How to Choose Baby’s First Walking Shoes
Choosing your baby’s first walking shoes is an exciting milestone and can feel overwhelming, especially for first-time parents. The best first walking shoes support natural foot development, encourage balance, and keep little feet comfortable as they explore. In this guide, we’ll share 5 helpful tips for selecting first walker shoes - from how to measure your baby’s feet to understanding what features support balance and comfort. These tips will help you make an informed choice for your child's growing feet - just the essentials to get your baby off to a strong start.
1. How to measure baby's feet
- Measure both feet while standing.
- If one foot is slightly larger, use the bigger foot as your guide.
- Allow about a thumb’s width of space between the longest toe and the front of the shoe.
- Ensure the heel is secure and not slipping.
2. Choosing a shoe design
- Choose shoes with a wide toe box will allow their little toes room toe grow
- Arch support is not necessary at this stage. Babies’ feet are still forming and flat arches are normal.
- From our experience fitting thousands of little feet, styles with double velcro straps (like the Bossy sneakers or Landy Sneakers from Tip Toey Joey offer both ease of wear and a secure fit. They’re especially helpful for chubby feet or high insteps.
- While elastic laces may look trendy (like mini versions of adult sneakers) they can be fiddly, especially if your toddler is wiggly or eager to get moving. Prioritise ease over style at this stage.
3. Prioritise Flexibility
- New walkers need to feel the ground to build balance and strengthen foot muscles.
- Look for soles that are thin and flexible. Flexible shoes help with balance and muscle development for new walkers.
- You should be able to bend the sole easily with your fingers.
- Avoid stiff or thick soles which can throw off a baby’s natural gait and make walking harder.
4. Materials Matter
- Babies’ skin is sensitive, and their feet can be prone to sweating.
- Choose breathable, soft materials like genuine leather or high-quality canvas. These reduce irritation and allow airflow. Tip Toey Joey uses cow leather to make their soft toddler shoes.
- Avoid plastic or stiff synthetic materials that don’t stretch or breathe well—they can cause blisters or pressure marks.
5. Check the Sole
- Look for lightweight soles with non-slip grip patterns to give traction without being bulky or heavy.
- Shoes with overly thick or rigid soles can throw off a new walker’s balance and cause unnecessary trips.
- A good first walker shoe lets your baby feel the texture of different surfaces, respond to the ground beneath them, and maintain better stability - all essential for learning to walk safely and confidently.
Still unsure? Head on down to our flagship store at One Holland Village to speak to our team!
