Best Shoes for Babies Learning to Walk: A Guide for Parents

Learning to walk is a significant milestone in a baby’s life, and parents want to ensure their little ones have the best start possible. One way to support this journey is by investing in a good pair of shoes. However, with so many options available, it can be challenging to know where to start.

When it comes to shoes for babies learning to walk, there are a few critical things to consider. First and foremost, the shoes should be flexible and lightweight, allowing the baby’s feet to move and develop naturally. Additionally, the shoes should have a non-slip sole to provide traction and prevent slips and falls.

Other factors to consider include the material of the shoes, the fit, and the ease of putting them on and taking them off. With these considerations in mind, we spent hours researching and testing various shoes to identify the best options for babies learning to walk.

In the following sections, we’ll share our top picks and why we chose them. Whether you’re a first-time parent or a seasoned pro, we hope this guide will help you find the perfect pair of shoes to support your baby’s first steps.

Best Shoes for Babies Learning to Walk

As parents, we know that watching our little ones take their first steps is an exciting milestone. However, finding the right shoes for babies learning to walk can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why we’ve done the research and compiled a list of the best shoes for babies learning to walk. Our selections are based on factors such as support, flexibility, and comfort, so you can feel confident in your purchase. Without further ado, here are our top picks.

New Balance Kid’s New-B V1 Hook and Loop Sneaker

If you’re looking for a shoe that’s perfect for your little one who’s just starting to walk, the New Balance Kid’s New-B V1 Hook and Loop Sneaker is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The wide toe box provides ample space for your child’s toes to wiggle and grow.
• The outsole traction zones offer excellent grip, making it easier for your child to stay on their feet.
• The innovative hook-and-loop closure lets you customize the fit based on the shape and size of your child’s feet.

Cons

• The shoes may not be as durable as some other options on the market.
• The sizing may be a bit off, so you may need to order a size up or down depending on your child’s foot size.
• The shoes may not be suitable for children with very narrow feet.

We recently tried out these shoes for our little one and were impressed with their overall quality and design. The wide toe box was a big plus, as it gave our child’s toes plenty of room to move and grow. The outsole traction zones also proved to be very helpful, as they provided excellent grip and made it easier for our child to stay on their feet.

The hook-and-loop closure was another standout feature, as it allowed us to easily adjust the fit of the shoes to our child’s feet. This was especially helpful as our child’s feet grew and changed over time.

While the shoes may not be as durable as some other options on the market, we found that they held up well over several months of regular wear. We did notice that the sizing was a bit off, so we had to order a size up from our child’s usual size to get the right fit.

Overall, we would definitely recommend the New Balance Kid’s New-B V1 Hook and Loop Sneaker to parents looking for a high-quality shoe for their little one who’s just starting to walk.

Robeez Soft Soles Slip-Resistant Crib Shoes

If you’re looking for soft and slip-resistant shoes for your baby’s early walking days, the Robeez Soft Soles Slip-Resistant Crib Shoes are a great option.

Pros

• The shoes are made of high-quality suede material that is soft and comfortable for babies to wear.
• The slip-resistant sole provides good traction and stability for early walkers.
• The shoes come in a variety of cute designs, perfect for both baby girls and boys.

Cons

• The shoes tend to run large, so it’s important to measure your baby’s feet before purchasing.
• The shoes do not have any arch support, which may be an issue for babies with flat feet.
• The shoes are not machine washable and require hand washing.

We recently purchased these shoes for our little one who is just starting to walk. The quality of the suede material is impressive and the slip-resistant sole provides good traction on both hardwood floors and carpet. The shoes are easy to put on and take off, which is a plus when dealing with a wiggly baby.

One thing to note is that the shoes run large, so it’s important to measure your baby’s feet before purchasing. We also noticed that the shoes do not have any arch support, which may be an issue for babies with flat feet. However, overall we are very happy with our purchase and the cute designs available make it easy to find a pair that matches any outfit.

In terms of care, the shoes are not machine washable and require hand washing. While this may be a bit of a hassle, we find that the shoes hold up well over time with proper care. Overall, we highly recommend the Robeez Soft Soles Slip-Resistant Crib Shoes for any parent looking for a comfortable and slip-resistant shoe for their baby’s early walking days.

pediped boys Cliff 0-6 Little Kid Grey/Orange

If you are looking for a comfortable and durable shoe for your baby who is learning how to walk, then you should definitely consider the pediped boys Cliff 0-6 Little Kid Grey/Orange.

Pros

• The rubber sole provides excellent traction and stability, making it easier for your baby to take their first steps.
• The 100% leather material is soft and flexible, providing maximum comfort and allowing your baby’s feet to breathe.
• The machine washable feature makes it easy to clean and maintain the shoes, saving you time and effort.

Cons

• The shoes may run a bit small, so it is recommended to order a size up to ensure a proper fit.
• The price point may be a bit higher compared to other baby shoes on the market.
• The color options may be limited, which may not be suitable for those who prefer a wider range of choices.

We recently purchased the pediped boys Cliff 0-6 Little Kid Grey/Orange for our baby who is just starting to walk. The shoes were easy to put on and take off, and the soft leather material made it comfortable for our baby to wear them all day. The rubber sole provided excellent traction and stability, allowing our baby to take his first steps with confidence.

We also appreciated the fact that the shoes were machine washable, making it easy for us to keep them clean and hygienic. However, we did notice that the shoes ran a bit small, so we had to order a size up to ensure a proper fit.

