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Table Of Contents
What to Look for When Buying the Best Baby Shoes
How We Selected the Best Baby Shoes
Meet the Expert
Meet the Author
Top Baby Shoes
Best Baby Shoes for Walking
Pediped Grip N Go Shoes
Buy Now at amazon$51.00
Most Stylish Baby Shoes
Adidas Gazelle Shoes
Buy Now at Adidas
SPONSORED
PUMA Suede Classic XXI AC Shoes
Buy Now at puma$40
New Balance Kids 574 Shoes
Buy Now at Nordstrom$54.99
Best First Walking Shoes for Baby Girl
Robeez First Kicks Shoes
Buy Now at amazon$40.00
Stride Rite Baby Soft Motion Kylo Shoes
Buy Now at amazon$48.91
Best Machine Washable Baby Shoes
Allbirds Smallbirds Wool Runners
Buy Now at allbirds$49.00
Best First Walking Shoes for Wide Feet
Bombas Birdseye Slippers
Buy Now at bombas$18.00
Best Podiatrist-Recommended Shoes for Toddlers
New Balance 574 New-B Hook & Loop Shoes
The Best Non-Slip Baby Shoes
Zutano Fringe Moccasins
Buy Now at zutano$27.50
Best First Walking Shoes for Baby Boys
See Kai Run Stevie II First Walker Shoes
Buy Now at amazon$47.99
Best Baby Shoes for Narrow Feet
Stonz Cruiser Sneakers
Buy Now at amazon$54.99
A baby’s first steps are a milestone and you want to make sure that the best baby shoes are there to support the moment. Many experts, including those affiliated with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), suggest that allowing your child to walk barefoot initially is beneficial before finding the best first walking shoes. Their tiny feet are still developing, and practicing barefoot helps them grip the floor, improving balance and coordination with minimal support. Once your child has mastered balancing and they’re ready to take on the outdoors, the next step is shopping for their first pair of baby walking shoes.
Ensuring a safe walking experience should be a top priority for every parent. The best baby walking shoes protect against hard or unpredictable surfaces while offering support for their tiny feet,explains body and posture expert, Dr. Liza Egbogah.The best first walking shoes for babies should be flexible, lightweight, and wide, allowing their feet plenty of room to spread out for a proper splay.
“As they’re testing out their new skill, they need plenty of support and room for their little wobbly feet,” says Dr. Egbogah. “The walking shoes that they wear play a crucial role in supporting their development and ensuring a healthy transition from crawling to walking.” When initially learning to walk, slip-on sneakers from Zutano and Bombas are a great option, as they are designed to fit securely and move with the feet. Thick or wide velcro straps, as featured on New Balance and Stonz baby shoes, are also good features as they make it easier to put on a mobile child.
Shopping for the best baby shoes can be overwhelming, just like finding the best winter boots for boys and the best winter boots for girls. With recommendations from Dr. Egbogah, we gathered the best first walking shoes for babies.
Pediped Grip N Go Shoes
Size: Infant 4-7 (European 19-23)
Colorways: Available in five colorways
Materials: Synthetic upper and mesh lining
Sole: Gummy rubber sole
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google:4.5/5 stars
$51.00Buy Now at amazon
Approved by the APMA for promoting healthy foot development, these machine-washable shoes from Pediped are some of the best shoes for babies learning how to walk. The soft rubber sole and rounded edges mimic the natural shape of a child’s foot, and the soft toe box allows for the baby’s toes to curl and grip the floor. When babies first are learning to walk, they’ll typically rely on one pair of shoes, which means they can easily get worn and dirty. With these, all you have to do is remove the insole and toss them in your washing machine for a quick refresh.
Price upon publish date of this article:$51.00
Most Stylish Baby Shoes
Adidas Gazelle Shoes
Size: Baby 0-12 mos, Walker 12-24 mos, Toddler 2-4 yrs.
Colorways: navy/white and pink/white
Materials: Leather and rubber
Sole: Flexible rubber
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google:4.8/5 stars
Buy Now at Adidas
The best Adidas shoes on the market are available in baby size, so little ones can match mom and dad. The signature stripes add a sporty flair while the double velcro opening helps babies easily get their foot in and out of the sneaker. And the wide toe box allows for baby’s feet to freely stretch out and the non-slip bottom provides stability as kids are learning how to walk.
What testers say: “This is a great shoe for kids starting to walk. The velcro straps make it so easy to get on. There’s just enough cushion on the bottom to provide some comfort but not too much so the shoes aren’t too heavy. They hold up great as we only put shoes on for outside play time.”
