Becoming a walker is one of the most significant milestones your kid will make, but with that comes the pressure of purchasing the first “real” pair of baby shoes. The footwear requires to feel comfortable, be easy to get on (and stay on!), and explicitly designed to uphold kid feet’ shape. An adorable-looking pair on your tiny human does not harm either.
The Good Housekeeping Institute reviews kid and toddler equipment of all types, from diapers and sleep sacks to cribs and child-proof things. The Textiles Lab and parenting pros explored baby walking shoe products for factors like design, fit, materials, ease of putting on, and more. The picks ahead are our expert’s favorites and popular brands with rave reviews from birth parents.
As you shop for baby walking shoes, keep in mind that the baby’s feet are more comprehensive and have a distinct bone structure than older babies and adults. The walking shoes for babies should have a broad fit so babies can move and grip their toes and more flexibility so that the experience is closer to walking barefoot. There should also be some traction on the bottom to help prevent unnecessary slips and spills.
Do Babies Need to Wear Shoes When Learning to Walk?
When kids are learning to walk, they should be in bare feet or a soft-soled shoe as much as possible so they can sense what they touch with their feet and grow muscle strength. When kids have been walking on their own confidently for some time, they can advance to a hard-soled shoe.
Have your baby’s shoes professionally fitted, which should include measuring each foot for length and width. Children’s feet overgrow, and their first walker shoe size may require updating every month. Shoes that are too hard can hamper your child’s walking and cause problems, such as ingrown toenails.
Walking Shoes for Babies
Becoming a #walker is one of the most significant #milestones your kid will make, but with that comes the pressure of #purchasing the first “real” pair of ...
Are Walking Shoes Good for Babies?
Once your baby has taken his initial steps, your safest bet for baby shoes is to make sure they’re satisfied and give some hold on slippery surfaces. They should fit snugly at the heel but still allow room at the toes. Though support won’t stabilize your baby’s ankles at this age, shoes with higher ankles will help prevent your little one from taking them off.
Should Babies Wear Socks When Learning to Walk?
Babies should wear socks for warmth and relaxation; socks may be all your baby requires. Socks with rubber grips on the bottom reduce the chance of slipping off your older infant or toddler. If you will be outside on cold or rough surfaces, go ahead and try out some shoes. What kind of shoe to purchase? Consider a soft shoe of either cloth or soft leather. These materials will permit the feet to breathe with a very elastic rubber sole and a flat-non-skid bottom.
High-tops are out since they limit ankle movement required to start walking. There should be a half-inch of toe space in your kid’s shoes. That room will assist, as babies and toddlers will outgrow their shoes about every two months. Shoes should also have a minimal heel if any, so the child doesn’t catch the heel on obstacles.
Velcro instead of laces are probably the way to go when your child is young. That way, you don’t have to worry about retying laces all day long. Be aware, however, that a child could get out of shoes with Velcro more quickly than with laces tied tightly.
Also, avoid decorations that can detach and pose a choking hazard. Hand-me-down shoes are not a good idea since a shoe needs to be broken into a child’s foot. Hopefully, tips like these will help you put your best foot forward when purchasing shoes for your young child.
Best Walking Shoes for Babies and Toddlers 2020
There are some best shoes for your kid.
Tsukihoshi Racer Washable Sneaker
Not only are these shoes charming, but they’re also designed to support the baby’s foot without inhibiting muscle and balance development.1 The boots feature a wide toe box that permits for the natural splaying of toes and a rubber outsole that is almost weightless, shock-absorbing, and slip-resistant, making sure your child’s protection and relaxation.
They feature a vast hook and loop closure and flexible laces, making them effortless to take on and off. With detachable insoles, the shoes can adapt customized child orthotics if your tot requires them. They’re accessible in sizes 3 to 7 (usually for kids up to 24 months). They are machine washable, so you don’t have to bother about letting your little one examine the muddy backyard after a downpour. According to the company, the shoes run a little giant, so you may want to go down half a size. That’s why it is rated one of the best baby walking shoes.