Overall, we highly recommend the pediped boys Cliff 0-6 Little Kid Grey/Orange for parents who are looking for a high-quality and comfortable shoe for their little ones who are learning to walk.

See Kai Run Stevie II Sneaker

We highly recommend the See Kai Run Stevie II Sneaker for babies learning to walk.

Pros

• The rubber sole provides excellent traction and stability for new walkers.
• The flexible sole allows for natural foot movement and development.
• The wide toe box provides room for toes to wiggle and grow.

Cons

• The rubber toe may start to separate from the leather after extended use.
• Some customers have reported issues with the rubber coming off the front of the shoe.
• The price point may be higher than some other baby shoes on the market.

Our experience with the See Kai Run Stevie II Sneaker has been excellent. The rubber sole provides great traction and stability for our little one as they learn to walk. The flexible sole allows for natural foot movement and development, which is important for new walkers. The wide toe box provides plenty of room for toes to wiggle and grow, which is crucial for healthy foot development.

One issue we have noticed is that the rubber toe may start to separate from the leather after extended use. Additionally, some customers have reported issues with the rubber coming off the front of the shoe. However, we have not experienced this issue ourselves.

Overall, we believe that the See Kai Run Stevie II Sneaker is a great choice for babies learning to walk. While the price point may be higher than some other baby shoes on the market, the quality and design make it worth the investment.

TSUKIHOSHI Boy’s Racer (Toddler/Little Kid) Sneaker 3 Infant Fuchsia/Pink

If you’re looking for a comfortable and durable shoe for your little one who is learning to walk, the TSUKIHOSHI Boy’s Racer Sneaker is a great option.

Pros

• The single-strap “hook and loop” closure with elastic faux-laces offers a simple and snug fit, making it easy to put on and take off.
• The EVA/rubber combination outsole provides good traction and stability, helping your baby stay balanced while learning to walk.
• The shoe is machine washable, making it easy to clean and maintain.

Cons

• Some customers have reported that the shoes run small, so you may need to order a size up.
• The shoes are not as sturdy as some other options, so they may not hold up as well over time.
• The shoes may not be suitable for very wide or thick feet.

In our experience, the TSUKIHOSHI Boy’s Racer Sneaker is a comfortable and well-made shoe that is perfect for babies who are just learning to walk. The single-strap closure makes it easy to put on and take off, while the EVA/rubber outsole provides good traction and stability. We also appreciate that the shoes are machine washable, which makes cleaning up after messy playtime a breeze.

That being said, we did notice that the shoes run a bit small, so you may want to order a size up to ensure a good fit. Additionally, while the shoes are well-made, they may not hold up as well over time as some other options. Finally, if your baby has very wide or thick feet, these shoes may not be the best choice for them.

Overall, we would recommend the TSUKIHOSHI Boy’s Racer Sneaker for any parent looking for a comfortable and durable shoe for their little one who is just learning to walk.

Buying Guide

When it comes to buying shoes for babies who are learning to walk, there are a few things that we should keep in mind to ensure we choose the best product. Here are some features that you should look for:

1. Soft, Flexible Soles

Babies’ feet are still growing and developing, so it’s important to choose shoes with soft, flexible soles that allow their feet to move and develop naturally. Avoid shoes with hard, rigid soles that can restrict movement and hinder their development.

2. Proper Fit

It’s important to choose shoes that fit properly to ensure your baby’s comfort and safety. Shoes that are too tight can cause discomfort and even lead to foot problems, while shoes that are too loose can cause your baby to trip and fall. Be sure to measure your baby’s feet regularly and choose shoes that fit well.

3. Breathable Materials

Choose shoes made from breathable materials such as leather or mesh to help keep your baby’s feet cool and dry. Shoes made from synthetic materials can trap moisture and lead to fungal infections.

4. Supportive Design

Choose shoes with a supportive design that provides stability and helps your baby maintain their balance. Look for shoes with a firm heel counter and a wide base to help prevent ankle sprains and falls.

By keeping these features in mind, you can choose the best shoes for your baby as they learn to walk. Remember to regularly check the fit of the shoes as your baby’s feet continue to grow and develop.

Frequently Asked Questions

What features should I look for in first walking shoes for my baby?

When choosing shoes for your baby’s first steps, look for shoes that are lightweight, flexible, and have a non-slip sole. Shoes with a wide toe box and a soft, breathable material are also important to ensure comfort and proper foot development.

How do I choose the correct size for my baby’s walking shoes?

It’s important to measure your baby’s feet regularly as they grow quickly. Look for shoes that have a snug fit but still allow room for growth. Shoes that are too tight can cause discomfort and restrict proper foot development.

Is it important for baby walking shoes to provide ankle support?

Ankle support is not necessary for babies learning to walk. In fact, it’s important for babies to have freedom of movement in their ankles to develop balance and coordination.

What are the benefits of soft sole shoes for babies just starting to walk?

Soft sole shoes allow babies to feel the ground beneath their feet, which helps to develop balance and coordination. They also allow for proper foot flexion and muscle development.

Can wearing the wrong type of shoes affect a baby’s walking development?

Yes, wearing shoes that are too stiff or restrictive can hinder proper foot development and delay walking milestones. It’s important to choose shoes that are flexible and allow for natural foot movement.

What are some recommended brands for baby walking shoes?

Some popular brands for baby walking shoes include Stride Rite, Robeez, Pediped, and See Kai Run. However, it’s important to choose shoes based on the individual needs of your baby’s feet rather than just brand name.