Price upon publish date of this article:$65.00
SPONSORED
PUMA Suede Classic XXI AC Shoes
Size: 4-10
Colorways: Pink, red, black, navy, and more
Materials: Suede upper and rubber midsole
Sole: Non-marking rubber outsole
PUMA Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars
$40Buy Now at puma
Give any baby girl or boy serious style points with PUMA’s Suede Classic toddler shoes, which come in this cute pink colorway, plus navy, black, and red. These tiny steppers feature a removable sockliner (a PUMA signature for all of the brand’s shoes for kids), which ensures little toes and heels stay comfortable and blister-free. A non-marking rubber sole prevents scuffs on wood or tile floors. And best of all, the velcro straps allow you to pull them on and slide them off without elbow grease.
Price upon publish date of this article: $40
New Balance Kids 574 Shoes
Size: 1-11
Colorways: Incense/ Poppy, Gray/ White, Navy/ White, Night Sky/ Gold Fusion
Materials: Synthetic mesh
Sole: Durable rubber outsole
Zappos Top-Quality Store Badge on Google:4.8/5 stars
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
$54.99Buy Now at Nordstrom
$64.95Buy Now at Zappos
Match your mini-me with the classic New Balance 574’s in little kid sizing. They’re one of the best lace-up shoes for novice walkers, because, just like the adult model, they feature soft and lightweight suede construction as well as an ultra-cushioned EVA midsole and heel. Whether you’re taking your tot on a walk, to the store, or dropping them off at daycare, these steppers will protect their little feet with a durable rubber outsole and all-terrain traction for added stability. A mesh toe box allows flexible room to grow, while standard lacing allows you to tie them in a secure fit.
What testers say: “These are my son’s favorite sneaker. He’s very particular about what shoes he wears and he loves them. We’ve had them for months and they haven’t shown any wear and tear.”
Price upon publish date of this article:$54.99
Best First Walking Shoes for Baby Girl
Robeez First Kicks Shoes
Size: 0-3, 3-6, 6-9, 9-12, 12-8 and 18-24
Colorways: Available in 16 colorways
Materials: Leather
Sole: Sueded rubber
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google:4.5/5 stars
$40.00Buy Now at amazon
Soft-soled shoes are highly recommended by Dr. Egbogah for first-time walkers, and Robeez does them well. “The key is that they should be as minimal and non-shoe-like as possible,” she says. “Look for shoes with soft and flexible soles which allow babies to grasp the ground beneath them.” Robeez hits all the functionality notes required for first walking shoes and takes it to the next level with super cute styles for both boys and girls.
What testers say: “These little shoes are perfect for toddlers learning how to walk, they have soft soles which give little ones the feel of walking barefoot unlike with hard bottom shoes. The little ones love them.”
Price upon publish date of this article:$40.00
Stride Rite Baby Soft Motion Kylo Shoes
Size: Infant (3-3.5), Toddler (4-6); available in regular, wide, and extra wide
Colorways: available in seven colors
Materials: N/A
Sole: Soft rubber
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google:4.5/5 stars
$48.91Buy Now at amazon
Stride Rite is well-known for its children’s footwear, particularly shoes for infants, toddlers, and young children. The Soft Motion line is a particular favorite as it is designed with the developmental needs of early walkers in mind. The shoes are lightweight, wide, and are crafted to provide support and flexibility for little feet as they take their first steps. This style comes in regular, wide, and extra wide so you can find the best fit for your little one.
What testers say: “I had so much trouble finding 1st walker shoes for my baby. His feet are very thick and wide. These are great and sturdy. He walks well and doesn’t mind them on his feet.
Price upon publish date of this article:$48.91
Best Machine Washable Baby Shoes
Allbirds Smallbirds Wool Runners
Size: 5T – 10T
Colorways: Available in 13 colorways
Materials: Merino Wool Upper
Sole: Flexible rubber sole
On Sale 30% off
$49.00Buy Now at allbirds
Allbirds have taken the popular sneakers that adults have said are the best shoes for standing all day and shrunk them into great baby shoes for learning to walk. The slip-on style with elasticized laces helps keep the shoes secure on little wiggly feet, while the merino wool upper is breathable and flexible. And because kids are dirt magnets, these are easily cleaned in the washing machine.
What testers say: “My son LOVES these shoes! They are so easy to slip on, but do not fall off when he is running and playing.”
