14 Best Baby Shoes For Learning to Walk (2024)
Going from taking those first tentative steps as an infant to finally being able to walk independently is an incredible milestone! Since your baby’s feet are still developing, it’s important to choose the right shoes so they can keep up with their growing needs.
As your baby starts to learn how to walk, you’ll want to find shoes that will provide them with ample support, flexibility, and cushioning.
In this post we share the best baby walking shoes for those new walkers in your life.
Things To Consider When Choosing the Best First Walking Shoes
While it might be tempting to get the cutest shoes on the market, not all baby shoes will provide the support and comfort that your baby needs when learning how to walk.
If you want to make sure that your baby’s little feet are protected and comfortable while getting the support they need for development, consider looking for the following features.
Non-slip Soles
Babies between six to 18 months should always wear shoes with non-slip soles. These are the ages when your baby will be most active with learning how to walk.
A non-slip, flexible sole will allow your baby to walk around comfortably and is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
Closed Toes
Soft, rubber soles will protect your child’s feet from all kinds of surfaces while allowing your baby to get used to the sensation of being on their feet.
Using a closed-toe shoe will help protect your baby from getting stubbed toes — especially since they usually drag their toes as they learn how to walk.
Material
The best walking shoes should always be made from high-quality materials that are breathable with flexible soles.
Be sure to stay away from materials that are too rigid at the top of the shoe. Opt for materials that are soft and stretchable such as mesh, canvas, or leather.
Shoe Fit
The best shoes will provide the perfect fit for tiny feet. Don’t make the mistake of choosing a pair just because they look adorable.
Before getting a pair of shoes, have your baby’s feet accurately measured to ensure the right fit and healthy foot development.
The heel of your baby’s foot should rest snuggly at the back of the shoe, while the toes should have space to wiggle in.
Best Baby Shoes for Early Walkers
Robeez Liam Basic Soft Soles
| Size Range | Size Infant to 4 years old |
| Colors | 52 different colors and styles |
Made from white leather, suede, and elastic side panels, the Liam Basic Soft Soles by Robeez comes in a wide range of colors and sizes for toddlers.
They are made to be durable and provide superior support to help your baby embrace the thrill of walking for the first time.
These are both fashionable and functional and have been approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), making them a great option for toddler shoes.
It comes with a few benefits, including the following:
- Suitable for light outdoor activities and best for indoor use
- Roomy enough for various types of feet, allowing for space to grow
- Suede sole allowing it to bend and flex with each step
- Slip-resistant soles to hold onto the floor, providing stability and preventing falls
- Elasticized and kick-proof ankles allowing it to come on and off easily
Ten Little Everyday Original Shoes
| Size Range | Size 4 to 13 |
| Colors | 14 different colors |
The Ten Little Everyday Original Shoe has also been approved by the APMA and is perfect for all kinds of occasions. It has been designed to support the growth of your child’s foot.
Made with a vegan leather upper, natural rubber soles, and 100% cotton lining, these shoes can guarantee comfort and support with each step.
They have also been equipped with a no-slip tongue, non-skid soles, velcro strap, and reinforced toe caps, which makes them ideal for both play and walking.
STRIDE RITE | SOFT MOTION Zips Kennedy Sneaker 2.0
| Size Range | Size 3 to 6 |
| Colors | 5 different colors |
If you’re looking for your baby’s first walking shoes, the Stride Rite Zips Kennedy Sneaker 2.0 offers many modern comforts, including a hook and loop closure and memory foam insoles.
It also offers rounded edges to support the natural movement of tiny feet, along with anti-stink lining.
Built specifically for first-time walkers, this product is APMA approved and has been designed to embrace the natural shape of your child’s feet.
Chuck Taylor All-Star Cribster Easy-On
| Size Range | Size 1 to 4 |
| Colors | 4 different colors |
True to its name, the Chuck Taylor All-Star Cribster Easy-On Shoes come with an easy-on, easy-off closure.
