Image: MomJunction Design Team
If your child has recently learned to take their first few steps, you will notice that they walk in no time. Allowing your munchkin to wear the best baby walking shoes will protect their sensitive feet when walking. These best-selling baby walking shoes are made to keep their feet safe and comfortable while still providing the necessary grip to prevent them from falling.
Purchasing the baby’s first pair of walking shoes is an entirely different experience, which is why we’ve compiled a list of some adorable baby walking shoes from trusted brands. It will assist you in selecting the ideal pair of shoes with the proper sole, shoe size, and fit. The post also discusses the benefits of walking shoes and includes a buying guide for making the buying process easier.
Top Picks
13 Best Baby Walking Shoes
1. Best Comfortable: Ikiki Squeaky Shoes for Toddlers
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 10,673 positive customer reviews on Amazon are a testament to its quality and reliability.
Bring home these cute baby walking shoes with ankle support. The single-strap pattern makes them comfortable walking shoes for babies. To make it easy to put on the right shoe on the right foot, each sole base comes in a different color. These squeaky shoes help parents keep track of their children.
Pros
- Made of breathable synthetic fabric
- Come with a squeaker switch
- High top to provide good support
- Unique design to encourage heel-to-toe walking
- Available in various color combinations
Cons
- May squeak only when the baby jumps
- Squeaker may be fragile
"These are the cutest and most comfy shoes in my baby's collection. They support her chunky feet and produce a squeaking sound, which she likes."
Quick fact2. Best Breathable: peggy piggy Baby Walking Shoes
These sneakers by peggy piggy are easy to wear due to their slip-on design and are designed for walking. They come with soft memory foam insoles, which don’t require frequent replacement, making them a trusted choice of parents. In addition, these breathable shoes are lightweight, making them convenient for toddlers.
Pros
- Come with rubber soles
- Ultra-soft footbed
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Velcro strap for a customized fit
- Rounded toe design offers ample space
Cons
- Size-chart may not be accurate
- Insoles may not be soft enough
3. Best Mesh Fabric Lining: Dream Pairs Toddler Sneakers
The Dream Pairs sneakers are made of flannel microfiber fabric with heavy-duty stitching, making them soft yet sturdy. These parent-recommended athletic walking shoes have cushioned foam insole and mesh fabric lining to provide breathability and keep your child comfortable throughout the day. The pair also has a hook-and-loop closure along with elastic laces for easy adjustments, and the textured rubber sole is anti-slip, providing good traction and keeping your child safe.
Pros
- Lightweight and wear-resistant
- Cushioned walking shoes
- Anti-collision rubber toe cap
- Available in multiple color options
- Wearable all year round
Cons
- May be a bit narrow at the ankles
- May not be true to size
"I thought these would be heavy, but they are pretty lightweight. They are also super easy to put on and take off and offer good slip resistance."
4. Best Injury-Free: BMCiTYBM Infant Sneakers Non-Slip First Walkers
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 6,618 positive reviews on Amazon are proof that this product meets customers' expectations.
With more wiggle room for the tiny toes, these walking shoes for babies make a happy pick. If you are looking for walking shoes for all-day comfort, this is an excellent choice. Have your baby walk with confidence with these shoes that encourage natural movement by promising a good grip. The hook-and-loop design of the quality shoes make them easy to wear and remove.
Pros
- Have a stretchy foot-hugging upper
- Come with a non-slip rubber sole and sensory pods
- Toe cap prevents toes from injuries
- Knitted fabric offers breathability
- Soft pillow-like cushioning adds to the comfort
Cons
- Liners may be somewhat flimsy
- May be a bit wide
"I love these shoes for their excellent grip and flexibility. They look super cute on my baby taking her first steps and go well with most outfits. The size is a bit large, but wearing quality socks helps."
5. Best Flexible Sole: Robeez First Kicks Shoes & Sneakers
This pair of walking shoes with good grip by the trusted brand Robeez is made for children learning to walk and is approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association. The soft-soled shoes are designed to flex and bend to accommodate the natural shape and movements of the feet. In addition, the non-slip sole adds traction and averts falls, while the breathable lining of the expert-approved shoes prevents sweating and keeps the feet cool and dry.
Pros
- Padded insole for better cushioning
- Elasticized ankles for a good fit
- Available in multiple colors and styles
- Made of high-quality leather
Cons
- May be a bit wide
- May not be easy to maintain
"These shoes are a good choice for my princess's tiny feet—they stay put and do not require frequent adjustment. The leather quality is solid, too, and the design is simple yet adorable."