Price upon publish date of this article:$49.00
Best First Walking Shoes for Wide Feet
Bombas Birdseye Slippers
Size: 6-12M
Colorways: Available in four colorways
Materials: Nylon and merino wool
Sole: Stay-put grips
$18.00Buy Now at bombas
Baby feet can be quite wide and finding shoes to accommodate their feet can be a challenge. Shoes with soft and flexible materials, like these slippers, will stretch to accommodate a baby’s foot while also providing protection and support for the beginning stages of walking. Since these are lined with soft wool, they’re great baby shoes for winter and little ones who are testing out their new skills inside. The slipper feature grips on the bottom so no matter what surface a baby is taking those steps on, they’ll be they won’t slip or slide.
What testers say: “Love these for my 1.5 year olds. They’re comfy, easy on and off and the kids love them. They stay nice and warm and don’t slip on the wood floors.”
Price upon publish date of this article:$18.00
Best Podiatrist-Recommended Shoes for Toddlers
New Balance 574 New-B Hook & Loop Shoes
Size: 2-10
Colorways: Nimbus Cloud with White; available in standard, wide, and extra-wide
Materials: Synthetic mesh
Sole: Durable rubber outsole
New Balance Top-Quality Store Badge on Google:4.5/5 stars
Dr. Egbogah is an advocate of New Balance shoes for babies who are learning how to walk. “For first-time walkers, the New Balance NEW-B Hook & Loop works well since it boasts a multidirectional flexible outsole, a wide toe box, and a wide hook and loop closure that secures the feet without restricting motion,” she says. The sole has great cushioning, which makes it a great option if your baby has flat feet. They come in a wide variety of colors and are durable for any activities little ones want to get into. These are truly the best New Balance shoes for babies.
What testers say: “These shoes are a little pricier than some other toddler shoes but they are sturdy, wide toe box, easy to put on and off, durable, and worth it. They have a flexible but sturdy sole that is good for running, climbing, and playing.”
Price upon publish date of this article:$59.99
The Best Non-Slip Baby Shoes
Zutano Fringe Moccasins
Size: 6M – 24M
Colorways: Four colorways
Materials: Leather
Sole: Leather and soft grid rubber
On Sale 30% off
$27.50Buy Now at zutano
Moccasin-style shoes can be a good option for a baby’s first walking shoes, as they are often soft, flexible, lightweight, and made from durable leather. “Leather shoes are great since they are the closest material we have to our skin,” says Dr. Egbogah. These qualities can help babies feel more comfortable and allow for natural movement as they learn to walk. Babies’ feet are still developing, and they need shoes that allow for a natural range of motion.Look for moccasins that are made from soft, flexible materials and have a non-slip sole. These have double grip pads to provide traction and stability as your baby starts to walk on various surfaces. Plus, they’re super cute with a metallic finish and fringe detail.
What testers say: “So far my daughter seems to love them as her first real pair of shoes since she’s started walking. They’re lightweight and are just so cute — received lots of compliments! She seems to walk well in them!”
Price upon publish date of this article:$38.19
Best First Walking Shoes for Baby Boys
See Kai Run Stevie II First Walker Shoes
Size: Infant (3-6)
Colorways: Available in 19 colorways
Materials: Textile, Synthetic, TPR
Sole: Rubber outsole
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google:4.5/5 stars
$47.99Buy Now at amazon
Babies’ feet need space to develop and grow, and this pair is a great option since they have a roomy toe box, flexible sole, and the right amount of cushioning for healthy foot development, explains Dr. Egbogah. “Whether you’re just starting to walk or have been walking for decades, your toes need to be able to move in your shoes so it’s important to have enough width for wiggle room,” she says.
Price upon publish date of this article:$47.99
Best Baby Shoes for Narrow Feet
Stonz Cruiser Sneakers
Size: Infant (6-12), Toddler (4-5), Little Kid (2-3)
Colorways: available in five colors
Materials: Polyester & Lycra
Sole: Soft rubber
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google:4.5/5 stars
$54.99Buy Now at amazon
The Stonz Cruiser Sneakers are some of the best shoes for a baby learning to walk. They have an easily adjustable velcro closure, so if your baby has narrow feet you can easily tighten them to fit properly. Made with great structure, they protect babies’ feet from outside elements, while also staying extremely lightweight. Divots in the toe area make these shoes flexible, making them ideal for one-year-old walkers.
What testers say: I have these shoes for my son and love how I can feel and see the flexibility in the sole, especially around the toe box. They provide plenty of room for his toes to spread and I love how the adjustable velcro helps me secure the shoes to his feet.
