11 Best Baby Sandals For New Walkers (2024)
Time passes so quickly — especially when you’re taking care of your little bundle of joy. One minute, your baby is all swaddled up, and the next minute they’re already standing on their own and taking their first steps. The next thing you know, they’ll be running circles around you!
Before all that happens though, you need to take care of one very important “first” of your toddler — giving them their first pair of shoes.
Do Babies Need Shoes To Walk?
Technically, babies don’t really need shoes to walk. In fact, many experts recommend babies first learn how to walk barefoot for healthy foot development. Putting the cutest pair of baby shoes on your little one won’t make them stand up faster or help them walk sooner.
Shoes may not be a requirement for your baby to walk, but they are crucial to helping them learn how to walk properly. You don’t need to be in a rush to get them their first baby sandals, though.
Babies only really need to wear shoes when they finally start walking. By then, your new walkers will need all the support and protection their little feet can get.
Best Baby Sandals for New Walkers
It’s tempting to just buy the nicest looking pair of shoes you can find for your toddler. However, aesthetics shouldn’t be your number one priority if you want the best baby shoes.
The overall appearance is just the cherry on top. Instead, you’ll want to look for a pair of shoes that fit well, have a flexible sole, and are made from high-quality yet comfortable materials.
To make your search easier, we’ve narrowed down the best baby sandals for first walkers that you can buy online.
Ten Little Everyday Sandals
| Size Range | Size 4 to 13 |
| Colors | 3 different colors |
One of the things you’ll love about the Everyday Sandals from Ten Little are the size options. They have kids shoe sizes running from 4 all the way to 13! While the sizes are the same, the lightweight vegan leather material gives these sandals a roomier fit, so you may want to size down when ordering.
The Everyday Sandals feature an adjustable velcro T-strap, water-resistant and quick-dry materials, and a wide foot-shaped toe box. Even better, they also have textured insoles and outsoles to keep your baby’s feet from slipping.
Stride Rite Prewalker Ripley Sneaker Sandal
| Size Range | Size 1 to 4 |
| Colors | 1 color option |
The Prewalker Ripley Sneaker Sandals from Stride Rite are another comfy, breathable pair of leather sandals. These don’t have a rubber sole, though. Instead, it has soft soles, making it ideal for indoor use to protect your baby’s feet from cold floors.
Thanks to its memory foam footbed, these sandals are perfect for long hours of exploration and walk training. The sandals are also easy to slip on and off and feature a secure adjustable hook-and-loop closure.
Robeez First Kicks Sandals
| Size Range | Size 0 months to 4 years |
| Colors | 9 different colors and styles |
Robeez shoes are one of the best shoe brands for babies’ walking shoes. Even the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) has given them their seal of approval!
The First Kicks Sandals from Robeez are no different in terms of quality, design, and functionality. The sandals are designed according to age, too. Sizes for babies below six months have soft non-slip suede soles while sizes for new walkers have split rubber soles to give them better grip and traction. The sandals also have plenty of cushioning for maximum comfort.
Dotty Fish Soft Leather Sandals
| Size Range | Size 0 months to 4 years |
| Colors | 9 different colors |
If you want premium 100% leather sandals for your little prince or princess, then look no further than these soft leather sandals from Dotty Fish. Although they’re made of leather, these sandals aren’t stiff at all. They’re soft, breathable, and tested safe for babies.
These soft sandals feature a non-slip suede sole, making it just right for babies who are just learning to stand up on their own and take their first steps. The elasticated ankle trim gives the sandals a secure fit. Best of all, these sandals earned the London Podiatry Centre’s seal of approval.
Stride Rite Soft Motion Sonny Sandals
| Size Range | Size 3 infant to 6 toddler |
| Colors | 1 color option |
Unlike the Prewalker Ripley sandals, the Soft Motion Sonny Sandals are geared towards older kids with more experience walking. These sandals have a thicker rubber sole, giving toddlers the traction they need to prevent injuries while they explore and play.
The rounded and flexible soles also help give kids better balance and encourage natural movement. The soft memory foam footbed makes these easy on the feet while still offering sufficient support.
As an added bonus, these Stride Rite shoes come in wider sizes. If your child has wider feet, then these might be the best option for you.
CoKate Rubber Sole Sandals
| Size Range | Size 0 months to 24 months |
| Colors | 15 different colors and styles |
If you want stylish shoes for all kinds of occasions, then you’ll love the rubber sole sandals from CoKate. The sandals are all made using soft, breathable, and lightweight material. Best of all, they come in a wide variety of colors, designs, and styles.
You’ve got classic leather sandals with cutouts, close-toed sandals in stripes, plaid open-toe sandals with cute bows, and so much more. All these styles come with easy-on, easy-off velcro straps and anti-slip rubber soles.
