It may be tempting to grab the cutest pair of shoes you can find on the shelves, but not all baby walking shoes are created equal. You want to ensure you’re getting a pair that will fit and protect those tiny toes while still supporting development and flexibility. We looked carefully at age recommendations, material, design, and value when reviewing products. Here are the best baby walking shoes on the market to help those tiny feet get to moving. There’s a large hook-and-loop closure and elastic laces, making them easy to take on and off. With removable insoles, the shoes can accommodate customized child orthotics if your tot needs them.  They’re available in sizes 3 to 7 (generally for kids up to 24 months, though toddlers’ feet vary greatly) and are machine washable, so you don’t have to worry about letting your little one explore the muddy backyard after a downpour. According to the manufacturer, the shoes run a little big, so you may want to go down half a size. Price at time of publish: $55 Parents also love that the shoes have a rounded sole to help reduce the risk of trips and falls, non-skid rubber soles, and an elastic strap with velcro to keep them put. The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)-approved shoes are made with breathable material to promote air circulation and feature memory foam footbeds to enhance your baby’s comfort. What’s more, they come in a variety of adorable colors. Price at time of publish: $36 Basically, these are baby luxury shoes. Like other Stride Rite baby shoes, they’re available in sizes 3 to 6, including half-sizes, and have two different width options. Price at time of publish: $74 They were also designed to basically give your child the feeling of being barefoot, which helps with foot development. Because of the flexible elastic along the top of the shoe, your little one will have a hard time pulling these off, so you’ll feel good knowing that they’ll always stay in place once you put them on. You can get these in infant sizes 1 to 3 and toddler sizes 4 to 7. Price at time of publish: $59 The classic baby shoes are made of 100% leather and feature a rubber sole, plus elastic laces that will keep the shoes in place, even on especially fussy toddlers. You can get these shoes in sizes 3 to 7 (for infants to 4 years olds), including half sizes, and in three different widths. Price at time of publish: $54 They’re available in sizes 2 to 10 (infant to little kid), but like the grown-up Chuck Taylors, they do run large, so you’ll want your kiddo to test them out around the house a little bit before committing. Price at time of publish: $50 According to podiatrist Dr. Cunha, shoes should be lightweight, supportive, and durable. It is important to pick a shoe that offers as much durability and protection as possible without sacrificing comfort or flexibility. So, as tempting as it may be to put your baby’s little toes into some flip flops, that’s not going to be the best thing for their feet. Instead, pick up a pair of these Stride Rite water shoes. They’re designed to get wet (and dry quickly) and keep your baby’s feet from sliding around and causing falls. They’re available in sizes 3 to 6, including half sizes, and in medium or wide widths. Price at time of publish: $46 The booties have a super soft fleece upper and interior to promote foot development but still feature a rough sole with small textured stars to provide some traction—though you may not want your tot to test their walking skills on the ice just yet. These little booties are available in sizes 1 to 5. Price at time of publish: $40 Available in sizes 4 to 13, the sandals are designed to feature a foot-shaped toe box for added comfort. Parents and caregivers will love the adjustable hook-and-loop strap for a secure fit during play time at the park. Heads up: The company recommends ordering a half size down, saying the lightweight materials and construction can make a big difference. Price at time of publish: $36 The slip-on design is easy for parents and children, and the shoes quickly dry off when not being used in the water. They’re available in sizes 5 to 13, but because they may run small for some kiddos, have your child test them out or double check the size chart. Price at time of publish: $30 We love how the handles on the sides help children put the boots on independently without being too difficult. Plus, there’s no need to worry about the shoes getting dirty in the snow or water. These boots are machine washable, so you can simply toss them in your washing machine on laundry day. Price at time of publish: $24

