Which closure is usually best for preschool and daycare shoes?

We usually recommend Velcro for preschool and daycare because staff can fasten shoes quickly, children can practise fastening themselves, and the adjustability copes with small fit changes.

How should we care for Velcro straps to keep them working well?

We suggest checking straps weekly, brushing off grit and lint, and pressing the loop side flat before washing to reduce loss of grip from sand and repeated washing.

When are elastic closures a better choice for toddlers?

We find elastic closures useful for quick trips, indoor play and very wiggly children since they slip on easily and need less fastening time, provided the shoe has a firm heel so it stays put.

How do we choose between Velcro and elastic if a child’s feet are different sizes or changing quickly?

For uneven or rapidly growing feet we favour Velcro because its adjustability gives a better customised fit over time, whereas elastic offers less fine-tuning and may loosen as it stretches.

Velcro vs elastic closures for toddler shoes: which

Why the closure matters for toddler shoes

Toddlers move fast and their shoes need to keep up. The closure on a shoe affects how easy it is for caregivers to put shoes on, how independently a child can dress, and how the shoe sits on the foot - which in turn changes comfort and safety. We look at Velcro and elastic closures with a practical, South African everyday lens: school runs, park visits, and short walks around the neighbourhood.

Everyday trade-offs

Ease of use: caregivers often prefer one-handed, quick closures.
Fit control: some closures give more adjustability as feet grow.
Independence: closures can help or hinder a toddler learning to dress.
Durability and cleaning: closures live through dust, sand and frequent washing.

What Velcro closures offer

Velcro (hook-and-loop) straps are common on toddler shoes because they are quick and adjustable. We find them especially useful when feet are slightly different sizes, or when shoes are used for mixed activities - preschool, short hikes with family, or indoor play. Velcro lets you tighten or loosen the strap for a snug fit without needing laces or buckles.

Practical strengths

Fast to open and close - helpful on busy mornings and school runs.
Adjustable across a range of foot widths, so one pair can last longer between sizes.
Supports emerging independence: many toddlers learn to undo and redo Velcro early.

Considerations with Velcro

Velcro can attract fuzz and lose grip over time, especially if shoes collect lint in school bags or on the playground. Heavy, repeated washing or sand exposure can reduce effectiveness, and poorly placed straps can rub if not set correctly. For everyday use we recommend checking straps weekly and teaching simple cleaning (brush off grit, press the loop side flat before washing) to prolong life.

How elastic closures behave

Elastic closures - including hidden stretch panels, bungee-style laces, or elasticised slip-on openings - make shoes easy to slip on and off without fastening. They give a clean look and can be lower maintenance than worn Velcro, but they behave differently as the child grows.

Practical strengths

Speed: excellent for very wiggly children who resist sitting for fastening.
Low maintenance: no hook-and-loop to catch lint; often better in sandy environments.
Comfort: continuous elastic can spread pressure evenly without a tight strap point.

Considerations with elastic

Elastic gives less fine adjustment than Velcro. If the elastic is too loose the shoe slips; too tight and a small foot may feel pinched. Elastic also stretches over time - a very active toddler may outgrow the effective tension sooner than the shoe’s nominal size suggests. We recommend pairing elastic-closure shoes with models that have a firm heel counter so the shoe stays put when the elastic loosens.

For a hands-on look at styles and fits, explore our Kids shoes collection. Kids shoes offers adjustable Velcro options and elastic designs side-by-side, which can make fitting easier in-store or online.

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Choosing by situation: where each closure shines

We find the right closure often depends on how the shoes are used. Below are common South African family situations and which closure usually performs best.

Preschool and daycare

Velcro is usually the practical pick for preschool: staff can help quickly, children can learn to fasten themselves, and adjustability handles small fluctuations in fit. If the setting has a lot of sand or outdoor play, choose Velcro with a wide loop surface and a protective strap placement.

Everyday play and short walks

Elastic closures are handy for quick trips, errands and indoor play because they slip on easily and feel like a soft sock for toddlers who dislike straps. Choose a model with a secure heel and reinforced toe if you pick elastic for active use.

Shoes for early walkers

For babies moving from crawling to walking, we recommend styles that prioritise stability: a firm heel, flexible but grippy sole, and a closure that allows a snug fit. Velcro often gives better initial control here - you can tighten the shoe so it won’t twist on the foot while the child is finding balance.

Fit checklist: what to test in-store or at home

Toe room: allow about a thumb’s width (approximately 1 cm) between longest toe and end of shoe.
Heel hold: the heel should not lift more than 1 cm when walking.
Adjustability: can the closure be tightened enough without pinching?
Easy on/off: try a quick on-off test with the child standing - this reveals practical problems.
Durability signs: inspect Velcro surface and elastic seams for secure stitching.

Practical buying tips and costs in South Africa

At Bash we see toddler shoes prices vary by brand and construction. Expect everyday toddler shoes with Velcro or elastic to start around R300-R450 for basic styles and R500-R1 000 for strengthened or branded pairs. Consider buying one more adjustable pair (Velcro) if you want a longer-lasting option between size changes.

If you’re shopping online, look for clear photos of the closure and a close-up of the heel area. Our Sneakers articles have practical notes on soling and support that help you compare models before trying them on.

A few real-world scenarios and our recommendation

Household with two toddlers on school runs: choose Velcro for quicker morning routines and better adjustability. Family doing lots of beach or gravel play: an elastic slip-on with reinforced heel can be lower maintenance. New walkers who need stability: Velcro for a snug, easily corrected fit.

Quick note: whichever closure you choose, check the fit every 6-8 weeks - toddler feet grow fast. We recommend keeping one spare, well-fitting pair for outings and one more robust pair for daily play.

Next steps

When you’re ready to compare styles, start with our Kids selection and filter by closure or support features. Trying shoes on in the morning (feet are slightly larger later in the day) and testing movement are the best ways to choose for your child’s needs.

Sources

Journal of Pediatric Footwear and Gait Research - foot development references
Healthline - how shoes affect early walking
Consumer.org.za - footwear buying advice (South Africa)

Velcro vs elastic closures for toddler shoes: which to choose and why

Velcro - adjustable and kid-friendly

Why Choose Bash?

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Nationwide Support

Why Choose Bash?

Free Delivery

30-Day Returns

Nationwide Support

Elastic - fast and low-maintenance

Fit beats fashion

Why the closure matters for toddler shoes

Everyday trade-offs

What Velcro closures offer

Practical strengths

Considerations with Velcro

How elastic closures behave

Practical strengths

Considerations with elastic

Choosing by situation: where each closure shines

Preschool and daycare

Everyday play and short walks

Shoes for early walkers

Fit checklist: what to test in-store or at home

Practical buying tips and costs in South Africa

A few real-world scenarios and our recommendation

Next steps

Sources

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