12 Best First Walking Shoes in 2024 Approved by Podiatrists

When your baby takes their first steps, it's exciting! If they spend most of their time indoors, it's best to have them go shoeless whenever feasible. During infancy, barefoot is best for the development of your baby's little feet since shoes can be restricting.

It's tempting to pick out the cutest shoes, but not all infant walkers are the same. You should select a pair that allows for some wiggle room but still provides adequate protection for developing feet. We considered the suggested ages, materials, designs, and prices when evaluating products.

What are baby walking shoes?

Baby walking shoes are a specialized type of footwear that is designed to protect the feet of new walkers. They should be lightweight and flexible to provide stability and support.

When you get the perfect pair of walking shoes for your baby, they will be able to take those first steps comfortably and confidently.

Do babies need first walker shoes?

When going outside, particularly on rough surfaces, infants should wear appropriate shoes for their foot's natural development to protect their feet. Shoes will protect small feet from debris, uneven ground, and hot and cold surfaces.

Should babies learn to walk barefoot or in shoes?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants learn to walk barefoot. Shoes have the potential to impede the natural development of the foot and restrict the foot's ability to move freely, both of which are essential for walking. Babies who are encouraged to walk barefoot reap the benefits of developing balance, coordination, and strength in their feet and ankles. This helps them strengthen their walking skills and provides a sense of safety and self-assurance at the same time.

"When a child is learning to walk they need to be as close to barefoot as possible,"

- Dr. Noah Blumofe, DPM

Are hard-bottom shoes or soft-bottom shoes better for new walkers?

Shoes with flexible, shock-absorbing soles are most suited for new walkers because of their increased range of motion. The additional cushioning such as that provided by a rubber sole, protects the feet from damage and reduces the likelihood that they may get an injury. Hard-bottom shoes offer extra stability and support, which can benefit toddler feet as they have relatively more experience compared to new walkers.

When should my baby start wearing shoes?

Most pediatricians agree that children do not need shoes until they start walking which is usually between the ages of 12 and 18 months. New walker shoes will allow your baby to experiment with their newly discovered freedom of movement, such as walking and running, while receiving necessary comfort and protection. Lightweight footwear that is also flexible is ideal for children's feet because it allows unrestricted movement and growth.

How do I keep baby shoes on my child?

A proper fit is essential to keeping your baby's shoes on their feet. Choose a style that has straps that can be adjusted and worn snug. Check that the shoelaces have plenty of room to allow toes to move about. In addition, you should check that shoes are not becoming too worn out or too loose for those baby feet.

The perfect pair of baby walking shoes will have a snug fit and allow natural movements.

How to Pick the Best Walking Shoes For Your Baby's Feet

"Remember the 3 F's," says Dr. Stephanie Kane, DPM. Flexibility. Fit. Foot size. 

Fit

Finding the proper size and width, ensuring there are no large gaps that allow feet to slip around, and paying attention to areas that might be too snug, all contribute to what we call "fit" when looking for supportive shoes for your little one's feet.

If you are shopping in person at a shoe store, check to be sure that your thumb fits between your baby's heel and the back of the shoe.

Flexibility

Remember that your baby, a recent convert to shoe wear, is used to being barefoot. Choose a pair of walking shoes with a flexible sole to assist them in transitioning more easily. Finding a shoe with a sole that can bend yet still has traction is essential. The best walking shoes are the ones that are both comfortable and safe.

"Their feet need to sense their environment very much like their hands need sense their enviornment, " says Dr. Ray McClanahan, DPM.

Wide toe box

This is essential for the healthy development of the foot. Toes shouldn't be cramped; rather, there should be sufficient space for toes to spread out, just as if your child were walking barefoot.

Traction

New walkers are still learning how to balance and traction will help them feel safe when walking on uneven surfaces. The bottom of their shoes should have some grip so that they learn how to handle different types of terrain, even if you want to pursue the minimalist shoe path.

Baby's first walking shoes should fit properly for healthy foot development.

