As parents, finding the right shoes for our kids can be overwhelming. We look for shoes that are safe, comfortable, provide good support for their growing feet, and are durable enough to withstand their active play. But kids’ rapid growth spurts can make the search for the perfect pair a constant challenge.
Ten Little Kids’ affordable, vegan, zero-drop sole shoes saved me this fall. When my son outgrew his everyday sneakers, I desperately needed something that met my healthy footwear requirements for kids. After seeing Ten Little advertised all over social media, I decided to give them a try. Read on for our experience and my full review of the Ten Little Everyday High Top!
About Ten Little Kids: Launched in February 2020, Ten Little Kids is a relatively new minimalist children’s footwear brand. Based in the US and born from a desire to make buying shoes for kids easier, Ten Little is helping to popularize healthy footwear. Two unisex styles available in US sizes 4-13 for under $50 make this brand a great option for families on a budget. Plus, all their shoes are vegan!
Materials and Sustainability:
All Ten Little shoes are vegan! The brand is committed to using the highest quality materials with the least environmental impact. The colorful upper is made of vegan leather with a cotton lining, and the sole is made of natural rubber.
Some styles have a faux fur lining for extra warmth, like the shoes shown here: the Everyday High Top in lava red. The removable insole is made of thin foam with half an animal on each one to help kids put them on correctly. The contrasting turquoise Velcro closure and matching loop at the back give these shoes a superhero touch.
The Ten Little Everyday High Top:
The Everyday High Top is a stylish everyday shoe. Some colors have a faux fur lining, like the Lava Red seen in this review, while others have a cotton lining. Note that the faux fur lining is only on the upper, not the insole. You can swap the cotton insole for a thermal one for extra warmth. The vegan leather upper is easy to clean, but the shoes aren’t waterproof.
Although the company doesn’t call them minimalist shoes, all Ten Little shoes have zero drop, are flexible, and feature a wide toe box. They aren’t as flexible or offer as much ground feel as some other brands that do offer minimalist footwear, but they meet all the requirements of natural footwear at an affordable price.
Legit Ten Little Review:
To truly understand what Ten Little offers, we need to analyze the details of their products. Below, we’ll explore the specific qualities that make their items stand out. We’ll also consider factors like price and other relevant aspects to provide a comprehensive overview.
Ten Little Everyday Original Minimalist Sneakers:
The Ten Little Everyday Original sneakers are designed to be easy to slip on and comfortable. For me, foot health is paramount, so I appreciate that they have ample room for the toes and allow for great freedom of movement thanks to their flexible sole.
I’ve never had any issues with my toddler wearing them, which is a good sign that they don’t cause him any discomfort.
There are several versions of these sneakers, including models with canvas uppers and high-tops. For larger children’s sizes, the Velcro closure is replaced with laces.
Ten Little Eco Canvas Sneakers
These sneakers are the solution for parents looking for everyday footwear that promotes healthy development while also being environmentally friendly.
These shoes are designed with little feet and big adventures in mind. Made from 100% recycled cotton canvas, they offer a lightweight and breathable feel, perfect for active kids. The natural rubber toe cap protects against falls and scrapes during playtime.
The lightweight canvas and cotton lining ensure breathability, reducing the chance of sweaty, uncomfortable feet. The added protection of the rubber toe cap allows the shoes to withstand everyday wear and tear.
Ten Little Splash 2 Sandals
Finally, let’s explore the Ten Little Splash 2 sandals. If you’re looking for reliable and fun footwear for your child’s summer adventures, these sandals could be a great option.
These Splash sandals are designed to be the ultimate water footwear for kids. Made from non-toxic EVA material, they are water-resistant and quick-drying, perfect for everything from the pool to the playground. They are also flexible and lightweight, ensuring all-day comfort.
A standout feature is their barefoot-friendly design, with zero-drop soles and a wide, anatomical toe box that promotes healthy foot development and natural movement. The sandals also offer enhanced traction thanks to their high-traction, non-slip outsoles and textured footbed, which helps keep little feet steady on slippery surfaces. The adjustable Velcro strap, sturdy heel counter, and closed toe provide a secure and comfortable fit.
Ten Little Everyday Sandals
We tested these everyday sandals this summer, and I love them as a more durable closed-toe sandal option for activities like biking or scootering. The upper is water-resistant and quick-drying, so you can wear them at the pool or beach without worrying about them getting wet.
Ten Little Plush High-Top Slippers
These are the shoes Lou wears most often. They’re warm, flexible, and easy to slip on (which checks almost all my boxes). They have a soft faux-fur lining, a wide toe box, and Velcro straps for a perfect fit. He can’t resist putting them on, which, when it comes to baby shoes, is a huge plus. The colors are also cheerful and fun.
If, like us, your baby is starting to wear real shoes, our guide to the best shoes is a great place to start. It covers the essentials, such as what to look for in first walking shoes and how to make sure they fit well, plus recommendations from parents and pediatricians.
Ten Little Sizing and Fit:
If you’ve ever bought shoes for kids, you know that choosing the right size can be stressful and confusing. Ten Little has a sizing quiz on their website to help you avoid the worry of choosing the wrong size. There are two ways to determine the size: by measuring or by printing the trial kit. Unfortunately, you have to enter your email address (which you also use to subscribe to their newsletter) to receive the kit. If you choose to measure, you still have to enter additional information and your email address to get the size recommendation.
In the end, I tried both sizing options to compare the methods and got the same size recommendation: 13 in both cases. And they fit perfectly! My 6-year-old is small for his age, and this is the largest size they carry. Ten Little shoes are available in US sizes 4 to 13, and thanks to the removable insole with fit indicator lines, you can check the fit without having to guess where your child’s toes are inside the shoe.
Is Ten Little a Legit Brand?
Yes, Ten Little is a legitimate brand with a clear purpose. Founded by two mothers who experienced the challenges of shopping for children’s essentials, their mission is to provide parents with healthy, carefully selected products that support children’s development. The brand’s transparency regarding its values, such as its commitment to vegan and cruelty-free practices and the use of sustainable materials, inspires confidence. Furthermore, its collaboration with medical advisors like Dr. Tanya Altmann and Dr. Farah Alani provides professional backing.
Ten Little Style:
Ten Little Kids offers two unisex shoe styles: the Everyday Original and the Everyday High Top. Both feature clean lines in a combination of neutral and vibrant colors. They even include a sheet of high-quality stickers for children to personalize their shoes. My son wasn’t interested in the stickers, so he gave them to his sister to decorate her sewing machine.
Conclusion for Ten Little:
Ten Little simplifies children’s shoe shopping. They are affordable, simple, cute, and healthy for growing feet. If you’re looking for affordable minimalist footwear or need to buy shoes for several children, Ten Little is a great option. With free shipping and returns, trying them out is easy!