The children's shoe specialist of the Netherlands

Maxime Schoenen is a family business with 40 years of experience in children's shoes and women's shoes.

With love and craftsmanship, we select the most beautiful collections – from first steps to cool teenage sneakers. You can also come to us for women's shoes.

In our store in Maastricht, we professionally measure feet and perform an extensive foot analysis. This way, we ensure that every child gets the perfect fit and support – even with orthotics or special foot needs.

Personal attention, honest advice, and shoes that truly fit well – that's Maxime.

Discover our passion for perfect children's shoes and experience the difference.

Our Collections

Discover the most beautiful sandals of this season

From handmade styles by Pom d'Api, Zecchino d'Oro, and Ocra to sleek sandals from Clic and comfortable footbed sandals from Kipling – you'll find the perfect sandal for every child's foot here.

The Focus of the Maxime Team, Happy feet, happy faces

From first steps to cool sneakers – at Maxime, children will find their favorite pair.

This is how you easily determine the correct shoe size

Discover how to easily determine the right size at home.

Buying sneakers online – Our favorites

Naturino Cocoon

Cocoon™ – The very best and most flexible baby shoes for those first steps.

Copied but never equalled! At Maxime, you'll find Europe's largest Cocoon collection with over 100 colours and models.

Naturino Cocoon

Cocoon™ – The very best and most flexible baby shoes for those first steps.

Copied but never equalled! At Maxime, you'll find Europe's largest Cocoon collection with over 100 colours and models.

Copenhagen Studios

For the Moms

Buy children's shoes and sneakers online – Sustainable, Trendy and Comfortable

At Maxime Schoenen, you'll find an extensive collection of children's shoes online – ideal if you want to buy children's shoes online for every age and season. Whether you're looking for shoes for their first steps, or something for rainy days or winter cold – we always have a suitable pair. Our shoes are not only comfortable but also trendy and sustainable.

From children's sneakers, pre-walkers and baby shoes to smart children's lace-up shoes and sturdy lace-up boots – you'll find it all here. We also offer a wide selection of tall boots, short boots, slippers, rain boots, snow boots, water sandals and play shoes. For practical children's accessories too, Maxime Schoenen is the place to be. Whatever you're looking for, you'll always find it with us.

Discover our complete collection of children's shoes – clearly arranged by category

We offer the best children's shoes for every season – from warm boots to airy sandals – clearly grouped by category.

Every shoe in our collection is carefully designed to optimally support the development of children's feet. Below is a selection of favorites:

Why are quality children's shoes so important?

Children's feet are still developing rapidly during their early years. The feet carry the entire body and are therefore of great importance and dependent on good footwear. Poorly fitting or cheap shoes without high-quality production materials and/or a poor last can hinder foot growth or lead to complaints such as flat feet, heel pain, or an incorrect gait that builds up during the first years of life for later chronic complaints. Sturdy children's shoes support the arch of the foot, provide sufficient support, and ensure a good fit, so your child can move freely, comfortably, and healthily.

What should I pay attention to when buying children's shoes?

When buying children's shoes, it is crucial to consider the following to ensure you make the right choice for your child's foot development:

  • Flexible outsole: The sole should be flexible and roll off at the toes, allowing the foot to move naturally and supporting the natural gait.
  • Breathable material: Choose natural materials such as calf leather, which provide ventilation and prevent the foot from sweating, which can lead to blisters or athlete's foot.
  • Sturdy heel: The shoe should have a firm heel reinforcement (counter), preferably made of sturdy plastic instead of weak cardboard, so that the foot is well supported and maintains the correct posture.
  • Size chart or measurement: Always use a reliable size chart or have your child's feet professionally measured in our children's shoe store. This way, you can be sure of the correct size and fit because each sole within a brand fits differently, so you can never rely on a fixed size for all brands.

By paying attention to these aspects, you give your child's feet the right support and ensure they can develop freely, comfortably, and healthily.

How do you know if children's shoes fit well?

Many parents choose sports shoes as everyday shoes, but these are often too wide and offer too little arch support. As a result, they may not provide adequate support for children's feet, which can lead to discomfort or even chronic problems in the long run. A good children's shoe therefore meets several important conditions to guarantee optimal support and comfort:

  • The shoe leaves about 12 to 13 millimeters of space at the toes – comparable to the width of a good finger. This gives the toes enough freedom of movement, without the shoe being too loose, as is often the case with overly wide models. The shoe fits snugly at the heel, without pinching. A shoe that is too wide can cause the heel not to be properly supported, leading to unstable walking.
  • The shoe should not be too tight, but certainly not too loose either. Many sports shoes are too roomy at the top, meaning the foot is insufficiently enclosed. This can lead to slipping within the shoe and ultimately cause blisters. If a shoe is too tight, it can impede blood circulation and cause pressure points, pain, or skin irritation. It is therefore important that the shoe firmly encloses the foot, without pinching.
  • Let your child walk a bit – Does the shoe feel comfortable, without friction or irritation, and does the foot stay firmly in place without slipping? Then you've likely got the right size and fit.
  • Pay attention to signals such as stumbling, complaining of pain, or frequently taking off shoes. This could indicate that the shoes don't fit properly – for example, because they are too wide, which is often the case with many sports shoes.

Shoes that are too wide provide too little support and stability – something that is essential for the development of children's feet. Therefore, choose shoes that fit snugly but still allow enough room for the foot's natural roll-off.

How often do children need new shoes?

Children's feet grow quickly. On average, children need:

  • From 1 to 2.5 years, new shoes every 3 to 4 months
  • From 2.5 to 6 years, every 5 months
  • From 6 years onwards, every 6 months

Regularly check if the shoe still fits well. A handy test: remove the insole and have your child stand on it. Do the toes still fit within the sole without extending beyond it? Then the size is still good.