Tips for getting the right fit in baby's first walker shoes

Measure your baby's feet

Before buying baby walking shoes, measuring your baby's feet is important to ensure the correct size. Measure both feet (one is often larger than the other) and choose the size of the larger foot.

Choose the right type of shoe

Different types of shoes are designed for different needs. Choose the right shoe with good arch support and flexibility for your baby's age and activity level. Moreover, if you live in a colder area, or if winter is coming then opting for winter shoes might be a good idea.

Look for quality material

Choose quality materials that will last and keep your baby's feet comfortable. Look for breathable materials to keep your baby's feet cool and dry.

Look for a secure fit

Shoes should fit snugly around your baby's foot without being too tight. Make sure there is enough room for your baby's tiny toes to move freely, as it will make all the difference in ensuring their comfort.

Allow for growth

When buying shoes for your baby, always buy a size larger than your baby's current foot size. This will allow for natural foot growth.

How we picked our best baby walking shoes?

All of the baby walking shoes on our list are accepted by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). To obtain a Seal of Acceptance, each shoe is reviewed by AMPA podiatrists to ensure it promotes foot health. In addition, they review information about the product's safety and quality control.

With the APMA Seal of Acceptance shoes in hand (or on foot), we looked at construction, flexibility, traction, materials, durability, fit, and ease of putting on a wiggly child. 

The best baby walking shoes of 2024

Best Everyday Sneaker

Robeez First Kicks Jerry

Robeez First Kicks were developed to assist infants with their first steps.

Slip-resistant soles

The soles of First Kicks are made from ebossed suede or split rubber. Both of these materials are designed for durability and functionality. While children inevitably fall when learning to walk, embossed suede and split rubber help prevent unnecessary slips. 

Flexibility 

Robeez First Kicks have been created to bend and flex. That flexibility gives infants and toddlers a complete range of motion. The ebossed suede First Kicks obviously have more flexibility than their rubber-solsed counterparts, but we found that both were excellent. 

Do they stay on?

Yes. Stay on, Play on! is Robeez's mantra when it comes to shoes for new walkers. The First Kicks are not going to fall off your child's feet as they walk, climb, and stumble. (provided you've gotten the right size) thanks to the adjustable closure. 

Sizing

Robeez tend to run wide for adorable chubby baby feet. They have printable measuring chart to help you choose the right size. Make sure you select "print to size" and don't "scale to fit" on your printer. Size options are 0-3 months, 3-6 months, 6-9 months, 9-12months, 12-18 months, and 18-24 months. 

Are they easy to put on?

Yes. The Jerry shoe has one wide adjustable strap, making them very easy to put on your baby's feet. 

Colors

Robeez Jerry is available in denim black or blue. We love that the colors aren't prone to showing dirt, because you know how dirty your little one's sneakers will get.

Amazon price at publication

$40

APMA Seal Approved

Yes

Best Sneaker for Wide Feet

Stride Rite Soft Motion Artie

Stride Rite has a long history as a name you can trust in children's footwear.

Slip-resistant soles

Stride Rite Soft Motion are designed with slip-resitant rubber soles. They have more tread than most brands, providing great traction and helping to prevent slips and falls.

Flexibility 

We found the Soft Motion to be true to its name. The flexibility is excellent.

Do they stay on?

Yes. We didn't find any issues with Soft Motions falling off. The strap is both elastic and velcro for a tight fit. 

Sizing

Stride Rite Soft Motion wins at sizing, for sure. They're available in medium, wide, and even extra wide widths for the chubbiest baby feet. They also come in half sizes, which is great for getting the perfect fit. They start at size 3 and go up to size 6. 

Are they easy to put on?

As far as sneakers go, these are some of the easiest to get on thanks to the extra wide top. 

Colors

The Stride Rite Soft Motion Artie sneaker is available in seven colors: navy and pink, navy and tan, white and navy, tan and brown, pink and white, and grey and blue.  

Amazon price at publication

$17.95 - $42, depending on style and size. 

