Products > Baby Products
byBrigitt Earley
Fact-Checked by Jessie Van Amburg
| January 4, 2024
What to Expect selects products based on real-life testing conducted by staff, contributors and members our user community, as well as independent research and expert feedback; learn more about our review process. Prices and details are accurate as of the published date. We may earn commissions from shopping links.
Quick Summary
The best baby shoes are well-fitted, comfortable and have non-skid soles to keep your new walker steady. Ideally, you should choose baby shoes based on their material, fit, affordability and how easy they are to adjust, according to What to Expect staff and community parent testers.
Best Baby Shoes
Best Baby Shoes
See Kai Run Stevie (First Walker)
$48
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Amazon
Best Affordable Baby Shoes
Keds Champion Toe Cap Sneaker
$30
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Amazon
Best Baby Sandals
KEEN Toddlers' Newport H2 Sandal
$55
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Best Waterproof Baby Shoes
Native Shoes Jefferson
$50
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Amazon
Best Leather Baby Shoes
Stride Rite Artie First Walker Athletic Sneaker
$52
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Best Canvas Baby Shoes
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Easy-On
$35
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Best Winter Baby Shoes
Stonz Winter Toddler Booties
$50
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Before your baby is walking, you really only need socks or booties to keep their feet warm in chilly weather. In fact, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), baby’s feet grow best when they’re not confined in shoes during the early months of her life. But once your little one starts to walk outside, she’ll need suitable shoes to prevent injuries to her tiny toes.
While there are tons of adorable options out there, there’s more that goes into shopping for the best baby shoes than aesthetics alone. Here’s everything you need to know.
How we chose the best baby shoes
The best baby shoes are well-fitted, comfortable and have non-skid soles to keep your new walker steady. Ideally, shoes should have features that make it easy to slip them on and off, and are easy to clean. They also shouldn’t cost tons of money, since your little ones will outgrow them quickly. To help you narrow down your choices, What to Expect staff and community members say you should consider the following factors when shopping for a pair of baby shoes:
- Material: The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) suggests flexible shoes made with breathable materials like leather, cloth or canvas. Brittany Ferri, Ph.D., licensed occupational therapist, also suggests choosing lightweight shoes, which will be the most comfortable for babies to wear. You should also look for shoes with grippy or non-skid soles, per the AAP, to keep new walkers steady.
- Adjustability: Shoes with laces, Velcro, elastic ankle bands and snaps help you get the right feel, plus can be helpful features if your baby tends to lose shoes often. Many WTE parents prefer shoes with Velcro or elastic because they fit snugly but are still easy to take on and off.
- Washability: Parents of toddlers know just how much wear and tear tiny humans can put on their gear, so check to see if the shoes you’re considering are machine-washable. You may also want to consider waterproof options, since they don’t retain stains as readily, plus can typically be wiped clean.
- Affordability: Per the AAP, babies will typically outgrow their first pair of shoes within 2 or 3 months. So leave the $100 baby sneakers on the shelf and opt for something more budget-friendly for the sake of you and your wallet.
Why Trust Us?
What to Expect is the world’s most trusted pregnancy and parenting brand for a reason. Our product recommendations are based on expert parent insight, advice from medical professionals and feedback from the millions of parents and parents-to-be in our community. Our editors adhere to the highest research and reporting standards and our team of vetted OB/GYNs, pediatricians and other health professionals ensure our recommended products are safe and effective for you and your baby.
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Best Baby Shoes
See Kai Run Stevie (First Walker)
Pros
- Easy on and off
- Adjustable strap
- Flexible
Cons
- Run narrow
- Spot clean only
Why We Love it
Community Reviews
Why We Love It
See Kai Run is a brand that’s popular with moms and experts alike (it also earned a seal of approval from the APMA), and this style is great for babies learning to walk. Some of the many features that make this pair ideal for those first steps include the flexible canvas lining, rubber outsoles, removable insoles and adjustable straps.
Parents also love the rainbow of colors the Stevie shoes are available in, noting this versatile chambray as one of the standout styles. Although these have a set of elastic laces for style points, they also feature a hook-and-loop strap for easy on and off, plus adjustability.
Size range: 3-6 Infant
Material: Jersey, canvas
Machine-washable: No
Community Reviews
ADA117
"See Kai Run is what we use but he also has some sandals that he seems to be okay in."
sleeepymama
"My son loves his See Kai Run sneakers. Will be buying another one when he outgrows his current one.
