Congratulations mama, your baby is walking (or is in the cruising stage)! It’s a of a bittersweet moment to see those little feet taking steps, isn’t it? On one hand you are excited to see your baby growing and hitting milestones and on the other hand you’re sad to see your baby growing up so quickly. Trust me, I get it. My little walker is now a very active toddler. That being said there are a few differences in the types of shoes you will want for a baby that is just taking their first steps and a toddler that is running, climbing, and jumping. So lets dive in to how to find the best toddler walking shoes.
What to look for when selecting shoes for first walkers
Scroll down for a list of shoes
- Little feet are going to need flexibility. You want the shoe to almost mold to your babies’ little feet to allow for natural movement. Rubber soles are perfect for this and will support your child’s foot development.
- You can test a shoes flexibility by bending it to see if the toe and heels touch, this is a good indicator that the shoe has a soft sole and a flexible sole. This is the best choice of shoe for baby feet.
- You are going to want a shoe that mimics the shape of an actual foot. That means a flat sole and a wide toe. A flat sole is going to ensure that your baby feels balanced which is essential for comfort when learning to walk. You do not want your baby to feel like they are going to fall forward, flat feet is best. A wide toe will allow room for the toes to wiggle and move, additionally it will not smush their toes making them uncomfortable.
- Make sure the shoe choice offers breathability. Breathable linings will keep your baby’s feet fresh and dry, instead of sweaty and uncomfortable.
- Ensure the shoe is the right fit. I know, our children grow so quickly, and you might be tempted to size up their shoes–maybe even just a half size. Don’t do it. Your baby is just learning to walk, the shoes you select for them need to fit well. Plus, shoes that are too big can cause blisters and shoes that are too small can be uncomfortable. I recommend measuring your babies’ feet prior to ordering their shoes, typically a size chart is always available.
What to look for when selecting the perfect pair of shoes for your toddler
- You are going to want to select shoes that are more durable and non-slip. This will help the shoes withstand wear and tear in order to last longer with daily wear, as well as provide good traction to help prevent falls.
- Ensure that the shoes fit your child’s feet properly. You want enough room for their little toes to move around and proper arch support and ankle support. Consider checking their shoe size every couple of weeks considering how fast they grow. It is not a bad idea to keep a pair of shoes in the next size up stored in their closet.
- Good walking shoes is a must. I know that crocks and slides are cute, but they are not ideal for walking, running, or climbing. Which are all things toddlers love to do. I recommend making sure all sandals a good back strap and are closed toed. Additionally, you are going to want a thicker sole or a fat pad for this stage. This will help when you’re on a playground or a rocky path. I don’t know about you, but I absolutely hate when I feel a sharp rock through the sole of my shoes.
- Also, make sure the shoe is comfortable. You want a show that will offer your children’s feet good ventilation and breathability. This will prevent irritation and blisters as well as keeping feet dry. You will also want a shoe that is easily adjustable, perhaps Velcro straps or a loop closure.
Where to shop for the perfect shoes for little kids
- You do not need to go to a fancy podiatrists store or parents store. Like I mentioned earlier most stores offer a size chart online and all you really need to do is measure your child’s foot. I would also measure the width of the foot to see if your child needs wide feet baby shoes.
- When shopping online some stores will offer you a discount if you enter in your email address. This is always a plus for me. I would also ensure to check in their returns service, just in case you end up with a shoe you don’t like. Once I ordered my baby a pair of shoes with an online order and I ended up with an adult size man’s shoe that could fit my own foot. He was a size 6 at the time. I was able to return the shoe for free via mail for a full refund. This is always something to pay attention to, and the exchanges information.
The Best Shoes for baby boys and baby girls
- Baby Sock Shoes with a Soft Rubber Sole – $12.99
- My son had these exact shoes. So I will say that if you opt for the red, like I did, it’s actually more of a purple color. These are probably the best first walking shoes that you can get.
- Stride Rite 360 2.0 First Walker Shoe – $36.99
- I genuinely feel like you can not go wrong with Stride Rite. They are the perfect shoes for littles. These do offer less flexibility than the baby sock shoes, but they are more weather friendly.
The Best Shoes for Active Toddlers
- Stride Rite 360 Ace 2.0 Sneaker – $28.88
- Stride Rite shoes will always hold a special place in my heart. They are hands down the best shoes for kids.
- Stride Rite Soft Motion Frankie Athletic Sneaker – $56.00
- I love these because they offer amazing ankle support, which is a must when your child starts climbing everything in sight.
Shoes that I do not recommend
- Crib Shoes, they are pointless and offer no benefits to your child’s feet or development.
- Children’s Nikes, they are poorly made, and the Velcro never lasts.
- Fila Disruptor II, no child needs a heel like this on their shoe. This is more damaging than anything.
I hope that you were able to find a pair of shoes that are appropriate for your child’s growing feet and gather some tips to share with your friends as well.
Enjoy these first steps, it won’t be long before they are running away from you.
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