APMA Seal Approved

Yes

Best For Narrow Feet

Keds Courtney HL

You've probably had a pair of Keds at some point in your life and the miniature version is a great choice for a first walker. While Keds do make a lace up version for the littest walkers, we're partial to the velcro for getting on and off easily and so we don't have worry about them coming untied.  

Slip-resistant soles

Keds Champion have rubber soles with solid traction, though the treads aren't quite as deep as other brands. 

Flexibility 

Keds have fairly high rubber outsoles, so they're not quite as flexible as other shoes, but still provide excellent movement.  

Do they stay on?

Yes. The double Velcro straps ensure the shoe is on securely. 

Sizing

Keds generally run on the narrow side so these are great if your child has narrow feet. They're available in whole and half sizes starting at size 4 and going up to size 12.

Are they easy to put on?

Keds Courtney HL are easy to put on because of the the double Velcro straps.

Colors

You'll find the Courtney HL in leather options including classic white, silver, black, rose gold, blue iridescent, and in purple canvas. 

Amazon price at publication:

$22-$40, depending on size and style

APMA Seal Approved

Yes

Best Girls' Sandals

Stride Rite 360 Mallory Sandal

Another top pick from Stride Rite. You can be sure your little one's toes will be protected while still letting her feet breathe in warm weather. Plus, they're machine washable!

Slip-resistant soles

Stride Rite Mallory Sandals have the same slip-resistant rubber soles as you'll find on the Amos 3.0 sandal and Artie sneaker. 

Flexibility 

The sandals have superb flexibility and move well with your baby's foot. 

Do they stay on?

No issues with the Mallory Sandal falling off, thanks to the secure buckle and hook and loop closure. 

Sizing

Like the Amos 3.0 sandal, these are not available in half sizes. They come in whole sizes 3-6 and in one medium/wide width, which is good for kids with slightly chubby feet. We wish they came in half sizes - even though the sneaker-like style helps prevents toes from poking through.

Are they easy to put on?

Yep!

Colors

The Stride Rite Mallory only comes in pink, which is disappointing. 

Amazon price at publication:

$25 - $30

APMA Seal Approved

Yes

Best Boys' Sandals

Stride Rite 360 Amos 3.0 Sandals

Sometimes the weather demands sandals and the 360 Amos sandals from Stride Rite are a top pick. The sneaker-style sandal allows a sandal style on top for breathability but prevents tiny toes from slipping out. 

They're machine washable and have an anti-odor lining, though generally we haven't found baby feet to stink like toddlers who often run around in rubber shoes without socks. 

Slip-resistant soles

The soles are made from flexibile rubber. While the sandal doesn't have the same non-slip treads as the Artie Soft Motion sneaker, the rounded outsoles help prevent trips and slips. 

Flexibility

These are even more flexible than the Artie sneaker and do a great job of moving with your child's foot. 

Do they stay on?

Yes, these stay on well. The Velcro closure feeds through a buckle helping them to stay put. 

Sizing

Unfortunately the sizing isn't as varied as other Stride Rite shoes. These are available in one width, which falls somewhere between medium and wide. It comes in sizes 3-6, but no half sizes are available. 

Are they easy to put on?

Stride Rite's Amos 3.0 are some of the easiest to put on, but feeding the Velcro back through the strap can be a bit of a pain. Definitely not a deal breaker. 

Styles

The Amos 3.0 is available in navy blue and brown. 

Amazon price at publication

$23 - $32, depending on size and style

APMA Seal Approved

Yes

Best Mary Janes

Livie & Luca Ruche

https://amzn.to/41Hh16F

The Livie Luca Kids Ruce is a cute Mary Jane shoe, ideal for when you want to step up from a sneaker. Extra padding at the back provides comfort and support. 

Slip-resistant soles

The rubber soles on the Livie & Luca Ruche provide excellent tread. They have a honeycomb design and are wider than the upper part to provide superior traction. Whereas most children's shoes have soles that are only glued, the Ruche is also sticthed around the perimeter, ensuring you won't get sole separation even with rough play. 

Flexibility 

These shoes have great flexibility thanks to their FeatherLight^TM Technology. 

