The Newbie Parent's Guide To Baby Shoes

Rolling. Crawling. Cruising. Taking their wobbly first steps. Every stage of your baby’s movement journey is equal parts adorable and stress-inducing. One minute you’re soaking in the cuteness, the next you’re Googling “how to babyproof literally everything.”

You’re also probably asking: Do they need shoes yet? What kind? And how do I not spend $60 on something they’ll outgrow in six weeks?

We got you. With advice from pediatricians, podiatrists and baby gear experts, this guide covers when to buy baby shoes, what features matter and how to pick the right pair for your mini explorer.

When do babies need shoes?

Dr. Dina Kulik is a pediatrician and the founder of KidCrew Medical. She says that although sneakers for newborns are undeniably cute, spending time barefoot is best for pre-walking infants.

According to Kulik, going barefoot helps babies develop the muscles, ligaments and arch of their feet naturally. Plus, feeling the ground can help little ones improve their balance and body awareness.

While some babies begin walking as early as nine months old, podiatrist Andrew Klayman says that the general range is 12 to 14 months.

So, if your little one is under 14 months and not walking, don’t stress. Baby can go barefoot most of the time and wear shoes when crawling outdoors or on rough surfaces.

Walkers

Kulik says that as toddlers learn to walk, they build more than just balance. Walking also affects postural control, muscle strength, depth perception, coordination and even spatial awareness. She also says that the wrong pair of shoes can hinder a child’s progress as they develop these skills.

So, choosing the right kicks is important. But shopping for these essentials can feel overwhelming. There are endless options available and, even if you find the perfect fit, your little one will probably outgrow the shoes in a matter of months. Luckily, experts like Kulik have plenty of tips for measuring, understanding and buying babies’ footwear.

The three stages of baby footwear

Pre-walkers

Meg O’Donnell is the founder of Little Chicken, a children’s apparel brand carrying shoes, accessories and customizable clothes. She says that shoes for pre-walkers should prioritize comfort, protection and natural foot movement. 

At this stage, baby shoes don’t need great grip or structure. Instead, look for shoes with a soft sole to mimic a barefoot feel while allowing little muscles to strengthen without interruption. 

First walkers

Children who have started to walk, but are still wobbly on their feet, can benefit from flexible shoes with strong traction. At this point, baby’s feet will grow quickly and there will be some falls, bumps and scrapes along the way. 

Established walker

If your little one is confidently walking and running around the playground, they are an established walker. At this stage, you’ll want to consider durability and support when shopping for toddler shoes.

The baby shoe features that matter

Children’s shoes often include features which aren’t found in adult footwear. While light-up soles and favourite cartoon characters don't do much for their feet, O’Donnell says that other features are designed for a child’s development. When shopping for baby shoes, keep an eye out for these important details.

A non-skid, bendable sole

Non-skid, rubber soles can prevent falls by providing some extra traction, but overly stiff ones can do more harm than good. 

According to Kulik, babies need to feel the ground to properly adjust their walking style. This becomes difficult when shoe soles are too thick. Similarly, soles which are too thin can lead to injury, poor posture and interfere with muscle development. 

“We want the right balance of flexibility and support,” said Kulik. “If you try to bend the shoe side-to-side, it should bend a bit, but not be able to fold in half.”

Breathable materials

Choose supportive shoes made from breathable materials, like canvas, to prevent moisture buildup and allow feet to breathe. If your little one will wear their new kicks at recess or the playground, consider looking for machine-washable options. 

Convenient fastenings

If you want your little one to dress themselves, shoes with velcro straps are a good idea. These easy-on, easy-off closures provide a less secure fit than laces, but at least you won’t have to worry about the tripping hazard. 

Function over fashion

Avoid overly heavy shoes for toddlers. New walkers have to develop muscular function and balance, so prioritizing support over style is important. 

“There is plenty of time to pick out some fashion kicks for them after they have the hang of walking around with us,” said O’Donnell. 

The proper fit

You may feel tempted to buy larger shoes for your child to grow into, but experts recommend avoiding this common mistake.

Baby’s feet may slide around while wearing shoes that are too big. Klayman says that this issue can lead to falling, of course, as well as delayed development of proper walking patterns.

In contrast, shoes which are too small can negatively impact bone growth while injuring your little one’s fragile nails.

“Whether too big or too small, it can lead to awkward movements, impacting key skills like coordination, stability and traction,” said Klayman.

How to measure baby shoe size at home

Your toddler’s new shoes should leave some space for growth and movement. If you can place the side of your thumb between baby’s toes and the front of their new shoes, you’ve probably found a good fit. 

To measure a baby’s shoe size at home, Klayman recommends placing their foot flat on a piece of paper or a pre-measured chart. Then, while baby is standing with their full weight on the sheet, gently trace around the foot from heel to toe. 

“Use the larger of the two measurements and compare it to the baby shoe size chart,” said Klayman.

Repeat this process every one or two months, as your little one will grow quickly.

Popular types of baby shoes and what they offer

Soft-soled shoes and booties

This super cozy style imitates a barefoot feel, making them a great pick for pre-walkers. 

Heather Altomare, senior vice president of product at TOMS, recommends the brand’s Layette Alpargata Crib Shoe. “It actually stays on, unlike those tiny socks that never seem to,” she said. “It offers just the right amount of coverage and comfort for little feet that are mostly cuddled up or being carried around.”

This list of our favourite infant shoes includes organic, crochet and unisex options. 

First walking shoes

Shoes for new walkers are usually designed with flexibility and a good grip. 

“Make sure that your little one’s shoes have the specific label for early walkers or first walkers,” said O’Donnell. “I would suggest looking for soft-soled shoes that allow the foot muscles to strengthen and the toes to grip the floor, which helps with balance and coordination.”

Sandals

This style is perfect for vacations, summer adventures and warm-weather play. For easy cleaning, look for sandals made from washable materials like mesh or rubber. 

If you are shopping for a new walker, search for closed-toe options which provide some extra protection. Or, check out this list of approved toddler sandals for lightweight, breathable and quick-drying kicks. 

Boots

If your little one is playing in the rain and snow, baby boots can offer some extra protection. A warm, zip-up pair with non-slip soles can make a comfortable choice for walkers of all ages. 

Baby sneakers

Depending on their level of flexibility, baby sneakers can be suitable for both new and established walkers. Check out this guide for what to look for in baby’s first shoes. 

Sneakers with a wide toe box can help children move naturally without feeling restricted.

Caring for baby shoes

After finding the perfect pair of shoes for your little one, keep the sneakers, boots or sandals in good condition with these helpful tips. Canvas and mesh shoes will likely need to be spot-cleaned, while leather styles are usually wipeable. 

Regardless of which style you opt for, remember that airing out baby shoes is a great way to prevent unwelcome odours and moisture buildup. Your new walker will need support, so always check their shoes for wear and tear while cleaning.

If you keep cleanability, flexibility, traction and fit in mind while shopping for baby shoes, you’ll be doing your little ones a huge favour. The right style can have a very positive impact on their future mobility and walking skills.

“It’s amazingly rewarding to prevent problems, rather than to fix them once they develop,” said Klayman.

Experts

• Andrew S. Klayman is a Toronto-based podiatrist with over 30 years of experience.
• Dr. Dina Kulik is a physician specializing in emergency pediatric medicine. She is also the founder of a pediatric clinic called KidCrew Medical.
• Heather Altomare is the senior vice president of product at TOMS.
• Meg O’Donnell is the founder of Little Chicken, a children’s apparel brand carrying shoes, accessories and customizable clothes.