Image: MomJunction Design Team
Most babies begin walking as early as 12 months of age. However, some may be late bloomers. So, if your child has taken their first steps, we have compiled a list of the best-selling shoes for your baby to help you choose the right one. It is important to help your child have a comfortable walking experience. The right pair of shoes for babies care and protect their soft feet from harsh surfaces and objects. Besides, it supports their natural movement and aid in foot development.
Since finding the right pair can be daunting, our list includes adorable and comfortable baby shoes that will help you make the right choice. Consider your baby’s age, foot size, and intended use to find a tried-and-trusted pair that suits your child’s requirements. So, read on to pick your favorite shoes for your baby.
Top Picks
13 Best Baby Shoes
1. Best Anti-Slip Shoes: RVRovic Baby Shoes
Made of premium canvas with rubber anti-slip sole, RVRovic Baby Shoes are soft, lightweight, and breathable. These baby walking sneakers are easy to put on and off and have an elastic band around the ankle to make them comfortable to wear for babies aged six to 18 months.The unisex classic style shoes suit any occasion and are perfect for getting your baby started on the right foot.
Pros
- Rubber sole
- Durable
- Available in many colors
- Cute and flexible
Cons
- May not be suitable for outdoors
- May not withstand running
"I found these adorable shoes ideal for my little one, who was just starting to show signs of walking. Although slightly tricky to tie, they perfectly fit my child's wide feet without compromising comfort. And the vibrant colors help me pair it with different outfits."
2. Best Flexible Shoes: Debaijia Toddler Shoes
The Debaijia slip-on shoes for kids between one and four years of age make an excellent pair. Made of durable, premium canvas and TPR material, these first-walk shoes offer flexibility and elasticity. The non-slip outsoles make the lightweight infant walking shoes perfect for indoor and outdoor wear, while their classic, time-tested design makes them ideal for different occasions.
Pros
- Easy to put on and take off
- Fit perfectly
- Machine washable
- Attractive colors
- Breathable mesh
Cons
- Some may experience sizing issue
- Kids can pull off the shoes easily
"Unlike other baby shoes, these shoes are easy to slip on because of their flexible material. And the hard sole made it easy for my little one to walk. However, they may run small, so get a larger size if your little one has chunky baby feet."
3. Best Pediatrician-Recommended: Juicy Bumbles Soft Sole Baby Shoes Moccasin
These baby moccasins are made of soft and flexible leather for easy movement and walking and are available in various fun designs. The quality craftsmanship of these wide-width baby walking shoes allows your baby’s feet to grow well. Their suede, non-slip soles are light and soft, giving your child a barefoot feel to help them grip the floor while walking. These soft sole shoes for babies are available in a wide range of sizes for newborns and toddlers.
Pros
- Pediatrician-recommended
- Elasticated ankles
- Helps develop balance
- Lightweight
- Protects the feet
Cons
- May run large
- May not be suitable for rough use
RVRovic Baby Shoes Best Anti-Slip Shoes | Debaijia Toddler Shoes Best Flexible Shoes | Juicy Bumbles Soft Sole Baby Shoes Moccasin Best Pediatrician-Recommended | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 9,332 | 10,821 | - |
| Price | $10.99 | $16.97 | $6.99 |
4. Best For Parties: Enercake Mary Jane Flats
The fashionable pair is made of breathable and soft upper and comfortable soles for easy wearing and movement. These stylish baby walking shoes are available in various cute designs suitable for formal and casual wear. The delicate flower detailing on the top can complement your child’s party attire and be easily paired with dresses and skirts.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Flexible
- Easy to put on and take off
- Durable
Cons
- May run large
- May not offer sufficient grip
"I found these shoes adorable, truly the sweetest pair I've come across. However, sizing may be an issue, so consider sizing up. Despite being slightly oversized for my daughter, I could still style them effectively. On the whole, their charm is enduring."
5. Best Baby Shoes For Chubby Feet: HsdsBebe Baby Walking Sneakers
Babies with chubby feet will enjoy wearing HsdsBebe sturdy and soft leather baby shoes. Designed with PU leather, the party wear shoes come with a polyester lining for sweat absorption. Its quality craftsmanship includes firm rubber soles that offer great support and prevent your little one from falling. The Flexible sole shoes for babies come with a hook-and-loop closure system, making them easy to wear. The colorful cartoons of animals on the shoes make them delightful.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Flexible
- Breathable
- Machine washable
- Available in lots of colors and patterns
Cons
- Might seem bulky
"I found these shoes apt for my baby's first steps. With their soft and flexible craft, they provided a snug and comfortable fit. Its solid grip made walking a breeze, even on tricky surfaces like pebbles. And the best part is that they are easy to slip on and offer ample protection."
