Parents' Favorite First Walking Shoes for Baby

Shila:  No need to locate a pair of socks when your shoe is the sock! Skidders are part grippy shoe, part sock, which I why I liked them so much when my kids were toddlers for both indoor and outdoor use. They offer a lot of flexibility in the rubber sole and are machine washable, too.

Alexandra F.:  I like to let my little ones go barefoot as much as possible when they are learning to walk, so for those times when it is not possible I was drawn to pediped's claim to be "the next best thing to bare feet." Happily, our experience supports that bold claim! Recognized by the American Podiatric Medical Association for creating shoes that promote healthy foot development, pediped offers three different lines tailored for walkers at different stages, and styles to suit any occasion. We have the 'grip n go' line with a flexible rubber sole, and they are definitely some of the best shoes for toddlers we've tried!

Alexandra F.:  These high quality sneakers have a wide toe and flexible soles that make them especially great for toddlers and babies just learning to walk. Their quick dry summer shoes and sandals are some of our favorites, and I love that all their shoes are machine washable. I have found the sizes to run quite a bit larger than expected (by about 1-2 sizes), so you may want to consult with their customer service before purchasing, or be prepared for a little trial and error. Fortunately, their return/exchange policy is super simple and streamlined. Nordstrom often carries them, too, if you prefer to try them on first.

Alexandra F.:  see kai run offers a variety of fun, practical and fancy styles for kids of all ages, all of which are approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association for promoting healthy foot development. Their first walkers have wide toe boxes and lots of flexibility for extra stability, and many parents consider them to be some of the best shoes for toddlers. Bonus: Target offers a good deal on a basic see kai run line.

Alexandra F.:  Parents have long considered Stride Rite's First Walkers to be among the best shoes for babies learning to walk, and they are definitely more flexible than the baby shoes you'll typically find in most retail stores. These were our favorites with our older kids, and our younger kids are still getting good use out of them years later. They are easy to put on, have slip-resistant soles, come in a ton of styles for all occasions, and are pretty widely available in stores if you prefer to try shoes on before purchasing.

Sunshine Girl:  This brand makes soft sole shoes in a wide variety of styles so little ones can grip the ground with their toes while learning to walk. They’re also made with soft elastic closures so they stay on and don’t slip or easily pull off.

Sarah Calamita:  The cutest moccasins that have soft soles and let them feel as if they are walking barefoot. Cute patterns and designs!

Alexandra F.:  Bukabee baby shoes are stylish, gender-neutral booties made of genuine leather exterior, with a couple of different options for soles and linings to fit your little walker's needs. Choose between microfiber or faux fur for the interior lining and between soft leather or rubber for the sole. What makes these especially nice first walking shoes for baby is that they are designed to make life easier for parents, including an open-top design that allows you to unzip the shoe to see that it fits, and a zipper pull meant to fit adult fingers.