Your baby’s first solo steps are cause for celebration. This milestone also means that it’s time to buy their first pair of kicks. While the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) says it’s best to let babies be barefoot when you can, they’ll need a protective baby shoe outdoors or in public. You might even want to get them used to wearing shoes from time to time before they start walking. For a stylish pair that mimics their foot shape and is designed specifically for the littlest feet, go for the Ten Little First Walkers, our best baby shoes overall pick. For a value option, I recommend the comfy and durable Cat & Jack Parker Sneakers, which my kids have in multiple sizes.
The best baby shoes for learning to walk should feature flexible soles, heel support and plenty of … More space for little toes.
Pediatric occupational therapist Holly Peretz explains that because babies’ feet are made mainly of cartilage, it’s important to “choose flexible, lightweight, ankle-supporting shoes, even as they become more steady on their feet.” Baby shoes should also have a wide, rounded toe box and a supportive heel. With guidance from two child movement experts and using my own expertise as a product tester and mom to three, I curated this list of the 11 best baby shoes for learning to walk.
Ten Little
Ten Little First Walker
Sizes: 3 to 6, including half sizes | Colors: 11 total, including Sage Green and Rose Pink | Care: Spot clean with mild soap
Pros:
- APMA approved
- Available in half sizes
- Very wide opening
Cons:
- Only solid colors available, no prints
According to Peretz, shoes for babies should have a soft and rounded toe box that mimics the shape of the foot. That’s exactly what you’ll get with this simple and versatile shoe from Ten Little. This pair is APMA approved, made with natural and breathable materials and has flexible soles. With Velcro-like hook-and-loop closures and a pull-down tongue, they’re easy to get on little feet. Another helpful feature is that the insoles have characters on them that can help kids decipher which shoe goes on which foot.
Besides my kids really enjoying the shoes themselves, I appreciate the experience of buying Ten Little shoes. First time buyers can get a printable size guide. When it’s time to size up, the shoe box has a size chart inside that explains how to remove the insoles to check your child’s size. This eliminates a lot of guesswork and helps make sure their little toes aren’t squished.
Target
Cat & Jack Toddler Parker Sneakers
Sizes: 4T to 12T | Colors: 5 total, including Multicolored and Black | Care: Machine wash and air dry
Pros:
- Durable but comfortable
- Easy to put on
- Machine washable
Cons:
- Rigid sole
- No APMA-approved seal
Babies outgrow their shoes quickly, so it makes sense to buy a budget-friendly pair at times. My firstborn has a pair of these shoes in just about every size because they’re just so cheap, durable and comfortable. They have a hook-and-loop closure and a heel strap to make it easy to put the shoes on. One thing to note, though: This style might be a bit cumbersome for pre-walkers, as the sole is a bit rigid. For early walkers who are starting to explore the world outside their home, however, these shoes are ideal.
Parker Sneakers are available in various patterns (and plain black), so your little one can have fun picking out their favorite pair. My kids have gone through a slew of these, including hand-me-downs that have passed through multiple children, and they’re still in great shape. Parents like that the Parker Sneakers are affordable, easy to get on and off and have a reinforced toe to offer added protection in case of stumbles.
MOST POPULAR
see kai run
See Kai Run Stevie First Walker
Sizes: 3 to 6 | Colors: 5 total, including Blue Denim and Rose Shimmer | Care: Spot-clean with damp cloth, air dry
Pros:
- Wide and roomy for chubby feet
- Very stylish
- APMA approved
Cons:
- Some users say they don’t stand up well to crawling
These APMA-approved shoes are a bit pricey for something that may only fit your baby for a few months. But for some, especially those whose babies have chubby feet, they’re the ideal choice. They’re roomy with a wide toe box that won’t stifle developing feet and have a supportive heel cup and flexible soles, all aspects the APMA deem important in a good baby shoe.
“When he was younger, my son used to resist new shoes, but he was happy the first time we tried these shoes on him,” says Margaret Badore, Forbes Vetted’s baby and kids gear editor. “He could run and jump in them without any problems. I like that they’re sturdy and well-made, and cute to top it off.” This style also has a loop on the heel and a hook-and-loop closure so your tyke (or you) can get them on easily. Plus, they come in quite a few different colors and patterns.
Sizes: 3C to 7C | Colors: 8 total, including Siren Red and Wolf Grey | Care: Brush with mild cleaning solution, air dry
Pros:
- APMA approved
- Wide toe box
- Comfy chenille yarn insole
Cons:
- Expensive when full price
The Nike Swoosh 1 pair’s sleek silhouette and modern colors are striking, but what really makes them stand out as a great baby shoe is the brand’s proprietary Flyknit material. Soft, yet durable chenille yarns are woven into the inside of the shoe for optimal comfort, and their knit pattern helps little feet breathe. The wide toe box, as well as the thin, flexible and waffle-textured outsole, allow your baby’s feet to splay out and walk with a near-barefoot feel without slipping.
