A Parent's Guide to Children's Shoe Materials

Choosing the right Children’s Shoes is about far more than colour and style. The materials that touch your child’s feet every day play a huge role in comfort, support, breathability and how long those shoes actually last. With so many options on the market – leather, suede, canvas, mesh, synthetics and more – it can feel overwhelming to know what is best.

At Little Brogues, we see every kind of Kids Shoes come through our doors, from first walkers to sturdy school shoes and sporty trainers. This guide breaks down the most common materials used in children’s footwear, with their key benefits and drawbacks, so you can make confident choices for your child’s feet.

Leather: the classic choice

Leather has been used in Children’s Shoes for generations, and with good reason.

Benefits of leather

• Breathable: Good quality leather allows air to circulate, helping to keep feet cooler and drier.
• Moulds to the foot: Over time, leather softens and shapes to your child’s foot, offering a personalised fit.
• Durable: It stands up well to scuffs, scrapes and daily wear, making it ideal for school shoes and everyday Kids Shoes.
• Supportive: Leather uppers can offer structure around the heel and midfoot, important for active children.

Drawbacks of leather

• Care required: Leather does need regular cleaning and polishing to stay at its best.
• Not fully waterproof: Unless specifically treated, leather will eventually let in water in very wet conditions.
• Cost: Quality leather shoes are usually more expensive up front, though they can work out cheaper over time because they last longer.

For many families, leather remains the number one material for school and dress shoes thanks to its balance of comfort, breathability and durability.

Suede and nubuck: soft and stylish

Suede and nubuck are types of leather with a soft, velvety finish. They are popular in casual Kids Shoes, boots and some first walkers.

Benefits

• Soft and flexible: Often more flexible than smooth leather, which can be lovely for little feet that need freedom of movement.
• Comfortable: The soft texture can feel gentle against the foot.
• Stylish: Suede and nubuck give a premium look, especially in boots and smarter casual styles.

Drawbacks

• Marks easily: These materials show scuffs, mud and water marks more readily than smooth leather.
• Need careful care: You will need a suede brush and protector spray to keep them looking good.
• Not ideal for very wet weather: Unless treated, they are best kept for drier days.

Suede and nubuck can be great for weekend Children’s Shoes and more fashion-led styles, but you might prefer smooth leather or other options for muddy playgrounds and rainy school runs.

Textile and canvas: lightweight and breathable

Textile uppers – including cotton canvas, denim and other fabrics – are common in summer shoes, trainers and casual Kids Shoes.

Benefits

• Very breathable: Fabric uppers let heat and moisture escape easily, helping to prevent sweaty feet.
• Lightweight: Ideal for active children who do not want to feel weighed down.
• Often machine washable: Some canvas shoes can be popped in the washing machine (always check the care label).
• Usually more affordable: Textile shoes are often cheaper than leather equivalents.

Drawbacks

• Less supportive: Fabric does not offer the same structure around the heel and arch as good leather.
• Less durable: Canvas can rip or wear through faster, especially with lots of playground use.
• Not water-resistant: They soak up water quickly in wet grass or puddles.

Textile shoes are great for warm weather and light wear, but are rarely the best choice for year-round, all-weather Children’s Shoes.

Synthetic materials: practical and easy-care

Synthetic uppers (often labelled as PU or “man-made”) are common in Kids Shoes, especially lower-priced school shoes and sports styles.

Benefits

• Easy to clean: Usually wipe-clean with a damp cloth, making them convenient for busy families.
• Water-resistant: Many synthetics handle showers and splashes better than untreated leather.
• Budget-friendly: Often cheaper than leather shoes.
• Vegan-friendly: No animal products, which matters for some families.

Drawbacks

• Less breathable: Many synthetics trap heat and moisture, which can lead to sweaty, uncomfortable feet.
• Do not mould to the foot: They tend to keep their shape rather than adapting to your child’s foot.
• Can crack or peel: Poor-quality synthetics can deteriorate faster than leather.

If you choose synthetic Children’s Shoes, look for good brands that prioritise breathability and flexibility, and consider alternating with more breathable pairs to give feet a break.

Mesh and sports materials: for active kids

Modern trainers and sports Kids Shoes often combine mesh panels with synthetic or leather reinforcements.

Benefits

• Excellent ventilation: Mesh allows plenty of air flow, which is ideal for PE, running and sport.
• Lightweight and flexible: Good for movement, jumping and quick changes of direction.
• Quick-drying: Many sporty materials dry faster than traditional fabrics.

Drawbacks

• Limited protection: Large mesh panels are not great in cold, wet weather.
• Can snag: Rough surfaces can catch and tear mesh if children drag their feet.
• Not always supportive enough for everyday wear: Some very soft sports styles are best kept for their intended activity.

For active children, a well-made pair of trainers with breathable mesh and proper structure can be a brilliant addition alongside more robust everyday Children’s Shoes.

Soles: rubber and beyond

While we often focus on uppers, the sole material is just as important. Most Kids Shoes use some form of rubber or synthetic rubber compound.

Benefits of rubber soles

• Grip: Good quality rubber provides traction on playgrounds, pavements and indoor floors.
• Shock absorption: Helps cushion impact as children run and jump.
• Durability: Stands up well to daily wear.

In very flexible barefoot-style Kids Shoes, soles are thinner and more bendy, allowing the foot to feel the ground. In more traditional shoes, soles are thicker and stiffer, offering more protection but less sensory feedback. The right choice depends on your child’s needs and your preferences; what matters most is that the sole bends at the ball of the foot and does not feel like a plank.

Linings and insoles: the hidden comfort factor

Inside the shoe, linings and insoles make a big difference to comfort and hygiene. Common materials include:

• Leather linings: Breathable, comfortable and great for moisture management.
• Textile linings: Soft and often more affordable, though may not breathe as well as leather.
• Foam insoles: Provide cushioning and can be removable for drying or replacing with orthotics.

For Children’s Shoes worn all day – especially school shoes – leather linings and removable insoles are a big plus. They help keep feet fresher and allow shoes to dry out properly between wears.

How to choose the right material for your child

There is no single “best” material for all Kids Shoes, but these guidelines can help:

• For school and everyday wear: Quality leather uppers with rubber soles and breathable linings are hard to beat.
• For first walkers: Soft, flexible materials (often leather or suede) that allow natural movement and good ground feel.
• For sports and PE: Lightweight trainers with mesh panels and good support.
• For wet and muddy play: Waterproof boots or wellies, ideally with warm linings in winter.
• For hot weather: Lightweight fabric or open designs, making sure there is still a secure fit.

Above all, remember that the way a shoe fits is just as important as the material itself. Even the best leather will not be comfortable if the shoe is too tight, too loose or the wrong shape for your child’s foot.

At Little Brogues, we are always happy to talk through materials, brands and styles to help you find the right Children’s Shoes for your child’s stage, activities and the Great British weather. The right combination of materials will keep little feet comfortable, supported and ready for whatever adventures come next.