:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/prt-robeez-brooks-first-kicks-baby-shoes-14-34249dd262ed413eaf6dd6c1aaff8c84.jpeg "The Best Shoes for Babies, Tested by Parents and Little Ones")
I bought my baby’s first shoes before she was born: an expensive pair of adorable pink Mary Janes. Unfortunately, she never wore them, not even for pictures. Her chubby feet didn’t fit in the stiff material. By the time she actually took her first steps, I knew better. The best baby shoes should protect your baby’s feet and promote healthy foot development with flexible soles, adjustable features, and reliable traction.
“The shoe you select should not interfere with the foot’s natural abilities. It should have a soft upper, stay below the ankle, a thinner sole, and be easy to twist and bend in the middle,” says Joseph G. Khoury, MD, orthopedic surgeon at Nemours Children’s Health in Florida. You also want to make sure the shoes fit correctly so they can learn those motor skills without falls or blisters.
To help you select the best shoes for your baby and toddler, we tested more than 40 pairs of shoes at home with our own early walkers. Our little ones took their first steps, ran, jumped, and played all day on different terrains to help us determine which baby shoes offer the best value, fit, comfort, and traction.
Parents
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Why We Like It
While sandals are a must during the hotter months, they’re often not well-suited to a lot of outdoor activities. However, the Merrell Bare Steps Sandal begs to differ. In our tests, we found the shoes to be remarkably sturdy. The three velcro straps kept them secure on our toddler tester while he ran, jumped, and climbed through the playground. And the grooves in the rubber soles provided good traction even on slipperier surfaces like astroturf. Our tester parent even said, “He’s able to run, stop short, and make sharp turns in these sandals without missing a beat. I feel very comfortable having my son wear these shoes because the traction is so good.”
As a bonus, we found the sandals to be easy to clean, which is a huge must after an outdoor adventure. When spot-cleaning the leather exterior, dirt and grime came off with minimal effort. And for bigger messes, we love that these are machine washable. That way kiddos can play and explore to their heart’s content without parents worrying about ruined shoes.
What Parents Say
“At the playground, my son was able to climb up and down on the equipment without slipping… These sandals never came close to slipping off his feet.”—Janice, mom of a 2-year-old
But Take Note
Our tester found that these shoes run about a half size small, so try them on in person beforehand if possible. Otherwise, consider getting a half size bigger than you normally would. Worst case scenario, your kid will grow into the shoes later.
The Details:
- Size range: 4-10
- Materials: leather upper, rubber sole
- Care instructions: Machine wash
- APMA approved? No
Other Sandals We Liked
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Why We Like It
When babies begin to learn to walk, it’s important to choose a first pair of shoes that will meet them where they are developmentally. We love that these shoes have a more flexible sole so that little ones can get a full range of motion in their feet. This is important for supporting healthy muscle development. “The soles are very flexible with enough rubber padding for gripping the floor as [my son is] figuring out standing, but comfy enough for the play mat as well,” our tester says. She also notes that since her kid still crawls quite a bit, the Robeez Brooks successfully pull double duty. “These shoes can definitely bend enough for crawling and cruising.”
Another plus for these kicks is how easy they are to take on and off. Because the shoes are so flexible, you can bend them in whatever direction you might need to accommodate a wiggly kiddo. The shoe’s tongue also bends and opens wide. The double velcro closure is convenient for parents to put on but difficult for babies to take off. (Because no one likes having to pause what they’re doing to put a shoe on for the millionth time!)
What Parents Say
“The soles of these shoes have very light support with little structure. They have thin rubber pads and suede edges, which is nice for a baby who doesn’t need ultra-structured shoes just yet… They still have enough traction for him to stand without slipping on the ground, and he won’t be tripping over a stiff heel or sole as he’s learning to move.”—Megan, mom of a 6-month-old
But Take Note
The shoes are spot-clean only, so they’re probably not the best choice for muddy days.
The Details:
- Size range: 0-6 Infant or 18-24 months toddler
- Materials: Leather upper, suede or rubber sole
- Care instructions: Spot clean with mild detergent
- APMA approved? Yes
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Why We Like It
These stylish kicks are ideal for active little ones with a love of the great outdoors. The shoes have a significant amount of cushioning for extra support and easier balance, as the brand’s name would imply. The rubber and polyurethane sole has thick grooves that also provide good traction. Our tester believes that these features contributed to safer outdoor play for her daughter, noting that “on playground equipment, I found she tripped/fell less in these shoes.”
