My son has been walking for 6 months (18 months now) and once we moved up from leather soled shoes to rubber soled he was constantly tripping on the front part of the sole (on toe box). I ordered these shoes and they immediately solved the problem. The rounded sole at toe prevents the tripping and they are flexible and easy for him to walk in while providing solid support. My son has wide feet and these fit well. No issues with Velcro. So far seem worth the slightly higher price. They are cute too!