UGG Kids Roos Star
Crib shoes are distinct from walking shoes because they’re not meant for walking, just for keeping the toes closed, hot, and maybe to add a few styles to an outfit. The Ugg Kids Roo Star crib footwear are not only attractive—with their star pattern and golden flair—but they also have a little friction on the bottom in case your little one amazes you with some beautiful cruising.
Additionally, they emphasize a hook-and-loop finish so they’ll stay put, but they are still comfortable to slip on and off. , the good part is that these are aligned with popular Ugg fleece to keep your baby’s toes toasty. They’re obtainable in three sizes—extra-small (0-6 months), small (6-12 months), and medium (12-24 months). If you are researching the best first walking shoes, then this product can be your answer.
Best Budget Shoes
One of the most incredible things about Stride Rite shoes is that they have multiple size choices, so you’re forced to get something that will fit your child. These sneakers are obtainable in sizes 3 to 7 (infant to 4 years old), including half sizes, and have three distinct width choices.
Parents also prefer that the shoes have a rounded sole to help lessen the danger of trips and slips, non-skid rubber soles, and a flexible leash with Velcro to keep them set. The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)- guaranteed shoes are manufactured with breathable stuff to help air circulation and feature memory foam footbeds to improve your baby’s well-being. What’s more, they come in a mixture of appealing colors. There are many best first shoes for baby on the market, but you have to select a perfect one for this.
Best Splurge
If you’re prepared to splurge for top-of-the-line baby walking shoes, go for the Stride Rite Soft Motion Frankie Sneaker. The boots have a memory foam footbed, sit raised on the joint (which prevents them from falling off), and have the American Podiatric Medical Association seal of permission. They’re composed of classic white leather and highlight a cushioned neckband for added warmth and relaxation.
These are baby leisure shoes. Like other Stride Rite shoes, they’re obtainable in sizes 3 to 6 (infant to 4 years old), including half-sizes, and in two width choices. This shoe comes in one of the best shoes for new walkers in today’s market.
The Best Splurge Runner-Up
According to Dr. Cunha, one point to consider when looking for the best baby walking shoes is friction. “The bottoms of the shoe should be textured, as this will give traction and help stop your child from sliding on slick surfaces,” he says. The Freshly Chosen Soft Sole Leather Moccasins are meant to have a rugged sole for traction and guard delicate baby feet from things that may harm them.
They were also intended to provide your child with a barefoot feel, which helps with foot growth. Because of the elastic along the top of the shoe, your little one will have a difficult time pulling these off, so you’ll feel great knowing that they’ll always stay in position once you put them on. You can get these in newborn sizes 1 to 3 (1 to 18 months) and kids sizes 4 to 5 (18 to 30 months). The best shoes to help baby walk should be your priority.
Best Stylish Shoes
If you like to outfit your kiddo up, you’ll be satisfied to know you don’t have to forfeit style for a firm (and safe) pair of baby walking shoes. These shoes from Stride Rite will look fabulous with some adorable tiny shorts or a dress, but they still have the essentials—like friction and design—that enable your baby to sense like they’re walking barefoot.
The classic baby shoes are manufactured of 100% leather and highlight a rubber sole, plus flexible laces that’ll keep the shoes in position, even on incredibly fussy toddlers. You can take these shoes in measurements 3 to 7 (for infants to 4 years old), including half lengths and three distinct widths. There are many best baby shoes for new walkers for you.
Best Sandals
Your tiny one will overwhelm in these sandals with a delightful blossom pattern and added white leather! Like other Stride Rite shoes, they get in a bulky range of sizes (for infants to 4-year-old tots) and various widths. The sandals are intended to promote foot improvement while still allowing security for different indoor and outdoor plans, like when you bring your kid to the seaside for the first time.
They’re manufactured with a memory foam insole, a stretchy fabrication, a rounded rubber sole to decrease the danger of falls, and have a hook-and-loop leash to keep them fasted to your kiddo’s foot. They even highlight sensory pods on the sole so kids can feel the ground beneath them. These are the best first steps baby shoes for your kid.
Best Sneakers
If you have a tiny runner on your hands, these Nikes will help maintain them secure while also seeing attractive. They’re made with breathable mesh upper stuff and a rubber sole for excellent friction. They’re obtainable in regular kid’s sizes, 2 to 10 (infant to toddler), but you’ll want to be sure they fit perfectly if you think your kid will be working in them.