During testing we also found that these shoes fit true to size and are fairly breathable. Plus, this shoe also comes in adult sizes, making for a cute mommy-and-me fashion moment.
What Parents Say
“There was so much support and cushion to this shoe. I think it really helped give her more support and balance as a new walker and as a baby who was new to wearing shoes, in general. She started walking all over outside with fewer falls than before.”—Carrie, mom of a 1-year-old
But Take Note
For kids new to wearing shoes, these may feel a bit too heavy or bulky. However, our tester noted that her little one adjusted to the extra weight after one or two wears. Additionally, our tester found the shoelaces to be a pain point. She notes that her 1-year-old was very interested in the shoelaces and it “definitely required more work to keep her from constantly untying the laces.” We recommend double-knotting them so you don’t have to partake in the untying and retying game.
The Details:
- Size range: 2-4 Infant, 5T-10T, medium-extra wide
- Materials: Leather and mesh upper, rubber and polyurethane sole
- Care instructions: Not listed
- APMA approved? No
Other Sneakers We Liked
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Why We Like It
Baby’s first walking shoes should be lightweight and flexible, and these Ten Little shoes are the perfect example. The round toe box and wide style fit comfortably on chubby little feet, while flexible rubber soles help prevent slips and offer good traction. The straps also make it easy to pull these open wide, allowing for adjustability depending on how thick your baby’s socks are. “These shoes are a dream to slide on a wiggly toddler’s foot,” our tester raved.
Made of 100% cotton, these are breathable and surprisingly light, and we never noticed any sweaty feet after wear. We also appreciate the gender-neutral shades they come in and how simple the design is, so they can be worn with pretty much anything. While the 18-month-old testing them couldn’t verbalize how much she liked them, her parent did note that these were the shoes she grabbed to wear every single morning.
What Parents Say
“As a parent of a very wiggly toddler, I appreciated how much the tongue of the shoe expanded to slide her foot in easily, and the double velcro ensured a snug fit that will last all day.”—Emily, mom of an 18-month-old
But Take Note
The only downside? They can only be spot-cleaned, so washing them isn’t as easy as some other options.
The Details:
- Size range: 3T-6T
- Materials: 100% cotton, rubber outsole
- Care instructions: Spot clean with mild soap
- APMA approved? Yes
Other Shoes With Flexible Sole We Liked
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Why We Like It
We love how multifunctional these shoes are, for everything from daily wear to more spirited play sessions. The style can be dressed up or down, making them a solid choice for daycare or dinner. In terms of quality, the rubber soles had good traction on several surfaces. The Velcro straps kept the shoes on well throughout the day, including many trips to the playground.
Perhaps the best thing about these shoes is their durability. Our tester toddler is incredibly active and often dragged these shoes across the pavement while riding his balance bike. Even after some not-so-gentle play, these kicks were still in one piece. And, as an added bonus for active toddlers, the breathable mesh top helps reduce sweating and overheating. Should any smells or stains arise, they’re also machine-washable for easy cleanup.
What Parents Say
“This kid can’t be slowed down for anything and these shoes held up well to his running, jumping, and climbing (even fences, which he should not do). I was nervous he would cause obvious wear and tear to the toes of the shoes… as he would sometimes slow [his balance bike] by dragging his toes on the ground.”—Sheena, mom of a 2-year-old
But Take Note
At $50, these shoes might be a bit expensive considering that kids will inevitably outgrow them.
The Details:
- Size range: 4-7
- Materials: manmade upper, rubber sole
- Care instructions: machine washable, air dry only
- APMA approved? Yes
Other Casual We Liked
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Why We Like It
These shoes boast a lightweight and flexible design, and they even have extra padding on the tongue to support crawling. Should your little one start to stand, we found the soles to have good traction and the structure of the shoe to be stable. Plus, the velcro closure was secure while still being easy for caregivers to take off and put on.
All these features combine for a comfortable experience. Our tester baby’s feet weren’t hot, irritated, or weighed down by these shoes. In fact, our tester parent noted that these were like a “second skin” to her baby. And, as a comfort to parents, they’re even machine-washable.