Price upon publish date of this article:$54.99
What to Look for When Buying the Best Baby Shoes
The shoes that babies wear as they’re learning to walk play a crucial role in supporting their development and ensuring a healthy transition from crawling to walking. It’s important to choose baby shoes carefully, ensuring they are the right size, provide proper support, and are made from breathable and flexible materials. As babies’ feet grow quickly during the early years, regularly checking the fit of their shoes is important to support their evolving needs.
Here are crucial elements to consider when shopping for the best baby shoes:
- Foot protection: Baby shoes provide a protective barrier for a baby’s delicate feet, shielding them from potential hazards such as sharp objects, rough surfaces, or extreme temperatures. This protection is essential as babies begin to explore their surroundings and start walking on surfaces indoors and outdoors. Soft soles are often recommended for babies’ first shoes, but you’ll also want a shoe that has a rubber bottom for more rugged terrains. If opting for a rubber bottom, make sure that it is still soft and provides flexibility for baby feet.
- Lightweight: If you’ve ever seen a baby walk, they can be quite wobbly and all over the place when they start to take their first steps. Lightweight shoes allow them to move freely without being bogged down. Their shoes should be low-profile, to avoid straining their growing muscles and simplify new walking movements as much as possible.
- Sole flexibility: The soles of baby shoes should be flexible to allow for natural movement and the development of the foot muscles. This flexibility helps babies maintain balance and adapt to various surfaces as they learn to walk. Babies use their toes to grip and feel the ground as they start walking. Soft and flexible shoes with room for toe movement allow for the natural spread of the toes and help babies develop a more stable and confident walking pattern.
- Grip and traction: Babies are learning to navigate their environment and they can encounter a variety of new surfaces, including smooth, slippery, or rugged terrain. Shoes with good grip and traction help prevent slips and falls, providing stability as babies explore and move around. Baby shoes with good traction contribute to a positive walking experience, allowing babies to gain confidence in their newfound mobility.
- Size and fit: It’s important that the fit of a baby’s shoe is snug for stability, while also providing ample room for toes to breathe, explains Dr. Egbogah. “Since this is a period of fast growth, I recommend buying shoes in a slightly bigger size so that you have them ready for when they reach that size. This can happen overnight, so you don’t want to buy shoes that are exactly the right size.” If you trace a child’s foot while fully weight-bearing, the width of the shoe should be wider than this tracing. In terms of the toe box, the toe area should not be raised. “Look for shoes designed without a toe spring, also called zero-drop, and that is flat to the ground for natural foot development,” she says. A completely flat sole aids the foot to develop strong arches on its own.
- Features: The way a shoe is constructed is important and special features like velcro straps, non-slip soles, and pull loops help parents and first-time walkers alike. As baby’s feet continue to grow, velcro straps will help you adjust shoes to best fit a baby’s foot.These features also make it easier to slip the foot into the shoe, especially for restless babies.
- Material: Lightweight materials are preferable for baby shoes, as heavy shoes may impede the natural movement of a baby learning to walk. Dr. Egbogah recommends that shoes mimic natural skin as much as possible, so look for materials like soft leather and mesh. Lighter shoes allow for easier lifting of the feet and promote a more natural walking experience.
How We Selected the Best Baby Shoes
For more than 75 years, Footwear News has been the shoe authority. Our coverage spans top industry news, retail trends, head-to-toe fashion, athletic and outdoor analysis and more. Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items.Learn more about us here.
To curate the best selection of baby shoes we consulted an expert in the field, Dr. Liza Egbogah for crucial insight on shoe recommendations and advice for what to consider when selecting the best baby shoes. We also compared customer reviews from parents to determine whether the shoe style was effective, supportive, and comfortable for their baby. Additionally, our author Zoë Roscoe is a mom to an infant who will soon be a first-time walker and she’s tested several of the included brands on his tiny feet.
Meet the Expert
Dr. Liza Egbogah, BSc, DC, DOMP is a celebrity fascia and posture expert and a doctor of osteopathy. She’s working who has worked with A-Listers, including George Clooney, Jennifer Lawrence, Eddie Redmayne, and more. She’s also a dedicated mom, who has first-hand insight into children’s shoes and how they affect their feet, bodies, and growth.
Meet the Author
Zoë Roscoeis a New York-based fashion and lifestyle writer. Roscoe’s work has been featured on Apartment Therapy, Living Cozy, The Spruce, and more.Roscoe has years of experience covering topics related to footwear, and she used her expertise in the industry to pen this article on the best baby shoes.