6. Best Designer Baby Shoes: RVRovic Baby Moccasins Sneakers
The designer baby shoes are made of premium artificial leather. Stylish and comfortable, lightweight, and soft shoes are designed to promote the growth of the baby’s feet and offer flexibility while they walk. The elastic band around the ankle makes them easy to wear. The classic moccasins are designed to make playdates and family gatherings fashionable for your little one.
Pros
- Easy to put on and take off
- Unique design
- Baby-friendly material
- Available in various colors
Cons
- Might feel a bit stiff
- Tip might be a bit thin
"I landed on these adorable lightweight shoes while seeking a good pair for my early walker. Besides being lightweight and comfortable, they have also fetched a lot of compliments. However, sizing may run large. Nonetheless, these have been a great find."
7. Best Suede Leather Baby Shoes: Mejale Baby Infant Toddler Shoes
The tried-and-tested suede leather shoes make your baby walk in comfort and grace. The lightweight and soft sole of these toddler walking shoes helps your child walk with ease, both at home and outside. The elastic band promises better fit around the feet and makes it easy to wear and take off the shoes. The Mejale infant toddler shoes sport a classy look and can be a perfect choice for your tiny tot.
Pros
- 100% suede leather construction
- Durable
- Arch-support baby shoes
- Ideal for newborns as well
Cons
- Does not stretch
"My munchkin loved these pre-walker shoes. They are flexible and easy to put on or remove. It's stretchy wide open allows easy movement and offers a snug fit. They made the transition from t hard-sole shoes to soft-sole shoes super easy. My little one especially loves the colors, and they now become his favorite shoes."
8. Best Breathable Baby Shoes: BMCiTYBM Breathable Mesh Sneakers
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 4,333 reviews on Amazon, this product is a winner.
The sneakers come with a unique coral grip design, which helps your child walk with perfect balance. The rubber soles provide lightweight cushioning, while the footbed is cushioned with memory foam insole for comfort. The helmet-type toe caps guarantee extra protection against injuries, and the mesh design offers high breathability. The adjustable baby walking shoes have hook-and-loop closures for easy wearing and removal and are convenient to clean using mild detergent.
Pros
- Adjustable strap
- Stretchable fabric
- Long-lasting
- Machine washable
- Round-toe design
- More wiggle room
Cons
- May not be as wide
"I bought these shoes for my little one's initial steps. They fit accurately and have been a hit from the start. They are flexible and breathable—ideal for a toddling baby. A bit of dirt does get in, but the shoes are super cute and stay put on the little one's feet."
9. Best Lightweight Baby Shoes: Thee Bron Infant Toddler Baby Leather Shoes
The lightweight Thee Bron infant toddler shoes are made of authentic soft leather. The memory foam on the footbed lends solid support to the tiny feet of toddlers and pre-walkers. The fashionable and smart design makes these lightweight walking shoes for babies perfect for casual and formal dressing.
Pros
- Leather upper
- High-quality
- Machine washable
- Offer great support
- Available in various colors
Cons
- Not suitable for narrow feet
- Might look bulky
"The shoes are well-made with durable soles and quality leather. They comfortably accommodate my little ones growing feet, and we love the cute, playful colors. However, they get dirty quickly, so I'd recommend a darker shade."
10. Best Genuine Leather Baby Shoes: Hongteya Leather Baby Moccasins
The genuine leather baby walking shoes have a rubber sole and can be irresistibly cute on your child. The elastic gathering on the rear side promises a better fit. The handmade shoes are fashionable and can be a perfect choice for babies between zero and24 months. You can dress your toddler in formal clothing with a cool pair of Hongteya leather moccasins for parties or outings.
Pros
- 100% leather
- Ideal for new walkers
- Available in several colors
- Durable
Cons
- May not provide enough support
- Material may show signs of wear over time
"My daughter, a new walker, is no longer struggling with her balance, all thanks to these shoes. She loves wearing them, and the thinner, rubber-padded soles offer better stability. Moreover, they continue to fit comfortably, even after my daughter's feet lost baby fat."
11. Best Soft Sole Baby Shoes: Dukars Soft Sole Moccasins
A fusion of comfort and style, the Dukars moccasins are the best baby shoes made of breathable and soft upper material with lace-up closure, which is adjustable for a comfortable fit. The non-slip baby shoes are the best buy for baby boys and girls. Soft and lightweight soles make walking feel completely natural.
Pros
- Elastic laces
- Easy slip on and off
- Offers snug fit
- Available in various colors
Cons
- May not offer a good grip for walking
- May run small
"I would recommend these adorable shoes with soft texture and easy slip-on features for any toddler who has just started to walk. These even came in handy during my son's first photo session. However, their size may run small, so sizing up may be helpful."
12. Best Baby Shoes With Cotton Lining: Timatego Newborn Baby Booties
Designed for babies between zero and 18 months, the Timatego non-slip baby walking shoes for toddlers can keep their feet in grip and offer complete comfort. The soft cotton lining makes these shoes a socks-free design. The hook-and-loop velcro closure walking shoes for babies ensure easy wearing, and the non-slip sole makes the booties ideal for pre-walkers and toddlers.
