Most babies take their first steps months after birth. You'll likely receive a few baby shoes at your shower. After all, they're among the cutest baby accessories available. Family and friends enjoy picturing your little bundle of joy in adorable booties, sandals, and sneakers.
At the same time, they are both fashionable and fun. They are also necessary for protecting tiny feet from hazards such as hot pavement temperatures, sharp objects, and outdoor debris.
Before you start adding various types of flats, slippers, and tennis shoes to your baby registry. Read our helpful guide to help parents choose baby shoes once you've determined the appropriate age for your child to begin wearing shoes.
You'll feel confident enough to buy your favorite types at a time that fits your family's lifestyle and budget and which styles are best for specific occasions.
How we chose the best baby shoes
To keep your new walker stable, the best baby shoes are well-fitted, comfortable, and have non-skid soles. Shoes should ideally have features that make them easy to put on and take off. And features that make them easy and fast to clean.
They should also be inexpensive because your children will outgrow them quickly. When shopping for a pair of baby shoes, what to Expect staff and community members recommend that you consider the following factors:
1. Material
The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) recommends flexible shoes made of breathable leather, cloth, or canvas. According to Brittany Ferri, Ph.D., a licensed occupational therapist, lightweight shoes are the most comfortable for babies. According to the AAP, you should also look for baby shoes with grippy or non-skid soles to keep new walkers steady.
2. Adjustability
Shoes will have Velcro, elastic ankle bands, and snaps to help you get the right fit. It can be helpful if your baby frequently loses shoes. Many WTE parents prefer Velcro or elastic shoes. For fit snugly but are still easy to put on and take off.
3. Wash Ability
Parents of toddlers understand how much wear. And tear tiny humans can put on their gear. So, make sure the shoes you're thinking about buying are machine-washable. You may also want to consider waterproof options, which do not absorb stains as easily and can usually be wiped clean.
4. Affordability
According to the AAP, babies outgrow their first pair of shoes in 2 to 3 months. So, for the sake of you and your wallet. Put the $100 baby sneakers on a shelf and opt for something more affordable.
List of Best Baby Shoes
1. Best Baby Shoes: See Kai Run Stevie (First Walker)
See Kai Run is a popular brand among moms and experts alike (it also received an APMA seal of approval and opened a new window). This style is ideal for babies learning to walk. And adjustable straps are just a few of the features that make this pair ideal for those first steps.
Parents also appreciate the variety of colors available in the Stevie shoes Opens a new window, with this versatile chambray being one of the standout styles. Although they have elastic laces for added style. They also have a hook-and-loop strap for easy on and off, as well as adjustability.
Pros
- Easy on and off
- Adjustable strap
- Flexible
Cons
- Run narrow
- Spot clean only
2 .Best Affordable Baby Shoes: Keds Champion Toe Cap Sneaker
You really can't go wrong with a classic like Keds Champions. Opens a new window, especially at such a low price point. Sure, the white gets a little dirtier than other shoes. But the bright color goes with everything in your child's closet. Even though the brand does not specify whether these are machine-washable.
Aside from the low price, what parents appreciate most about these sneakers. It has a variety of sizes. Even parents who couldn't find another shoe to suit their child's wide feet agree that Keds Champions did the trick. They're also highly comfortable, owing to a flexible leather design with a memory foam footbed.
Pros
- Suitable for wide feet
- Go-with-anything style
Cons
- White gets dirty quickly
3. Best Baby Sandals: KEEN Toddlers' Newport H2 Sandal
Closed-toe sandals are the best choice for warm-weather footwear. They're safer for active toddlers. It is most preschools and daycare centers don't allow sandals without this design feature.
Parents who have tried a variety of sandals loud this rugged pair by KEEN. This opens a new window. They're sturdy and supportive while remaining flexible and breathable. It is enough to keep your child comfortable when the temperature rises. They have excellent traction and an EVA insole with arch support. It has a static Lace-lock bungee system with an adjustable hook-and-loop closure for a secure fit.
According to parents, one of their most significant claims to fame is how easy they are to clean. The shoes are naturally odor-resistant and quick-drying. But you can always wash them if they need a refresh.
Pros
- Closed-toe
- Machine-washable
- Highly breathable
Cons
- Expensive
4.Best Waterproof Baby Shoes: Native Shoes Jefferson
These lightweight shoes. It opens a new window look and feels like sneakers. But they're made of a special EVA that's waterproof, odor-resistant, and tough as nails — just what you need when your little one really gets going.
The shoe is available in a variety of bright, fun colors. It is ideal for wet spring weather and summer fun, whether you're heading to the playground or the pool. The sole has enough traction to keep your child upright and on their feet, no matter how fast they move.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Odor-resistant
- Waterproof
- Washable
Cons
- Can be difficult to get on
- Fit snug on wide feet
5. Best Leather Baby Shoes: Stride Rite Artie First Walker Athletic Sneaker
For a good reason, Stride Rite is a famous baby shoe brand among many mothers. Their shoes not only have the APMA's seal of approval. But they also come in a variety of fun patterns and styles.