What Parents Say
“My baby is not a walker yet but the shoes performed their function… I liked that they were so lightweight, flexible, and didn’t interfere with his activities. I also found that regardless of the flooring he was playing and attempting to crawl on (e.g., carpet, different types of textured playmats, etc.), the shoes performed equally well.”—Niusha, mom of a 6-month-old
But Take Note
If $50 for baby shoes isn’t in the budget, look for a sale. We’ve seen them go on sale for $30.
The Details:
- Size range: 3-6
- Materials: mesh textile upper, TPR rubber sole
- Care instructions: machine wash gentle, air dry
- APMA approved? Yes
Other Pre-Walkers We Like
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Why We Like It
These Stride Rite sneakers are incredibly comfortable thanks to their memory foam insoles. While the 2-year-old testing them couldn’t exactly express how much they loved them, these were the sneakers that he requested to wear several times a week. We appreciate that they are available in regular, wide, and extra-wide sizes, since many toddlers have chunkier feet that require extra room. Our tester parent felt there was plenty of space in the toe bed for her son. They also felt very stable and offered a great fit and traction.
With just one Velcro strap, these are very easy to get on and off. Three elastic bands help keep the shoes secure and snug enough, but you only have to worry about doing one strap, which is convenient. Overall, we loved the comfort, stability, and stylish look of these shoes.
But Take Note
Our tester did note that after a few months of use, the Velcro strap started getting dirty, and as dirt built up, the strap didn’t stay stuck closed as well. Cleaning the shoes would help with this issue.
The Details:
- Size range: 3 Infant-6 Infant, 3T-6T in medium, wide, and extra-wide
- Materials: Leather upper and memory foam footbeds
- Care instructions: Wipe clean
- APMA approved? Yes
Other Wide Baby Shoes We Liked
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Why We Like It
These were some of the most convenient shoes we tested. The toe boxes are symmetrical, meaning there’s not a right or left shoe. The soles are so flexible they can be bent almost in half, which our tester parent says allows for a more natural range of motion. These design elements and the lack of laces make them very easy to put on and take off. This is even more useful for kids who like to do everything themselves.
The mesh top allows for good airflow, reducing the chances of overheating or unpleasant smells. It also makes the shoe more lightweight and bendy for added comfort. Our tester found them to be pretty easy to spot clean.
What Parents Say
“My favorite thing about the shoes is how flexible they are. They’re very easy to get on and off. They are especially great for active toddlers!”—Nicole, mom of a 20-month-old
But Take Note
Despite their comfort, these shoes are not APMA approved.
The Details:
- Size range: 4K-10K
- Materials: Textile and synthetic upper, synthetic sole
- Care instructions: Not listed
- APMA approved? No
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Why We Like It
These (baby) boots were definitely made for walking! For a more elevated look without crossing into formal-wear territory, we recommend the Stride Rite Gigi Boot. The design features charming heart cutouts and rustic embroidery work. And to keep them looking in tip-top shape, the leather outer is actually pretty easy to clean. According to our tester, “[My daughter] spilled an applesauce pouch on them and they cleaned up very easily with just a wet paper towel. The leather material is all around the shoe, including most of the top of the toe, which is what lends itself to easy cleaning. Very much parent approved!”
Despite their fashionable appearance, we found these boots to be every bit as durable and comfortable as other baby shoes on this list. We love that they’ve got a good amount of stretch in the ankle area to allow for a greater range of motion. “The toe box was rounded and flexible and allowed my daughter to comfortably play and walk around,” says our tester. In addition to the flexibility of the shoe, we also love how grippy the soles are. While they’re not marketed as non-slip, our tester noted that “they sure seem to be non-slip.”
What Parents Say
“This is not our first pair of Stride Rite shoes and I was just as impressed as always with the fit. They allow her to freely spread and move her toes but are still firm enough to not slip off. I think that these shoes run true to size but also allow a little wiggle room for growth, which often extends their useful life.”—Marre, mom of a 17-month-old
But Take Note
Because these boots zip up, they’re not as adjustable as shoes with velcro straps or laces.
The Details:
- Size range: 3T-6T in medium or wide
- Materials: Leather and synthetic
- Care instructions: Wipe clean
- APMA approved? Yes
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Why We Like It
Some occasions require a little extra pizazz—and these miniature Mary Janes certainly deliver. Between the leather outer and the classic bow design, the shoes are dressy enough for a formal outfit. However, unlike the stiff, blister-inducing patent leather of our childhood, these shoes are pleasantly soft. For smaller kids, the suede soles bend easily to allow for a wide range of movement while larger sizes have a grippy rubber sole for increased traction. The elastic straps are made to keep the shoe in place without being too stiff to accommodate little wiggles.
