When our kids really start moving and running, slips and falls can put a quick stop to the family's fun, proud moment. Making sure feet stay firmly planted on the ground across the different surfaces can be a huge challenge, not only for you but also for your little one. Different surfaces mean different types of grip, but do we really need a different pair of toddler slippers for every room? No, certainly not, we do need a slipper with superior grip strength. Slippers that can offer stability and traction from the tile kitchen and bathroom to the hardwood in the living room, and of course the carpet up the stairs and in the bedroom.

A lot of toddler slippers have no sort or grip at all, just fleece bottoms. As a matter of fact, many of the most expensive brands do not have any type of skid control. This is surprising to many. Fleece bottoms are an accident waiting to happen. Yes, they feel amazing and keep your toddler’s feet nice and warm but they are doing nothing to help your little one move around and stay on their feet. Fleece has many great properties, slip resistance is not one of them.  If you want your kiddo to wear warm, flexible fleece that’s wonderful, just make sure that it has some sort of rubber or polyurethane grip on the bottom.

All leather toddler slippers offer natural slip and skid resistance. Especially after they have been worn for a little while. While not as good as rubber, leather is still superior to fleece. It will give your child a smooth, superb feel for their little feet and help to keep them up and moving. The pliability of soft leather is amazing for growing feet and really allows the toes to grip and respond the way they are meant to.

Rubber, synthetic, and polyurethane soles are superior when it comes to slip and skid resistance. We wear these types of soles on our shoes every day as adults. However, our feet are done growing and we have the muscle memory to allow for this type of change. Toddlers have quickly growing feet, and to allow proper development you will want a slipper that is majorly pliable and flexible. A lightweight blown rubber won’t weigh your toddler down and will give them superior grip and traction, keeping their feet under them longer and farther every day.

It can be so frustrating trying to keep socks or slippers on your toddler. Socks are always sliding down during those epic moments transitioning from crawling to walking and slippers are just too easy to take on and off. Let’s not forget about the millions of children who downright refuse to leave anything on their feet. A lot of us understand the hatred of shoes, however, unprotected toes are also not acceptable.

It is also important to note that if you are buying your toddler slippers and you are currently fighting to keep socks on those cold little toes, make sure to avoid any type of slide on slipper. Slide ones may be great for us but a child that doesn’t like anything on their feet will never keep these on. They also come off of the foot very easily for those just beginning to walk. This can lead to slips and falls very easily.

Coming across any product that is built to last can be a tall order when it comes to your toddler. At such a young age, they don’t know that everything they destroy costs you money. We find it to be exceptionally important to find the best toddler slippers, that not only keep your child standing up but keeps your child’s slippers standing up to them.

Fleece is a very durable material and is counted on by many parents. Not only will it give your child long, durable wear, it will also stand up to your washing machine. Spills and messes are a part of our everyday lives and an item that can simply be thrown in the washer saves us time and money. It also keeps our family looking great, while not breaking the bank with constant replacement.

The thin sock-like material used for slippers, can be very frustrating. If not replacing for little holes that seem to crop up every time they come out of the dryer, you find yourself buying more because the dog decided chewing on your toddler’s slippers would be a great idea. Some sturdier cloth material can be durable, it really depends on the construction. Our guide to the best toddler slippers has given you footwear that will stand up to the test of time and toddlers.

An important thing to note when shopping for any type of footwear for your toddler is that babies have yet to develop their internal temperature regulation systems, which means that they are bound to get hotter in warm weather, and colder in cold conditions. The foot, just like in adults, is a peripheral part of the body, and will often receive warmth the last, so you really want to protect it to prevent discomfort or even health issues.

Most slippers on this list are made to keep your little one warm, and that makes them an excellent choice for cold weather wear, both inside and outside. However, manufacturers will often focus on insulation, forgetting about the fact that breathability is just as important.

The ideal pair of shoes will be adequately warm, but will allow proper air flow so that the feet never overheat, and don’t sweat more than necessary. If your kid is active, this is even more important as they’re bound to work up a sweat.

You’ll want to look into models that are either made with naturally breathable materials such as leather or suede, that have a high quality lining such as wool, or include some technology that will allow for warm air and moisture to escape.

If sweat is trapped within the shoe, you may find that your baby starts developing stinky feet, which is not just uncomfortable, but can be a sign of bacterial or fungal overgrowth. The last thing you want is your little angel to pick up Athlete’s foot or an infection that will take time to cure and may even re-appear later in life.

Warmness factor is very important, especially if you live in colder climates with hardwood floors. Everyone has a different impression of what is best to keep feet warm. Any layer will be better than bare feet on cold floors, but some are superior when broken down into what they can do to make snugly warm toes all day long.

Cotton - Natural and loved by many, cotton is an asset in most clothing items. It is soft and comfortable, it breaths but also helps keep chills off. The problem with cotton is that it is not very durable and if cold toes are a daily problem, cotton is probably not going to fix it. Better than nothing but not fit for superior warming.

Fleece - Fleece is a top choice for parents looking for something that will truly make their toddler’s feet stay warm. Thick and plush, it is not only durable but allows feet to warm up quickly. Fleece is very slippery, and you will want to use caution with wobbly walkers, especially if there is no grip on the bottom of your chosen fleece toddler slippers.

Wool - Wool is probably the very best when it comes to cold feet. It naturally moves moisture away and helps insulate. Some parents stay away from wool because it can be itchy. This can be a real problem especially for children that don’t like anything on their feet in the first place. Adding a thin loose sock to wool slippers will keep the itch away but allow plenty of room for natural motion of your toddler’s growing feet.