The Best Baby Shoes For Learning To Walk And Explore (2024)

Alicia Betz

Contributor

Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own.

Sizes: 4 to 13, including half sizes | Colors: 11 colors | Care: Wipe with soft, damp cloth

According to Peretz, shoes for babies should have a soft and rounded toe box shape 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, a nonslip tongue and a pull loop on the back, they’re easy to get on little feet.

The shoes come with free stickers so kids can personalize them; this is a big plus if you have a baby or toddler who resists wearing their shoes. Another helpful feature is that the insoles have characters on them that can help kids decipher which shoe goes on which foot.

Pros:

• APMA approved
• Naturally shaped toe box
• Available in half sizes
• Kids can customize shoeswith included stickers

Cons:

• Only solid colors available, no prints

What parents say: Besides really enjoying the shoes themselves, I enjoy the experience of buying Ten Little shoes. The box has a size chart inside, and they explain how to remove the insoles to check your child’s size. This takes the guesswork out of buying shoes, and it helps make sure their little toes aren’t squished. I also find them very easy to put on, and my kids think they’re comfortable.

Sizes: 4 to 12 | Colors: 6 colors and patterns| Care: Machine wash and air dry

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 note: This shoe might be a bit cumbersome for pre-walkers as the sole is a bit too rigid. For early walkers who are starting to explore the world outside their home, however, these shoes are ideal. They’re available in various patterns (and plain black), so your little one can have fun picking out their favorite pair.

Pros:

• Available in a wide range of sizes
• Durable
• Easy to put on
• Machine-washable

Cons:

• Sole is more rigid
• No APMA-approved seal
• Only one solid color option

What parents say: My kids have gone through a slew of Parker Sneakers, 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 and easy to get on and off. “Love that they are flat for the wobblers, and protected toe guard in the front for the stumblers,” says one reviewer.

See Kai Run Stevie First Walker

Sizes: 3 to 6, including half sizes | Colors: 15 colors and designs| Care: Spot-clean with damp cloth, air dry

These APMA-approved shoes are a bit pricey for a shoe that will only fit your baby for a few months. But for some, especially those whose babies have chubby feet, they might be 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. The shoes also have 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, including two versions of a Very Hungry Caterpillar print.

Pros:

• Wide and roomy for chubby feet
• Very stylish
• APMA-approved

Cons:

• Some users say they don’t stand up well to crawling

What the editors say: “My toddler usually resists new shoes, but he was happy the first time we tried these shoes on him,” says Margaret Badore, a commerce editor at Forbes Vetted.“He runs and jumps in them without any problems. I like that they’re sturdy and well-made, and cute to top it off.”

Robeez First Kicks

Sizes: 0 to 3 months to 18 t0 24 months| Colors: 15 color and style options | Care: Spot clean with damp cloth

From neon pink high tops to adorable sherpa lace-up boots, Robeez’ First Walkers series include so many versatile styles and options. Most styles slip on or have a hook-and-loop closure, but many also feature faux embellishments like laces and bows.Many include a pull tab at the heel. 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’ styles, so be sure to check out both pages to find the right style for your baby.

Pros:

• APMA-approved
• Over 30 color and style options
• Many reviewers say it’s easy to get on and off
• Split rubber bottom to prevent slips and falls

Cons:

• Rubber grips are only on sizes 6-9 months and up
• Some parents say they run a bit big

What parents say: Parents appreciate the quality, style and fit of Robeez First Kicks. One reviewer says, “Our daughter is hard to find shoes that fit well and stay on. These are lightweight, comfortable (she doesn’t try to take them off) and so cute.” Another said, “Love Robeez, always softest leather, good quality. These sneakers are adorable.”

Stride Rite Tobias Sneaker Sandal

Sizes: 3 to 6, including half and wide sizes | Colors: 2 options | Care: Machine-washable

Sandals offer a lot of breathability, which McSorley explains is important in a baby shoe. These sandals are APMA approved and they come in half and wide sizes, making them another great option for babies who have chubby tootsies.

The Tobias 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 the typical openings you expect in a sandal 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.

Pros:

• Wide sizes available
• APMA approved
• Easy to slip on and off
• Memory foam footbed

Cons:

• Only two color options

What parents say: 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.

Stonz Puffer Booties

Sizes: 3.9 to 4 (small), 4 to 5.2 (medium), 5.2 to 5.9 (large), 5.9 to 6.7 (x-large) | Colors: 7 colors and patterns| Care: Machine-washable

The ultimate purpose of a baby winter boot is to keep little ones’ feet warm; these Stonz puffer booties are designed to do just that in temperatures as low as -4 degrees Fahrenheit. (If that won’t be warm enough, you can also purchase additional liners.)

Many winter boots are tight, stiff and have a firm sole, which isn’t what you want to look for in a baby shoe. These particular booties, however, are more flexible and forgiving and won’t restrict the natural shape of your baby’s foot. They’re easy to slip on thanks to the shoes’ extra-large openings and toggle-secured elastics (and those adjustable toggles may also help the shoes grow with your little one’s feet).

Because of the looser fit, it may be a bit more difficult for your baby to walk in these shoes, which is something to keep in mind. But I’ve tested these booties and they’re my favorite for young kids who aren’t yet ready for true snow boots.(Note: On the brand’s site, there’s a separate listing for the Puffer Booties for ages 6 months and up, or sizes medium to x-large.)

Pros:

• Easy to put on and take off
• Designed for very cold temperatures
• Not tight or restrictive
• APMA and CPMA certified

Cons:

• Loose fit might make walking difficult

What parents say: I really like these boots for babies who are playing in the snow or frigid temperatures and need to keep their feet super warm. Reviewers like these boots because of how warm they keep babies’ feet, too. “We live in northern Montana were the temperature can get as low as 60 below. We have had these boots for six children. They last a long time and are the easiest to get on and off, also they are the warmest boots for little ones I have found,” an Amazon reviewer says.

See Kai Run Dean Adapt

Sizes: 4 to 13, 1-3 youth | Colors: 6 colors | Care: Machine washable

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. The brand will even work with you if you need two different sizes or only one shoe. They recommend sizing up one if you’ll be using the shoes with orthotics, and of course, they’re great shoes for babies without orthotics, too. 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 they’re APMA approved. The shoes are available in six colors, including Rose Gold and Brown. They’re also machine washable, making clean up after a muddy day a breeze.

Pros:

• APMA-approved
• Customizable for special circ*mstances
• Wide toe box
• Machine-washable

Cons:

• Limited color options
• More structured than some other first walker shoes

What editors say: “Although my 2-year-old son doesn’t need orthotics, See Kai Run’s Adaptive design has been great for him. I like that the shoe opens up very wide, making them easy to get on a wiggly toddler,” says Badore. “They have held up great after nearly a year of use, with little visible wear on the soles and no loose threads.”

Sizes: 5 to 8| Colors: 2 colors | Care: Brush off mud and clean with a damp cloth

With a minimalist and stylish design, Vivobarefoot Gaia Toddlers make footwear for babies simple. They strike the right balance of being flexible and supportive, and the grip on the bottom 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. Designed to mimic barefoot walking as much as possible, they have a thin sole and no insole. If your baby is struggling to walk in shoes that are a bit thicker or clunkier, these are a great first shoe option to try.

Pros:

• Very flexible yet supportive sole
• Easy to put on
• Minimalist design
• Easy to walk in

Cons:

• No APMA-approved seal
• Limited color options

What parents say: It was a sad day in our home when my kids outgrew their Vivobarefoot Gaia 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. The Velcro-like opening gave us plenty of room to get the shoes on, which was especially helpful for one of my kids who has wide feet.