Do they stay on?

We found that the Ruche generally stay on, but the lack of a buckle for the Velcro strap means they occasionally slip off. This is more of an issue for older toddlers who engage in rougher play and more climbing, than babies and young toddlers just learning to walk. 

Sizing

Livie and Luca Ruche start at size 6 (a 5.4" foot). They offer whole sizes up to 3Y (8.7"). No half sizes are available. Some parents have found that Live & Luca run small, so it's important to measure before purchasing. 

Are they easy to put on?

These are fairly easy to put on. The opening isn't as wide as the Stride Rite options, due to the fact that the Velcro doesn't thread through a buckle.

Colors

The color options on the Ruche are great. It's available in genuine leather in camel, navy, mocha, white, champage, pink leaopard, and red. It also comes in black patent leather. 

Amazon price at publication:

$68

APMA Seal Approved

Yes

Best Boys' Dress Shoe

Stride Rite Soft Motion Wally

Little ones look so cute all dressed up. Skip the sneakers on a special occasion and opt for this hybrid sneaker/loafer from Stride Rite. 

Slip-resistant soles

All of the Stride Rite Soft Motions use a proprietary overlapping circular tread pattern for excellent traction. The soles are both stiched and glued on for increased durability, making this a great choice even when dressing up isn't required. 

Flexibility 

The Stride Rite Wally moves easily with your toddler's foot. They also have Ortholite® memory foam insoles for enhanced comfort.

Do they stay on?

Yes, these stay on well. They're cut high in the front and use a buckle along with the Velcro strap to keep the shoes in place. 

Sizing

The Stride Rite Soft Motion Wally is offered in sizes 3-6 in whole and half sizes. It's also offered in both medium and wide widths, which is great. 

Are they easy to put on?

Yes, Stride Rite shoes have oversized openings to ensure they're easy to put on. 

Colors

The Stride Rite Wally comes in black or brown genuine leather. 

Amazon price at publication:

$18-$35 depending on size and color. 

APMA Seal Approved

Yes

Best Winter Boots

See Kai Run Gillman

When the snow starts falling, strap your new walker into these super warm and toasty boots from See Kai Run.

Slip-resistant soles

Because these are designed for snow and ice, you'll find deeper treads than on the other shoes on our list. They provide excelllent traction even in wintry weather.

Flexibility 

To keep the moisture out and prevent slips, winter boots have less flexibility than sneakers, but the See Kai Run Gillman are a good balance of flexibility for new walkers, and sturdiness for slippery ground. 

Do they stay on?

These babies aren't going anywhere. They're traditional winter boots, so as long as you size correctly, they're staying put. 

Sizing

See Kai Run Gillman boots come in whole sizes only 4-13. 

Are they easy to put on?

As far as winter boots go, these are pretty easy. The Velcro strap at the very allows you to open the top fairly wide and the top of the shoe also has elastic laces to help. You'll still have to push your child's foot in, but that's true with any winter boot. 

Colors

See Kai Run offers the Gillman in a wide selection of nine colors: grey, purple, berry, gradient grey, blue and green with a caterpillar strap, polar bear print, brown/black, brown/blue, and purple/teal. 

Amazon price at publication:

$45-$80, depending on size and style

APMA Seal Approved

Yes

Best Breathable

See Kai Run Ryder Knit

When it's warm out but you don't think sandals are a great choice, this breathable sneaker by See Kai Run is an excellent option. 

Slip-resistant soles

Ryder from See Kai Run has some of the best tread for new walkers. 

Flexibility 

The sole provides less flexibility than some of the others on our list, but it's still quite good. 

Do they stay on?

Yes, these aren't going anywhere, provided you have the right fit. The small, stretch foot opening will keep it securely on.

Sizing

See Kai Run Ryder Knit is availble in whole sizes 4-13. 

Are they easy to put on?

Not really. Because they're slip ons you'll need to stretch the opening and put your child's foot in, which is more difficult than a shoe with straps. But it's not a deal breaker. 