Point to consider6. Best Fun: Wee Squeak Toddler Squeaky Shoes
These beautiful baby girl walking shoes by Wee Squeak have comfortable and soft uppers and a fun squeaker in the heel. The lightweight shoes, known for their quality craftsmanship, encourage first-time walkers with the delightful squeak sounds they make as your child walks with them on. These quality shoes are easy to put on and take off and come with a sturdy rubber sole for considerable stability.
Pros
- Removable squeaker
- Adjustable strap at the ankle for a good fit
- Bump toe protector
- Available in various styles and colors
Cons
- May not be true to size
- Bow may not be pre-attached in some styles
"My little one looks adorable in these elegant shoes. I like that the squeaker is removable, which makes it convenient for use when attending church on Sundays. These are also worth considering for their adjustable straps and cushioning."
7. Best Lightweight: Gerber Unisex-Child Baby Crib Shoes
The crib shoes by the trusted brand Gerber come in adorable 3D animal patterns, such as sharks and bunnies, which your little one will love. The soft fabric of these flat-sole shoes makes them comfortable to wear, and they can be worn both in hot and cold weather. Their lightweight material, easy-to-wear design, and comfy outsole help your child walk around effortlessly.
Pros
- No-skid design on soles
- Suitable for early walkers
- Shape stays intact even after repeated use
- Spacious and durable
Cons
- May run a bit large
- Shoes may be a bit wide
"Besides being roomy, these shoes are comfortable and offer a good grip, supporting my baby's tiny feet while taking her first steps. The simple Velcro closure makes them convenient, and I like that they are also easy to clean."
8. Best Unisex: Oaisnit Baby Boys Girls Sneakers
Keep your baby’s little feet comfy and toasty with these unisex sneakers. These are designed keeping in mind the comfort of your child. Made to suit every season, these shoes make a perfect pick for walking, running, and playing.
Pros
- Made of breathable mesh material
- Come with a soft cotton lining to prevent sweaty feet
- Have a lightweight, anti-skid, soft rubber sole
- Come with an anti-collision toe cap
- Adjustable closure for easy on and off
- Breathable walking shoes
Cons
- May be wide at the heels
- May slide while walking
"These are decent shoes for everyday wear. They fit my little one's chubby little feet and are easy to put on and take off thanks to their flexible design."
9. Best Flexible: Ella Bonna Oxford Baby Boy Shoes
Are you looking for shoes with a classy style? These designer baby shoes are an ideal match for formal and casual clothing. These shoes are designed to promote natural toddler foot development and movement. Have your baby learn to walk with these comfortable mini Oxford moccasins on any terrain without tripping.
Pros
- Made of pure grain genuine leather
- Lightweight, anti-slip rubber sole for better stability
- Come with padded insoles to prevent injuries
- Designed with flexible materials
- Wide foot-friendly; provide more room for the toes
- Organic cotton laces
Cons
- May run small in size
- Color may vary slightly
"They are stretchable and offer a snug fit, and the rubber soles provide the proper support to my baby, who has just started walking. The soft leather looks classy, and I'm sure it'll last my child a few more months."
Quick tip10. Best Soft Sole: Robeez Unisex-Child Slip On Crib Shoes
These Robeez crib shoes made of 100% leather material don’t restrict the feet but allow for easy bending and flexing. The suede sole of these supportive shoes bends with every step, allowing a complete range of motion. Further, the soft-soled shoes by this trusted brand are available in fun designs, including a dinosaur your child will adore, and are also easy to clean and maintain.
Pros
- Approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association
- Supports healthy foot development
- Elasticized ankle
- Kick-proof and non-slip
- Lining made with breathable material to keep the feet cool and dry
Cons
- Seams may be a bit fragile
- Elastic band may be a bit tight for some
"I'm pleased I have found the perfect snug-fitting shoes for my baby's wide feet. They provide enough traction when he is actively walking or playing and give a near-barefoot feel while protecting his feet."
11. Best For Winter: Pureborn Fleece Booties
If you’re looking for a pair of shoes to keep your baby warm in cold weather, these fleece booties by Pureborn are a perfect choice. They come with an ultra-soft fleece lining and anti-slip rubber soles to keep your baby warm and protect them from falling by providing stability. The elasticized ankles and oversized opening ensure a snug fit, and the fine workmanship makes these shoes last a long while.
Pros
- Velcro pull tabs offer a snug closure
- Machine washable
- Good for layering
- Soft and comfortable material
Cons
- Sole may not be sturdy enough
- Size might run a bit large
"My search for footwear that combines style, comfort, and practicality ends with these booties. They complement my son’s outfits, and the adjustable option offers a secure fit."
12. Best Leather: Pediped Katelyn Originals Mary Jane
These sweet and stylish summertime sandals in Mary Jane-style make a fantastic pair of baby girl walking shoes. A fusion of comfort and fashion, these cute shoes for long walks are designed to develop foot strength and allow babies to sense the ground underneath for a better walking experience.