Parents also report that the heel tabs make it easy to pull the shoes on, though some add that the shoes themselves may run a bit large due to how thin the sole materials are. A parent to an 18-month-old shares, “My toddler wears these to daycare, and this is the first pair of shoes we can keep on their feet all day. We’ve fallen in love with these shoes and plan on purchasing more based on the comfort [and] ease of putting on and taking off.”
Stride Rite
Stride Rite Tobias Sneaker Sandal
Sizes: 3 to 6, including half and wide sizes | Colors: 2 total, including Blue/Lime and Pink Multi | Care: Machine washable
Pros:
- Wide sizes available
- APMA approved
- Memory foam footbed
Cons:
- Only two colors
Sandals offer a lot of breathability, which McSorley explains is important in a baby shoe. Tobias Sneaker Sandals are APMA approved and come in half and wide sizes, making them another great option for babies who have chubby tootsies. My kids wore a hand-me-down pair of these sandals as babies, and I loved how versatile they were. They’re the perfect summer sandal that can get wet as kids are playing, and they work well during mild spring and fall days with socks, too.
These sandals have a pull tab on the heel and a hook-and-loop closure, so they’re easy to get on and off little feet. They also have cutouts like traditional sandals but are still sturdy enough to keep your baby’s foot secure. The kicks have a grippy bottom and a protective closed-toe design—the latter is often a safety requirement for wearing sandals at daycares. While these aren’t water-resistant, several reviewers report they perform well as water shoes and air dry without any issues. For more options, consider checking out our list of the best kids water shoes, as well as Stride Rite’s other girls’ and boys’ sandal offerings.
Amazon
See Kai Run Dean Adapt II
Sizes: 4 to 12 toddler, 13 to 3 little kid | Colors: 2 total, including Black and Silver | Care: Machine washable
Pros:
- APMA approved
- Customizable for special circumstances
- Machine washable
Cons:
- Limited color options
With an extra wide opening to get those little (yet somehow unwieldy) feet inside, and extra-long customizable straps, See Kai Run Dean Adapt shoes are ideal for kids with orthotics. (Pro tip: It’s recommended to size up one if you do plan on adding inserts.) The brand even works with you if you need two different sizes or only one shoe.
Of course, they’re great shoes for babies without orthotics, too. “Although my 2-year-old son doesn’t need orthotics, See Kai Run’s adaptive design was great for him. I like that the shoes open up very wide, making them easy to get on a wiggly toddler,” says Badore. “They held up great for nearly a year of use, with little visible wear on the soles.” To help get the shoes on, the straps are on a hinge to keep them open and out of the way. Like other See Kai Run shoes, they have a wide toe box and are APMA approved. They’re also machine washable, making clean up after a muddy day a breeze.
Amazon
Robeez Aria First Kicks
Sizes: 0 to 24 months | Colors: 12 total, including Aria Silver Leather and Valerie Dark Blue Leather | Care: Spot clean with damp cloth
Pros:
- APMA approved
- 12 color and style options
- Split rubber bottom to prevent slips and falls
Cons:
- Rubber grips are only on select sizes
- Some parents say they run a bit big
From neon pink high tops to adorable metallic sneakers topped with a bow (see the Aria above), Robeez’ First Walkers series includes so many versatile styles and options. Parents appreciate the quality, style and fit of Robeez First Kicks. One reviewer says, “It’s hard to find shoes that fit well and stay on [for my daughter]. These are lightweight, comfortable (she doesn’t try to take them off) and so cute.” Most pairs slip on, have a hook-and-loop closure and/or include a pull tab at the heel, and many feature adorable embellishments like laces and bows.
These shoes are APMA approved and constructed with a flexible sole and a split rubber bottom that helps lower the risk of slips and falls. The Amazon storefront separates the boys’ and girls’ First Kicks styles, so be sure to check out both pages to find the right style for your baby.
Vegan
vivobarefoot
Vivo Pluma Knit
Sizes: 3 to 8 toddler | Colors: 3 total, including Terracotta and Woodland Grey | Care: Clean with damp cloth, air dry
Pros:
- 100-day trial period
- Heel webbing helps pull them on and off with ease
- Unique construction offers a barefoot-like experience
Cons:
- Only 3 color options
- Not APMA approved
If your baby is struggling to walk in shoes that are a bit thicker or clunkier, barefoot shoes are a great first option to try. With their minimalist and stylish design, Vivobarefoot’s Pluma Knit slip-ons are a great choice. The knit-and-rubber construction strike the right balance of being flexible and supportive, and the grippy but thin outsole helps give babies traction so they’re less likely to slip as they’re learning to walk. The shoes are easy to put on with a hook-and-loop opening and heel tabs to help pull them up; at the same time, they’re difficult to slip off—a good thing if your tot tends to lose shoes while wandering around. Designed to mimic barefoot walking as much as possible, the Pluma Knits have no insole.
