Are you preparing for your baby’s first steps? If you already have a little cruiser, you may be wondering about the best footwear to protect their tiny feet. Although it’s tempting to choose the cutest shoes, not all baby walking shoes are the same. It’s important to select a pair that accommodates and shields those delicate toes while promoting growth and flexibility.
We searched for shoes with adaptable soles, superior shock absorption, breathable uppers, and flexible designs. From adorable sneakers for winter activities to summer outings and water play, we found plenty of excellent options. Additionally, we discovered customizable choices for your baby’s feet, whether they are wide or small.
We hope you can pick one in our selection of the best first baby walking shoes!
Our Top Picks
- Best Soft Sole Shoes: Momo Baby Boys Soft Sole Shoes
- Best Non-Slip Shoes: peggy piggy Baby Shoes
- Best Baby Shoes For Wide Feet: Stride Rite Soft Motion Walker
- Best Sneaker: See Kai Run, Stevie II First Walker Sneakers
- Best Water Shoes: Stride Rite Unisex-Child Soft Motion Splash Athletic Sneaker
- Best Baby Shoes For Winter: Kamik Footwear Snowbug3 Insulated Boot
- Best Leather Baby Shoes: Freshly Picked Soft Sole Classic Moccs
- Best Stretchy Baby Shoes: montaas Baby Boys Girls Shoes
- Best Baby Sandals: Timberland Adventure Seeker Two-Strap Sandal
- Best Baby Shoes With Velcro: Sperry Halyard Hook & Loop Boat Shoe
In This Article
HappyBabyHub’s Best First Baby Walking Shoes Picks
Momo Baby Boys Soft Sole Shoes – Best Soft Sole Shoes
- Easy to clean
- Pretty flexible
- Comfortable
- Easy to slip on
- Make sure your baby is wearing socks with these
The Momo Baby shoes are an excellent option for babies who are starting to walk because of their sturdy and lightweight mesh material that ensures optimal ventilation. The flexible sole allows for the weight to transfer naturally from the heel to the toe when walking.
In addition, the uppers are made of premium-grade, breathable leather that provides ample ventilation to keep your baby’s feet cool and dry. These shoes also feature an elastic ankle that helps to keep the shoe securely on the foot. Additionally, the supple suede leather sole with a textured surface prevents any unexpected slips.
peggy piggy Baby Shoes – Best Non-Slip Shoes
- Soft little shoes
- They are not bulky or heavy
- Easy to put on
- Multiple colors available
- Runs a bit big
If you’re looking for a sturdy, non-slip option, this is a great option. Your baby’s walking shoes must be both flexible and sturdy, and these shoes check both boxes. They come in a range of colors, wash up well, and fit comfortably.
The top is spacious enough for the toes, providing ample pressure for stability and safety, while the sides offer extra flexibility for easy on and off. These shoes provide great value without sacrificing quality, as the built-in soft memory foam insoles do not need to be replaced after several uses.
Stride Rite Soft Motion Walker – Best Baby Shoes For Wide Feet
- Soft enough in the sole to provide a good footbed for learning
- Stylish
- The Velcro fasteners make it easy to ‘latch’ the two shoes together
- Great for wide little feet
- The strap is not the longest
Stride Rite offers these colorful and highly comfortable sports shoes for your stylish baby. They are designed to encourage natural movement in new walkers and provide the healthiest shoe for your baby’s feet.
These shoes come with a durable leather upper, a lace-up front, and stylish accent stripes in contrasting colors. Plus, the hook-and-loop fastening and grippy rubber bottom make it easy for beginning walkers to put on and take off.
And the seamless silhouettes of these newborn walking shoes conform to the foot’s natural shape, and memory foam footbeds provide improved comfort and underfoot cushioning.
See Kai Run, Stevie II First Walker Sneakers – Best Sneaker
- They fit comfortable
- They are not bulky
- Great for active babies
- Very durable
- It is somewhat large
This sneaker shoe is designed to be soft, pliable, and spacious, making it perfect for little ones who are beginning to walk. With its cushioned collar and tongue, your child will feel comfortable and light on their feet. The rubber outsole provides traction and durability for those early steps while remaining flexible.
The adjustable hook-and-loop strap with faux laces guarantees a secure fit. Choose from a variety of colors and materials, all with a roomy toe box that encourages proper foot development. And with the Seal of Approval from the American Podiatric Medical Society, you can be sure that your child’s foot health is a top priority.
Stride Rite Unisex-Child Soft Motion Splash Athletic Sneaker – Best Water Shoes
- Light and easy to put on
- Waterproof
- Easy to wash
- Not heavy or bulky
- Not many colors
Infants who are just learning to walk are at the perfect age to enjoy playing in a kiddie pool or at a water table. However, it is important to protect their delicate feet, especially if the pool is surrounded by hot asphalt.
It is crucial to choose footwear that provides maximum durability and protection while also being comfortable and flexible. Therefore, as tempting as it may be to slip your baby’s feet into flip-flops, it is not recommended.
These are specialized water shoes that are designed to get wet and dry quickly, while also providing a good grip and preventing slips. Plus, these shoes come in medium or wide widths and are available in sizes 3 to 6, including half sizes.
Kamik Footwear Snowbug3 Insulated Boot – Best Baby Shoes For Winter
- The inside of the shoe is padded with faux fur for added warmth
- It’s very easy to put on and take off
- Guaranteed warmth
- Great look
- Size runs large
These sturdy and insulated boots will provide the confidence your child needs to go out and enjoy the snow. With their extra-wide opening, these boots are easy to slip on and off.