To assure the right fit, Dr. Casares says parents should “make sure the baby’s toes are not pressed against the front tip of the shoes, so there’s room for movement as they walk.” If your baby falls and slips more when wearing the shoes than they do when barefoot, that can express the boots are too big, and you want to size down.
Additionally, Dr. Cunha states that children’s footwear should have shoelaces, Velcro, or other fastening methods to be stable and protected. With a velcro leash, these sneakers will stay put but are still comfortable to take on and off. These kinds of shoes are the best shoes for babies starting to walk.
Best Water Shoes
Tiny walkers are at the ideal age for dashing around in the kiddie pool or at a water table, but that postures a difficulty for their small feet, especially when the pool is enclosed by potentially hot asphalt.
According to podiatrist Dr. Cunha, shoes should be lightweight, supportive, and long-lasting. It is vital to select a shoe that provides as much strength and protection as possible without sacrificing ease of elasticity.
So, as fascinating as it may be to put your baby’s tiny toes into any flip flops, that will not be the most significant thing for their feet. Alternatively, choose a set of these Stride Rite water shoes. They’re intended to get wet (and dry quickly) and keep your baby’s feet from slipping around and causing falls. They’re obtainable in sizes 3 to 6 (for infants to toddlers four years old), including half sizes and medium or wide widths. If you are deciding on shoes to help baby walk, this type can be an excellent option.
Best With Rubber Sole
If you’re moving someplace with gravel or rough ground, footwear with a stiff rubber sole like the Converse Kids Chuck Taylors is going to ease your baby find their stability a little better. The top of the shoe is made from canvas for excellent air circulation (though the sparkle pink style is thicker than the others), as well as two hook and loop velcro leashes to keep the shoes on tight.
They’re obtainable in sizes 2 to 10 (for newborns and kids up to 8 years old), but like the grown-up Chuck Taylors, they do run large, so you’ll need your kiddo to examine them out around the home a little bit before committing.
Best Winter Shoes
If you exist in a freezing environment, your child may require some hot boots for the chilly winter months. Ugg has many great kids’ shoes (that are just as comfortable as the adult styles), but the Bixbee Ankle Boot is excellent for babies and new walkers because it highlights a velcro leash that will keep the shoe tightly in place.
The booties have a super smooth terry upper and internal to support foot development but still highlight a rough sole with short textured stars to give some friction—though you may not need your tot to test their walking abilities on the ice just yet. These little booties are obtainable in sizes 1 to 5 and are proper for kids up to 24 months old.
Mini Shoes Low Top sneaker
The Robeez Mini Shoez collection styles were intended to look like shoes Mom or Dad would wear, but they were created to support baby feet. Unlike most others, there’s a split sole, so babies get a rubber bottom’s skid protection with soft shoe flexibility.
There’s also flexible around the ankle to assist keep them on, foam cushioning inside for convenience, and high-quality leather, so you know they’ll hold up. The brand offers lots of popular styles for boys and girls, so there’s something for every occasion.
Soft Sole Leather Shoes
These shoes are entirely made of soft leather (no rubber soles), so they’re related to the sense of walking barefoot, which assists babies to grasp their toes on the ground. They’re also weightless and roomy on the inside.
The flexibility goes throughout the ankle, so they’ll stay put on wiggly feet, and there are varieties in color and style, so they’re ideal to use as crib shoes even before the kid starts walking. You’ll see the shoes don’t have a special right or left; as your baby wears them, they’ll begin to take shape to their feet.
Every Step Park Sneaker
Kid walking shoes are usually manufactured with original leather and natural fabrics, which can get costly. Carter’s uses synthetic elements for a lower cost while still giving the supportive specialties for baby feet.
These shoes are weightless and elastic so the baby can quickly move around, plus the soles have grooves to help give friction. On top of that, this style is adaptable so that it can go with any outfit. Babies’ feet grow fast, so it’s best to have fewer shoes since you’ll be replacing them often.
