When it comes to kids’ shoes, leather and canvas are the most popular materials being used these days. They both have distinct benefits and offer your little one’s feet the support and comfort necessary for unhindered growth and development. However, while shopping for children’s footwear, you might be wondering – is it better to have leather shoes or canvas shoes? The right answer can help you make an informed decision for sure.

So, let’s delve deeper into the pros and cons of each material here. This way, you can pick the right pair for your tiny one after a quick comparison. 

Pros and Cons of Leather Shoes for Kids

A classic and time-tested material, leather has the following benefits:

• Durable: Genuine and top-quality leather lasts for years and can tough it out in harsh environments. Usually, it lasts longer than canvas.
• Breathable: Since leather allows air to pass through easily, shoes made of this material let your child’s feet breathe and keep them cool. You won’t have to worry about smelly or sweaty feet this way.
• Good Fit: While wondering about is it better to have leather shoes or canvas shoes, remember that leather ones adapt to the shape of your feet and lend much-needed comfort and support.
• Resistant to Liquids: Leather shoes can repel water and other fluids if you wax and treat them regularly. So, even if your child loves skipping in puddles, their feet won’t get wet.
• Hassle-Free to Clean: You just need a damp piece of cloth to clean leather toddler shoes. Being breathable, they dry up fast as well.
• Offers Additional Protection: Leather, being a sturdy material, can protect your kiddo’s feet against injuries and accidents caused by falling objects or sharp bumps on the road. It can also keep those little tootsies safe if your child spills something hot on their feet.
• Environment-Friendly: As it is a natural material, leather is safe for the environment, and the manufacturing process doesn’t involve the emission of any poisonous gases.
• Stylish: Kids’ shoes crafted with leather look stylish, shiny, and sleek. They are a great choice for both formal and casual occasions and can complement different outfits too.

Now that you know about the benefits of leather shoes, it’s time to take a look at the aspects that are not so advantageous:

• Requires Regular Maintenance: If not cleaned, waxed, polished, and conditioned on a regular basis, leather shoes can dry out and crack. So, you need to take good care of them.
• Costly: Shoes made of leather are usually more expensive than those made of other materials. However, since leather lasts long and can withstand unfavorable weather conditions too, it is worth investing in a single pair of such shoes rather than two or three made of another material.

Pros and Cons of Canvas Shoes for Kids

The debate on is it better to have leather shoes or canvas shoes can only reach a conclusion once you know about the benefits and disadvantages of the latter. Canvas is widely used for sneakers and casual shoes these days, so let’s take a look at the pros first:

• Light in Weight: Toddler canvas shoes are usually super light, which makes them comfortable and apt for free movement.
• Easy on the Pocket: Shoes made of canvas are generally less expensive than their leather counterparts and this makes them a good pick if you are shopping on a budget.
• Breathable: Like leather, canvas is a highly breathable material and allows air to pass through smoothly. So, your child’s feet will stay cool, dry, and fresh for hours.
• Easy to Maintain: It is easy to throw canvas shoes into the washing machine for a good cleaning whenever they get dirty. Hence, these shoes are perfect for casual or rough use.
• Offers Wide Variety: Toddler canvas shoes come in a wide array of colors and fun patterns, as the material absorbs dyes easily. You can pick up a different style, design, or shade for different occasions and outfits.
• Retains Shape: Canvas is not very stretchy, which means shoes made of this retain their shape well. Your child won’t need inserts or other supportive materials for a long time.

Now that you know about the advantages, let’s go through the less-than-great aspects of canvas shoes: 

• Lack of Ankle Support: Since canvas is thin compared to leather, shoes made of this material are not ideal for sporty activities as they don’t offer ample ankle support.
• Not as Durable: Canvas shoes are less durable than leather ones on an average. They tend to wear out fast especially when worn regularly. Hence, you might have to buy more pairs than in case of leather.
• Prone to Staining: The material stains more easily than leather. And while it is no-fuss to clean canvas shoes in the washing machine, it can be difficult to get rid of stubborn stains.

What to Remember for Both Leather and Canvas Shoes

Whether you go for leather or canvas shoes for kids, getting the size and fit right for both is important. So, make sure your measure your child’s feet accurately and opt for shoes that are flexible and complement natural movement. Whether the pair is made of leather or canvas, ensure ample toe space and anti-skid outer soles to prevent accidents and injuries. Irrespective of the material, consider shoes with Velcro straps, buttons, or laces, so they can be adjusted to your child’s growing feet.  

Is It Better to Have Leather Shoes or Canvas Shoes?

So, what’s the final verdict – should you go for toddler canvas shoes or leather ones? It all depends on your little one’s needs, activity, occasion, preference, and your budget. While leather shoes are durable, extra protective, water-resistant, and align easily with the shape of the feet, they are a little more expensive and need regular maintenance. Canvas shoes, on the other hand, are light, affordable, available in a wide variety, and retain shape over time. They, however, stain easily, wear out faster, and offer less ankle support. But if you go for top-quality pairs, you will find both materials to be worth the investment.

For instance, check out the awesome collection of both leather and canvas shoes at Jack & Lily. You can also contact the professionals here if you can’t make up your mind and need more guidance.