These sneakers by New Balance featuring Sesame Street characters are very popular and very hard to find in brick-and-mortar stores, from what I’ve been told. FinishLine.com, however, carries a variety of characters and sizes from toddler to preschool to little kids to big kids.

Recently featured in Scholastic Parent & Child Magazine, these sneakers are designed using the New Balance 574 style Classic Running Shoe as a guide. In addition to the Cookie Monster sneakers shown above, you can choose from Elmo, Oscar the Grouch, and the Count. The sneakers feature designs on the outside and inside of the shoe, making them even more fun for little ones to wear.

Prices range from $39.98 to $59.99 depending on the size and the character you choose. To see the full array of Sesame Street sneakers available, go to FinishLine.com.

These colorful sneakers caught my eye. They look like a fun pair of shoes for a boy or a girl. Called Street Run Oddity and made by adidas, they could really be considered sneakers or causal shoes. Featuring full-grain leather uppers, a hook and loop velcro closure, comfortable textile lining, EVA midsoles for cushioning and comfort, and rubber outsides for durability and grip, your infant or toddler could go pretty far in these shoes.

The shoes come in this shale/turquoise/rave green color scheme, and medium width. They are available in infant and toddler sizes 3-10 for $30 at Piperlime.com. This store features free shipping and free returns, so you can buy shoes without worrying about encountering a hassle trying to exchange them.

I am picky about my running shoes, and Saucony is by far my favorite brand.  So, when I started seeing Saucony shoes for kids I was very excited.  My older daughter has had a pair for about a year, although she isn’t much of an athletic shoe fan.  I was excited recently to find this toddler shoe, which I immediately snapped up for my two year old.  She likes the way they look, but I like the assurance that there is more to the shoe than just a flashy appearance.

Most of the body of the shoe is constructed out of mesh, so it breathes as well as my high end running shoes.  The outsole is designed for the flexibility that is so important to the develpoment of little feet.

This is definitely a shoe that both you and your little one will enjoy.  Masculine colors are also available.  You can purchase a pair for $49 at Zappos.com.

Jennifer Garner’s and Ben Affleck’s daughter has recently been spotted out and about in these great little shoes from Naturino. These cute little canvas sneakers are available in a number of fun colors including bright orange. They are made using the company’s trademarked “Sand Effect” system, which mimics the effects of walking in sand and promotes foot health–a great feature for growing feet.

The Mary Jane styling makes them versatile–I could see them going well with shorts and a tee shirt or even a casual dress. You will love the way your child looks in these cute little shoes, and feel good knowing that you are promoting healthy development.

You can purchase a pair for $67 at Zappos.com. They are available in toddler sizes from 6-13.

Rumored to be among the gifts Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie received for their new twins, these slip ons from Sweet Shoes certainly make a statement.  Made from leather and canvas, these shoes have a layer of phone for added support and are designed to allow for maximal ventilation.  Easy to slip on and off, these shoes are great for casual summer wear.

A favorite of other celebrity parents such as Brooke Burke and Jennifer Lopez, Sweet Shoes slip ons come in sizes from 0-6 months to 18-24 months.  You can purchase a pair for $24 at UrbanBabyRunway.com.  A number of other fun styles are also available.

Converse sneakers are not just for the basketball court anymore! Especially these Swingtime Swarovski All Stars with pink Swarovski crystals around them. These come in infant sizes 2-5 which means these are mostly for show but still, they do serve a purpose besides fashion.

The high-top feature is perfect for delicate ankles. When you place baby in a bouncer, stroller, swing, anywhere where they can push off with their feet you might feel better knowing that they have a little extra protection. But these All Stars are so darling in pink and crystal, I’m sure they’ll be a keepsake for your memory treasure chest.

Price: $45.00 (sale) at rubyskids.com.