What Parents Say
“They are adorable. I didn’t think these would hold up well because of the softer material and her still being a pretty active crawler/cruiser. But they held up better than expected! I’m kind of impressed.”—Katy, mom of an 11-month-old
But Take Note
If your little ones require a bit more structure in their footwear, consider only wearing these for special occasions. Also, according to our tester, “the leathery material of the shoe is soft and may provide less support through the sides of the foot than other shoes.”
The Details:
- Size range: 0-3 months to 18-24 months
- Materials: Suede sole or rubber sole depending on the size
- Care instructions: Spot clean with mild detergent and damp cloth
- APMA approved? Yes
Other Dressy Shoes We Liked
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Why We Like It
The standout feature of these See Kai Run shoes is the extra-long hook and loop straps, ideal for fitting orthotics and other custom insoles. Being able to tighten or loosen the straps individually or together makes these super easy to adjust and to put on and take off. (If you don’t need them that long, you can trim the straps.)
These sneakers come up higher on the ankle than many other options. While that can be great for kids who need more support around the ankle, our tester found that it made the shoes feel a bit bulky. The toddler testing them was just learning to walk and was still crawling a bit, and these shoes seemed a little awkward for crawling. However, our tester did note that they had a good grip and otherwise seemed comfortable. They’re also machine-washable!
What Parents Say
“These shoes are super easy to put on and adjust. They have laces but also a velcro closure that can be adjusted. They go on and off in seconds. The laces are a little harder to adjust, but they don’t dig into my son’s foot at all.”—Jessica, mom of a 2-year-old
But Take Note
These were a bit bulky, especially around the ankle, and might be difficult for crawlers to wear.
The Details:
- Size range: 4T-3Y
- Materials: Mesh upper and lining, rubber sole
- Care instructions: Machine washable
- APMA approved? Yes
Our Testing Process
In order to find the best shoes for babies and toddlers, we started by researching the top shoes on the market. After selecting trending shoes, options from popular brands, and footwear with unique features, we put them to the test. Over the course of a month, Parents staffers had their children wear the shoes every day for a minimum of two weeks straight.
During the test, parents observed their children closely in a variety of activities, including running, walking, jumping, playing, and just about anything their kids were up to. They paid attention to whether their kids felt comfortable in the shoes or changed their activity as a result. They also evaluated the product based on fit, sizing accuracy, adjustability, how easy the shoes are to put on and take off, breathability, and overall value.
Our Experts
In addition to our testing process, we also consulted with the following experts to learn about foot mechanics and the best shoes for babies just starting to walk:
Factors to Consider When Buying Baby and Toddler Shoes
- Podiatrist Recommendations: When looking at a shoe listing, check for the APMA seal, which signals approval from the American Podiatric Medical Association. “It’s not pay for play,” Dr. Valencia says. “It means the podiatrists in the APMA recommend that shoe. It does mean something. Pick ones with the seal.”
- Shoe Flexibility: As kids learn to walk, it’s wise to opt for a more flexible shoe with less structure. According to Dr. Godsil, “stiff and compressive footwear may cause deformity, weakness, and loss of mobility.” Dr. Khoury echoes this sentiment by adding, “soft and minimally supportive is best. The foot was designed to work best barefoot… [Shoes] should have a soft upper, stay below the ankle, thinner sole, and be easy to twist and bend in the middle.”
- Sole Traction: The first steps are always a little wobbly, so you want to make sure the soles are grippy enough. “Shoes should have rubber soles for traction to prevent slipping or sliding,” says Dr. Godsil. However, there is such a thing as too much traction. Dr. Khoury recommends parents avoid “gummy rubber soles,” because those can actually make kids trip more.
- Materials: The textiles used in footwear make a big difference in quality. While we already know soles should be rubber, the upper part of the “shoes should be made of leather or mesh to allow your baby’s feet to breathe correctly,” Dr. Godsil says. This helps cut down on funky smells. According to Dr. Valencia, The footbed should be made of memory foam. “The lightweight material gently cushions the foot to encourage frequent, natural movements without throwing off your child’s coordination,” she says.