This mid-top canvas shoe is both supportive and fashionable, placing your little one at the center of attention.
It also comes with a foam-backed terry cloth insole for added comfort. You’ll see just how much your little one will love them with each step.
Nike Force 1 Crib Baby Bootie
| Size Range | Size 1 to 4 |
| Colors | 2 different colors |
Think of the iconic Air Force 1 reimagined for cute little feet in these Air Force 1 Crib Baby Booties. With the classic leather design and elastic laces, the Baby Bootie can easily slip on and off.
Because it’s made from leather, these shoes are highly durable and require little maintenance.
They have soft soles to provide cushioning for small feet and all-day comfort for your little one.
Vans TD ULTRARANGE RAPIDWELD V SHOE
| Size Range | Size 2 to 10 |
| Colors | 1 color option |
The TD Ultrarange RapidWeld V Shoe is Vans’ most versatile shoe to date and has now been made available to kids.
Offering new levels of performance and comfort, it has been equipped with UltraCush midsoles, co-molded rubber mini-lug outsoles, and RapidWeld overlays. Providing the best in comfort, support, and function needed for a baby’s movement.
Its uppers are also made from breathable textile and leather, where a hook and loop closure finishes off its already impressive design.
Ten Little First Walkers
| Size Range | Size 3 to 6 |
| Colors | 5 different colors |
These Ten Little first walkers are the perfect companions for babies taking their first wobbly steps, providing a flexible and ultra-lightweight option.
They are crafted specifically to have foot-shaped toe boxes and flat soles for flat feet, which will encourage natural movement and healthy development of the feet.
These shoes are equipped with adjustable velcro straps to ensure a secure fit, while the high-traction rubber outsoles keep feet firmly on the ground.
Bombas Toddler Gripper Slipper
| Size Range | Size 5 to 10 |
| Colors | 4 different colors |
Displaying one of the more interesting designs, the Bombas Toddler Gripper Slipper is part slipper and part sock, which provides 100% comfort. With these, you won’t find a cozier way for your child to learn how to walk, and they come with unique grips outside the slipper to prevent slips.
Made from nylon, acrylic, rayon, wool, polyester, and spandex, you can be sure that these shoes provide the ultimate comfort, and that your baby gets the highest-quality materials.
See Kai Run Stevie (First Walker)
| Size Range | Size 3 to 6 |
| Colors | 10 different colors |
This lightweight and flexible See Kai Run Stevie First Walker shoes puts a twist on classic trainers. The padded tongue and collar will ensure that their little feet are comfortable and prevent irritation.
It comes with a canvas lining and removable leather-lined footbed to keep it fresh for longer while its full rubber outsole provides traction, flexibility, and durability during use.
A generous toe box is also included, allowing room for the healthy development of the foot.
This shoe has been awarded the Seal of Acceptance by the APMA.
BirdRock Baby Classic Baby Moccasins
| Size Range | Size 2 to 8 |
| Colors | 31 different colors |
Moccasins provide a gorgeous and functional choice if you’re looking for style and versatility, where your little one can dress up or dress down with a pair of these.
Made from soft and smooth genuine leather, the BirdRock Baby Classic Baby Moccasins were made to impress.
While easy to take on and off little feet, the elastic band addition helps them to stay on at all times.
Finally, it comes with soft soles to promote the foot’s healthy development in babies and small children.
New Balance Kids Shoes
| Size Range | Size 1 to 13.5 |
| Colors | 19 different colors |
Made with a lightweight textile, these New Balance kids shoes feature a synthetic upper and synthetic lining to provide your child with comfort and confidence in each step.
They come with pull loops for easy removal and wear, while a hook and loop strap offers a precise fit.
This pair also has a round toe along with a big toe box and instep to make room for growing feet, making them a great choice for longevity.
Momo Baby Walkers
| Size Range | Size 4 to 6 |
| Colors | 1 color option |
The Momo Baby Walkers have been accepted by the APMA.
