Image Credits: Toms, Amazon
From sandals to hiking shoes, boys and girls will love following in your footsteps.
The concept of dressing your kids to match you, quaintly known as “mommy and me” style, has come a long way. It’s no longer just about wearing matching frilly dresses and suits for cheesy family portraits at a department store. But if going all out with a complete matching outfit still makes you cringe, we present a more subtle option that will make kids and their grownups feel special and connected to each other: mommy and me shoes.
- Best Shoe That’s Also a Nod to Street Art: Skechers x JGoldcrown: BOBS Sport Squad - Starry Love
- Best for Hot Weather: Birkenstock Unisex Arizona Essentials EVA
- Best Casual Street Sneakers: Vans Old Skool Core Classics
- Best Trendy Sandal: Steve Madden Kimmie Espadrille Sandal
- Prettiest Everyday Loafers: Toms Alpargata Plaid Bow
- Best Sneakers for a Family Run: Adidas Cloudfoam Pure Running Shoe
- Best Shoes for Splashing and Lounging: Crocs Classic Tie-Dye Clogs
- Best Boots for ‘90s Nostalgia: Dr. Martens 1460 Smooth Leather Boot
- Best Shoes for a Special Occasion: Nina Venus
- Best Hiking Shoes: Merrell Zion FST
While you may have an easier time matching your shoes with a child of the same gender, there is absolutely no reason to limit yourself to mom-daughter, dad-son pairings. (While we’re on the topic, it would actually be nice if kids shoes stopped being assigned a gender.) Parents and their children can find many ways to match in sneakers, sandals, boots, and formal shoes—especially when they’re shopping favorite brands with iconic styles. From baby Dr. Martens and Vans to big kid Crocs and Birkenstocks, you and your progeny can twin all year long.
RELATED: 23 Stylish and Comfortable Slip-On Shoes for Moms on the Go
There’s so much to love about getting mommy and me shoes (and sure, dads are invited, too). Little kids who are reluctant to dress up for an occasion may feel better about literally following in Mom’s footsteps. And lacing up or slipping on a pair of matching sneakers or hiking shoes can motivate kids to be active with their parents. This is one more reminder that our kids are watching, so we may as well model good fashion sense and healthy lifestyles on our feet.
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Best Shoes That Are a Nod to Street Art
1 of 20 Image Credits: Skechers
For Mom
Skechers x JGoldcrown: BOBS Sport Squad - Starry Love
Muralist JGoldcrown’s collaboration with Skechers reminds us of the days when we would painstakingly decorate our shoes with Sharpies. It comes out better when you leave this up to the artist.
2 of 20 Image Credits: Skechers
For Kids
Skechers x JGoldcrown: Roadies - Hashtag Love
Kids will love the spray-painted heart motif of these sneakers. Parents will love that they have comfortable memory foam soles and are machine washable.
Best Shoes for Hot Weather
3 of 20 Image Credits: Amazon
For Mom
Birkenstock Unisex Arizona Essentials EVA
As comfortable as our classic Birks can be, the all EVA version is even better for sweaty days or wet conditions. We’re tempted to buy one in every color.
4 of 20 Image Credits: Amazon
For Kids
Birkenstock Kids Milano EVA Sandal
We like that this Birkenstock sandal for kids has a heel strap. It’s one more safeguard against losing a shoe.
Best Casual Street Sneakers
5 of 20 Image Credits: Amazon
For Mom
Vans Women’s Old Skool Core Classics
There’s a reason Vans never go out of favor—they’re versatile, easy to wear, and come in so many colors and prints to fit the season and your mood. While you’re on a family matching trend, you can even pick up a pair for any men in your fam, too.
6 of 20 Image Credits: Amazon
For Kids
Vans Old Skool
Don’t blame us if your kids take up skating just because they’ve been wearing Vans since they could walk.
Best Trendy Sandal
7 of 20 Image Credits: Zappos
For Mom
Steve Madden Kimmie Espadrille Sandal
Flatform sandals are all the rage these days. And the elasticized ankle strap is a very useful, comfortable detail for anyone planning on doing a lot of walking this summer.
8 of 20 Image Credits: Zappos
For Kids
Steve Madden Kids Kimmie Espadrille Sandal
These are the rare shoes that are exactly the same for both kids and adults. If your girl already thinks she’s all grown up, she’ll appreciate that.
Prettiest Everyday Loafers
9 of 20 Image Credits: Toms
For Mom
Toms Alpargata Plaid Bow
Who knew the classic canvas Toms could be as cute as they are practical? If this springy plaid isn’t for you, there are countless other prints to choose from.
10 of 20 Image Credits: Toms
For Kids
Toms Tiny Alpargata Plain Bow
We find these matching flats irresistible, but don’t forget you can search for other Toms styles if your kids aren’t the pastels-and-bows types.
Best Sneakers for a Family Run
11 of 20 Image Credits: Amazon
For Mom
Adidas Cloudfoam Pure Running Shoe
Busy moms (and everyone else) appreciate a sneaker that slips on easily. The foot-hugging shape and cushioning soles make this a favorite for runners.
12 of 20 Image Credits: Adidas
For Kids
Adidas Kids Runfalcon 2.0 Shoes
These kids sneakers don’t perfectly match Mom’s Cloudfoams, but they’re equally lightweight and suited for running right alongside you.
Best Shoes for Splashing and Lounging
13 of 20 Image Credits: Amazon
For Mom
Crocs Classic Tie-Dye Clogs
Embrace the playful ease of Crocs by choosing them in a trendy tie-dye or something equally wild. They’re perfect for a trip to the park or just a romp in the backyard.
14 of 20 Image Credits: Amazon
For Kids
Crocs Kids Classic Tie-Dye Clogs
While any other shoes in light colors will be permanently brown in about an hour, a washable pair of Crocs will last long after your kid outgrows them.
Best Boots for ‘90s Nostalgia
15 of 20 Image Credits: Zappos
For Mom
Dr. Martens 1460 Smooth Leather Boot
Put on your darkest lipstick and your Sonic Youth playlist, then lace up a pair of these iconic boots. They’ll also look great without the soundtrack.
16 of 20 Image Credits: Zappos
For Kids
Dr. Martens Kids Collection 1460 Crib
The cuteness of these baby Docs is knocking us dead. And btw, they’re also available in big kids sizes, which seems slightly more practical and equally cute.
Best Shoes for a Special Occasion
17 of 20 Image Credits:
For Mom
Nina Venus Silver Crystal Satin
These classy stilettos will serve you well for formal events or a night out. The heel is a reasonable 3.5 inches, so you can still chase after children in them.
18 of 20 Image Credits: Nina
For Kids
Nina Hidi Silver Metallic
How special will a toddler feel when she gets to wear silver sandals just like Mommy? Nina has other similar styles for older girls as well.
Best Hiking Shoes
19 of 20 Image Credits:
For Mom
Merrell Zion FST Hiking Shoe
These Merrells have the protective toe, waterproof membrane, and grippy sole of a hiking boot. But they’re also breathable, light, and NOT ugly.
20 of 20 Image Credits:
For Kids
Merrell Outback Hiking Shoe
Though these kids shoes don’t completely match the women’s hiking shoe in appearance, they do share similar coloring and details. They’re also just as attractive, which may be the motivation some reluctant littles need to get out on the trails with their parents.
