10 Kids' Shoe Brands Trusted by Vietnamese Parents

Choosing shoes for your child is not as simple as many people think. With dozens of brands on the market, not every pair is truly suitable for growing feet - especially given Vietnam's hot, humid weather and the active daily routines of children. This article rounds up 10 kids' shoe brands most trusted by Vietnamese parents, from local to international brands, along with practical insights to help you make the right choice from the start.

How to Choose the Right Kids' Shoes for Your Child's Needs

Choosing shoes for children should go beyond the brand name. Parents should consider their child's age, activity level, and the actual purpose of the shoes.

Choose Based on Age and Foot Development

- Ages 1–5: Parents often prioritize shoes with heel straps that keep the foot secure and non-slip soles for everyday activities. Easy-to-put-on and easy-to-remove designs also make getting dressed more convenient. Explore the Crocs kids' footwear collection for ages 1–5.

- Elementary school (ages 6–12): Children can transition to athletic shoes with better support if they participate in physical education, or continue wearing Crocs Classic for everyday activities. See more Crocs shoes for children aged 5 and up.

Choose Based on the Occasion

A common mistake is buying one pair of shoes and expecting it to work for every situation.

- For everyday school: Prioritize lightweight, breathable shoes that children can put on by themselves (especially important for ages 3–5). Crocs Classic or Crocband are top choices.

- For sports and physical education: Athletic shoes with flexible, supportive soles are more suitable - Nike Kids, Adidas Kids, and New Balance Kids are better options in this case.

- For the beach, swimming, and outdoor activities: Water-resistant, quick-drying, and easy-to-clean footwear is more practical - Crocs Classic or Crocs sandals are excellent choices.

Choose Based on Your Family's Budget

In reality, not every parent needs to buy expensive shoes for their children - especially when kids are growing quickly and may outgrow a pair in just 3–4 months. A practical approach used by many families is to use Crocs Classic or Biti's for everyday wear (both more affordable and easy to replace), while investing in a quality pair of athletic shoes (Nike, Adidas, or New Balance) for physical education and specialized activities.

Common Mistakes Parents Make When Buying Kids' Shoes

Buying shoes that are too large "so the child can wear them longer" is one of the most common mistakes. Shoes that are more than half a size too large can cause children to trip or walk unsteadily - doing more harm than good. For young children, it is better to choose a size that fits the foot properly. If the child regularly wears socks with their shoes, parents can consider leaving around 0.5 cm of extra room.

Choosing shoes based on a child's preferences rather than the intended activity is another common mistake. For sports such as football or basketball, parents should prioritize shoes specifically designed for the sport rather than using walking shoes or regular sneakers.

Ignoring breathability is another issue. In Vietnam, especially from April to September, children's feet can sweat heavily. Enclosed, poorly ventilated shoes can contribute to fungal infections and skin irritation. This is one reason why Crocs' Croslite material and signature ventilation holes are particularly popular among Vietnamese parents.

Crocs – A Popular Kids' Shoe Brand in Vietnam

It is not difficult to see children wearing Crocs at school, playgrounds, or on family trips. Crocs has become a familiar name among many families with young children in Vietnam. There is a practical reason why Crocs kids' shoes are consistently considered and chosen by parents.

What sets Crocs apart is not simply its eye-catching design, but its proprietary Croslite material, a lightweight, flexible, and water-resistant synthetic material. For children who run around, spill water, or walk through mud after a rain shower, this can be a significant advantage. Croslite, combined with Crocs' signature ventilation holes, helps reduce the stuffy feeling that can occur when children wear shoes for extended periods.

Benefits of Crocs Kids' Shoes

- Lightweight and water-resistant: Children can wear them throughout the day without feeling weighed down, and they are easy to clean with just water and a cloth - something every parent knows is important after a day of play.

- Ventilation holes and non-slip soles: Particularly suitable for the hot, humid climate of southern Vietnam and the summer season in the north. Children may experience less sweaty feet, while the soles provide grip on wet surfaces.

- A wide range of licensed characters: From Disney, Doraemon, Pokémon, and Marvel to Hello Kitty and Kuromi - this is a major plus because children are more willing to put on shoes they like rather than having to be persuaded. Explore the kids' character footwear collection to choose a style based on your child's interests.

- Personalization with Jibbitz™: Decorative accessories that attach to the small holes on the shoe upper allow children to create their own style - in reality, this is often why many children ask their parents for more Jibbitz rather than asking for a new pair of shoes.

- Multiple sizes for different age groups: From preschoolers to elementary school children, Crocs offers a range of options for different stages of development and different needs. See the Crocs footwear size guide for children.

Popular Crocs Kids' Shoe Styles

- Crocs Classic Clog Kids is the most iconic style - a familiar design with ventilation holes, a rotating heel strap, and a wide range of colors from white and black to dozens of trendy, eye-catching options. It is suitable for children from preschool through elementary school.