The Stride Rite Artie, First Walker shoes, are appealing to us. Opens a new window with memory foam insoles and flexible rubber soles. The appealing leather upper is available in various colors, giving you more options for your child.
Parents must appreciate how well these shoes appear to fit their children. The pair is available in standard, wide, and extra-wide sizes. Ensuring that even the chubbiest baby feet feel at ease inside these sneakers. Whatever size works best for your child.
The flexible sole makes it simple to slip them on limp feet. And the Velcro closure ensures they stay in place while you're out and about.
Pros
- Hook and loop closure
- APMA-approved
- Flexible
- Memory foam insoles
Cons
- Slightly bulky
- Run small
When Should Baby Wear Shoes?
You can put your baby in shoes as soon as you want. Booties and slippers can keep your baby warm in colder weather, especially if he or she is a newborn. They can also be a comfortable alternative to bare feet when your child crawls and cruises around the house.
However, babies only require shoes once they can walk. Pediatricians predict that the baby's walking milestone occurs between the ages of nine and twelve months. Some toddlers start walking as late as 14 months.
Exploring while attempting to stand indicates that your child will be walking soon. If your child is starting to pull up on furniture and other objects in the house, it's time to start wearing your favorite baby shoe brands. You'll need several pairs of shoes for various weather and occasions.
Once, they start moving around regularly. When your child walks on a surface such as grass, concrete, or sand, they must wear footwear to protect their sensitive skin.
What Type of Baby Shoes to Buy
Nothing is wrong with wanting shoes for family photos or special occasions if your baby is not yet walking. There are numerous types of shoes available for young children. But some excellent brands include:
- Robeez
- Pedipad
- Stride Rite Prewalkers
- Umi
- Preschoolians Crawlers
- New Balance
- Lacoste
- Jack & Lily
- IsaBooties
- Skechers
- Vans
- Merrell
- Nina Kids
Remember to take off your shoes at home or anywhere your baby can safely cruise or walk around.
When your child begins to walk, there are several features to look for in a shoe. These are some examples:
Nonslip soles
- Correct heel fit with wiggle room in the toes
- Soft, comfortable designs, such as leather
- Shoes with high ankles to keep the baby from yanking them off.
When possible, choose slip-on or Velcro for ease of use. Buy lace-up shoes for your preschool-aged child so they can learn to tie shoes and get them on and off independently.
What Other Baby Shoe Accessories Will Need
Socks are required for every baby boot and sneaker. They will protect skin from cracks and chafing while also keeping feet dry. For comfort and moisture-wicking power, try plush cotton or terry cloth socks. Some brands even use wiggle-proof modern technology to keep them from slipping off.
Buy baby sock shoes if your child is still too young for walking shoes. But you want them to look fashionable. Baby girl socks that look like booties and ballerina slippers are available. There are also feminine pink, purple, and peach varieties with designs such as polka dots or bears. Try colorful and neutral colors adorned with stripes or footballs. baseballs if you need something for your baby boy.
What Shoes Should You Avoid?
What shoes should you avoid buying when there are so many adorable options? Avoid anything that may fall off and cause a tripping hazard for new walkers. This includes flip-flop sandals and sneakers where the elastic has worn down to the point where it no longer stays fastened. These shoes are not only a tripping hazard but can also be dangerous—loosely fitting children's shoes. It has been known to become caught in an escalator.
What Is The Harm Of Wearing Baby Shoes?
Putting shoes on babies just learning to balance on their growing feet. It can be more than a hindrance. Shoes with rigid soles can prevent a baby from learning to flex and move their feet to walk. As a result, pediatricians recommend that babies learn to walk barefoot in a safe environment, such as their living room floor. This will help to strengthen your baby's foot muscles and tendons.
What Are Pram Shoes?
Pram shoes are soft leather or cloth booties. They're a cute addition to any outfit. But they're not needed. Some prefer to wear pram shoes or trainers to warm their little toes in winter. It is essential to find shoes that are both comfortable and non-restrictive. A baby cannot walk in pram shoes because they are not yet walking.
When buying your baby's first pair of shoes, ensure they are the correct size. Our baby shoes are made to be comfortable and supportive of your baby's natural walking growth... and they're super cute!
Finally, IIt's an exciting time to watch our babies grow and reach their developmental milestones. Buying your child's first pair of shoes is a significant event.
When buying baby shoes, it is essential to consider the shoe's fit, sole, material, and closure. Choose shoes with some room for growth that are flexible and supportive and made of durable materials. And they must have a closure that is easy to put on and take off while also being secure.