When your baby starts taking their first teetering steps, you start thinking seriously about the best shoes for first walking. High quality shoes protect their feet and encourage natural movement.
Which shoes should you buy your little one? Also, how do you find the proper fit? Discover the answers to these questions and more.
A Pediatric Physical Therapist on How to Choose the Best Shoes for First Walking
When we interviewed Dr. Amie Dougherty of Milestones at Play about how babies learn to walk, she also gave us some tips about the best first walking shoes. Dr. Amie holds a Doctorate in Physical Therapy and helps babies walk every day.
Dr. Amie says flexible shoes are best. Ideally, you should be able to fold the shoe in half. Also, look for these characteristics:
- A flat sole
- A heel cup
- A strap that keeps the shoe on tight
If your toddler is struggling with walking, they may require a more supportive shoe. Be sure to check with your child's pediatrician if you have any concerns.
Do Babies Need Walking Shoes?
Your baby will need walking shoes in certain situations. Dr. Amie recommends that parents let babies go barefoot as much as possible. This helps your toddler build muscles in their feet.
You might consider letting your child go barefoot at home or in controlled environments that are safe. That said, Dr. Amie agrees there are some situations when your new walker will need shoes. Shoes are also important when you go outside, to the store, or daycare.
"Shoes are for protection during the toddler phase," Dr. Amie says. Shoes can protect your toddler's health and prevent injury from hot pavement or sharp objects.
Shoe Sizes for Babies and Toddlers
Shoe sizing for babies and toddlers may vary depending on the shoe brand. Most kids shoe brands provide sizing charts that you can help you determine the best fit for your child.
While sizes vary by brand, these are the sizes your new walker might need:
| Size (US) | Approximate Age | Foot Length (Inches) |
| 3 | 6 months | 4 |
| 3.5 | 8 months | 4.25 |
| 4 | 12 months | 4.375 |
| 5 | 15 months | 4.625 |
| 6 | 18 months | 5 |
| 7 | 24 months | 5.375 |
| 8 | 2 - 3 years | 5.75 |
If possible, download a size chart and print it out. Then, you can measure your child's foot against a diagram to find the best size based on the brand's sizing.
Top 6 Best First Walker Shoes
The best walking shoes for babies ensures your baby's feet develop normally. The American Podiatric Medical Association recommends choosing soft soled shoes that are lightweight. Dr. Amie also recommends a wide toe box so your baby's sites aren't squished together.
Choosing quality baby walking shoes ensures ideal foot development. Here are our top picks.
1. Best Walking Shoes for Babies: Ten Little - $39
Approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) and Dr. Amie, Ten Little offers several shoe options for beginning walkers. The "First Walkers" shoe comes in five gorgeous colors and several sizes. The two Velcro straps ensure a good fit as your baby grows. Explore other styles such as sandals or Mary Janes.
Features:
- Five gorgeous colors to choose from
- Lightweight, made of high-traction rubber and cotton
- Supports natural foot development with a foot-shaped toe box
- Flat and flexible soles
- Velcro closure
- Insoles that help your child get their shoes on the right feet
- Approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association
2. Best Slip-On First Walker Shoes: Alexa Nova - $29
These no-fuss shoes slip right on so your toddler can go explore the world. If your toddler is busy, busy, busy with no time for laces or even Velcro, these slip-ons are the answer. Plus, they dry quickly in case your little one happens to get wet...or need their shoes washed.
Features:
- Choose from five attractive colors
- Lightweight, made of non-slip rubber and breathable mesh
- Slip on style
- Flat and flexible soles
3. Best Shoes for Babies Learning to Walk: Jbrds - $48
Start your baby off on the right foot with Jbrds. A cozy option with a sock-like top, Jbrds are also machine washable. One common complaint is that they are difficult to get on your little one's foot.
Features:
- Choose from a range of colors
- Lightweight
- Supports natural foot development
- Flat and flexible soles
- Velcro closure
- Approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association
4. Most Stylish Baby Shoes: Little Lovebug Company - $49
Who says you can't have fashionable shoes that are also ideal baby walking shoes? Adorable, stylish, and practical, Little Lovebug Company's Quinn shoe is perfect for casual wear and dressier occasions. Your toddler will feel all grown up slipping these attractive shoes on "all by myself!"
Features:
- The Quinn comes in several colors if you search for them on Little Lovebug's website
- Lightweight, made of natural leather for greater durablity
- Flat and flexible soles
- Slip on style
5. Best Booties for Babies and Toddlers: Zutano - $21
The best first walker shoes may not even be shoes at all, they're booties! Sometimes, you need just a little protection from the cold while still making walking safe. These booties feature rubber grips so your little one won't slip when toddling around.
Unlike socks, these booties stay put, making them ideal for your baby to use while crawling as well.
Features:
- Fourteen exciting colors to choose from
- Lightweight, made of GOTS certified 100% organic cotton with rubber grips
- Supports natural foot development
- Flat and flexible
- Button closure
6. Best Toddler Shoes for Winter: Balo Barefoot - $49.90
When the weather is cold, try Balo Barefoot's faux fur lined shoes. Your little one can adventure with confidence knowing that their feet are well-protected. These winter boots feature toe protection for any collisions while playing in the snow. Your toddler can also wear these shoes for hiking and everyday life throughout the fall and winter.
Features:
- Five gorgeous colors to choose from
- Made with lightweight rubber soles with quality traction in winter conditions
- Supports natural foot development with a wide toe box
- Flat and flexible soles
- Velcro closure
When Should Babies Start Wearing Walking Shoes?
Your baby should start wearing walking shoes when they are mobile. In my experience as a mother of three, I put my babies in shoes when they started crawling and standing up. However, I only used shoes outside the house. In the house, they went barefoot.
Experts at the APMA recommend allowing your baby to go barefoot as much as possible. However, foot protection is important for rough surfaces and environments outside the home. The average age your baby may need to start wearing walking shoes is between 6 and 12 months.
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