Is your baby getting ready to take their first steps? Do you already have a bonafide cruiser on your hands? If that’s the case, you’re probably wondering what exactly they should be wearing to protect their adorably chubby little feet. Finding the best walking shoes for your baby’s feet is essential to their health and development, so we consulted the experts to get the lowdown on what parents should be looking for before they invest in a pair of adorable kicks.
WHAT TO CONSIDER
There aren’t a ton of guidelines parents need to follow when looking for their baby’s first pair of walking shoes. Dr. Leann Poston, a pediatrician at Invigor Medical in Kennewick, Washington, says, “The most important thing parents should look for is walking shoes that are well-fitting and flexible.” Alas, if your baby has adorable baby Jordan sneakers like my kids had, their stiffness would, unfortunately, eliminate them from this category.
Poston also advises, “Baby walking shoes should not change the way the child walks and should only protect their feet from getting hurt. They should have a large enough toe box for their toes to move.” In other words, don’t opt for anything too restrictive.
Thanks to Dr. Poston’s helpful insight, we found the best baby walking shoes available for your little one right now. We considered fit, style, quality, and, of course, budgets of all sorts — all of which will have your baby walking in style in no time. On your mark, get set: Go, baby, go!
BEST BUDGET PICK
If you’re looking for a great budget option, these are the best walking shoes to shop. These come in multiple colors, wash like a dream, and the bottom is flexible yet sturdy, which is exactly what you want your baby’s walking shoes to be.
The sides have extra stretch for easy on and off, and the top is roomy enough for the toes but provides enough pressure for stability and safety. They’re a real win for the price and don’t sacrifice quality.
BOLD COLORS
Super stretchy, super affordable, and super quick drying, these shoes help prevent sweaty, stinky baby feet while still cradling your baby’s precious little feet, providing support for those first steps.
Plus, what kid doesn’t want a pair of fire engine red shoes? Aren’t they just the most darling thing you’ve ever seen?
BEST FOR CRUISERS
When your cruiser really gets going, these sneakers from Stride Rite will keep them steady as they navigate their new world. The flexible rubber sole and washable canvas upper make for a sturdy, baby-friendly design that your kids won’t get mad wearing.
Your kid can even help get themselves in and out of it, which is a major developmental milestone
HIGHEST QUALITY
Plus, they’re so flexible and fashionable that you can easily pass these down to multiple children — they’re that good.
WASHABLE AND EASY
Machine-washable? Yes, please! The soles on these walking shoes are flexible, the top is washable, and the strap adjusts wonderfully. Plus, just look at how cute they are — they’re like, dad shoes baby shoes!
Stride Rite has been around for decades making great kids’ shoes, and their baby walking shoes are some of the best you’ll find.
BABY WATER SHOES
During beach and splash park season, babies will want to get out there and play. This pair of shoes makes sure that your little one’s feet are safe and secure as they stomp about, splashing, playing, and having loads of fun in the water.
They’re mesh fabric and designed to let water flow through them without puddling. The insole is also made of quick-dry materials, preventing moldy, mildewy shoes.
AWARD-WINNING
Apart from being just about the softest baby walking shoes on the planet, these were awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association — and that’s a huge deal. My kids loved See Kai Run and they stayed strapped on so efficiently, they only lost them occasionally.
They are also machine-washable, which is super helpful when your child decides that mud is the best walking surface.
SQUEAKY SENSATION
These are quite possibly the cutest shoes of all time. They squeak with every step, but don’t worry, you can turn that off. It’s really just designed to delight and encourage your baby to walk.
It’s also great in a crowd or at the park, because you’re not going to lose track of your little one. They have a wide opening that makes them easy to take on and off, and honestly? These baby walking shoes are just a huge hit with kids.