10 Best Baby Shoes for New Walkers

Best Baby Shoes for New Walkers
Baby Shoes

A Baby’s first step is an extraordinary moment for every parent.

According to research, it is best to let your baby walk barefoot. But it is only possible sometimes and in some places.

Letting your Baby walk around barefoot also exposes them to possibly walking on something harmful like shattered glass pieces, nails, sharp corners of furniture, etc.

Therefore, you should buy the Best Baby Shoes for New Walkers.

Baby Shoes prevent your Baby from stepping on anything hazardous or getting their feet dirty.

Best Baby Shoes For New Walkers

How to Choose the Best Baby Shoes for New Walkers?

You may decide to buy shoes for your kid. But, you are presented with the problem of How to choose the Best Baby Shoes for New Walkers?

So, here are some things that you must look for in the shoes you think are the perfect fit for your Baby.

Well-Fitted

  • If you want your Baby to wear shoes without crying or being irritated, ensure that the shoes are well-fitted.
  • If the shoes are too big for them, the Baby might step out of them and start walking barefoot, making shoes a waste of money.
  • Similarly, if the shoes are too small, you will have to force your kids’ feet into them. Thrusting their feet will result in your kid suffering pain and discomfort due to ill-fitted shoes.

Flexible

  • The shoes you choose for your kid must be flexible as it will help your Baby get accustomed to the shoes.
  • Flexible shoes will allow your Baby to walk naturally without facing any discomfort.

Material

  • The key to choosing the best shoes for new walkers is ensuring they are made of excellent and long-lasting material.
  • If the material of the shoes is poor, they pose a risk of tearing while your Baby is using them. In that case, they might hurt their feet as well.
  • So, find a good-quality, soft-leather, or cloth-topped shoe that allows airflow for your child’s sweaty little toes.

Velcro Strap

  • Shoes with velcro-strap or no strap over shoes with laces as they are easier to put on.
  • Your Baby may fight back against wearing shoes or create a problem because of being forced to sit straight.
  • In these situations, tying laces is very difficult. So, shoes with velcro straps are easier to put on. 
  • Moreover, in case the laces untie while walking, your Baby might trip over and fall.

Zero Sole Drop

  • Zero Sole Drop is an essential thing in Baby shoes.
  • Wearing zero-drop shoes keeps kids’ feet in the same position as being barefoot, allowing the foot to continue growing naturally. 
  • They also compel the kids’ feet to grow more powerful as there is no elevated heel to weaken the feet.

10 Best Baby Shoes for New Walkers

In case you need clarification about which shoes to buy for your Baby. Here are 10 Best Baby Shoes for New Walkers in no particular order.

Stride Rite Unisex Kylin Sneaker

Stride Rite Unisex Kylin Sneaker

  • Rubber sole
  • Soft memory foam
  • Easy on-and-off 
  • Flexible, rounded, slip-resistant 
  • Stride Rite Unisex Kylin Sneakers are casual leather sneakers with easy hook and loop closures.
  • They can be easily put on and taken off your Baby’s feet.
  • Soft memory foam footbeds and seamless construction cradles help retain their natural shape.
  • The sole of the shoes is Flexible, rounded, and slip-resistant encouraging natural motion and improving balance in your kid.
  • The shoes are perfect for first-time walkers, and APMA approves all styles.

Pros

  • Easy to put on and off
  • Soft memory foam footbeds
  • Flexible, rounded, and slip-resistant sole
  • APMA approved

Cons

  • Not Water Resistant

 Stride Rite Soft Motion Kennedy Sneaker:

Stride Rite Soft Motion Kennedy Sneaker

  • Rubber sole
  • Stylish Kids’ Shoes
  • Built for Comfort
  • Convenient Design
  • Easy to Clean
  • APMA Approved
  • Stride Rite Soft Motion Kennedy Sneakers are stylish shoes that have a modern Leather upper and a unique Z logo detailing.
  • The shoes have an ortholite memory-foam footbed that gives comfy underfoot cushioning.
  • The sole of the shoes is Flexible, rounded, and slip-resistant encouraging natural motion and improving balance in your kid.
  • They have an adjustable double hook and loop strap closure, making it easy to put them on and take them off.
  • Stride Rite Soft Motion Kennedy Sneakers are APMA-approved.

