.
Their supportive soles, sturdy construction and breathable fabrics prove active feet can stay comfy mile after wild mile.
7. Simple
For kiddos wanting grownup flavor without compromise on function, Simple is the answer.
With clean designs like lowtop sneaks, oxfords or boots, their styles look slick enough for the playground or dressed up duds.
Made from leathers and synthetics sans wild prints, logos or character faces, Simple lets little individuals shine with understated panache.
Their soles provide arch support and traction grown from balanced flexibilities to promote natural gaits from totthood onwards.
At around 50 bucks a pair you’re investing in kicks that support feet as they explore without spending a fortune either.
Simple’s straightforward designs age with kids tastes better than hyper styles so you get lasting mileage out of each purchase.
So if your moppet wants a mature look without compromise on quality, Simple satisfies their style and support in one sleek package.
Their clever minimalism means feet feel fashionable but function always comes before flashy frills and fripperies.
8. Earthies
For parents eco is a priority, Earthies has planet friendly kicks that feel good inside and out.
Made from natural and recycled materials like organic cottons and mushroom leather alternatives, their uppers are kind to little feet.
Earthies uses sustainably sourced rubber for traction and arch support without nasty chemical treatments either.
Their on-trend low tops, sandals and boots come in youthful prints that won’t make kids feel like they’re missing out either.
And around 60 bones a pair, you’re saving serious landfill by investing in shoes made to minimize waste from the start.
So whether you value sustainable forests or toxin-free fabrics, Earthies lets kids look fly while feeling good about their footprint too.
Their eco-friendly efforts mean moppets can stomp in style and parents feel confident about planet-friendly play for years to come.
9. Crocs
For the carefree kid who can’t be bothered with lace-ups, flexible Crocs are always a solid choice.
With classic clogs or new styles like high-tops, sandals and boots, their foam uppers are lightweight and breathable all season.
Crocs iconic traction makes them perfect for water play, sandboxes or slip-n-sliding without worrying about squished toes either.
They come in every color under the rainbow so kids can find theirsignature look whether muted tones or eye-popping neons.
Being so simple, kids can pull them on themselves without hassles so early birds can run outside fast in the a.
m.
And at around 50 bones, the value is undeniable for kicks that support wet or messy fun without breaking the bank either.
So if your moppet is all about comfort over style, basic Crocs deliver cushiony simplicity for any adventure.
10. Lil’Grer
Starting as an Etsy shop, Lil’Grer has grown into an indie fave for unique shoes your kid will adore.
With edgy designs like high tops trimmed in faux fur, glittery booties or colorblock sneakers, their styles stand out from basic stripes and solids.
Made from premium leather, suede or faux materials in every neon hue or metallics, kids will fight over who gets to wear the coolest pair.
What I dig best is no two pairs are alike – each is a one of a kind work of art perfect for little individualists.
Lil’Grer sourcing gives emerging designers a platform, so every shoe tells a story about boosting new creativity.
Though pricier at 80-100 bones a pair, their handcrafted quality and unique panache is worth it for special occasions or photo shoots that need a true head turner.
So if your mini has strong opinions and an edgy personal fashion, Lil’Grer unleashes their flair like no basic boots or sneaks ever could.
Their creative cuts and premium materials prove individual expression can come at any age – even for toddlers!
11. Geox
For active kids needing all-day, all-weather support, Geox proves less can be more.
With a lightweight mesh or leather construction, their uppers allow feet to breathe better than socks alone while providing protection.
But what really sets Geox apart is their secret weapon – a waterproof yet breathable sole membrane that keeps insides dry in rain or snow.
So whether hiking hills, playing soccer in sprinkles or stomping puddles, tootsies stay comfy and dry without needing fivepairs of shoes.
Their rubber soles provide arch support and traction for walks, runs or climbing better than slip-ons too.
Geox has styles like sneakers, boots and sandals ranging 60-80 bones depending on materials, but the all-season tech saves buying multiple pairs just for different weather in the end.
So if outdoor adventures are part of your kid’s DNA, Geox lets them explore whatever the forecast through clever design for feet that breathe easy in any conditions.
12. Native
For families who live for lakeside fun or hiking trails, ultra-light Natives get kids moving.
Made from mesh or leather uppers weighing next to nothing, these kicks won’t weigh feet down over miles.
Though simple in look, their soles protect from rocks with just enough arch support and traction for any terrain.
I dig their water-friendly treatment that lets shoes air dry quick if little adventurers lose track of time splashing.
At around 70 bones, Natives quality and lightweight construction outshines throwaway sandals 10 times over for active families.
Whether your little explorers want to climb trees or hike dales, Natives let them go farther faster without extra pounds on young feet.
So if unfettered play from dawn til dusk is your crew’s style, ultra-lithe Natives mean miles more fun without added effort.
13. Dreambaby
For quality on a budget through every growing stage, Dreambaby delivers.
Carrying sizes for every age from crawling babies to big kids, their selection is unbeatable.
With leathers, synthetics and breathable meshes, Dreambaby has any style of boot, sneaker or sandal right around 30 bones.
Their soles provide plenty support for active kids without bursting your budget either.
