For any parent, one of the most precious moments of their life is when they witness their child’s first steps. The beautiful occasion brings about a lot of joy, however along with joy, the occasion also brings in a small amount of tension. Tension is caused because, knowing how curious kids are they would just be walking nonstop, wanting to explore each and every part of the house, garden, anywhere. This brings in some cause for concern, as there could small glass pieces or sharp objects on the ground, that could cause harm to your child. Therefore, the big occasion, buying your child’s first shoe takes place.
It’s natural for parents to feel confused. Now-a-days, there are so various options and brands when it comes to baby shoes, the option list is so vast that it’s hard to select one. There are multiple sizes, types, features, so much that it will most certainly cause confusion among parents. To help parents like you in choosing the right shoe for your little one, we decided to create this list i.e., the list of “The best baby shoes for any type of feetâ€. So without any delay let’s dive in and take a closer look at the best shoes for kids and the reasons as to why we think these shoes are the best fit for your baby, but before that, make sure your baby is still there with you and has not run away.
Before we present you the list, these are some of the things that you should keep in mind before buying a shoe for your child:
- Flexible Non Slip Soles – Your baby should be able to bend its toes to about 40 degrees easily. You should look for a shoe with good traction, as this will help keep your baby on his/her feet.
- Padding – Baby walking shoes should offer firm support but also be padded on the back of the shoe and around the ankles to minimize rubbing and also to provide maximum comfort.
- Extra Secure Closures – The shoe must be easy for you to put on, but make sure that once it’s on, the shoe doesn’t come off your baby’s feet.
Now since we know what to look for before buying a shoe, let’s get on with the list, again make sure your baby is still there with you.
List of Best Baby Shoes For All Feet (Fat & Narrow)
- Stride Rite Soft Motion Mason Sneakers
- Tsukioshi Racer Washable Sneakers
- Soft Motion Jazzy Sneakers
- See Kai Run Stevie II Sneakers
- Stride Rite Soft Motion Jamie Sneakers
- Every Step Parker Sneakers
- Carter’s Kids Glen Sneakers
- Soft Sole Leather Moccasins
- Mini Shoes Low Top Sneakers
- Pediped Dani Originals
Buying Guide
Stride Rite Soft Motion Mason Sneakers
The Stride Rite is one of the leading shoe brands, and it’s not a surprise to see that many parents prefer the brand over the others. The Stride Rite Soft Motion Mason shoe has earned a seal and is approved from the American Podiatric Medical Association and thus, gives you the guarantee of the quality and comfort of the shoes. Moreover, they have various models, styles and patterns that helps to ensure that not only your child has comfort but also looks stylish as ever. Moreover, the Stride Rite soft motion mason sneakers are made of flexible rubber soles and have memory foam insoles, all these comforting features make this a great choice for a first shoe. However, the downside of this shoe is that it is very bulky in size, which can cause an issue for some kids. Other than that, the shoe is a good choice.
PROS
- Easy to put on
- Rubber soles and memory foam
- Approval from APMA
CONS
- Bulky in size
- Hard to wash
Tsukioshi Racer Washable Sneakers
One of the most important and best features of this Tsukioshi Racer shoe is that it has a wide toe box that allows your kids to spread their toes. Moreover, the Tsukioshi Racer shoes are designed to provide support to the baby’s foot without damaging the muscles ensuring balanced development. The shoe is also extremely lightweight, making it extremely comfortable for your kid. It is also shock-absorbing and slip-resistant, ensuring your child’s safety. The shoe is also easy to put on and take off, and also is machine washable, therefore your child can confidently go down the muddy tracks. The major issue I found with this shoe is that it only comes in one color. For those parents who do not care much about style, then this shouldn’t be an issue, however, if you are one of those parents who like to make their baby look extremely stylish, then this is definitely not the one for you.
PROS
- Lightweight
- Shock absorbing
- Space to stretch the toes
CONS
- Only comes in one type, no other designs or patterns
- Does not come in different colors
Soft Motion Jazzy Sneakers
Another shoe from Stride Rite, the soft motion jazzy sneaker has rounded soles for developing and improving your child’s balance, flexibility to promote foot development. This Soft Motion shoe also has slip resistance on the bottom thus, ensuring baby’s safety. Similar to the previous shoe from Stride Rite, this one also has memory foam insoles. The shoe has an issue though i.e., it is quite bulky and doesn’t have much space on the inside which may obstruct baby to spread his/her toes properly.
PROS
- Easy to put one
- Rounded soles, which help for overall development
CONS
- Bulky
- Not enough space inside to spread the toes properly
See Kai Run Stevie II
See Kai is another brand that is a favorite among parents. This brand has also earned the seal of approval from the APMA, which is an approval given to those shoes that have been found to be beneficial to foot health. The Stevie II shoes have a flexible lining, rubber outsoles, and removable insoles. The shoe also comes in a variety of designs and styles. Many parents complained that the shoes were slightly hard to put on, but once they were on, they didn’t come off.