Pros
- Easy to wear
- Stays in place
- Ideal as a gift
- Machine washable
- Available in various colors
Cons
- Velcro loosens up quickly
"These baby shoes are easy to slip onto the foot, a boon for any parent with an active baby. They open up smoothly and stay on with ease. The quality is excellent, avoiding that squashed look seen with other shoes. Also, they were perfect for winter as they provided warmth and comfort without looking too bulky."
13. Best Slip-On Baby Shoes: Bebila Leather Cartoon Baby Moccasins
Designed for kids between zero and 24 months, the fashionable shoes are made in genuine leather with suede soles. The convenient slip-on design offers comfort and is comfortable to wear and take off. Convenient to clean, the shoes come with different cartoon style patterns on top, making them appealing to both boys and girls.
Pros
- Soft and cute
- Handmade
- Easy to put on and take off
- Breathable material
Cons
- May have a distinct leather-like smell
- Sizing might be a bit off
"These shoes are made of good quality materials, and the innovative design makes it easy for my son to wear them. Although the seams did fray after prolonged use, the flexible and sturdy shoes continue to serve the purpose well."
How To Choose The Right Baby Shoes?
While buying your baby’s first pair of shoes, picking the best one is essential to ensure safety and comfort. Here is what you need to know to buy the right pair of shoes for your baby boy or girl.
- Size: A shoe that is too tight will be uncomfortable, and a shoe that is too loose will be slippery, making it important to do a fit assessment. You should measure the baby’s feet before buying the shoes. Also, remember that babies grow fast and may grow out of their shoes too soon. So pick a size depending on how long you want the baby to use them.
- Weight: Big and heavy shoes will make walking difficult for tiny feet. You should choose shoes that are lightweight so that your baby can walk with ease.
- Flexibility: Baby shoes should have flexible outsoles that fit according to the movement and take the shape of the baby’s feet for a comfortable walk.
- Easy to put on: The best baby shoes are quick and convenient to put on and take off.
- Anti-skid soles: Look for baby shoes with anti-slip soles so that your baby can walk with confidence and no fear of falling or slipping.
- Wearability: Shoes that can be worn with different kinds of outfits for different occasions and seasons are the intelligent pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. At what age should a baby start wearing shoes?
Kids can start wearing proper hard-soled shoes once they can walk by themselves. However, you can use soft sock-like shoes for babies as they may not interfere with the foot’s natural development and movement (1).
2. Should babies use walking shoes?
Babies who have not started walking may not need walking shoes (2). You can opt to put flexible booties on your baby’s feet, as regular shoes may be too stiff and hinder the growth and movement of your child.
3. How long should babies wear soft-soled shoes?
You can put soft-soled shoes on a baby’s feet till they are around two years old. Babies around the two-year mark can usually walk on their own and may need shoes that can provide better support (3).
4. Do shoes damage a baby’s feet?
It can be better to keep a baby barefoot until they start walking on their own. A child’s feet keep changing in size and structure till they are three years old, making them wear hard and restricting shoes before that can damage the baby’s feet (4).
Why Trust MomJunction?
Our writers and reviewers understand the importance of choosing high-quality products for your child. A baby’s first shoes should provide comfort and grip to help them feel secure and balance their legs properly. We have conducted a trend analysis and carefully scoured multiple websites and user reviews before shortlisting the best baby shoes from high-quality shoe brands for your child. These tried-and-tested shoes are best suited for your baby’s tiny feet and are sure to provide the right support and comfort for their first steps.
The Bottom Line
The best walking shoes for babies are lightweight and flexible and offer comfort, grip, and stability. These shoes support your toddler’s natural movement and aid your baby’s foot development. If you intend to use them when the baby is walking outdoors, check the sole to see if it can give them excellent traction and protect them from rougher terrains while keeping them safe, warm, and comfortable. Some great options to consider are the Enercake Mary Jane Flats, featuring breathable and soft uppers with delicate flower detailing, the Mejale Baby Infant Toddler Shoes made of suede leather for comfort and durability, and the Bebila Leather Cartoon Baby Moccasins in genuine leather and appealing cartoon patterns.
Infographic: How To Store And Organize Baby Shoes?
When it comes to baby shoes, keeping them organized and easily accessible is essential. Proper storage ensures that your little one’s adorable footwear stays in good condition and can be found when needed. If you are looking for the best ways to store baby shoes, check out the following infographic, which provides innovative and hassle-free organizing solutions.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Is My Baby Ready for Shoes?
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/baby-shoes.html - Should your baby wear shoes?
https://news.sanfordhealth.org/childrens/should-your-baby-wear-shoes/ - Important Milestones: Your Child By Two Years
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/milestones-2yr.html - Footwear in children
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2661351/
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