What to Look for in Baby Walking Shoes

Fit

In this case, “fit” doesn’t simply mean that you are physically able to get their feet into a pair of shoes (as in “will these leftovers fit into this plastic container?”). When shopping for baby footwear, “fit” takes into account finding the right size and width, making sure there aren’t any gaps that could cause their feet to slide around, and paying attention to areas that might be a bit too snug.  And sadly, sometimes those exceptionally adorable shoes you had your eye on aren’t going to be a good fit for your baby. “Just like [for adults], function is more important than fashion,” Mona Amin, DO, a board-certified pediatrician in private practice in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, tells Verywell Family. “And proper fit is important.”  So how do you make sure the (baby walking) shoe fits? Gina Posner, MD, a pediatrician at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California, recommends leaving it up to the professionals. “I would take them to a shoe store so that they can accurately measure their feet,” she tells Verywell Family. If that’s not an option, Amin suggests printing out one of the free child shoe sizing guides available online—including on certain brands’ websites. “They’re so easy to use and assures proper fit,” she explains. Once you’ve found a pair that could work, check the fit of a shoe when your baby tries it on. “The heel of the foot should be snug with the back of the shoe, and the toes should have some wiggle room,” Daniel Ganjian, MD, a pediatrician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California tells Verywell Family.

Material

Though Amin recommends allowing a baby first learning to walk to go barefoot as much as possible, she stresses the importance of buying well-made shoes constructed using high-quality materials. “If outdoors, and you really want them to have shoes, make sure you use a shoe that has breathable material, has a flexible foot plate, wide toe box, and sturdy heel giving them stability to get comfortable with walking,” she explains. As far as specific materials, it’s best to stay away from anything too rigid on the upper part of the shoe. Instead, opt for something soft and flexible—ideally with a little give or stretch—like soft leather, mesh, or canvas. “Remember, toddler feet can grow quickly,” Amin says. “Measure every two-three months, and/or when you notice signs of poor fit: blisters on feet, repetitive ingrown nails (from the pressure of shoe on nail bed), or they are uncomfortable while walking.”

Flexibility

It’s important to keep in mind that as a newly minted shoe-wearer, your baby is more accustomed to walking around barefoot. So to help ease them into the process, opt for walking shoes with a flexible sole. The key is finding a pair with a sole that’s not only flexible but also provides some grip. “I like supportive walking shoes that have a good, non-slippery sole for both foot health and overall safety,” Posner says. Similarly, Ganjian recommends baby walking shoes that have non-skid bottoms. “Most kids will need soft soles, but some kids will do better with firm soles,” he explains. “Ask your pediatrician if you are not sure or have questions.”

Why Trust Verywell Family

Ashley Ziegler is a staff and freelance writer who covers lifestyle, home, parenting, and commerce content for a variety of platforms. She’s a mom to a 1-year-old daughter and a 3-year-old daughter, both of which wore the Ugg Kids Bixbee Ankle Boots, the Converse Chuck Taylors, and the Freshly Picked Soft Sole Leather Moccasins (and loved them). In addition to regularly scouring the internet to find the best things for herself, Ashley spends multiple hours a week researching, comparing, and writing about products specifically for kids and families. Along the same lines, Amin advises skipping the shoes whenever it’s practical to do so. “Developmentally, I recommend keeping your toddler who is learning to walk barefoot as much as possible. This truly helps them learn to walk,” she says. “I personally think barefoot in the home is great at any age, from a germ-exposure perspective as well.” So what are baby walking shoes for, exactly? “The shoes help the most for preventing them from stepping on things that could hurt their feet,” Posner explains. And if you’re concerned about slippery surfaces in your home, like tiles or marble, and it’s too cold for them to go barefoot, Ganjian suggests using non-skid socks to give them a bit of traction. Again, Admin advocates only putting shoes on your baby when it’s absolutely necessary. “When indoors, barefoot is best to practice walking, learn balance, and get steady on their own two feet,” she says. “For toddlers learning to walk, I usually recommend going barefoot outdoors in your own backyard or a familiar, clean area.”  When that’s not possible, then it’s time to break out the shoes. Posner agrees, noting that baby footwear can come in handy “when they are outside and walking around to prevent them from injuring their feet.” But your baby can’t go barefoot forever. Eventually, Posner says, “you will need to get them acclimated to walking with shoes, but more from a safety standpoint."