PROS
- Trendy
- Flexibility
- APMA approved
CONS
- It’s a bit difficult to put on
- Difficult to wash
Stride Rite Soft Motion Jamie Sneakers
Another one from the very famous brand, the Jamie sneaker comes in different sizes. Similar to the Jazzy sneakers, this one also has rounded soles which help the kids with their balance, also helps to reduce the risk of trips and falls. The shoes are made with breathable material to promote air circulation and as usual, contain memory foam insoles providing maximum comfort. The issue with the Jamie sneaker is that sometimes the velcro causes an irritation to the skin, but if you make your child wear socks, then this won’t be an issue.
PROS
- Rounded soles
- Memory foam
- Breathable material
CONS
- The shoe velcro can cause irritation to baby’s feet
- Hard to wash (cannot be machine washed)
Every Step Parker Sneakers
Every step parker from Carter’s is extremely lightweight and flexible. The soles have ridges on them which ensure traction, thus making sure that the feet do not slip inside the shoe. Also, the shoes are very fashionable and make sure that your baby looks extremely stylish. Also, the shoes have grips on the bottom. This will protect your child from slipping and falling. Some parents have complained that the shoe once put on takes a lot of effort to remove.
PROS
- Stylish
- Ridges to ensure traction
CONS
- Hard to remove from the feet
Carter’s Kids Glen Sneakers
The shoe is made out of breathable denim material, making it extremely stylish and also ensuring the kid’s feet can breathe in the shoes. The shoes are also extremely easy to put on and off. It also has flexible insoles, making the shoes extremely comfortable. It is also very easy to wash, considering that the shoe is made out of denim. The Carter’s Kids Glen Sneakers also have grips on the bottom, thus offering your kids that extra protection. The shoes are a bit on the bulky side, so if your kid is quite small, then maybe you can skip this one.
PROS
- Flexible
- Sensory insoles
CONS
- The width of the shoes can create issues/problems to some kids
Soft Sole Leather Moccasins
As mentioned above, one of the necessary features of a good shoe is traction. It is traction that ensures that your child does not slip on slick or wet surfaces. The soft sole leather moccasins are designed to have a rough sole to provide maximum traction. The shoe also has a flexible elastic on the top, thus making it impossible for your kid to pull it off. This will provide a bit of relief, knowing that the shoe will stay on the baby’s feet no matter what. It comes in varied different colors as well as sizes. However, the material is not the best, one parent complained that, when they washed the shoe, it got damaged.
PROS
- Provides maximum traction
- Trendy designs
CONS
- Not the best material
- Hard to wash
Mini Shoes Low Top Sneakers
The shoes have a split sole, thus providing maximum traction (I don’t think I need to explain more on why traction is so important). The shoes also have a memory foam cushion inside and is made from high-quality leather, ensuring comfort. The shoes are also extremely stylish and the brand has really cool designs as well. Moreover, the material used by the company is of top quality, so another advantage. However, the shoe is quite bulky and also it doesn’t provide that much space for the front toes to curl. If your child has really small toes, then it won’t be an issue.
PROS
- High-quality material
- Memory foam
- Trendy designs
CONS
- Not enough space to stretch the toes
- Bulky
Pediped Dani Originals
The Pediped Dani Originals is another brand that has earned the seal of approval from the APMA. The shoes are built for the outdoors and feature a flexible leather sole, providing maximum comfort. The shoe has a very “outdoorsy†design, which makes it look extremely cool. The shoe, as mentioned, is built for the outdoors, so if you’re one of those parents who love the outdoors, then the shoe is the perfect choice for your baby. But, due to this, the insoles are not as comfortable as some of the other shoes, but your baby will most definitely get used to it. Also, the shoe has an anti-grip feature, which is expected.
PROS
- Rugged design
- Flexible
CONS
- The insoles are quite hard and not the most comfortable
Buying Guide
We have combined all the tips and mentioned here which should be considered when buying your baby’s first shoe:
- Do not make your child wear shoes as soon as they start to walk, as this may hamper their balance and coordination. Let them walk barefoot in the beginning and once they start to wander outside, then you can make them wear a shoe.
- Once your baby has crossed the pre-walking stage, you can buy them their first shoe.
- It is important that you choose the right type of shoe that provides ample support to your baby’s feet. Make sure the shoe has, anti-slip, extra traction, velcro, all that stuff to ensure that it’s perfect for your child.
- Make sure the shoe is not too big or too small. The shoe should provide enough space for your child to wiggle their toes.
- Try buying shoes that allow your baby’s feet to breathe, try to avoid synthetic materials, and go for good quality mesh or leather shoes instead.
- Avoid high-top or hard-soled shoes until your child is older.
- Lately, make sure your child likes it. The shoe could have all the features, the perfect material, but in the end, if your child doesn’t like it, then there is no use.
