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15 Best Baby Shoes for New Walkers
Celebrate baby's first steps with a new pair of kicks that will have them walking in style and comfort.
A baby's first steps are a momentous occasion in the life of new parents. And it happens quickly. One moment you have a crawling baby, and the next, they pull themselves up and in the blink of an eye, they take their first steps. Make sure your little one's feet are protected with our picks for the best baby walking shoes. From moccasins and sandals to sneakers and Mary Janes, these are the cutest, most comfortable baby shoes that will keep tiny feet supported with every step.
If you're a parent looking for a pair of shoes for your first-time walker, you're likely aware that there are many choices for baby shoes — and all of them a swoon-worthy. But you want to be sure you are buying the right pair to give your new walker the support they need for their newfound skill (in addition to the adorable aesthetics, of course). The same goes for godparents or other loved ones searching for baby gift ideas. Whether you're shopping for a baby boy, a baby girl, or looking for a unisex baby gift, there's a pair of kicks on this list that will work for you.
The best baby walking shoes to buy in 2023:
Read on for all of our top picks for the best walking shoes for babies in 2023, as well as what to look for and answers to frequently asked questions.
Robeez First Kicks
These adorable shoes are specifically made for early walkers and come in 16 different styles. Sizes 0-5 months feature a soft suede sole, while sizes six and up have a split rubber sole for added traction and support.
Tucker + Tate Kids' Bunny Mary Jane Shoe
Tucker + Tate Kids' Bunny Mary Jane Shoe
Pink rabbit Mary Janes! Bunny ears give this shoe a whimsical feel, while rubber soles offer traction for outdoor walking. Does it get any cuter than this?
ikiki Shoes Puppy Squeaky Toddler Shoes
ikiki Shoes Puppy Squeaky Toddler Shoes
Thanks to a squeak pad right under the baby's heel, you always know where your new walker is going. Don't worry. There's an off button. The breathable fabric keeps feet cool, and the velcro strap makes for a roomy feel.
See Kai Run Kids Wilder
See Kai Run Kids Wilder
Wear this fashionable pair of sandals with or without socks for a fresh, breathable fit. Tiny tootsies are protected with a rounded, covered toe. Front and back velcro make for a secure fit that is easy to put on and take off.
Converse Kids' Chuck Taylor All Star 2V Sneaker
The classic Converse style is pared down for tiny feet. The sturdy canvas wipes clean, and the striped pull tabs help get the shoes onto wiggly feet.
Mejale Slip-on Leather Moccasins
Mejale Slip-on Leather Moccasins
Soft leather moccasins are perfect for new walkers. The lightweight yet durable sole makes it easy for feet to feel the ground beneath them, making steps feel more natural. Many parents suggest using this shoe as a transition from crawler to walker. The soft shoe protects the top of the baby's feet while crawling and offers protection once walking starts.
Animal Non-Skid Indoor Slipper
Think of these as socks but with protective soles. The unique soles are made from memory foam, so they shape to baby's feet, creating a comfortable walking experience. Plus, they are machine washable.
HIITAVE Toddler Girl Shoes
The flexible, non-skid sole is great for little ones who are constantly on the go — no matter the weather or occasion. The breathable mesh outer material keeps feet cool and dry.
Stride Rite Girls Soft Motion Kiki 2.0 First Walker Shoe
Stride Rite Girls Soft Motion Kiki 2.0 First Walker Shoe
An oversized opening makes on and off easy for wide baby feet, and the memory foam footbed adds extra cushion. The cradle-like construction hugs the foot for added support.
Ten Little Everyday Original
This all-occasion sneaker has reinforced toe caps, a no-slip tongue, and non-skid soles, perfect for every day, from party to play.
Momo Baby Unisex Soft Sole Leather Shoes
This animal-themed shoe is made from ventilated, soft premium-grade leather, providing a breathable space that keeps your baby's foot cool and dry. An elastic ankle ensures that the shoes stay securely on the feet.
Nike Air Force 1 Sneaker
Baby Nikes? Yes, they do exist. These Air Force One's are not only adorable but offer the same support and traction as the adult versions.
Keds Kids Graham
Keds Kids Graham
The interior of these shoes offers extra padding, so little feet are totally protected. The bright canvas is fade-resistant and machine-washable. The elastic laces provide a secure fit.
Flexible structure and secure lacing make this the perfect shoe for beginning walkers. The patented Geox sole offers superior breathability, no matter how active your little walker is planning to be.
ALLBIRDS Kids' Wool Runner Sneaker
Merino wool makes this shoe a comfy, cozy choice for tiny feet. Added cushioning absorbs impact and distributes weight for consistent, buoyant comfort under each step.
What to look for when shopping for baby walking shoes
✔️ Wide toe box: Make sure that the shoe you choose has a wide toe box, which gives tiny toes room to spread out and most closely mimics barefoot walking.
✔️ Comfortable fit: A shoe should neither be too big nor too small. But, if your child is between sizes, you should size up. A too-tight shoe can cause blisters, chaffing, and overall discomfort.
✔️ Flexibility: Flexible shoes are essential because they more closely mimic the natural movements of a baby's foot. Flexible shoes are also lightweight, meaning they won't weigh your baby's feet down, making it easier to take step after step.
FAQ
- When should a baby start to wear shoes? Babies only need shoes once they are walking. Until then, they are purely ornamental! Once they show signs of wanting to be up and about, it's time for a new pair of shoes. At about 9 to 12 months, babies will start pulling themselves up to a standing position and eventually take their first steps between 9 and 18 months. Follow your baby's unique time frame for this one.
- Should a baby wear shoes all the time? There's no rush to put your baby into his first pair of shoes, as walking is a great way to introduce your baby to different textures and environments. After all, babies continue to learn through touch and feel as they develop. But shoes should be worn when walking on surfaces that could cause injury or discomfort — like the playground and anywhere with uneven surfaces and potential hazards.
- Which are better for a beginning walker, soft-sole or hard-sole shoes? If your baby is at the beginning of his walking journey, soft-soled shoes are great because they help him feel the ground beneath him, making him more confident in his first steps. Once your child takes more steps and walks more freely, hard-soled shoes offer the support needed and impact support for every step.
Christina Montoya Fiedler is a Los Angeles-based freelancer with over 15 years of experience writing for online publications. Her work can be seen in Good Housekeeping and Woman's Day, where she covers everything from gift guides to personal essays. She holds a B.A. in English from Chapman University and is working toward her Early Childhood Education teaching credentials.
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