FIRST BABY SHOES FOR WALKING AND LEARNING TO WALK

Every parent remembers their baby’s first steps. Those special moments are a big milestone for you and your little one, and a reminder that you’ll soon have an energetic toddler to keep up with!

As most parents and paediatricians will tell you, it’s best to let your baby learn to walk barefoot. When their feet have direct contact with the ground, babies can grip and flex their toes more easily, allowing them to learn balance and coordination in a natural way. But when it’s time to venture outside and find their feet on different surfaces, they’ll need a pair of shoes that allow them to explore, develop and grow.

HOW TO CHOOSE FIRST WALKING SHOES FOR YOUR BABY

Here are a few things to consider when shopping for that first pair of shoes.

THE RIGHT FIT

Your baby’s shoes should be snug and close-fitting, but not too tight. Red marks on your baby’s feet, or signs of discomfort while they walk, usually indicate that their shoes are too restrictive. You can check that the size is right by inserting your pinky finger at the back of the heel while the shoe is on your baby’s foot — it should fit comfortably, without too much of a gap.

THE RIGHT MATERIALS

First baby shoes should be soft and flexible, allowing little feet to grip and move naturally. Look for genuine or vegan soft leather and suede — it provides plenty of flex while protecting tiny feet from injury. The soles of your baby’s first shoes should also provide good flexibility. Our unique Natural-Flex soft shoe soles are made from 100% recyclable rubber, and have been specially designed for babies and toddlers taking their first steps.

THE RIGHT FASTENING

Laces are a little tricky for young babies, and have a tendency to come undone and cause trips and falls. Choose a pair of baby shoes with simple fastenings like velcro or hook-and-loop. Our My Mocs and My Shoes collections feature our unique hook-and-loop closures, which allow for a custom fit for both wide and narrow feet. They’re easy to open and close, and help to encourage independence for new walkers.