It’s exciting to see a little one take their first steps, right? But once they start moving and
gain more independence, the next big question for parents is: What is the best first
shoes for baby?

It sounds like an easy, simply decision – but trust me, I’ve been through it, and it can be
a lot. From picking the right size to finding the shoes that offer the best support, there’s
a lot to consider.

There were so many options, and every brand seemed to claim their shoes were “the
best.” So, I did what any parent would do—I researched and asked other parents for

advice. Here’s what I learned, and I hope this guide helps you navigate the exciting
journey of picking your baby’s first shoes!

When to get first shoes for baby?
Before jumping into the details of the best first shoes, let’s talk about timing.
Your baby’s first steps are a huge milestone, and while every baby is different, many
babies start walking between 9 and 15 months.
My baby took her first steps right at 12 months, and I had already been thinking about
shoes for weeks. But – one thing I learned was that babies don’t necessarily need
shoes until they’re walking regularly outside.
Pediatricians generally recommend that babies go barefoot at home, especially when
they’re still learning to walk. Barefoot helps them develop proper foot strength and
balance. Shoes should only be worn when your little one is walking outdoors or in
environments where their feet need protection.
In other words, don’t rush into buying shoes until your baby is walking well and
confident!

Key features to look for in baby’s first shoes

From my own experience and conversations with other parents, there are a few key
things to look out for:

• Flexibility: Babies’ feet are still developing, so you want a shoe that is flexible,
not stiff.
If the baby shoes are flexible, it allows your child to move their foot and toes
naturally – which is extremely important for their development. To check flexibility,
what I did when I bought my baby’s first shoes is I bent them to see how easily
they could be flexed. If the shoe didn’t bend easily, I kept looking.
• Soft Soles: Soft soles are ideal for babies who are just learning to walk. These
soles give them the freedom to feel the ground beneath them and adjust their
steps. I opted for shoes with soft, rubbery soles because I knew they would allow
my baby to grip and balance better.

• Proper Fit: Babies’ feet grow fast, so getting the right size is crucial. If the shoes
are too tight or too loose, they can cause discomfort or even delay walking.
Based on my personal experience, I know how frustrating it was when the first
pair I bought seemed too tight, and we had to exchanged them for a bigger size.
The rule of thumb is to make sure there’s about a thumb’s width of space
between the shoe’s tip and your baby’s toes.
• Breathable Materials: Look for shoes made from breathable materials like
cotton or leather. Babies’ feet sweat a lot, so breathable shoes help keep their
feet cool and dry.
I made the mistake of getting synthetic shoes for my baby once, and she ended
up with some sweaty, uncomfortable feet.

How to choose the best first shoes for baby?

Now that you know the key features to look for, let’s dive into some specific options.
Here are a few types of first shoes that I found to be great choices for our little walkers:
Pre-Walkers: These are soft shoes designed for babies who are just starting to stand or
take a few steps.
Pre-walkers usually have soft soles and provide minimal restriction, making them a
great option for babies who need extra support as they get their balance.
Popular brands: Robeez, See Kai Run, Pediped

Soft-Soled Shoes: These shoes are lightweight and flexible, making them ideal for
babies who are walking outdoors. They offer a bit more protection than pre-walkers but
still allow the foot to move naturally.
Popular brands: Stride Rite, Freshly Picked, Zutano

Stride Rite and Other Well-Known Brands: Stride Rite is a brand that many parents
swear by when it comes to first shoes. Their shoes are designed with features that
support the natural development of babies’ feet, such as flexible soles, breathable
materials, and wide sizes for a proper fit.
I personally tried Stride Rite for my baby, and I was really impressed with how well the
shoes fit and how comfortable they seemed.

Barefoot Shoes: As I mentioned earlier, barefoot is often the best way for babies to
learn to walk. But when they need shoes for outdoor use, barefoot shoes are an
excellent option. These shoes are designed to mimic the feeling of being barefoot, with
thin, flexible soles that allow the feet to move naturally. I
Popular brands: Vivo Barefoot, Xero Shoes, Barefoot Dreams

How often should you buy new shoes for baby?

Babies’ feet grow fast! Studies show that babies’ feet grow at a rapid pace during the
first year, and they can grow as much as one size every two to three months. I was
shocked to realize how often my baby’s shoes were getting too tight, so I recommend
checking the fit regularly, especially in the first year. If your baby is pulling at their shoes
or seems uncomfortable, it might be time for a new pair.

Let your baby’s feet breathe!
As much as you might want your baby to wear shoes all the time, it’s important to let
their feet breathe. After all, they’ve been tucked away in socks or shoes for much of the
day!

You can let your little one go barefoot at home to help strengthen their feet and improve
their balance. Plus, babies are always crawling and moving around, and being barefoot
helps them feel the ground and learn where to place their feet.

Final thoughts
I hope this list of brands helps you make an informed decision, as I know how tough it
can be to find the right shoes. Every baby is different, so take your