What is the difference between cheap and quality children's shoes?

The difference between cheap and high-quality children's shoes primarily lies in the materials used, the fit, and the degree of support. Sturdy shoes are carefully designed to optimally guide the natural growth and posture of children's feet. They offer, among other things:

  • Higher quality materials, such as genuine leather instead of synthetic alternatives. Leather is breathable, helps prevent excessive sweating, and reduces the chance of athlete's foot.
  • Sturdy yet flexible soles that provide better cushioning and absorb impact, and ensure good grip, ideal for playing children.
  • An anatomically correct fit. These shoes are designed based on the natural shape of children's feet – not too narrow, not too wide – and provide a comfortable, supportive fit. As the saying goes: shoemaker, stick to your trade.
  • A reinforced heel counter that provides extra stability and helps keep the foot in the correct position while walking, running, and playing.

With cheaper children's shoes, compromises are often made on crucial components such as support, fit, and material. Although they may look attractive, they usually do not offer the right support. This can lead to painful feet, tired legs, or an incorrect posture. In the long run, this can hinder the healthy development of children's feet.

Are more expensive children's shoes always better?

Not always. Price doesn't tell the whole story, but it tells a lot. Pay particular attention to the materials, fit (i.e., the last), sturdiness, and support. There are also affordable brands that deliver excellent quality, such as: Clic, Naturino, Develab, Pinocchio, Hip, Pom D'Api. Check specifications and choose a shoe that suits your child's foot.

Which children's shoe brands are truly reliable?

Reliable brands distinguish themselves through quality, comfort, and a good fit. They use durable materials and consider the development of children's feet in their design. Brands like those described below are known for their attention to detail and fit, which is why they are often recommended by specialists.

These and many other brands in our webshop are fully committed to ergonomics, sustainability, and supporting the healthy growth of children's feet.

Is it advisable to use second-hand children's shoes?

In most cases, no. Children's shoes conform to the foot and walking pattern of the first child over time. If shoes are already "broken in," they often no longer provide the proper support for another pair of feet. This can lead to an incorrect gait, pressure points, or even foot problems.

Only when shoes have been worn minimally and both the sole and interior are still in perfect condition can they potentially serve as a temporary solution. However, for the healthy development of children's feet, it is usually better to opt for a new pair that fits well.

Budget tip: Is price an important factor? Then check out our outlet or special offers. There you'll find good, unworn children's shoes at a discount – ideal if you want the best for your child on a smaller budget.

Do children's shoes always need a fastening, such as laces or Velcro?

Yes, absolutely! A good fastening is essential. It ensures that the shoe stays securely on the foot and doesn't slip while walking or playing. This prevents friction, blisters, and an unstable gait.

  • Laces or buckles provide the most accurate fit and are ideal for young children who are still helped by their parents, as well as for older children. They offer an adjustable closure that fits well, especially for narrow or wider feet, keeping the shoe secure and providing optimal support. A good fastening system therefore contributes to both comfort and safety during movement.
  • Velcro is slightly less sturdy than lace-up shoes but is ideal for younger children: easy to put on and take off, yet still very secure if there is good heel reinforcement.

The so-called slip-on sneakers have a poorer fit because they always have a wider opening and weaker heel support.

What is the influence of shoes on the development of children's feet?

Children's feet are constantly growing and developing – the bone structure, muscles, and tendons are still forming. Well-fitting shoes play an important role in this. They support natural posture, provide balance, and protect against overuse. Poorly fitting or unsuitable shoes can, conversely, lead to problems such as flat feet, an abnormal stance, or pain. Choosing quality children's shoes is therefore not just a matter of comfort, but also of healthy long-term growth.

What do good children's shoes do?

Good children's shoes – or rather: the best children's shoes – support natural posture.

  • Preventing flat feet
  • Teaching a correct and natural walking style.
  • Supporting muscles, joints, and body posture

Nevertheless, many parents – often unintentionally – opt for cheap sports shoes or sneakers that:

  • Are often too wide, causing the foot to slide around in the shoe and providing insufficient stability.
  • Are made of synthetic material that doesn't breathe, which can lead to excessive sweating, blisters, or even athlete's foot.
  • Lack reinforced heels or arch support, which can cause long-term problems in the knees, hips, or back.

Shoes that are too small, feel too stiff, or offer insufficient flexibility can also disrupt the natural growth and movement of a child's foot.

Therefore, always choose sturdy children's shoes that fit your child's foot shape well and are made of breathable, durable materials. This prevents complaints and gives the feet the right support for healthy, active growth.

Why choose Maxime Schoenen?

At Maxime Schoenen, quality, comfort, and personal service are central. Every pair of children's shoes in our collection is carefully selected and made from high-quality materials, so your child's feet wear the best children's shoes available.

In our store, we take our time for you. We provide personal advice and ensure that your child leaves with a perfectly fitting shoe. Prefer to shop online? No problem – we offer the same dedicated service there too. Via email, Facebook, or Instagram, we are happy to help you. We measure the shoes and help you choose the right size, so you can be sure your child can walk comfortably.

And because we pay attention not only to fit but also to style, you will always find a collection with us that is trendy and responsible – so your child looks good and feels good.

Find the shoes that look perfect and fit well too!

View our collection online or visit our store to buy or try on the perfect children's shoes.
Whether you're looking for sturdy boots, comfortable sneakers, or airy sandals – at Maxime Schoenen, you can buy children's shoes online in all sizes and styles. With our carefully selected collection, you choose the best children's shoes for every season – stylish, comfortable, and responsible.