Pros

  • Easy to put on and off
  • Adjustable double hook and loop strap closure
  • Ortholite memory-foam footbed
  • Flexible, rounded, and slip-resistant sole
  • APMA approved

Cons

  • Not Water Resistant

FOOTMATES Jordan Strap Canvas Flats

FOOTMATES Jordan Strap Canvas Flats

  • Rubber sole
  • Custom Fit System
  • Timeless fashion
  • Roomy Toe Box
  • Arch Support
  • Firm Heel Counter
  • FOOTMATES Jordan is removable, with dual insoles in Medium and Wide, and are provided for a customized fitting toddler and baby walking shoe.
  • They are ideal summer play shoes for walking, playground, backyard pool, beach parties, and school.
  • FOOTMATES Jordan provides tiny toes room to breathe and splay naturally during walking, enhancing balance and reducing rubbing, friction, and moisture
  • The two-part curing process allows maximum flexibility, shock absorption, and a safer and better-feeling walking shoe.

Pros

  • Dual insoles
  • Tiny toes room
  • Stable lateral support

Cons

  • Poor Quality Fabric

Nike Flex Advance FlyEase Sneaker

Nike Flex Advance FlyEase Sneaker

  • Wide, flat base
  • Adjustable hook-and-loop straps
  • Easy-on/easy-off styling
  • Crisscross straps
  • Synthetic sole
  • Nike Flex Advance FlyEase Sneaker has a wide, flat base to help promote balance and confident early steps for a new walker.
  • They have adjustable hook-and-loop straps and wide openings, making it easy to put them on and take them off.
  • Nike Flex Advance FlyEase Sneaker has a textile upper, lining/rubber, and synthetic soles for better comfort.

Pros

  • Easy to put on and off
  • Adjustable double hook and loop strap closure
  • Wide and Flat Base

Cons

  • Velcro straps started coming apart 
  • Synthetic Soles

BirdRock Baby Moccasins

BirdRock Baby Moccasins

  • Quality and style
  • Part Of Family
  • Guaranteed for life
  • BirdRock Baby Moccasins is made of 100% Genuine Leather. It is soft, durable, and safe.
  • The sole of the shoes is lightweight and flexible, promoting natural foot movement and development in your Baby.
  • BirdRock Baby provides the absolute best customer service and treats customers like family.
  • BirdRock Baby Moccasins give a 100% Lifetime Guarantee, and you can return it for a replacement pair or a complete refund if you are unsatisfied.

Pros

  • Made of 100% Genuine Leather
  • Lightweight and Flexible Sole
  • 100% Lifetime Guarantee
  • Awesome Customer Support

Cons

  • Not great for outdoor use 

Freshly Picked Unisex-Baby Soft Sole Moccasins

Freshly Picked Unisex-Baby Soft Sole Moccasins

  • Soft Sole
  • Stays On
  • Versatile
  • Durable
  • Freshly Picked Unisex-Baby Soft Sole Moccasins are made with high quality, durable, wear-tested Leather and are suitable for infants and toddlers alike. 
  • The sole is lightweight and soft, encouraging your child’s ability to walk and helping support their balance and coordination as they grow.
  • They come with elastic at the openings making it easy to put on and take off the shoes.

Pros

  • Made of High-Quality Leather
  • Lightweight and Soft Sole
  • Elastic Openings

Cons

  • Fades over time

Carter’s Kyle Fashion Sneaker

Carter’s Kyle Fashion Sneaker

  • Synthetic sole
  • Faux laces
  • Lightweight design 
  • Easy on-and-off
  • Carter’s Kyle Fashion Sneaker is Lightweight Design with a super comfy fit.
  • They have adjustable hook-and-loop straps, making it easy to put them on and take them off.
  • They have synthetic sole and supports a baby learning to walk.