Pros
- Made of 100% leather
- Unique flower petal cut-out detailing on top
- Have scalloped trims
- Adjustable hook-and-loop strap
- Come with a soft and slip-resistant rubber sole
Cons
- May feel comfortable only when worn with socks
- Stitching may be fragile
"They are flexible and soft, and the cute design appeals to my little one. She has just started taking her initial steps, and these shoes have been a good purchase for indoor use."
13. Best Convenient: Reebok Kids’ Techque T Slip On Walking Shoe
The iconic Techque T shoes by the trusted brand Reebok are designed for the comfort of those tiny feet. Match these everyday casual shoes to any outfit in any season to keep your baby’s feet protected. The convenient hook-and-loop closure makes these trail walking shoes easy to put on and take off.
Pros
- Made of synthetic leather
- Come with cushioned rubber sole
- Wider foot design accommodates chubby feet
- Padded internal
Cons
- May be slightly bulky
- May not be easy to clean
"I love these shoes as they fit my little one snugly and are quite durable. They seem easy on her little feet, and it's decent comfort-wise, as she doesn't want to take them off."
Benefits Of Baby Walking Shoes
A good pair of baby walking shoes can
- Protect the feet of the baby from anything that can hurt their tiny feet and toes.
- Provide a comfortable walking experience.
- Protect the baby’s feet from extreme temperatures.
- Provide the required grip and balance to walk without tripping.
- Promote a great deal of physical activity as babies can run, dance, play, and do many more things with the right shoes on.
- Allow the baby to walk on different kinds of terrains.
How To Choose The Right Baby Walking Shoes?
Here are a few features that you must always consider before buying the right pair of shoes for your baby.
- Correct size: Shoes that are too loose or too tight are not a good buy. Compromising on the size is never a good idea.
- Padding: It is important to buy walking shoes with memory foam cushioning at the back of the heel to add to the comfort. You can also look for shoes with removable insoles. You can check the reviews to find parent-recommended options that will ensure your baby’s comfort.
- Sole: Always pick quality shoes with non-slip soles for additional friction. Going for shoes with a flexible and flat sole allows them to bend and promises a comfortable walking experience across different terrains.
- Wide pattern: To allow the toes to wiggle and grow, a wide front is always a better choice. Moreover, it is also easy to slip them onto feet that are on the chubbier side.
, a fashion designer and illustrator, says, “Apart from these factors, the shoes you choose should also be lightweight and well-padded around the ankle. You may also consider those with Velcro straps or elastic laces for easy on and off.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do babies need shoes to walk?
Babies need to be barefooted to develop the strength in their legs to walk on their own. However, once your baby starts walking, you can get soft and flexible shoes to protect their feet from dirt and debris (1).
2. When should I put walking shoes on my baby?
You can put walking shoes on your baby when they are around eighteen months old and can walk on their own (2). Walking shoes can prevent any injuries caused due to hard or sharp objects on the floor (3).
3. How are baby shoes different from shoes for adults or older children?
As babies do not use their shoes for walking, they are usually made of soft materials and are similar to regular socks. Adults or older children need hard-soled shoes to provide optimum support while walking.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Vibha Navarathna is an experienced writer and reviewer specializing in baby products. She undertakes extensive research and goes through numerous user reviews to ensure your child’s comfort and safety. Her compilation of the best baby walking shoes is sure to make the child’s first steps hassle-free. The list includes well-researched shoes for baby feet made of high-quality materials and with premium features. She has also included a buying guide to help you choose the right shoes that meet quality assurance standards.
The Bottom Line
Watching your little one take their first steps can be a priceless feeling. To help them walk comfortably, you will need the best baby walking shoes. Thus, our top picks include the Ikiki Squeaky Shoes with a single-strap design and the Dream Pairs Toddler Sneakers featuring cushioned foam insoles. You could also get the Wee Squeak Toddler Squeaky Shoes with soft uppers. These shoes are specially designed for babies with extra padding, soft material, easy closure, and convenient features. You should consider your child’s age and foot size to find well-fitting shoes. Some other pointers to be noted would be breathability, comfort, and washable material. So, protect your child’s feet from injuries and help them walk confidently with these shoes.
Infographic: How To Choose The Right Baby Walking Shoes?
Walking shoes for babies are designed to provide support and comfort as they take their first steps. However, picking the right type of shoes is essential to promote proper foot development and ensure a safe walking experience. Explore the infographic below to discover how to choose the perfect pair of walking shoes for your little one.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Is My Baby Ready for Shoes?
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/baby-shoes.html
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