Colors

See Kai Run Ryder Knit comes in seven colors: teal, lavendar, grey, white with a multi-colored sole, blue multicolor, black, and dark grey with a multicolored sole.

Amazon price at publication:

$16-$45

APMA Seal Approved

Yes

Best Water Shoes

Stride Rite Splash

Once again, you can't beat Stride Rite. Their long history in children's footwear continues to deliver quality shoes with some of the best sizing options. These water shoes give excellent traction and dry fast, making them perfect for a splash in the water. 

Slip-resistant soles

Since these are water shoes, they deliver superior traction. The tread pattern is the same as other Stride Rite shoes on our list, but the treads are deeper to prevent falls on slippery surfaces.

Flexibility 

These are slightly less flexible than the Stride Rite sneakers on our list, but still excellent.

Do they stay on?

Yes, they're similar to a sneaker, so they stay put.  

Sizing

Stride Rite Soft Motion Splash has an excellent size range offering. It comes in whole and half sizes 3-6 and offers both medium and wide widths. 

Are they easy to put on?

Yep, like the other Stride Rites, the opening at the top is extra wide to make these easy to put on. 

Colors

You can choose from grey with a shark face and cute little fin on the back, or bright pink with a flamingo on top. 

Amazon price at publication:

$35-$40

APMA Seal Approved

Yes

Best Booties

ro + me by Robeez

Socks don't provide enough traction for new walkers so booties are the ideal solution when it's too cold for bare feet inside. 

Slip-resistant soles

The soles of the botties are fleece, but have rubber grips which provide adequate traction indoors.  

Flexibility 

Booties provide the ultimate flexibility because the soles are soft. This gives your child excellent movement.  

Do they stay on?

Yes. The straps overlap and snap in two places, keeping them securely on your child's feet.   

Sizing

ro + me by Robeez booties offer four size options: 0-3 months, 3-6 months, 6-12 months, and 12-18 months.

Are they easy to put on?

Super easy because the top of the bottie opens wide. 

Colors

You'll find the ro + me by Robeez in a delightful 12 colors: grey, navy, blush, pink polka dot, a pink/blue Spiderman looking version, leopard print, leopard print with a cat face, heart pattern, Black Panther, buffalo check, ivory, and navy stripe with a bear face. 

Amazon price at publication:

$14.50-$16.50, depending on size and style

APMA Seal Approved

Yes

Best Crib Shoes

pediped Originals Tyler Crib Shoe

Crib shoes are designed for pre-walkers to keep your baby's feet warm and even stylish. While these shoes aren't designed for walking, we included crib shoes on our list because there's a good chance your baby will take their first steps in them. 

Slip-resistant soles

The pediped Originals Tyler have solid traction on the rubber slip-resistant soles. Since they're not designed for walking per se, the tread isn't as deep as other shoes on our list, but they are rubber. Many crib shoes have suede soles, making them more slippery.  

Flexibility 

Since the soles are rubber, they're not as flexible as suede soles, but still have more flexibility than first walker shoes. 

Do they stay on?

The pediped Originals use a Velcro closure and have a high front, so they stay in place well. 

Sizing

pediped Originals Crib Shoes are available in 0-6 month and 6-12 month sizes. 

Are they easy to put on?

Yes. The opening at the top plus the Velcro give you plenty of space to easily slide your baby's foot in. 

Colors

The pediped Originals Tyler is only available in brown, but all of the crib shoes in the Originals line are AMPA approved, so you can find other styles. 

Amazon price at publication:

$30

APMA Seal Approved

Yes

Conclusion

It's wonderful to see your child grow and go through milestones. One of the most exciting moments will be getting your child their first walking shoes in 2024. There are plenty of wonderful options for your kid's first shoes, no matter what your needs are. Choose any of the above shoes for the ultimate style while supporting their growth and development.

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By Crystal Teegarden

 Crystal is a gentle parenting mama who loves reading, cooking, and exploring new trails with     her husband and son. She is from Los Angeles but currently lives in Portland, OR where she is     eating all the vegan food.