Knowing the material from which the toddler wedding shoes are made is crucial, especially if you are buying online and cannot feel the design for yourself. Because your toddler will be wearing their footwear throughout the entire wedding and perhaps attend some celebrations as well, it's important that they are comfortable enough for them to have fun.

The right material is essential for providing adequate comfort. In addition, it can also give you an idea of the footwear's durability and practicality.

Many boys' dress shoes are made of leather. Leather is breathable, allowing the feet to cool during warm weather and preventing the accumulation of odor. It is also well known for its durability - in fact, leather is often used in work boots to protect against harsh environments. This might not be a pro, however, when it comes to toddler wedding shoes, toddlers will grow out of their footwear very quickly and may not be able to fit into them in a few months anyway.

Suede is another popular material. It is used in both boys' and girls' dress shoes and is somewhat similar to leather. Suede ones are very light, comfortable, and have a classy look that makes them perfect for formal occasions. They are a bit higher maintenance than leather and synthetic fabrics, but if you take care of them well, they can last for a long time all the same.

However, they are not suitable for rainy weather and can be hard to dress down.

Synthetic materials are also very frequently used. These are fabrics are made from man-made materials rather than natural fibers, and some examples include polyester, spandex, and nylon. They are very lightweight and can offer breathability superior to that of natural fibers. Many synthetic types of leather are also made waterproof through chemical treatment, rendering them suitable for wet weather as well.

If you're considering buying a pair of heels for your toddler for a wedding or any other big event, you might want to reconsider, as they may actually affect their growth and put them at a risk for injuries.

Up until the age of 12, children's bones are still growing and developing, making them susceptible to foot, ankle, or other joint problems later in life if they don't stay protected. Wearing high heels from such a young age could prompt the development of foot and leg problems such as the shortening of tendons. Even after the age of 12 and up to the age of 16, high heels should not be worn for long periods of time.

Furthermore, toddlers don't yet have a normal gait pattern. They tend to walk on their toes rather than landing on the heel before shifting the weight onto the toe. When wearing high heels, especially those that are very narrow, their foot would then slide forward into the narrow toe of the shoe and compress the toes together. This could lead to foot deformities after a while.

Of course, the effects will depend on the height of the heels and the length of time in which your toddler wears them. On top of that, there are very few toddler shoes out there with heels high enough to actually cause negative effects, as all these factors have been taken into consideration by manufacturers.

But another downside of heels for toddlers that applies to even very low heels is stability. If your toddler is very young, even a low heel might make it hard for them to walk steadily, and makes it easier for them to trip or slip. Even if they're a little older and you're sure they're steady on their feet, chances are they'll be running around, playing, and dancing at the wedding, and heels will only come in the way.

Overall, whether or not your toddler should wear heels depends on your situation. If they won't be walking or running around much or will only be wearing them for a short time, then go for it. Otherwise, if they'll be playing around we recommend you opt for the ballet flats instead.

One of the most important criteria that you need to look for when purchasing any type of footwear for your little one is the level of comfort it provides. Regardless of the time, they're going to be spending in them, a bad fit or an uncomfortable cut can mean an unhappy child who won't have a problem with showing their disappointment.

That's why proper sizing is crucial. Before shopping, make sure that you know your child's foot measurements, and that you've consulted with the manufacturer's size chart. If you're shopping online and won't have the opportunity to try them on, take the time to read the online reviews to see if a particular model fits too big or small.

Even if you find that a pair has arrived in the mail, but the fit's not comfortable for your child, you should not rely on having them break in the footwear. It's better to return and size up or go with a different model than to risk injury and unhappiness.

Secondly, consider the lining material of the shoe, as well as the footbed. If you're planning on having your little one wear their shoes without socks, it is highly recommended that what's in contact with their sensitive skin is a soft, moisture-wicking fabric, or supple leather or suede.

Harsh synthetic materials can not only trap moisture and cause unnecessary rubbing, but may even lead to the development of bad odors, and can cause bacterial overgrowth. Even children can get athlete's foot which is uncomfortable and difficult to get rid of, and that's not something you would want.

On that note, your toddler should wear socks with their footwear, as these can help with the breathability factor, as well as provide an added layer of skin protection.

The closures on any children's products need to be secure, but highly adjustable. Laces should probably be avoided, although they can work for some children. Nowadays, you can even get elastic laces that allow for the same secure fit but are easier to get on and off and provide a tad more flexibility.

Kids will usually prefer hook and loop closures, or buckles. If your prince or princess tends to take theirs off, maybe you should stay away from velcro, as it could lead to uncomfortable situations.

Last but not least, if you have an active child on your hands, you should make sure that the toddler wedding shoes you've chosen for them have some sort of cushioning in the sole so that their feet are protected from the impacts that come with jumping, running and lots of dancing. They'll appreciate it and won't get cranky because their feet have become too tired.

Because dress ones for all ages can be quite pricey, you'll want to buy a pair for your toddler that they can wear again on other occasions, and that won't be crammed into the back of the closet the day after the wedding.

A versatile pair of means they'll be able to make the best of them before their little feet grow out, and it'll also save you some money as they won't need a different pair for every different occasion.

Neutral colors would allow them to be paired with other outfits that are more suitable for a particular occasion such as a church. For girls, white and beige are a good choice. They offer a clean look that will never go out of style. Try to avoid glitter, as they might render a pair more informal and hard to match. Boys' options are easier - nearly all of them are of a neutral color such as black or brown.

You should also pay attention to the outsole of the shoe. If they aren't too formal and provide adequate comfort, such as a pair of ballet flats, your toddler may be wearing them to the playground, on walks, or to preschool as well.

But if their outsoles aren't of rubber and don't provide sufficient grip, it can lead to a lot of slips and falls. Make sure to check that the sole is rubbery and can grip onto smooth floors. Most loafers and oxfords should have a rubber sole, along with certain ballet flats.

Durability is a tricky quality to consider when it comes to footwear for toddlers. The reason for this is that toddlers are naturally very lively and energetic, and they tend to go through theirs quickly, not only because they grow them out. Toddlers run, leap, dance, jump, roll around, and as a result, their footwear can take quite a beating.

The first aspect you should look at is the construction. The design you're considering shouldn't have any obvious construction flaws: there should be no openings between the sole and the upper, no seams should be sticking out, and no straps should becoming undone. If the design is solid and sturdy, then chances are that it will last for longer than usual.

Secondly, pay attention to the materials. Our previous Material section may help here. Genuine leather and suede are quite durable, and this type of footwear will definitely last until your toddler outgrows it. Synthetic leathers are not as long-lasting, as they tend to crack and crease with use. However, synthetics are also less expensive, and if you find that your toddler is growing fast and going through shoe sizes like nothing else, you may not want to spend too much on genuine leathers.

Finally, some additional aspects may help increase durabilities, such as rubber outsoles and even reinforced toe caps. Think Chuck Taylors - if your child's footwear has a layer of rubber or some other type of strong material over the toe area, this has a double benefit. Your child's toes will be protected from bumps and stubs, and their footwear will last so much longer.

At the end of the day, while durability is a factor in the sense that no one likes theirs falling apart right after purchase, the fact remains that your child will most likely outgrow them before this happens. So weigh the pros and cons carefully before you decide on whether or not durability is important to you.