Best Baby Shoes 2023

May 25, 2023

Watching your baby learn to walk is a treasured milestone. My twin boys are currently cruising the furniture and standing independently, so I’ve spent a lot of time lately researching the best baby shoes in anticipation of their first independent steps. According to the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), it's best to let babies be barefoot when you can. Once they’re walking outdoors or in public, however, they need a protective baby shoe. For a stylish shoe that mimics the natural foot shape and is designed specifically for the littlest of feet, the best baby shoes for learning to walk are the Ten Little Everyday Original shoes.

The best baby shoes have a rounded toe box and a flexible sole, along with solid ankle support.

Because babies’ feet are made mainly of cartilage, "choosing flexible, lightweight, ankle-supporting shoes even as they become more steady on their feet is really important," explains pediatric occupational therapist Holly Peretz. The best shoes should also feature a wide and rounded toe box and a supportive heel.

As a mom to three myself and with the guidance of Peretz and physical therapist Lalitha McSorley, I pulled together a list of some of the best baby shoes for learning to walk. Most of the shoes on the list are APMA-approved, and they all feature important qualities to look for in baby shoes. After you’re done checking out some of the best baby shoes, you might also want to take a look at some of our other guides for babies and toddlers: the best convertible car seats, the best travel strollers and the best toys for 1-year-olds.

Ten Little

Sizes: 4-13, including half sizes | Colors: 14 colors, including blush pink and space black

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. This shoe is APMA-approved, and it's also breathable and has flexible soles. With velcro closures, a nonslip tongue, and a pull loop on the back, they’re easy to get on little feet. They also come with stickers so kids can personalize their shoes. 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 help kids decipher which shoe goes on which foot.

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Target

Sizes: 4-12 | Colors: 10 colors and patterns, including camo and lime green

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 colors and patterns, so your little one will have fun picking out their favorite pair.

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Amazon

Sizes: 0-3 months to 18-24 months | Colors: 34 color and style options, including navy and neon pink

From navy skippers to neon pink high tops, Robeez first walkers come in so many versatile style options. Most styles slip on or have a hook and loop closure, but they also feature faux embellishments like laces and bows. Many include a pull tab at the heel. These shoes are APMA-approved. They have a flexible sole and a split rubber bottom that helps eliminate 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.

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Amazon

Sizes: 3-6, including half sizes | Colors: 10 color and pattern options

These APMA-approved shoes are a bit pricey for a shoe that will only fit your baby for a few months, but the quality might be worth it to some. They’re wide and roomy, so they’re an ideal choice for babies that have chubby feet. The shoes feature a wide toe box, a supportive heel cup and flexible soles, all important aspects of a good baby shoe. They also have a loop on the heel and a hook and loop closure so you can get them on easily. Plus, they come in quite a few different colors and patterns, including a Very Hungry Caterpillar print.

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Amazon

Sizes: 3-6, including half and wide sizes | Colors: 2: blue/lime and pink multi

Sandals offer a lot of breathability, which McSorley explained 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 thick chubby feet.

The 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. Although they have the typical openings you expect in a sandal, they’re still sturdy enough to keep your baby's foot secure, and they have a protective, grippy bottom. The closed toe keeps kids protected too and is often a safety requirement at daycare in terms of summer shoes.

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Amazon

Sizes: 4 (medium), 5 (large), and 6 (x-large) | Colors: 7 colors and patterns, including ruby and reflective silver

The ultimate purpose of a winter boot is to keep feet warm; these are designed for temperatures up to -4°F. If that won't be warm enough, you can also purchase additional liners.

Many winter boots are tight, restrictive and have a firm sole, which isn't what you want to look for in a baby shoe. These 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; just put baby's foot in the large opening and tighten the elastics. 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.

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When determining the best baby shoes for learning to walk, I spoke to two experts: pediatric occupational therapist Holly Peretz and physical therapist Lalitha McSorley. After discussing what makes a good baby shoe, I researched more about baby foot development and baby shoes. I compared some of the top baby shoes on the market, and I also relied on firsthand experience with baby shoes that my own children have worn, including two of our top picks.

This article is regularly reviewed and updated. It was most recently updated in April 2023.

According to Peretz, "While it's completely fine to put on some cute booties on your baby while outdoors or in the stroller, babies that aren't walking don't have any real need for shoes."

Additionally, McSorley explained that using shoes too soon can even slow down development. "It is much better for their overall foot development if they are able to go barefoot or wear socks as much as possible," she said.

When learning to walk at home, it's best for babies to remain barefoot. "For pre-walkers and new walkers, we want the shoe to be as close to being like a sock as possible. Lightweight and flexible. Ideally a non-slip soft sole," Peretz said.

When they need shoes for protection outdoors or in public spaces, Peretz recommends looking for shoes with flat and flexible soles, good ankle and foot support, a rounded toe box that mimics the shape of the foot and soft material that won't cause blisters.

Babies only need to wear shoes when they’re walking in places where their feet need protection. However, it can be helpful to put shoes on for short periods of practice at home as soon as babies begin walking. This can make it more likely they will keep their shoes on when they actually need to wear them.

Babies should start wearing shoes when it's necessary for protection. "Depending on your baby's development this could be anywhere from around the first birthday to 18 months old," Peretz said.