UGG Baby Kolding Sandals
| Size Range | Size 0 months to 24 months |
| Colors | 4 different colors |
The Baby Kolding Sandals from UGG are our top pick for energetic kiddies who love to play outdoors. With its hook-and-loop buckle, rubber sole, and molded rubber outsole, your toddler will have fully supported feet the entire time.
Another thing to love about these baby UGG sandals are the closed fronts. Paired with the strap running across the back, your kid’s little feet will remain secure and protected in these sandals.
SOFMUO Baby Sandals
| Size Range | Size 0 months to 18 months |
| Colors | 15 different colors and styles |
These baby sandals from SOFMUO are a great go-to for budget-conscious parents. Thanks to the affordable price, you won’t regret buying these.
Even though these pairs of sandals are more economical, you won’t need to worry about the comfort, fit, or material quality. The sandals feature a slip-resistant and flexible rubber outsole, as well as an adjustable hook-and-loop closure.
Sawimlgy Baby Sandals
| Size Range | Size 0 months to 24 months |
| Colors | 15 different colors and styles |
These Sawimlgy Baby Sandals are another amazingly affordable option that doesn’t compromise on quality, comfort, or style. You’ll love all the colors, prints, and designs these come in. The white princess style is perfect for dressing up your baby for the holidays.
The sandals are all made from durable and breathable material. They feature a wide toe box, elastic openings, and adjustable velcro strap, so your baby feels comfortable wearing them.
Babitina Baby Sandals
| Size Range | Size 0 months to 18 months |
| Colors | 4 different colors and styles |
Not all babies like leather sandals, no matter how soft and comfy they might be. If your kid is like this, they might prefer the canvas baby sandals from Babitina.
These lightweight canvas sandals feature a well-cushioned insole, adjustable hook and loop closures, and a soft anti-skid bottom. The inside of the shoes are also lined with cotton, making it a great pair of shoes for the summer.
See Kai Run Jetty III Sandals
Last but definitely not the least are the colorful Jetty III Sandals from See Kai Run, which feature the titular character from the beloved children’s book “The Very Hungry Caterpillar.”
The water-friendly materials and durable traction make these the perfect sandals for outdoor playtime, especially during summer. They have an EVA foam footbed for all-day comfort, as well as adjustable straps for a secure fit. Best of all, these sandals also earned the APMA’s Seal of Acceptance!
What To Look for in Baby Sandals for Early Walkers
Fit
Fit doesn’t just mean the sandals can physically fit onto your baby’s feet; you need to make sure they fit properly and comfortably. Look for shoes with wide foot boxes for optimum comfort. It’s also better to have your toddler’s feet measured first to ensure you get a proper fit.
Well-fitting shoes for new walkers have to be comfortably snug around the back or the heel while having some wiggle room for the toes.
Material
Naturally, you’ll want to find shoes made from high-quality materials. This is especially important for growing and rowdy kids. Shoes made from poor quality materials may cause falls and foot problems.
Other factors to consider are comfort, breathability, and flexibility. Look for materials that can stretch a bit. Our top recommendations include soft leather, mesh, canvas, and suede.
Flexibility
Babies first learn to walk barefoot to ensure foot flexibility and promote natural foot development. When they finally graduate to their first pair of shoes, it’s important to give them shoes with firm yet flexible soles.
These will ensure their feet continue to develop properly. Inflexible soles can restrict the natural movement of their feet, which can cause a poor gait or stride.
First Walker Shoes Frequently Asked Questions
What Shoes Are Best for When a Baby Starts Walking?
Experts from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend shoes that are lightweight, breathable, flexible, and anti-slip. Shoes for new walkers need to be comfortable while supporting your baby’s natural foot movement. The AAP suggests getting shoes that are made of soft leather or mesh and have rubber soles.
Do New Walkers Need Ankle Support?
New walkers who don’t go for long bouts of walking may not need ankle support. In some cases, it may even raise the risk of falls and injuries.
For slightly more experienced walkers, shoes with ankle support are the way to go. Toddlers with weak ankles and knock knees will especially benefit from ankle-supportive shoes. Look for toddlers shoes with high tops and velcro straps going across the ankle to give them better stability.
Are Crocs Good for New Walkers?
Unfortunately, no. Crocs are great for older kids who already know how to walk well, but new walkers need all the support they can get — especially in their arch, ankle, and heels.
Wearing Crocs while still learning how to walk properly may lead to flat feet and poor gait when they grow older.
Final Thoughts on Best Baby Sandals for New Walkers
Your baby’s first pair of shoes are more than just a milestone. They are an important step for their future foot health and gait.
With this guide and review of some of the top-selling toddler shoes, we’re confident you’ll find one that will fit your baby’s little feet and support their first steps.
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Looking for more gear for your little one? Head over to our Gear Guides Section to see more comparisons.
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Krissy lives in California with her family of three that make up “The Hadicks.” With a passion for research and helping others, The Hadicks was developed as a resource for other parents and parents-to-be!