Also, see any one of these signs on your baby’s feet, consult a doctor, these include:
- Redness on the skin – Watch out for redness or rashes between the toes or around the ankle.
- Nail Problems – Watch out for any inflammation or discoloration of toenails.
- Deformed toes – Make sure the toes are always in a straight line with the foot and not curled back. Make sure the big toes are always straight, it’s normal for the fifth toe to be under the fourth toe or vice versa.
- Posture – Do notice and pay heed to if your child’s feet look excessively turned in or out.
Your baby’s first step is a precious moment, in order to encourage them and also help them with their growth development, you need to allow them to walk and fall as much as possible because this is how they learn. As parents, you might be worried, if something sharp pierces through their feet, however, just purchase one of the shoes mentioned on this list and then you can be stress-free.
Conclusion
As we all know the baby’s first steps are very precious and to help improve their overall growth it is necessary that you pick the right shoe, from this list we hope to have helped you or at least given you some ideas on which shoe to go for. And also, make sure your baby is still there with you and not wandered off somewhere.
FAQs
When can babies start wearing shoes?
The obvious answer is when your baby starts to walk. However, in the initial stages your child will be walking inside your house. you do not need to buy a shoe for that, but when your child starts to walk outdoors, then it’s a good time to buy a shoe for your child.
Should pre walkers wear shoes?
Well, it is not recommended for young babies to wear shoes while they learn how to walk, you may however use shoes to protect your baby’s feet from cold or injury, but it is better to let them roam around barefoot.
Can wearing shoes develop strong ankles in babies?
There is no proof that wearing shoes may help your baby develop stronger ankles, in fact, the ankles are quite strong and sturdy and don’t really need any support. advantage of wearing a shoe is that it protects your child from any injuries.
Is it okay to share shoes?
Pairs that don’t get worn much, such as those shoes saved for special occasions can be passed down or shared. However, shoes that have been worn a lot should not be shared. There are two reasons to this, the first one being, the shoe would have formed to a child’ foot, and would not provide support to another child and also diseases such as fungus or athlete’s foot can be carried in all shoes, therefore it is not a wise decision to share shoes.
What age do babies start wearing hard bottom shoes?
This a tricky question, in my opinion, once they become an expert, then you can make the switch to hard bottom shoes until then it’s better to use a normal baby shoe.
How can I keep my baby’s feet healthy?
We recommend measuring your baby’s feet regularly to make sure you are buying the right shoes for the right stage. This will help you to ensure that your baby has the correct support for his/her development. Daily care, like washing and drying their feet, the toenails have to be trimmed often.
What is the difference between cruising and walking?
Cruising is the stage between crawling and walking when your baby is bracing themselves to take their first steps, there are different shoes for cruising, but there isn’t a need to buy one.
How often should I replace my child’s shoes?
Wear and tear plays a huge role, but ultimately if your child outgrows the shoe, then it is time to change it. So, if your child is showing some signs of discomfort, then it is time to change it.
Why is it necessary/important to measure my baby’s feet?
Your baby’s feet grow on average three sizes in the first year, then to sizes until they start school and one size until they are in their late teens. But every kid is different, hence it is important to get their shoes checked as well as their feet measured by trained fitters on a regular basis.
Should I buy my kids wide shoes?
If you think that your child has wide feet, then the obvious choice would be to get a wide shoe. There are many size guides available online to confirm your assumption.
What do kids shoe sizes mean?
Baby/kids shoe sizes are usually labeled by age in months. Children typically wear shoes ranging from size 3.5 to size 10.
How do you measure kid’s feet for shoes?
The best choice is to take them to a actual shoe store, from there you will be able to get an accurate measurement. However, if you have a measuring tape at home you can get a rough estimate.
How often should I measure my child’s feet?
Every two to four months. Also, look for any signs of discomfort your baby is showing.
What is better velcro, straps or laces?
It depends on what your child likes. If he or she likes velcro, then go for velcro. Each of them have their own advantages as well as disadvantages. But it’s negligible in a large scale.
How do I know if my baby has flat feet?
If you can see a pinky toe and big toe, then your child’s feet are fine. if you can see a pinky toe, ring toe, but not a big toe, your child is likely pronating and might have flat feet.
Should children’s shoe grip around the ankle?
No, if the shoe grips around the ankle then it would be too uncomfortable for them to walk with. Instead, the shoe should just fit perfectly around their foot.
Is there a guarantee on shoes?
The obvious answer is no. shoes are a wearable item, thus if any damages happen to them the manufacturer cannot be blamed for it. If you are buying expensive shoes then save them for the special occasions. However, do not recommend buying expensive and branded shoes because your baby will quickly outgrow them, then they would be off no use, it’s always better to go for a well priced shoe.
I’m a parent who loves to help other parents with selflessness, honesty and love ! I really appreciate you reading my blog. Means the world to me.