Your baby’s journey to walking from wobbly first steps to confident strides is a milestone full of wonder and discovery. But amid the excitement, a question arises: what kind of shoes should they wear? The world of baby shoes can be overwhelming, with soft booties, flexible sneakers and supportive sandals competing for your attention.
Barefoot play is always best for babies learning to walk, but you need shoes for outdoors and in public. It is essential that you get the right size and space for the growth and development of your feet. Here is a list of the 15 best walking shoes for babies who are first learning to walk.
1. Ten small everyday originals
- Amazon rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Price: About $24.99
- Size range: 3-12 months
- Material: Canvas and synthetic leather
- Machine washable: No (only on site clean)
- Color options: 5
These shoes are super light as a feather and flexible like a ballerina. It features a wide toe box for healthy growth and double Velcro closures for easy on and off. These budget-friendly baby walkers offer value for money, but lack advanced support and require spot cleaning.
2. Cat & Jack Parker sneakers
- Amazon rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars
- Price: About $15.99
- Size range: 4-11 years old
- Material: Mesh and synthetic leather
- Machine washable: Yes
- Color options: 6
These sneakers are another budget-friendly option that’s good for your baby’s wallet and feet. These shoes offer breathability with a mesh upper and the convenience of machine washing.
However, their support may not be ideal for wide feet, and adventurous explorers may desire more flexibility.
3. Stride Rite Soft Motion Artie Sneaker
- Amazon rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Price: About $49.99
- Size range: 3-10 months
- Material: Leather and synthetic
- Machine washable: No (only on site clean)
- Color options: 4
These shoes, approved by the APMA, perform top in terms of support and flexibility. Thanks to the wide toe, cushioning sole and excellent grip, they are ideal for active toddlers. But be prepared for a more expensive label and somewhat bulky Velcro closures.
4. Nike Flex Advance FlyEase Sneaker
- Amazon rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars
- Price: About $59.99
- Size range: 4-10 years old
- Material: Textile and synthetic
- Machine washable: No (only on site clean)
- Color options: 2
Innovation shines with the laceless design, making putting on these shoes a breeze. Their lightweight construction and flexible sole are perfect for little dancers, but the limited color options and higher price tag may raise eyebrows.
5. Geox Lupidoo Baby
- Amazon rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Price: About $69.99
- Size range: 3-18 months
- Material: Leather and synthetic
- Machine washable: No (only on site clean)
- Color options: 4
Rain or shine, these shoes overcome weather problems with a breathable, waterproof membrane. These supportive and flexible walking shoes have a wide toe box for healthy growth. However, the price tag can sting, and colder weather may require warmer options.
6. See Kai Run Cruz II
- Amazon rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Price: About $54.99
- Size range: 3-12 months
- Material: Learn
- Machine washable: No (only on site clean)
- Color options: 4
See Kai Run Cruz II, another APMA-approved champion, excels in support and flexibility, ensuring healthy development every step of the way. These durable wide-toe shoes may feel tight on wider feet. Prepare for a more expensive investment.
Remove your baby from the stroller and let him take his first steps on these soft and comfortable walkers.
7. Smallbirds Wool Walkers Small children
- Amazon rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Price: About $65.99
- Size range: 2-7 years old
- Material: Merino wool
- Machine washable: Yes
- Color options: 5
Enjoy the natural comfort of merino wool! These breathable and machine-washable shoes are perfect for indoor adventures. One downside is that they are not waterproof and may not provide sufficient support for outdoor explorations.
8. Pediped Originals Dani Navy
- Amazon rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars
- Price: About $44.99
- Size range: 3-18 months
- Material: Learn
- Machine washable: No (only on site clean)
- Color options: 3
Soft, supple leather welcomes little toes in Pediped Originals Dani Navy, which promotes sensory development with flexible soles. But their less flexible nature and higher price tag may not suit every budget or adventurer.
9. Jan & Jul Machine washable knitted shoes
- Amazon rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars
- Price: About $19.99
- Size range: 6-36 months
- Material: Knitted fabric
- Machine washable: Yes
- Color options: 6
Lightness is central to the machine-washable knitted shoes from Jan and Jul. These stretchy knit shoes are super easy to clean and put on, great for quick outings. However, their minimal support only makes them better suited for smooth surfaces.
10. Kimi + Kai First Walker Toddler Playful Puppy Leather Shoes
- Amazon rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Price: About $39.99
- Size range: 6-24 months
- Material: Learn
- Machine washable: No (only on site clean)
- Color options: 4
Cute puppies steal the show in these leather shoes, which are breathable and provide good ankle support for wobbly adventures. But wet weather may not be their friend, and the price tag may take some budget.
11. Nike Air Force 1 baby sneaker
- Amazon rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Price: About $49.99
- Size range: 3-10 years old
- Material: Leather and synthetic
- Machine washable: No (only on site clean)
- Color options: 4
For Nike Air Force 1, classic style meets little feet. These durable and supportive shoes are best for babies who are first learning to walk. They provide good ankle protection. But their heavier weight and less flexible nature may not be ideal for all first steps.
12. Feet City Slip-on First Walking Shoes
- Amazon rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars
- Price: About $12.99
- Size range: 6-36 months
- Material: Canvas and synthetic
- Machine washable: Yes
- Color options: 5
As the name suggests, the Feet City Slip On first walking shoes are specially designed for novice walkers who are learning to walk. Convenience reigns supreme with these easy-to-put slip-on shoes.
These lightweight and affordable shoes are machine washable for quick cleaning. However, their minimal support is only better suited for controlled environments.
13. Harvest Land Toddler Lightweight Canvas Slip-On Sneakers
- Amazon rating: 4.1 out of 5 stars
- Price: About $10.99
- Size range: 1-4 years old
- Material: Canvas
- Machine washable: Yes
- Color options: 6
Harvest Land baby shoes are budget-friendly and breathable canvas shoes that are perfect for warm days. Not only are they machine washable and lightweight, but they also excel in convenience.
Speaking of the cons, their minimal support and lack of warmth may not be ideal for all situations.
14. Little Mae’s Boutique Mary Jane Squeaky Shoes for Toddlers
- Amazon rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars
- Price: About $29.99
- Size range: 6-36 months
- Material: Learn
- Machine washable: No (only on site clean)
- Color options: 3
Squeaky shoes are a must when babies first start walking, right? Every step brings a playful squeak with these adorable Mary Janes!
The leather construction of these shoes provides breathability, but their less flexible nature and focus on style may not be suitable for all outdoor adventures.
15. See Kai Run Baby Knit (First Walker)
- Amazon rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Price: About $44.99
- Size range: 3-18 months
- Material: Knitted fabric
- Machine washable: Yes
- Color options: 4
Notice that Kai Run is on this list again because they have a lot of varieties. Comfort is paramount in this knit upper, with a flexible sole and wide toe box for healthy growth.
It is machine washable and therefore easy to clean. The only downside is that they may not have the support like some competitors.
Baby shoes size chart
Finding the perfect shoes for your newborn isn’t just about the material and support. The right size makes or breaks the deal. Consider checking out this chart before purchasing the great pair of shoes for your baby.