When it comes to your baby’s first step, it is one of the most memorable moments of their childhood. However, what you may not think about is the first pair of shoes that they will walk in. This can be rather significant, since you want them to be cute and functional. Although your child is unlikely to walk around everywhere when they first learn how to walk, you still want them to be comfortable and have something that fits correctly. Here’s a look at some of the best walking shoes you can purchase for your baby, and what they can offer you.
Choosing Baby’s First Walking Shoes
It may be overwhelming when you are searching for the first pair of real shoes for your child, but it really is not that hard to do. You just need to be sure that they have 3 basic things, which children need in order to walk correctly and stay upright.
Proper Fit
A proper fit is very important for the same reason that you don’t wear shoes that do not fit you. To figure out a baby’s shoe size, you can trace their foot onto a piece of paper and then measure it. This will give you a good indication on what size their foot is and will help you interpret shoe sizes, since you’ll have a solid measurement to work with.
Good Soles
Soles are also crucial. You need soles that are non-slip or flat, so baby can walk wherever they want to. However, some shoes are made for walking indoors only and others on multiple terrains. Keep in mind where your little one will be doing much of their early walking before deciding what type of sole to choose.
Support
A tiny foot needs support too. You want to be sure that the shoe isn’t rubbing on one part of the foot and causing any pain. You should also be certain that it is offering enough support where it is needed. The place that you should be most concerned with is the heel of the shoe.
Oosaku Baby Non-Slip First Walking Shoes
These shoes come in a few different colors, so they will be able to go with many outfits, depending on what option you choose. They should be washed by hand, but they can also be washed in your home washer and dryer, as long as you follow the directions.
They are available in sizes that fit little feet from zero up to 24 months, meaning they will be great for transitioning from not walking to walking. These are very flexible, so all sizes of feet can walk without feeling any pain in them.
Some users report that the sizes run small, so keep that in mind if you like these. Think about the shape of your baby’s feet. If they are wide or a little chubby, you may want to measure their feet first to get the best fit.
Pros
- Can wash by hand
- Available in sizes from 0-24 months
- Very flexible
Cons
- Sizes run small
Josmo Kids’ Unisex Walking Shoes
The Josmo walking shoes are essentially leather high tops for kids. These shoes have been around for over a decade and have been popular since then. They are simple, yet beneficial for even the youngest of walkers.
The structure that this leather shoe provides keeps feet at the correct angles so that they are able to walk properly. It also supports the ankle, so each step is safe and comfortable. This not only protects them when they walk, but also helps toddlers learn how to walk the right way.
You can purchase these in different widths and many different colors, including pink, white, brown, black, and navy blue. The bottoms are flat, so they might be a slippery on some terrains. Just watch your little guy or girl whenever they walk and they should always be safe.
Pros
- Made of leather
- Helps keep feet in proper place
- Available in different widths
Cons
- Soles can be slippery
Sayoyo Baby Soft Sole Shoes Toddler Moccasins
This is a moccasin type shoe, which is great for babies that don’t really like to wear shoes. They fit like socks in that they have an elastic ankle. You can choose whether or not you want to use them with socks, as they work well both ways.
They are lightweight and do not have much structure to them, but this can be good whenever a child is first standing and walking. The shoes won’t hurt them if they fall down in these shoes. Another important aspect is that they are hard for babies to take off by themselves, since they fit securely at the ankles.
It is best if you use these indoors so there is less wear on them, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use them outside too.
Pros
- Elastic ankle
- Lightweight
- Not easy for baby to take off themselves
Cons
- Best for inside walking
Happy Baby Zippy Shoes
The coolest thing about these shoes is that the zipper closure runs all the way through the sole of the shoe. This means all you have to do is put your child’s toes in the shoe, and then zip it up on the side of their foot.
Keep in mind that it is just as easy for a baby to unzip these too, so you’ll have to keep an eye on them. It may also be hard to get a good fit with these shoes, so keep different types of socks on hand, so you can get the right fit in a pinch.
They do have a great amount of traction, to keep your little walker on the move and they are flexible enough to move with them. Another thing to note is that they will not make feet sweat, so they can be worn, no matter what the temperature is outside.
Pros
- Unique design
- Flexible
- Have good traction
- Won’t make feet sweat
Cons
- Hard to get fit just right
Benhero Canvas Toddler Sneaker
Since there are dozens of different styles available with this shoe, it will most likely be hard to choose just one pair. They look a lot like skater shoes but for babies’ feet.
Each pair has a padded insole, which means there is protection each time they step or jump. They are slip on shoes, so the laces are just for decoration. Like other shoes, they are soft enough for young walkers, but are rigid enough to do their job.
You do have to be careful with them, since some don’t hold up well. However, this depends on how often and how hard your child uses them.
They do come with a guarantee, so you can receive your money back if you are not satisfied for any reason.
Pros
- Dozens of styles to choose from
- Padded insole
- Come with a guarantee
- Good for all seasons
Cons
- Must be careful with them
Adidas Kids’ Baseline CMF Sneaker
If you are looking for name brand shoes for your toddler, this is a pair you may fall in love with. They look exactly like the Adidas you know, and they are made the same as well.
In fact, they are strong and tough, just like the shoes for bigger feet, so you may have to break them in a little before your baby is comfortable in them.
These shoes are easy to put on and will hold up well over time too. Since they have a great amount of structure, you can get a great fit. This is also because they have a Velcro closure, meaning the fit can change as often as it needs to.
Surprisingly, even though they are white, they do not get dirty easily easy. You just need to wipe them down after each use to keep them sparkling.
Pros
- Easy to put on
- Hold up well
- Offer a great fit
- Not hard to keep clean
Cons
- May need to be broken in a bit
Stride Rite Soft Motion Kellen Sneaker
These shoes have a suede upper and synthetic bottom. The sole is rounded, to make it harder for a child to fall or lose their balance. They will be able to bump into minor things without simply falling down.
The insides have memory foam in them, making each step feel comfortable, regardless of where they are stepping. It can be anywhere from the park to their room, and they will be at ease. The lining on the inside is also anti-microbial, so it won’t hold bacteria and germs.
They are pricier than other shoes out there, but many people use these for quite a while. They are easy to adjust and are good for those with wide feet.
These are for little boys but the same type of shoe is available for little girls under a different name. This is simply based on the colors though, and can work for a girl if she likes gray or tan.
Pros
- Rounded edges make them safer
- Have memory foam
- Lining is anti-microbial
Cons
- Pricier than other shoes
Estamico Non-slip Rubber Sole Walking Sneakers
Many designs are available in this shoe. Some are cotton knitted and others have designs on them. They all look delicate and cute, and they will give a little personality to a baby’s feet. Each pair is breathable and has shoelaces, which help you get the best fit possible, so they will not slide off or fit poorly. They are soft for the most part, so they don’t have a great amount of support, but they shouldn’t need too much as they are learning to walk.
Pros
- Breathable
- Various designs to choose from
- Laces allow for better fit
Cons
- Too soft for some