Pros

  • Easy to put on and off
  • Adjustable double hook and loop strap closure
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Not Water Proof
  • Size may vary from others

Stride Rite Soft Motion Jazzy Sneaker

Stride Rite Soft Motion Jazzy Sneaker

  • Rubber sole
  • Convenient Design
  • Durable and Comfortable
  • Easy to Clean
  • Stride Rite Soft Motion Jazzy Sneaker features lightweight rubber soles and style laces, perfect for on-the-move infants and toddlers curiously navigating new terrain.
  • They have deep flex grooves, flexible rounded soles, and memory foam footbeds for enhanced comfort.
  • Jazzy Sneakers have oversized openings and hook and loop closures for easy on/off and adjustability. The seamless construction cradles the natural shape of the feet.
  • They can be easily cleaned with a damp, warm cloth and mild detergent or brush off dry dirt.

Pros

  • Easy to put on and off
  • Adjustable double hook and loop strap closure
  • Lightweight Rubber Soles
  • Easy to Clean

Cons

  • Velcro Straps can sometimes be a problem
  • Size may vary from others

Jan & Jul Xplorer Knit Shoes 

Jan & Jul Xplorer Knit Shoes 

  • Flexible sole
  • Lightweight
  • Breathable
  • Easy On
  • Jan & Jul Xplorer Knit Shoes are designed close to zero-drop with non-slip flexible TPR soles supporting healthy feet development.
  • They are made of advanced lightweight materials (TPR, EVA), and your toddler can easily climb, run, and play in these shoes.
  • They have breathable knit uppers, and feet will stay ventilated and comfortable in these shoes. Air-cushioned EVA insoles offer extra breathability from underneath with shock-absorbent comfort.
  • Jan & Jul Xplorer Knit Shoes have an elastic opening around the ankle, making it easy to slip on and off – even for chubby toddler feet.
  • You can easily clean them by washing them with cold water and air drying them.

Pros

  • Easy to put on and off
  • Zero-drop with non-slip flexible TPR soles
  • Easy to Clean
  • Breathable knit uppers

Cons

  • Size may vary from others
  • Elastic may losen

See Kai Run Ryder II FlexiRun Active

See Kai Run Ryder II FlexiRun Active

  • EVA sole
  • Super-Lightweight
  • Breathable
  • FlexiRun technology
  • Dual hook and loop closure
  • See Kai Run Ryder II FlexiRun Active is an APMA Certified shoe.
  • Their Breathable mesh textile & synthetic upper is super-lightweight, flexible, and durable.
  • The EVA/Phylon outsole features FlexiRun technology engineered to be comfy and flexible.
  • The shoes have extra wide dual hook and loop closure for easy in and out, with a padded collar and tongue for added comfort.

Pros

  • Easy to put on and off
  • Extra wide dual hook and loop closure
  • APMA Certified
  • Breathable mesh textile & synthetic uppers
  • EVA/Phylon outsole

Cons

  • Size may vary from others
  • Mesh may tear after some time

Do’s and Don’ts While Picking Baby Shoes

Do Buy Lightweight Shoes

Whenever you are buying shoes for your baby, make sure that the shoes are lightweight.

The leg muscles of the baby are still developing and not as strong. As a result, it will be challenging for them to walk in heavy shoes.

Lightweight shoes allow your kid to pick up their feet while walking. On the other hand, if the shoes are heavy, you will find them dragging their feet and struggling to walk.

Also, your kid is more likely to wear them for a longer time if they can walk easily in them.

Do prefer Velcro Over Laces

When your kid is learning to walk, buying shoes with velcro straps over laces is best.

Babies wearing shoes with laces risk tripping on untied laces and hurting themselves. Also, tying laces while putting on shoes can be tedious if your child throws a tantrum.

On the other hand, Babies wearing shoes with velcro laces can put on their shows themselves with some practice.

Do Make Sure There Is Extra Space In The Shoes

Children grow at a fast pace. As a result, they quickly grow out of clothes and shoes.

So, it would be best if you bought shoes with extra space. Extra space will help them develop their feet and grow well. Moreover, they can flex their feet and move without any problem.
Although, don’t buy extra large shoes as they create a risk of coming off while walking.

