Customer Reviews Merrell Kids Bare Steps Sneaker (Toddler)

I had ingrown toenails as a child (had one cut out by a podiatrist with no anesthetic while I hollered bloody murder but I learned and preferred to take care of it myself after that) all because my wide feet (and high arches) were getting smashed into narrow shoes. Now I have children who’ve inherited them and finding wide width shoes with plenty of toebox space and flexibility to mimic barefoot walking as much as possible to allow for the proper development of the hundred or so muscles, joints and ligaments in the foot. These shoes have delivered - my two year old has worn only these for the last 6 months and they are still in excellent shape. He has worn socks with them the majority of time so I haven’t had to wash them that much but it did happen a couple of times and they still look fine. I’ll be able to donate these for them to be used by some other little boy because they’re in great shape still even as I’m shopping for a summer sandal. So I’m happy with the price point too, because I’ve gotten shoes a fifth of the price and had them disintegrate rapidly. As for sizing - all manufacturers and materials and models are going to change how a shoe (or any garment for that matter) fit so it’s important to use size as a ballpark estimate but be willing to pick whatever is best for the individual foot and shoe style. There is no one size fits all - and there’s no one who fits all sizes (as spoken by someone with wide feet and high arches, ugh!)

These shoes are perfect! Our son has a pretty wide foot. He is 18 months and wears a 5 XW. We have been buying him Stride Rite which are also good, but the Velcro strap doesn’t reach across the shoe well at all. These are wide enough, the Velcro strap is plenty long, they are well made and super cute! He we put them on and he didn’t want to take them off! I did get him a 5 1/2 instead of a 5 for a little longevity. ??

I got a half size bigger and Wide but entry into the shoe is still really narrow. Great shoe just not for super wide feet. The green band in the middle of the shoe really restricts the opening of the shoe.

An entire size too big. Size 9s are running small on us for most other name brands so I purchased a size 10. It’s about an entire inch too long. Great shoe. But definitely runs big. Will purchase the 9 For a better fit.

The shoe is very easy to put on and take off when you are assisting a toddler getting dressed in the morning. The design of the velcro portion makes it very easy. I cannot say anything about arch support because my toddler's feet are more or less flat still and do not require the snug fit with good arch support. This shoe also allows for wear with thicker socks.

These were a great choice. Casual but dressy enough for for those occasions too. There are very few choices for “formal” shoes for my son’s chubby, wide and short feet. We were happy with his Merrell clogs last year, so went for these as the clogs were not available in his size now. They’re very soft and flexible compared to the clogs and stretched wide enough to get his foot in.

My son still has those chubby baby feet even at 2.5 years old and it’s really hard to find shoes that fit him well, but we love these shoes! Easy to put on, fit great and lightweight. I wish they made them in my size!!!

My 18 month old grandson has chubby little feet. So glad Zappos carries wide widths in Toddler shoes. Great shoes, easy to get on & off. Zappos is my first choice when looking for shoes! Love the service!

Felt a little too big compared to the other 7.5 we purchased.

It felt like a whole inch longer than a 9.5. They are nice and well made, so we'll hold on to them until they fit.

My son has tall feet (I think it’s called high instep) and these are hard to get on him due to the placement of the elastic band. I purchased a 5 W, but it’s still a bit of a struggle. I wish they opened up a little more for getting his foot in. I love the appearance and the minimalism of the soles. They’re very flexible and he’s more stable in them than he has been in other shoes (he’s 18 months old).

These run huge! I measured my son’s foot at 6 1/2 inches. Got him a 10. There’s at least an inch of room beyond his toe. I’m looking forward to getting the correct size because they seem like great shoes.

Cute when it arrived, but the material does not hold up to the typical wear of a child. The upper covering of the shoe is still intact but looks constantly creased and very very worn after only a month. Wouldn't but again