When little ones first learn how to walk, they are unstoppable. You will need to select a shoe to accommodate their newfound stride. All parents want to protect every part of their child and encourage his progress. It's essential to determine the best shoes for new walkers. Keep reading to find out what to look for.
Best First Shoes For Baby Reviewed In This Article
DadProgress Top Pick For New Walkers |
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Shoes for Crawling?
if you Wish
Bare feet or socks are best options when your baby is only crawling.
Miniature clones of adult shoes easily capture your heart though. Seeing your baby girl in a cute pair of Converse shoes or your son in similar cowboy boots to yours can be tempting.
Baby's feet are dangling, and at this point, you can actually use any shoe you like. The best crawling shoes should be big enough and be lightweight.
You may also consider shoes for warmth or for keeping the socks on.
The best crawling shoes are the ones you simply like!
Shoes for First Steps? Not yet
When your baby starts to take first steps, then it's a good idea to buy socks with rubber grips. These keep the feet warm, protect them and rubber grips ensure that he doesn't slip.
That said, at this stage, the quality of shoes (if you want her to wear them) is already important.
Keep reading to find the best baby shoes because miniature clones of adult shoes are too rigid and should not be used.
Shoes for Walking Outside? Yep, Now's the Time
The time when you need to buy shoes for your infant comes when she starts to walk outside because his feet need more protection.
Keep reading to find out what to look for when buying first walking shoes.
Best Shoes for New Walkers- Important Features
If your baby is around the six to ten-month timeline, he is likely trying to make her first steps. Since your baby is consistently on the move, her feet will need prime protection.
The American Academy of Pediatrics states that new walkers learn to walk by gripping their toes to the ground. They do not need arch support since their arches have yet to develop.
Soft (Rubber) Sole
Soft (rubber) soles promote healthy development and optimal comfort for your baby. They also provide a lot of flexibility for his arch development as he travels to and fro. Rubber soles are less slippery than leather soles.
The sole should be flat because higher heels may cause uneven weight distribution to toes.
Flexible
The best shoes for new walkers should be as flexible as possible. Soft soles are one factor but also the upper part of the shoe should be soft. You should be able to twist the best shoes for toddlers. This feature ensures that their muscles, bones and foot arch can develop properly. Avoid stiff and sturdy shoes!
Secure Fastener and Closed Heel
Simple slip on and slip off shoes might be effortless for you, but your child can also slip them off quickly.
The heel should be closed. Otherwise, she may start dragging his feet as she tries to hold the shoes with toes.
From personal experience, children know how to remove their shoes by the time they are about one. If they don't like wearing shoes, then this will undoubtedly be a battle for you.
You will want to buy a shoe that has adequate security, whether that be Velcro, straps, or laces. Each securing shoe method offer their advantages and disadvantages
Laces are helpful in adjusting the tightness of the shoe, but your child could trip on the shoelaces.
A Velcro strap is easier to undo than laces but not possible for your baby to trip on.
Lightweight
This feature is self-explanatory:)
Closed-toe shoes
Kids usually drag their toes, and this feature helps to protect the feet from scratches.
Best Shoes for New Walker are Just Right
There can be many problems with shoes that aren't the correct size. They can be uncomfortable, and cause your baby to grip to the shoe with his toes.
As a result of this toe deformities may occur. Too big shoes can cause blisters from the excessive slipping.
Avoid purchasing tight shoes. When your child's shoe is too tight, it can affect their arch and foot development and growth.
It is usually not a good idea to share or hand down baby shoes if they have been extensively used. All feet are different, and it's essential that your kid's foot shapes the shoe and not the other way around. The insole of an old toddler shoe has already irregularities that may cause discomfort to your kid.
Due to your child's quick growth, you will be changing shoe sizes frequently.
How to Determine Whether the Footwear Fits?
Shopping With Your Kid
Try to find the right shoe size toward the end of the day. The feet are a little swollen, and you'll avoid buying too small shoes.
Your kid should be standing to make the right choice.
With your child's foot squished to the top, there should be about his finger-width (~1 cm) between his heel and the back of the shoe.
Check monthly to track his foot growth.
Measuring at Home and Shopping Alone
If you don’t have time to go shopping with your kid, then you can measure her feet at home.
As I've already mentioned (sorry for repeating myself), you should do the measuring toward the end of the day, and your kid should be standing.
You can see how it’s done on this helpful video by BrogaiBeaga.
Shoes for New Walkers- Mistakes to Avoid
Prof. Dr. Nikolaus Wülker has stated that development of foot takes about four years and before that it may be hard to determine if everything goes as expected. It's better to buy correct shoes right away!
American Podiatric Medical Association Approved Products
The APMA approved products are awarded to products that promote good foot health. The Seal of Acceptance can, for example, be granted to shoes and socks. The aim of this program has been over 50 years to help the public make better buying decisions.
In the past APMA has not always given evidence-based advice though. It's vital that toddler shoes do not have design features that interfere with the developing foot. APMA Seal Of Acceptance is a not a necessity when looking for best shoes for new walkers.
Popular Shoes for new Walkers Reviewed
Robeez Soft-Soles (Check the Latest Price on Amazon)
Robeez's Soft-soled Shoes can be the best crawling shoes for your baby. These nearly slipper-like shoes are available in a variety of colors (and animals!)
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Ikiki Squeaky Shoes (Check the Latest Price on Amazon)
Ikiki's Squeaky Shoes are an excellent option if your child just started walking. They come in a variety of different colors and characters
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BMCityBM Breathable Baby Shoes (Check the Latest Price on Amazon)
BMCityBM Breathable mesh baby shoes are another excellent selection for your baby's first steps. Available for boys and girls, these shoes are offered in several different colors
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Yalion First Walker Moccasins (Check The Latest Price On Amazon)
Yalion moccasins for first walkers have a straightforward design. These shoes are made of soft leather and are easy to put on. They come in a variety of different colors and characters so you can find a suitable pair for your boy or girl
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Stride Rite Soft Motion Kellen Sneaker (Check The Latest Price On Amazon)
Stride Rite shoes are made of suede and have a soft flexible synthetic sole.
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To Sum Up
With the previous three products in mind, you have great selections to choose from for your precious new walker. All reviewed shoes provide a lightweight, flexible, soft sole.
They each have individual features that differentiate them from the others though. Depending on your baby and present circumstances, you can select the best shoe for him.
Robeez's Soft-soled Shoes (check the latest price on Amazon) is the top pick for DadProgress. They can be the best shoes for new walkers as they are lightweight and have a simple slip-on slip-off feature.
Yalion Moccasins are similar, but usually cheaper (check the latest price on Amazon though). I like the design of Robeez shoes more, but from the health perspective, there's no difference.
Last Updated on June 25, 2024