Best Affordable Baby Shoes
Keds Champion Toe Cap Sneaker
Pros
- Suitable for wide feet
- Go-with-anything style
Cons
- White gets dirty quickly
Why We Love it
Community Reviews
Why We Love It
You really can’t go wrong with a classic likeKeds Champions —especially when it comes at such a budget-friendly price point. Sure, the white may get a little dirtier than other shoes, but the crisp color goes with anything your little one may have in their closet. Even though the brand doesn’t specify whether or not these are machine-washable, I’ve had no trouble doing so. (A sentiment echoed by plenty of other reviewers.)
Besides the price, what parents love most about these sneakers is the fact that they come in wide sizes. Even parents who couldn’t find a single other shoe to fit their child’s wide feet say Keds Champions did the trick. And they’re super comfortable, thanks to a flexible leather design that includes a memory foam footbed.
Size range: 1-10 Kids
Material: Leather upper, rubber sole
Machine-washable: No
Community Reviews
NergizerBunnyMama
DS has thick feet and the only shoes that fit are wide Champion sneakers.
Boymommy23
I could not find a single shoe to fit my son! We went to Payless and got him fitted in a champion sneaker size 7. They are wider and move with him.
Best Baby Sandals
KEEN Toddlers' Newport H2 Sandal
Pros
- Closed-toe
- Machine-washable
- Highly breathable
Cons
- Expensive
Why We Love it
Community Reviews
Why We Love It
If you’re shopping for warm weather shoes, your best bet are closed-toe sandals. They’re safer for active toddlers, not to mention, most preschools and daycare centers don’t allow sandals unless they have this design feature.
Parents who’ve tried all kinds of sandals rave about this rugged pair by KEEN. They’re sturdy and supportive, but still flexible and breathable enough to keep your kiddo comfy when the temperature spikes. They have great traction, plus an EVA insole with arch support and a static Lace-lock bungee system with an adjustable hook-and-loop closure for a snug fit.
But perhaps one of their greatest claims to fame, according to parents, is how easy they are to clean. The shoes are naturally odor-resistant and quick-drying, but you can always pop them in the washing machine if they need sprucing up.
Size range: 4-7 (toddler) 8-13 (little kids’)
Material: Polyester, EVA
Machine-washable: Yes
Community Reviews
CSchwag720
The best by far are a pair of Keen sandals (pink) I lucked out finding at a consignment fair. Keen shoes in general are great for wider feet. However, they are pricey- especially for kids!
goingfortherainbow
We use Keens and LOVE them. A little more pricey, but they are worth the money in my opinion. Great support but are also flexible.
Best Waterproof Baby Shoes
Native Shoes Jefferson
Pros
- Lightweight
- Odor-resistant
- Waterproof
- Washable
Cons
- Can be difficult to get on
- Fit snug on wide feet
Why We Love it
Community Reviews
Why We Love It
They may look and feel a lot like sneakers, but these lightweight shoes are made of a special material called EVA that’s waterproof, odor-resistant and tough as nails — exactly what you need when your little one really gets motoring.
The shoe, which comes in a variety of bright, fun colors, is truly perfect for wet spring weather and summer fun, whether your plans take you to the playground or the pool. The sole has plenty of traction to keep your little one upright and on their feet —no matter how quickly they’re motoring.
If there’s any downside, parents say it’s that these shoes run a bit narrow and can be tricky to get on. In my experience, this is particularly true if your kiddos feet are sweaty or wet. Pro tip: Add a little lubricant, like the roll-on Vaseline All-Over Body Balm.
Size range: 4-10 toddler; 1-13 little kid; 1-6 big kid
Material: EVA
Machine-washable: No
Community Reviews
BeccaDietrich
"We use Native. We really like them! They’re super light and flexible."
calibabes
I’ve used native shoes for years for all my kids - we love them. My 8 yr old still wears them as does my 5 and 3yr old.
Best Leather Baby Shoes
Stride Rite Artie First Walker Athletic Sneaker
Pros
- Hook and loop closure
- APMA-approved
- Flexible
- Memory foam insoles
Cons
- Slightly bulky
- Run small
Why We Love it
Community Reviews
Why We Love It
Stride Rite is a go-to baby shoe brand for many moms, and for good reason. Not only have their shoes earned a seal of approval from the APMA, but they also come in an array of fun patterns and styles. We like the Stride Rite Artie First Walker shoes, which are made of flexible rubber soles and memory foam insoles. The attractive leather upper comes in a variety of colors to give you more choices for your little one, too.