- Durability: To no one’s surprise, kids can be really rough-and-tumble with their stuff, including footwear. For this reason, durability is particularly important. Look for shoes that are water-proof/resistant or shoes that can withstand a cycle in the washing machine.
- Design: Shoes can be a fun way to express personal style and taste, but they can also be difficult to put on and take off. For younger kids, skip the decorative laces and straps. “There’s no need to struggle with finicky elements that simply get in the way and constrict their ability to move,” Dr. Valencia says. “Openings should be wide and adjustable to ensure the best possible fit.”
How to Find a Good Fit
Perhaps one of the most important aspects when choosing kids’ shoes is the fit. “Correctly fitted shoes provide children with the grip and stability they need to help further develop their walking shoes,” Dr. Godsil says. There are a few ways to find a good fit without trying on every single shoe in the store:
- Measure your kid’s foot: Kids are wiggly, so having them sit still long enough to get a good measurement is a challenge, to say the least. “Have the baby or toddler stand on a piece of paper and trace the outline of their foot,” Dr. Khoury says. “Measure from the back of the heel to the tip of the second toe; this is the length of the foot.” As long as you trace as close to the foot as possible, you’ll get an accurate read.
- Compare the measurement to a size chart: While some charts size children by age, that’s not always the most accurate method since some kids are much bigger or smaller than others their age. Instead, you’ll want to find size based on the measurements. “Different shoes have different sizing formulas, so check their website or with a representative at the store to select the appropriate size,” Dr. Khoury says.
- Get familiar with U.S. size charts: Shoe sizes can be confounding in how little they resemble other units of measurement. As the old joke goes, “I’m a size five? Five of what?” Children’s shoes have even more size categories, usually by age group. For example, there are infant, toddler, little kids, and big kids sizes. These range from 0 to 3 for infants, 3.5 to 10 for toddlers, 10.5 to 3 for little kids, and 3.5 to 7 for big kids, according to Zappos’ size charts.
- Always try on shoes: Beyond whether or not your little one feels comfortable, you’ll also want to check the fit with more objective standards. The easiest way to do this is by measuring the distance between your kid’s longest toe and the end of the shoe. After making sure their heel is at the back of the shoe, place the width of your thumb on the toe box and feel where your child’s toe is. If there’s enough space between the two for a whole thumb’s width, then the shoes fit. If there’s less than half a thumb’s width of space, then they’re too small.
When Can Babies Wear Shoes?
Babies don’t need shoes until they start walking, and even then, they should wear them only to protect their feet. “A natural part of infant development is for babies to explore the world with their hands and feet,” Dr. Khoury says. “As they explore their bodies and the world around them, it is best if their feet are free from shoes… Also, as they first start pulling up and standing, they can grip the floor better with their toes and get feedback from the floor, which helps them develop stability, allowing them to later feel more comfortable taking their first steps.”
Should Babies Wear Shoes When Learning to Walk?
According to Dr. Leahy, “shoes are not necessary until babies are pulling up and walking. Prior to that, foot coverings should be geared towards protection from the elements, such as warm socks or booties in colder weather.” Once they are old enough to walk, shoes should only be used to protect their feet from more rough environments and to prevent injury, especially outdoors. At home, your little one is totally fine walking around barefoot. “They get feedback from the floor/ground and can grip the floor with their toes, which gives them more confidence and stability,” says Dr. Khoury.
Can My Toddler Wear Bigger Shoes With Room to Grow?
While we understand wanting to get more use out of shoes by sizing up, it’s not a good idea. As we said earlier, a good fit is essential when it comes to kid’s shoes. “If the shoe is too big, the foot can slide around in the shoe, which makes toddlers even more unstable and likely to fall,” Dr. Khoury says. “Ill-fitting shoes can also cause blisters and bruising because of the excessive motion.” If you accidentally buy the wrong size, just wait until the shoes fit correctly before your kid starts wearing them.
Who We Are
Anja Webb is an associate editor at Parents. She has over eight years of editorial experience. Her educational background in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Studies and passion for supporting the next generation to live up to their potential allow her to provide a nuanced analysis of issues relevant to modern families.
Hildara Araya is a prenatal educator, mother of three, and senior editor at Parents. She has over 20 years of experience as a writer and editor focusing primarily on parenting, education, and sustainability. Robeez is her favorite brand of baby walking shoes, followed closely by Stride Rite for the toddler years.
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