It was a sad day in our home when my kids outgrew their Vivobarefoot shoes. They were an easy go-to that we could slip on for any outing, from going to the store to playing in the backyard.
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Amazon
BirdRock Baby Mary Jane Moccasins
Sizes: 2 to 8 | Colors: 13 total, including Rose Gold and Leopard | Care: Spot clean with damp cloth
Pros:
- Made with soft genuine leather
- Durable, flexible construction
- Suede sole helps prevent slipping
Cons:
- Not APMA approved
These Mary Jane-style leather moccasins aren’t just soft and adorable, they’re easy to pull on and stay put, too. Parents praise these crib shoes’ thoughtful, high-quality construction, featuring smooth, genuine leather, a soft sole, an elastic band and cute heart-shaped cutouts. Executive director of commerce content and strategy Cory Baldwin shares, “The stretchy ankle band made them easy to pull onto chubby feet, and the soft leather seemed comfortable while looking adorable. They held up remarkably well through two children.”
They come in over a dozen colors, too, from classic Pearl White and Brown to chic Leopard and Hibiscus. As a bonus, BirdRock Baby donates food for a day to a child in need for every pair sold.
Ten Little
Ten Little Splash Sandals
Sizes: 3 to 2Y | Colors: 4 total, including Pink Lemonade and Aqua Mint | Care: Spot clean with mild soap
Pros:
- APMA approved
- Wide toe box and flexible soles
- Fun summery colors
Cons:
- No half sizes available
With summer comes splashing in puddles, and these lightweight and quick-drying sandals make the ideal footwear for warm weather adventures. APMA approved, the Ten Little Splash Sandals have a wide toe box and they’re flexible, so they won’t restrict your baby’s foot. Extra traction on the bottom help prevent slips. They come in stylish summer colors, and you can purchase charms to make these little shoes even more adorable.
“My toddler wore these sandals nearly every day last summer, including on trips to the beach and to day camp with lots of water playtime,” says Badore. “I’m impressed by how well they held up. Although he was 2 at the time, the soles are still flexible enough that I’d also recommend them for new walkers.” The shoes have a hook and loop closure, which makes them easy to slide onto wiggly little feet. They also stay put really well, which isn’t always the case for similarly-styled sandals.
New Balance
New Balance New-B First
Sizes: 2 to 10.5, including half sizes, Wide and X-Wide | Colors: 4 total, including Harbor Gray with White and Crystal Pink with White | Care: Brush with bristle brush and mild detergent
Pros:
- Easy to slide onto wide feet
- APMA approved
- Half sizes, wide and extra wide available
Cons:
- Expensive when not on sale
Putting shoes on my wide-footed child has always been a challenge. Because they’re offered in wide and extra wide, New Balance shoes have always been the easiest to get on him (and the most comfortable). The New Balance New-B First shoes have a hook and loop closure on both sides of the opening, which allows you to pull it down and create a really wide spot for their foot to slide in. These APMA-approved sneakers are available in half sizes too, which makes it easier to get the right fit. The shoes also feature a flexible sole and wide toe box, so there’s plenty of space for those adorable toddler toes.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted Team is committed to finding and sharing the best kids and baby clothing and accessories, and that includes footwear. We’ve rigorously tested the best shoes for kids, as well as extensively researched and (in many cases) had our kids personally try the best toddler shoes, kids running shoes, kids water shoes, kids rain boots and more.
- Author Alicia Betz is a writer, product tester and mom to three young children. She regularly tests kids gear for Forbes Vetted, like the best kids luggage and the best strollers.
- We consulted two child movement experts to inform our process and picks: Israel-based pediatric occupational therapist Holly Peretz and physiotherapist Lalitha Bhowani-McSorley, who’s based in Alberta, Canada.
- We reviewed recommendations from trustworthy medical organizations, including the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA).
- We’ve tested many of our top picks with our own children; author Betz, executive director of commerce content and strategy Cory Baldwin, baby and kids gear editor Margaret Badore and deputy editor Rose Sala all have firsthand experience with shoes in this story.
- The editor of this story, Esther Carlstone, is an experienced journalist with a focus on baby and kids-related topics and has three children of her own and also has personally used several of the shoes in this story.