An elasticized Velcro strap above the ankle ensures that minimal snow enters the boots while also providing additional support to your child’s feet. The only drawback is that the sizes run large, but they should be a good fit for children with wider feet.
Freshly Picked Soft Sole Classic Moccs – Best Leather Baby Shoes
- Wide range of colors
- They smell like pure leather
- Good quality
- The leather is very soft
- Might fade over time
Freshly Picked Moccasins are crafted from the finest quality genuine leather and are available in various unique shapes and styles. Not only are they durable and easy to slip on, but they also keep your child’s feet warm. These moccasins not only look beautiful, but they also support healthy foot development in children by allowing them to spread their toes and grip the ground as if they were barefoot.
montaas Baby Boys Girls Shoes – Best Stretchy Baby Shoes
- Great grip
- Flexible
- easy to put on and take off
- Very comfortable
- Might be too big
These stretch baby shoes feature a fly-knit upper that dries quickly, as well as soft rubber spikes and a flexible knit collar that hugs the foot and ankle.
Plus, these slip-on shoes are as easy to put on and comfortable as wearing only socks. The fly-knit top promotes breathability for baby’s feet, while the mesh uppers and cushioned insoles provide added comfort.
For crawlers and early walkers, the flexible and slip-resistant rubber outsoles help prevent falls, while the front of the sole is designed to promote proper foot development with a 1/3-bending design.
Timberland Adventure Seeker Two-Strap Sandal – Best Baby Sandals
- Strong. This sandal lasts longer than the average sandals
- Fits as expected
- These provide some cushion
- Easy to get on and off
- Odor when used daily
These sandals are perfect for fun-filled outings during warm weather and provide cool and comfortable wear for your kids’ feet.
They are crafted with lightweight and water-friendly synthetic material and feature two straps that securely fasten with hook-and-loop closures for a customized fit. Additionally, the footbed cover has been treated with an anti-microbial solution that helps to prevent odors.
Plus, the non-marking rubber outsole is lightweight and flexible, offering excellent grip and stability for confident strides, while the EVA footbed provides cushioning for added comfort.
Sperry Halyard Hook & Loop Boat Shoe – Best Baby Shoes With Velcro
- This shoe has a sole that has a kind of memory foam material that yields pressure relief to the foot
- The white stitches of the seams on the red color are very nice and gives a bright contrast and look stylish
- The double zippers with the Velcros are durable
- Nice grip
- Pricey
Active babies will love these Sperry Halyard shoes. They are available in medium or wide fits and provide adequate arch support for little feet to explore the world. Khaki, grey, and blue are some of the beautiful colors available for baby boys.
The Velcro loop-strap design and longer straps make them easy to put on and take off, and more adjustable for young children with larger feet. Plus, the rubber soles provide excellent durability and traction.
How To Choose The Best Baby Walking Shoes?
- Flexibility: Look for shoes with flexible soles that will allow your baby’s feet to move and flex naturally.
- Support: The shoes should provide support for your baby’s feet and ankles without being too rigid or restrictive.
- Size: Make sure to measure your baby’s feet regularly and choose shoes that fit properly, with enough room for growth.
- Material: Choose shoes made from breathable materials to prevent sweaty feet and reduce the risk of skin irritation.
- Safety: Look for shoes with non-slip soles and a secure fit to prevent slips and falls.
- Comfort: Choose non-skid shoes that are comfortable and easy for your baby to put on and take off, as recommended by the AAP (1).
Types of Baby Shoes
- Soft Sole: These shoes have a flexible sole and are made from materials like leather or cloth. They are suitable for infants who are just learning to crawl and walk, as they allow for better movement and balance.
- Hard Sole: These shoes have a sturdy sole and are made from materials like rubber or plastic. They provide more support and protection for the baby’s feet and are ideal for toddlers who have just started walking.
- Sandals: These are open-toed shoes that are perfect for warmer weather. They come in various styles, including slip-ons, Velcro straps, and buckle closures.
- Sneakers: These are suitable for babies who are more active and need a more secure and supportive shoe. They come in various styles and are perfect for all seasons.
- Boots: These are ideal for colder weather and provide added warmth and protection for the baby’s feet.
- Water Shoes: These shoes are designed for aquatic activities and have a non-slip sole to prevent slipping and sliding.
When Should Babies Start Wearing Walking Shoes?
Babies don’t require walking shoes until they are walking outside or on rough or uneven surfaces. Until then, it’s recommended for them to be barefoot or in socks or soft-soled shoes to help with balance and the development of their foot muscles.
Once they start walking outside or on rough surfaces, it’s important to provide them with shoes that provide protection and support for their feet. The timing for when babies start wearing walking shoes can vary, but it’s generally around 9-18 months.
Do Babies Need Shoes To Walk?
Although your baby’s feet will develop just as well without footwear, walking barefoot may not always be possible (2). Though walking barefoot helps babies develop their foot muscles and balance, and it allows them to grip the ground better (3). However, shoes can provide protection and support for babies’ feet, especially when they start walking outside or on rough surfaces.
How To Fit Baby Shoes?
- Use a tape measure to determine the length and width of your baby’s feet. Alternatively, you can use a foot-measuring device available at some shoe stores.
- Once you have measured your baby’s feet, compare the measurements to a size chart to determine the appropriate shoe size. Remember to measure both feet as one foot may be slightly larger than the other.
- When you go to purchase the shoes, bring your baby along to try them on. The shoes should be comfortable and fit snugly, but not be too tight or too loose (4).
- Make sure there is enough room for your baby’s toes to move freely, and that the shoe doesn’t rub against the skin, causing blisters or discomfort.
- Allow your baby to take a few steps in the shoes to see if they are comfortable and provide enough support.