Conclusion
Any of these walking shoes for babies will hold your baby’s feet maintained and firm, but the Tsukihoshi Racer Washable Sneaker stands above the rest. They’re thoughtfully created, fashionable, and you can toss them in the washing machine to increase their life. The only difference is if your little walker is playing in the water; then you’ll need the Stride Rite Soft Motion Splash Water Shoes, which are intended to not only decrease the chance of slips but also dry quickly for support.
Thanks for Reading. Also Find the 5 Best Baby Walkers that you need to buy in 2021 here…
TSUKIHOSHI Kids Baby Girl's Racer (Infant/Toddler) Purple/Lavender 3 M US Infant
Features
- Machine Washable – Machine wash COLD; remove insole and AIR dry (NO dryer use)
- Easy On and Off – Convenient single-strap "hook and loop" closure with elastic faux-laces offers simple, snug fit
- Barefoot Comfort – Extra wide toe box allows natural splaying of toes for better balance, comfort, and foot health
- Ultra-lightweight outsole – Flexible, abrasion-resistant, shock-absorbing, slip-resistant, non-marking EVA/TPR outsole provides lightweight grip and comfort for your child's foot
- Pedorthist Friendly – With its removable insole, long counters, and child-specific patterns, Tsukihoshi has become a favorite for Pedorthists looking to make modifications to accommodate customized orthotics and/or AFOs
Stride Rite Baby Boys SRTech Kids' Elliot Sneaker, Black Leather, 3 Wide Infant
Features
- FUN KIDS' FOOTWEAR: These breathable leather kids' booties feature lightweight rubber soles and elastic laces to give it a sporty look
- DURABLE AND COMFORTABLE CONSTRUCTION: Kids' booties feature sensory pods to feel the ground beneath for better traction and grip; Tread design outsole allows for multi-directional flexibility and memory foam footbeds provide enhanced comfort
- EFFICIENT DESIGN: Stylish shoes come with lace-up closure for secure fit; Seamless construction that cradles the foot’s natural shape
- EASY TO CLEAN: Wipe clean these children shoes with a damp, warm cloth and mild detergent or brush off dry dirt; Treat leather with conditioner if desired
- INSTANT OUTFIT MAKER: Stride Rite celebrates childhood by bringing you kid's footwear, with thoughtful designs and vibrant colors, making them a perfect pair with casual and formal kids clothing
Nike Kids Flex Runner (Infant/Toddler) Black/White 8 Toddler
$46.63 in stock
Features
- Play without limits! Step your game up with the Nike Kids Flex Runner sneakers.
- Breathable mesh upper with synthetic overlay.
- Slip-on construction.
- Pull tab at heel and tongue.
- Mesh lining and footbed.
Converse Baby-Boy's Chuck Taylor All Star 2V Low Top Sneaker, Navy/White, 10 M US Toddler
Features
- Double hook and loop closure for simple on and off
- Classic canvas upper
- Soft foam sockliner for comfort
UGG Kids' Bixbee Ankle Boot, Charcoal, 0/1
1 used from $22.24
Features
- Machine washable
- Cozy textile upper
- Adjustable hook-and-loop closure for easy on and off
- Cozy textile lining
- Faux suede outsole
Stride Rite SRT SM Artie (Infant/Toddler)
Zappos
stride rite® Size Chart
Showcasing a premium leather and canvas upper with an easy-on hook-and-loop strap closure, the Stride Rite® SRT SM Artie shoe is a classic choice for all of his adventures.
Soft Motion shoes are built to encourage natural movement for first-time walkers. Designed to be the healthiest shoes for your baby's foot, these styles are all APMA approved.
Elasticized laces with hook-and-loop strap closure.
Leather lining and insole.
Memory foam footbed delivers enhanced comfort.
Sensory Response Technology™ helps mimic barefoot walking by having sensory pods on the outsole to help kids feel the ground.
Flexible and lightweight outsole helps kids learn to adapt to uneven surfaces. They have a protective sole that is flexible to assist the child in their first steps.
Imported.
Product measurements were taken using size 3 Infant, width W. Please note that measurements may vary by size.
Weight of footwear is based on a single item, not a pair.
Measurements:
Weight: 2 oz
View Zappos.com Glossary of Terms
Find something wrong in this description? Help us fix it!