Since they grow with tiny tootsies, you’re never left scrambling to replace outgrown pairs prematurely.
Dreambaby makes shopping simple with basics in sets so multiple kids needs are covered for one low price too.
So if affordability with quality is top priority, Dreambaby proves frugal finds need not mean compromising support or styles either.
Their ever-growing sizes at low prices means feet stay fashionable and supported from infancy through grade school days.
14. FitFlop
Sure FitFlops look cute, but their real superpower is fit.
With trademarked Micro-Wobble Board tech in heels and arches, their soles tone muscles with every step just like physiotherapy.
This means walking or playing in FitFlops engages ankles, calves and feet in a natural motion to build strength slowly over time.
Along with cushioned comfort, their flexible cradles support developing arches in kid-friendly silhouettes too.
Though pricier around 70 bucks, you’re investing in health as kids feet and legs develop versus temporary trends.
Between their toned muscle benefits and supportive flex, FitFlops just may become kids new favorite shoes for life on-the-go without even knowing the wellness perks.
So if posture, health and lifetime feet are priorities, FitFlops function makes them well worth the investment from tiny tot years onwards.
15. Minnetonka
For babies wanting soft tradition, Minnetonka does moccasins right.
With buckskin-inspired leather or suede uppers and plush linings, their flexible soles cradle little feet in heritage comfort.
In lazy designs like slip-ons, high-tops or lace models, their styles blend old world charm with modern silhouettes.
Sewn with attention to detail rather than mass produced, their quality is undeniable for 50-70 bones a pair.
Minnetonka offers a range of sizes to last through potty learning without awkward gaps as kids grow.
So if rustic frontier flair calls little pioneers, Minnetonka shoes answer in buttery leathers and prairie practicality made to withstand life’s adventures.
Their heritage by hand spirit proves comfort sometimes means peeling back to simpler ways of the past too for feet of the future.
16. Jumping Beans
For kids bursting with energy in dance classes, tumbling or track, supportive Jumping Beans means no braking fun.
Made from performance materials in breathing fabrics, their soles cradle arches with arch cups and just enough flex.
Jumping Beans comes in athletic styles like high tops, oxfords or sneakers built to last sessions and seasons without flopping out.
At around 60 bucks you’re investing in supportive kicks durable enough for cartwheels, runs or gymnastics without breakdown either.
So whether twirling ballet, leaping competitive stunts or blazing trails, Jumping Beans endure it all with kid-propelled power and function built to grow strong feet for life.
Their technical traction and stabilizing designs ensure recreation stays just that without added stress injuries too.
17. See Kai Move
As the big kids brand, See Kai Move scales support for grade school athletes.
With performance leather uppers, breathable mesh underlays and specially molded soles, their kicks mean business on courts and fields.
We’re talking deep heel cups, thick platforms underneath and traction perfect for any surface from turf to blacktop.
Yet despite added structure, flexible forefoot zones keep natural mobility and form in place too.
See Kai Move delivers cushioning, support and stability where kids need it without bulk or breaking in required either.
They come in popular silhouettes whether trail runners, cleats or hiking boots ready for any sport right out the gate.
So if your kid lives for sports, See Kai Move scales their passion and feet for practices and games to come mile after mile.
Through premium materials and engineered precision, they keep recreation just that – no stress injuries or aches to slow kids down either now or as their game progresses.
Top 10+ Kid Shoe Brands Just Like Stride Rite Ranked
Rank | Why It Works | |
---|---|---|
Robeez | 10 | Buttery soft fabrics and flexibility make them perfect for learning first steps |
See Kai Run | 9. 5 | Cool sneaker styles with traction and support encourage exploring and fun |
Pediped | 9 | Seamless designs cradle sensitive feet from infancy through preschool years |
Cat & Jack | 8. 5 | Affordable options with on-trend styles at Target prices for miles of wear |
Soft Steps | 8 | Thermoplastic rubber soles mold to developing feet from first wobbles to toddling |
See Kai Grow | 8 | Supportive soles and materials stand up to rough play from toddlerhood to preschool |
Simple | 7. 5 | Clean designs satisfy kids wanting grownup flair with quality crafting and comfort |
Earthies | 7 | Sustainable materials and toxin-free crafting feel good for feet and the planet |
Crocs | 7 | Classic foam clogs and new styles deliver easy-on comfort for any outdoor exploration |
Lil’Grer | 6. 5 | Unique handcrafted designs unleash strong individual styles even for little people |
Geox | 6 | Breathable fabrics paired with waterproof membrane mean feet stay dry mile after mile |
Native | 5. 5 | Ultra lightweight uppers and soles keep active miles comfortable without added bulk |
Dreambaby | 5 | Budget friendly affordability without compromise on quality from newborn through big kid |
FitFlop | 4. 5 | Supportive flex and tone-building tech make them fun footwear fostering lifelong wellness |
Minnetonka | 4 | Traditional moccasin crafting delivers heritage comfort made to last through every adventure |
Jumping Beans | 3. 5 | Support and traction optimized for athletics help ensure recreation stays joyful |
See Kai Move | 3 | Engineered precision scales support for sport skills as games progress mile after mile |