With a leather upper and leather insole, these shoes provide the upmost comfort.
Designed with rubber soles and a deep thread pattern, this shoe offers increased resistance to slipping while providing flexibility with the soles.
It also uses a durable mesh fabric in its construction, offering both breathability and strength while its fan-shaped box allows the toes to move around freely.
Peggy Piggy Baby Walking Shoes
| Size Range | Size Up to 18 Months |
| Colors | 18 different colors |
These baby walking shoes by Peggy Piggy come in a ton of different colors and sizes, so you’re sure to find the perfect fit and look for your little one.
While the sole is made from rubber, its outer material is made from multi spandex, making it super soft and breathable. Because it’s so comfortable to use, your baby can stay on their feet for longer, play more, and stay perfectly safe when crawling.
This lightweight, durable option will protect your child as they walk, and it’s also easy to wear and clean.
With built-in memory foam insoles, there’s no need to spend time washing and drying it for too long.
It comes in different designs so you’ll be sure to find a pair for every occasion, whether your baby is playing at home or going out with you to an event.
Baby Carter’s Every Step Sneakers
| Size Range | Size 2 to 6 |
| Colors | 1 color option |
Baby Carter’s Every Step Sneakers are versatile, comfortable, and great for casual wear.
Their low-profile and lightweight design carefully matches the sporty style and features.
With a hook and loop closure, locker loops, and padded insoles, this is one of the safest and most comfortable options on this list.
Because it’s made from synthetic materials, it offers very little maintenance and only has to be wiped clean to make it look brand new again.
Baby First Walking Shoes FAQ
Should Babies Wear Shoes When Learning To Walk?
According to experts from the American Podiatric Medical Association, babies don’t actually need shoes to learn how to walk. These experts believe that babies should walk without shoes since this will help them fine-tune the coordination of their feet.
It’s also best to avoid shoes whenever possible, and it’s recommended that parents allow their kids to walk barefoot first before moving on to shoes.
However, walking shoes are useful inside homes that may have marble or tile flooring, since these will be too cold for babies to go barefoot.
Shoes are also ideal for outside environments, where children may step on objects that could hurt their feet.
How Much Room Should There Be Between the Top of the Baby’s Toes and the Top of the Shoe?
It’s important that your child can freely wiggle their toes while being able to easily move their feet to the front of their shoes without slipping or squishing their toes.
To do this, make sure that there are around two centimeters of space between the longest toe to the shoe’s front. Allowing only one centimeter is too little while going over three centimeters is too much.
Also be mindful of your child’s foot size. If they have wider feet you will want to look for shoes that offer a wide toe box.
How Do You Know When Your Baby Has Outgrown Their Shoes?
Some of the most obvious signs that your little one has outgrown their shoes include:
- Constantly taking off their shoes
- Always rubbing their feet
- Hobbling around from pain
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time for your child to get a new pair immediately.
Final Thoughts on the Best Shoes for a Baby To Learn To Walk in
The shoe store won’t always be able to recommend the best pair of shoes for your baby’s growing feet. When shopping for your child’s first pair of shoes be sure to consider factors like breathable material, arch support, lightweight materials, and a flexible shoe.
The key factor when deciding which shoe is best is comfort! Your baby will be taking his/her very first solo steps after all, so make sure those special moments aren’t marred by uncomfortable footwear – happy walking!
RELATED POSTS
- Best Sandals for New Walkers
- Best Toddler Hiking Boots, Shoes, and Sandals
- Best Wooden Balance Bike
- Best High Chair for Counter Height Table
- Best Cause and Effect Toys
Looking for more gear for your little one? Head over to our Gear Guides Section to see more comparisons.
This post contains affiliate links. We only work with brands we trust and opinions are always our own. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link, we make a small commission – at no cost to you – which helps to keep this blog running. Thank you for your support!
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!