- Our team regularly reviews this story for accuracy and to make sure our recommendations are still available and a good value for parents. It was most recently updated by Betz in March 2025.
How We Chose The Best Baby Shoes
When choosing best baby shoes for this list, we looked for flexible shoes that align with the foot’s natural shape. Here’s how we narrowed down the list of contenders and made our final picks.
- We took into consideration our firsthand experience as parents shopping for kids shoes. We have used nearly every pair on this list with our children, including the Stride Rite Tobias Sneaker Sandal, our best sandal pick, and Target’s Cat & Jack Parker Sneakers, our best value pick.
- We researched top-selling and popular shoe brands such as See Kai Run, Stride Rite and Ten Little, and considered reviews and features to see if they meet the requirements of a good baby shoe.
- When considering specs, we prioritized shoes that are flexible, breathable and made of high-quality materials. We also looked for styles that have a supportive heel cup and mimic a natural foot shape. Shoes that are easy to put on and take off were also a priority.
- We did extensive research regarding baby foot development from reputable sources, including the APMA and two child movement experts, and gathered insights from other parents.
- To ensure there are picks for families with different needs and budgets, we included shoes at various price ranges, with various uses and style options.
What To Consider When Buying The Best Baby Shoes
Before you buy baby shoes for learning to walk, consider the following factors and features.
Fit And Shape
This may seem obvious, but having a proper fit is important so that your baby’s feet aren’t squished. “The shoes should fit properly and comfortably with some room to grow as their feet continue to develop. Shoes that don’t fit well can cause problems such as blisters and sores and can cause an improper gait (bad walking form for children),” says physiotherapist Lalitha Bhowani-McSorley.
The ideal shoe mimics the shape of your child’s foot, including a soft and rounded toe box. This allows their toes to splay out when they walk, as opposed to unnaturally pushing them together in narrower shoes.
Flexibility
The sole should be flexible, flat and thin enough to allow feet to move naturally. Pediatric occupational therapist Holly Peretz explains that children’s feet don’t finish maturing until around the age of 16. “During the toddler years, the bones and muscles within the feet are still forming and therefore need to be matured in the right way. Therefore, choosing flexible, lightweight, ankle-supporting shoes even as they become more steady on their feet is really important,” she says. McSorley also says that if a shoe is too stiff, it can hinder your baby’s natural foot movements, which can make it harder for them to learn to walk.
Heel Support
Though most of the shoe should be flexible, you do want ample support in the heel. “A firm heel is essential as it will serve as the support needed to keep your toddler’s foot in an upright position while they walk,” says McSorley. She explains that you can check for a firm heel cup by pushing on the back of the shoe to see if it bends or stays firm.
Material
When you’re looking at different shoes, pay attention to the material. Look for something that is lightweight, soft and breathable, such as mesh or canvas. Higher-quality materials like leather tend to be more expensive but are more durable than cloth or canvas, so consider getting a shoe that’ll last a little while—at least until your little one is ready for the next size.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When Should A Baby Start To Wear Shoes?
Your baby should start to wear shoes when they start to walk. Peretz says, “While it’s completely fine to put some cute booties on your baby while outdoors or in the stroller, babies that aren’t walking yet don’t have any real need for shoes.” However, it can be helpful to put shoes on for short periods to practice at home as soon as babies begin walking. This way they may be more likely to keep their shoes on when they actually need to wear them.
Is It Better For Babies To Walk With Shoes Or No Shoes?
It is technically better for babies to walk with no shoes, according to McSorley. “It is much better for their overall foot development if they are able to go barefoot or wear socks as much as possible,” she adds. Of course, babies need shoes when they’re walking in places where their feet need protection. “Depending on your baby’s development, this could be anywhere from around the first birthday to 18 months old,” Peretz says. Some daycares also require shoes.
What Shoes Are Best For Baby Walking?
When baby footwear is essential, you “want the shoe to be as close to being like a sock as possible,” Peretz advises. This means that the shoe should be lightweight, flexible and ideally non-slip, she explains.
As far as protective shoes for walking outdoors or in public spaces, Peretz recommends looking for styles with flat and flexible soles, good ankle and foot support, a rounded toe box that mimics the shape of the foot, and soft material that won’t cause blisters. The Ten Little Everyday Original, our top pick overall, checks all these boxes.
Are Nikes Good For Baby Feet?
Yes, some Nikes are good for baby feet, particularly the Nike Swoosh 1. It’s APMA approved, meaning it has been reviewed by podiatrists and deemed to promote good foot health. The Nike Sunray Protect 4 is another Nike shoe that is AMPA approved. However, there are many different Nike designs on the market. Some other Nike styles have more rigid soles, so you might want to skip those ones for your baby.