But what parents love the most is how well these shoes seem to fit their little ones. The pair comes in standard, wide and extra-wide sizes, a feature that ensures even the chubbiest baby feet will find a comfortable home inside of these sneaks. No matter which sizing works for your kiddo, the flexible sole makes it easy to slip them onto limp feet, while the Velcro closure ensures they stay put while you're out and about.
Size range: 3-6 infant; 3.5-6 toddler
Material: Leather
Machine-washable: No
Community Reviews
Ashleypaulina1
They really were the best shoes for my kids when they first started walking. I highly recommend Stride Rite shoes for new walkers.
MommyC7
I used stride rite for my LOs first shoes when he really began to walk and would be outside. He had chubby feet and I got them measured at the store and they have extra double wide. Expensive but great quality in my opinion. Will be getting another pair this spring for my toddler.
Best Canvas Baby Shoes
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Easy-On
Buying Option
Pros
- Stylish
- Easy to slip on and off
Cons
- May run large
Why We Love it
Community Reviews
Why We Love It
You’re never too old — or young! — for Converse’s classic Chuck Taylor All Stars. Made with a flexible canvas fabric and a comfortable textile insole, these baby shoes not only look great, but are also exceptionally comfortable —just ask any grown-ups who own the adult version.
Parents love that the shoes’s interior is roomy enough to slip on without effort —it’s surprising how young kiddos can master it themselves with these shoes. Still, the double Velcro straps help prevent the shoes from slipping on and off your baby’s tiny feet.
The company doesn’t specify whether or not the shoes are machine-washable, but I’ve had no trouble tossing my son’s in for a spin and they come out looking brand new. We’re going on a full year with the same dino-printed pair.
Size range: 2C-10C
Material: Canvas
Machine-washable: No
Community Reviews
ArianaD93
Love converse on our little one, true to size for sure!
Best Winter Baby Shoes
Stonz Winter Toddler Booties
Pros
- Super warm
- Cinch closed
- Machine-washable
Cons
- Not widely available
Why We Love it
Community Reviews
Why We Love It
If you can find these Canadian-made winter boots, you and your little one will be very happy during the cold months. Parents who live in very snowy and icy climates can attest to their warmth, and say they’re the only boots they’ll put their new walkers in.
The boots, which cinch closed to keep the warmth in and the snow out, feature a super cozy polyester fleece lining. But outside, they have a fully weather-resistant composition and durable non-slip soles. The pair is certified by the Canadian Podiatric Medical Association.
And just as lovable? When they’re dirty and in need of a good, thorough cleaning, you can toss the boots into your washing machine. Just turn them inside out, and then send them for a spin on a cold, delicate cycle.
Size range: M-XL
Material: Nylon, polyester fleece
Machine-washable: Yes
Community Reviews
kkrr
Stonz were awesome, my daughters feet grow fast and they lasted all winter, easy to put on especially at daycare. They are a bit easier if your kid is between sizes.
JonesyMagnet
Stonz is a good brand that make boots that stay on little feet.
Our Research
- We turned to well-respected medical organizations like the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to understand what features are most important for baby shoes in consideration of baby’s growth and development, comfort and safety.
- We tapped the What to Expect community to better understand what features parents prioritize, plus gather a consensus on brands and specific baby shoes that parents have used and loved for their own children. We selected baby shoes with overwhelmingly positive reviews, especially regarding comfort, style and durability.
FAQ
When should babies start wearing shoes?
If your baby is learning to walk, you don’t need shoes indoors, according to the APMA. But as your child begins to walk outside, you’ll want to invest in a pair (or two!) of shoes. For many babies, this happens around their first birthday, but this may happen sooner or later.
What are the best shoes for babies learning to walk?
Your little one’s shoes should be closed-toe, comfortable and flexible plus have non-skid soles, according to the AAP. Sneakers are the perfect choice. More fanciful shoes, including those with wedges, inserts, high backs, reinforced heels, special arches or other features designed to shape and support feet may actually make it harder to walk.
View Sources
- WhatToExpect.com, When Do Babies Start Walking?, August 2021.
- American Academy of Pediatrics,Movement: Babies 8 to 12 Months, April 2021.
- American Podiatric Medical Association, What You Should Know: Children's Foot Health.
- American Podiatric Medical Association, APMA Seal Program: Footwear & Products.
- Brittany Ferri, Ph.D., Occupational Therapist, Rochester, NY.
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