The Best Baby Walking Shoes for Your Little One’s First Steps

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Do you know a baby getting ready to take their first steps? Maybe they're already a bonafide cruiser? You may want to consider getting them a pair of adorable baby walking shoes. But you're probably wondering what exactly they should be wearing to protect their adorably chubby little feet. Finding the best walking shoes for baby's feet is essential to their health and development, so we consulted the experts to get the lowdown on what parents should be looking for before they invest in a pair of adorable kicks.

Best Baby Walking Shoes

• Best Budget: peggy piggy Mesh Baby Walking Shoes

• Best Colors: montaas First Walkers Slip-On Sneakers for Baby and Toddler

• Best Non-Slip: peggy piggy Non-Slip Baby Walking Shoes

• Best Quality: See Kai Run Ryder II FlexiRun Sneakers for Babies and Kids

• Best for Cruisers: Stride Rite Soft Motion Kylin Baby Sneaker

What to Consider

There aren’t a ton of guidelines parents need to follow when looking for their baby’s first pair of walking shoes, but there are still a few things to keep in mind.

Dr. Leann Poston, a pediatrician at Invigor Medical in Kennewick, Washington, says, “The most important thing parents should look for is walking shoes that are well-fitting and flexible.” Alas, if your baby has adorable baby Jordan sneakers like my kids had, their stiffness would, unfortunately, eliminate them from this category.

Poston also advises, “Baby walking shoes should not change the way the child walks and should only protect their feet from getting hurt. They should have a large enough toe box for their toes to move.” In other words, don’t opt for anything too restrictive.

Thanks to Dr. Poston's helpful insight, we found the best baby walking shoes available for the little one right now. We considered fit, style, quality, and, of course, budgets of all sorts — all of which will have baby walking in style in no time. On your mark, get set: Go, baby, go!

Mesh Baby Walking Shoes

If you’re looking for a great budget option, these are the best walking shoes to shop. These come in multiple colors, wash like a dream, and the bottom is flexible yet sturdy, which is exactly what you want baby's walking shoes to be.

The sides have extra stretch for easy on and off, and the top is roomy enough for the toes, but provides enough pressure for stability and safety. They’re a real win for the price and don't sacrifice quality.

More: The Best Baby Products for All New Parents

First Walkers Slip-On Sneakers for Baby and Toddler

Super stretchy, affordable, and quick drying, these shoes help prevent sweaty, stinky feet while still cradling baby's precious little tootsies, providing support for those first steps.

The soles have rubber spikes for better grip and stability, and the cap of the shoes give some extra wiggle room to keep those baby toes comfortable. Plus, what kid doesn't want a pair of fire engine red shoes?

Non-Slip Baby Walking Shoes

I have given Peggy Piggy shoes to so many new parents for a few reasons: They’re machine-washable, they are flexible but sturdy, and at under $25, you won't feel as bad if one of them gets lost at the mall because no one noticed the baby had removed a shoe somewhere and chucked it into the abyss. (This happens.)

Ryder II FlexiRun Sneakers for Babies and Kids

A sneaker that looks like a sneaker for grown-ups or older children, but performs like a baby shoe? Sign us up. This shoe from See Kai Run is a newer version of the ones my own children wore. The shoes are the highest quality — the soles don’t pull away from the shoe, and the Velcro never becomes gross and puffy. (And they’re just fine, even after stepping in puddles and holding stinky baby feet.)

Plus, they’re so flexible and fashionable that they can easily be passed these down to multiple children — they’re that good.

Soft Motion Kylin Baby Sneaker

When a cruiser really gets going, these sneakers from Stride Rite will keep them steady as they navigate their new world. The flexible rubber sole and washable canvas upper make for a sturdy, baby-friendly design that kids won't get mad wearing.

The insole is made from soft foam for supportive cushioning, and kids can even help get themselves in and out of the shoes, which is a major developmental milestone.

Breathable Mesh Baby Walking Shoes

During beach and splash park season, babies will want to get out there and play. This pair of shoes makes sure that little one's feet are safe and secure as they stomp about, splashing, playing, and having loads of fun in the water.

They're made with mesh fabric and designed to let water flow through them without puddling. The insole is also made of quick-dry materials, preventing moldy, mildewy shoes.

Tanner Sneaker for Little Kids and Babies

Apart from being just about the softest baby walking shoes on the planet, these were awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association — and that's a huge deal. My kids loved See Kai Run and they stayed strapped on so efficiently, they only lost them occasionally.

They are also machine-washable, which is super helpful when your child decides that mud is the best walking surface.

Flex Runner 2 Baby/Toddler Easy On/Off Shoes

Imagine when baby sees these shoes for the first time and they just light up because they are so fun.

Four separate parents told me how much they absolutely love this shoe on their little one. It’s sturdy enough that you don’t feel like it’s going to get pierced or damaged, and flexible enough that it allows their foot to move in a way that’s natural for them.

The fact that it’s a stretchy pull-on design just makes it that much better, because there’s no Velcro to get caught on clothes or laces that need tying.

Baby Slipper Moccasins

These are primarily “indoor shoes,” but they are really great at getting your baby used to the idea of shoes while also providing support and grip for the floor. They're made from soft and flexible cotton, without prints and dyes so they won't irritate sensitive skin. And as a bonus, the silicone rubber bottoms of these shoes makes those loud stompy feet just a hair quieter.

Soft Sole Baby Slip-On Shoes

For some reason, there are just not a ton of gender-neutral baby’s first walking shoes. This is really one of the few on the market, but it’s a really good shoe. It’s made of the soft, durable leather bottom with a canvas upper material and elastic back and sides to give a better fit.

More: The Best Baby Products for All New Parents

Leather Slip-On Loafers for Baby

I bought this exact pair for my 17-month-old nephew, and he was off to the races. It’s a really high-quality leather loafer for the price, easy to get on and off, but not so easy that your child will be taking them off in the car and hurling it at their brother in the backseat. They look great with a preppy outfit, but even better dressed down with jeans and a tee.

Stand2Walk Pearl Ivory Baby Sneakers

Jbrds are designed to accommodate a baby's needs for growth and support, with a protective exterior that cups baby's foot, while cradling their steps.

The sock and adjustable strap design make them easy to wear, and comfortable for babies unfamiliar with the sensation of wearing supportive shoes. They also make a wonderful and unexpected sprinkle or baby shower gift.

FAQs About Baby Walking Shoes

When should my baby be wearing shoes?
As soon as they're routinely taking more than a few steps at a time, really getting the hang of things, and every time they go outside.

How much room should there be between the top of baby's toes and the top of the shoe?
Just a fingertip's worth. Too much space causes sliding, which can lead to instability.

How do I know when my baby has grown out of stretchy leather shoes?
Shoes like Robeez are designed to be worn for a number of sizes. When they start to pull the elastic on the sides taut, it’s time to size up.

How do you clean 100% leather shoes?
Stuff the shoes full of paper, and spot-clean them with a gentle cleanser and water.

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