- Crocs Crocband Clog Kids adds a colored stripe along the body of the shoe, creating a more sporty and energetic look. It is a good choice if your child likes an active style while you still want the convenience of a clog. See more in the Crocband collection.

- Crocs Classic Clog Toddler is designed for children under 5, with a more secure heel strap, a softer sole, and a design intended to prevent little feet from "swimming" inside the shoes. See the kids' clog collection for ages 1–5.

- Crocs character styles (Disney, Pokémon, Doraemon, etc.) feature licensed character graphics directly on the shoe, along with matching Jibbitz accessories. Children love them, and parents understand why. Explore the kids' character footwear collection.

- Crocs Kids Sandals are designed for beach trips, swimming, or hot summer days. They are easy to put on and clean, with no need to worry about water exposure. See more in the kids' sandals collection.

Reference price: approximately VND 995,000–1,695,000, depending on the product line and collection.

Biti's – A Long-Established Vietnamese Kids' Shoe Brand

For parents from the 1980s and 1990s generations, the name Biti's is closely associated with childhood. One of Vietnam's longest-established local brands continues to maintain its position thanks to affordable prices, wide distribution, and consistent quality. Biti's designs have not kept pace with international trends, but if the priority is practical everyday school shoes, it remains worth considering, especially for families with limited budgets.

Reference price: approximately VND 200,000–650,000, depending on the product line.

Nike Kids – Active Athletic Shoes for Children

Nike Kids is suitable for children who love sports and are highly active. Nike's Air cushioning technology and lightweight soles help children run and play comfortably. The biggest drawback is the widespread availability of counterfeit products in the Vietnamese market, so parents should purchase through official channels to ensure quality.

Reference price: approximately VND 900,000–2,100,000, depending on the product line.

Adidas Kids – Fashionable Designs and Durable Quality

The signature three stripes of Adidas Kids remain popular with both children and parents. Durable materials, easy-to-style designs, and Boost technology provide a comfortable feel during physical activities. However, Adidas sizing can sometimes run smaller than expected - parents should have their child try the shoes on in person before purchasing.

Reference price: approximately VND 550,000–2,500,000, depending on the product line.

Bata – Affordable Kids' Shoes That Are Easy to Find

Bata has been present in Vietnam for many years and is positioned as an affordable, accessible brand. Its designs are not particularly eye-catching but are practical enough for everyday school use. It is an option for families looking for a practical backup pair without making a significant investment.

Reference price: approximately VND 200,000–700,000, depending on the product line.

Vans Kids – Distinctive and Energetic Styles for Children

Vans Kids brings its signature streetwear style, making it suitable for children around 5 and older who have already developed their own sense of style. One point to note: Vans' flat soles do not provide strong support for children under 5 who are still developing their foot arches - something few parents consider when buying shoes.

Reference price: approximately VND 900,000–2,200,000, depending on the product line.

New Balance Kids – Supportive and Suitable for Active Children

New Balance Kids is an option for families who prioritize children's foot health. New Balance's arch-support and cushioning technologies were originally designed for professional runners, and when applied to children's footwear, they offer clear benefits for active kids. The designs are not as varied as Nike or Adidas, but in terms of functionality, few brands can compete in this segment.

Reference price: approximately VND 1,100,000–2,800,000, depending on the product line.

Skechers Kids – Comfortable and Eye-Catching

Skechers Kids is well known for its Memory Foam cushioning technology - an insole designed to conform to the shape of the foot and provide a particularly comfortable feel. The brand offers colorful designs, including light-up styles that young children especially enjoy. Durability is moderate, making these shoes more suitable for lighter daily activities than high-intensity exercise.

Reference price: approximately VND 300,000–1,800,000, depending on the product line.

Puma Kids – Lightweight Sports Styles That Are Easy to Match

Puma Kids is less popular than Nike and Adidas in Vietnam but offers attractive designs, lightweight construction, and prices that are often slightly lower than those of the other two brands. It is suitable for children who like a modern sporty style while their parents are looking for a less familiar alternative.

Reference price: approximately VND 500,000–2,000,000, depending on the product line.

Converse Kids – Classic Canvas Shoes for Stylish Children

Converse Kids offers a style that has stood the test of time - the familiar Chuck Taylor design is easy to pair with everything from feminine dresses to simple shorts. One drawback to consider is the rigid sole and lack of cushioning and support, making these shoes unsuitable for children who are still developing their foot structure or who need to engage in a lot of physical activity.

Reference price: approximately VND 900,000–2,100,000, depending on the product line.

Choosing shoes for your child does not have to be complicated, but it should not be done casually either. Each brand has its own strengths - Biti's offers affordable options for everyday wear, Nike and Adidas are suited to specialized sports activities, while Crocs stands out for its versatility, suitability for the climate, and range of options for different age groups. Whatever brand you choose, put your child's actual needs first - that is a criterion you can always rely on.