To determine the perfect size for your baby, you can check the extra space using this trick:
Fit your pinky between their heel and the heel of the shoe and full thumb width between the end of the shoe and their longest toe. 

If there is enough room for you, the size is perfect.

Do Buy New Shoes Often

Babies grow up fast. As a result, they frequently grow out of their previous shoes and require new ones.

So, measuring their size every 2-3 months is suggested until they turn two years old. 

Although, you don’t need to buy expensive shoes every time as you can choose affordable shoes that are perfect for your kid.

Do Purchase Shoes Made From Natural Materials

In general, buying anything made of natural materials is a good idea. The same applies to baby shoes as well.

Shoes made of natural material are lightweight and will not irritate your kids’ skin.
They are still in the learning process, and you must buy lightweight shoes that can help develop your kids’ feet.

Also, companies have started making shoes made of natural materials, so finding shoes should be easy.

Do Buy from a Reputable Company

While looking for Best Baby Shoes for New Walkers, buy shoes from a reputable company known for baby products.

You can either take reviews from your family or friends with kids or can Google the brand name to check.

Some well-known brands are “Stride-Ride,” “Freshly-Picked,” and “UGG.”

They have been around for a long time and are trusted by millions due to their excellent quality products.


Don’t Go For The Style

While picking the first shoes for your kid, you may be tempted to go for the most stylish ones or the shoes that match the outfit.

And there is no problem with looking for matching shoes.

However, it would be best if you did not choose shoes solely based on how they look.

The main aim while choosing the Best Baby Shoes for New Walkers should be their comfort.

Although, as time passes and they get better at walking and get used to wearing shoes, you can go for the cuter shoes.

Don’t Buy Used Shoes

When money is tight, buying a used pair may look like a good option.

However, you need to choose the Best Baby Shoes for New Walkers.

In general, after wearing shoes for a while, they take the form of the feet of the person who wears them. Therefore, shoes won’t fit their feet when someone else wears shoes.

Don’t Buy Shoes With A Hard Sole:

Baby shoes come in two soles: Soft Sole and Hard Sole.

If your baby is a new walker, go for shoes with soft soles.

These soft-bottom shoes will offer additional traction for your child while they explore their newly liberated feet. 

They’ll be more comfortable overall as their feet expand and grow.

Shoes with soft soles are lightweight and make it easy for your child to learn to pick up their feet rather than dragging while walking.

Don’t Suppose They Are All The Same

Without having any knowledge, all shoes may appear the same to you.

However, it is entirely false and somewhat dangerous to your kids’ feet.

Different baby Shoes are made for various stages of newborn learning to walk.

Some shoes are specifically designed for infants who haven’t started walking yet. Some are made for children who are just taking their first steps, while others are designed for children that have been walking a while in the past. 

Hence, it’s best to either talk to the person working in the store or read about the shoes before buying them.

Don’t Purchase Shoes Made With Synthetic Material

In today’s time, it may seem unattainable. But it is suggested to avoid shoes made with synthetic material in them.

While a baby has just started walking, they need softer shoes made of cloth so that their feet can adequately develop. 

But synthetic material may hinder that they usually don’t bend for your baby.

As a result, shoes made using a cloth or soft leather are suggested over synthetic.

Don’t Buy Cheap Shoes

You may be seeking to reduce your expenses due to financial constraints, but you should never purchase a pair of shoes for your child because it’s cheap.

As parents, you need to choose the Best Baby Shoes for New Walkers.

The shoes will help develop your baby’s feet and help them learn to walk.

Also, you don’t need to spend a fortune on a good pair of kids’ shoes.


Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

As soon as your baby takes their first steps (which may happen anywhere between 7 to 18 months), you can put shoes under their feet to protect them from dangerous things on the floor.

It is important to note that wearing shoes for your children earlier or later will not aid in walking faster or more efficiently. The primary purpose of putting on shoes is to prevent them from cold and injury.

You may skip socks during the summers, but it is essential to put them on during most months. Socks are important, especially during winter, as socks prevent cold and hypothermia.


Also Read:

Best Teething Toys for Babies

Similar Posts