12 Best Shoes for Babies Learning to Walk

Babies learning to stand and walk need lightweight shoes with support and flexibility, so they can grip and balance, and the shoes should have no-slip soles to prevent slipping and tipping.

Designed specifically with the comfort and stability of tiny toes in mind, these stylish shoes for starting steppers are sure to get little ones off on the right foot. Read on for our recommendations for the best shoes for babies learning to walk, including sneakers, sandals, boots, play shoes, and dress shoes.

1. Leah by Momo

You won’t find a cuter girls’ first sneaker than the colorful Leah by Momo. The lightweight shoe’s leather upper, thin flexible sole, and deep tread traction for toddling maneuvers will please parents. Bright, cheery detailing will get toddlers excited to strap them on! This shoe gets rave reviews from parents as being one of the best shoes for babies with narrow feet who are learning to walk.

2. Hunter by Momo

Like its sister version for little girls, cute-as-can-be Hunter by Momo gets raves from parents as being a best shoe for baby boys with narrow feet who are learning to walk. The shoe’s lightweight upper, thin flexible sole and deep groove traction will help get your little guy off and toddling in no time!

3. Soft Motion Amalie by Stride Rite

This sweet soft-sided Mary Jane style from Stride Rite combines fashion and function, and they’re great as play shoes or dress shoes. Great shoes for babies learning to walk, the Soft Motion Amalie sports a shiny patent upper and a simple hook and loop strap closure. The shoe for starting steppers is available in candy apple red and navy, in both medium and wide widths.

4. Tulip by Stride Rite

Tiptoe safely into summer with Tulip by Stride! One of the best sandal-style shoes for beginning walkers, this lightweight, flexible shoe offers full toe coverage and is designed with baby’s comfort and protection in mind. Available in medium, wide and double wide widths, the shoe features a flexible leather upper, a cushioned foot bed and easy hook and loop closure.

5. Bare Steps H2O by Merrell Kids

For babies and toddlers just getting their sea legs, a pair of quick-drying, Bare Steps H20 by Merrell Kids is your summer solution! Offering more support and protection than a typical sandal, the soft enclosed thin-soled shoe has an extra wide toe box and a reinforced toe bumper.

6. Elijah by Stride Rite

A rounded toe box and machine-washable textile upper make the Elijah by Stride Rite baby shoe one of the best summer shoes for babies with wide feet. Parents love the Stride Rite brand quality. This versatile, supportive boys shoe can be worn with our without socks, making it easy for your little sport to smoothly step into summer. This shoe for babies learning to walk is available in medium, wide and extra wide widths.

7. Soft Motion Kellen by Stride Rite

For babies and toddlers who are constantly on the go, Stride Rite Kellen baby shoes provide nonstop comfort and stability. Easy to slip on (thanks to a cleverly placed wide Velcro tongue), the neutral color patented Soft Motion style shoes for boys come in medium, wide and extra wide widths.

8. Soft Motion Adrian by Stride Rite

Breathable mesh construction and rugged design make this lightweight sneaker model one of the best shoes for babies learning to walk. Choose from three contrasting color combinations with the soft motion Adrian by Stride Rite baby shoe.

9. Soft Motion Sophie by Stride Rite

Outfit your little Eskimo for winter in Soft Motion Sophie by Stride Rite. These shoes for babies learning to walk have adorable ankle detailing and a scuff-proof solid rubber front collar. The boots are available in three fanciful suede embroidered designs, including pink glitter, lilac glitter and brown with a faux fur trim.

10. Stevie II by See Kai Run

Transition your tenderfoot from barefoot to beginning walker when you outfit them in Stevie II by See Kai Run. The adorable lightweight sneaker looks grown-up, with elasticized laces and a modern design. More importantly, it offers a perfect balance of support and flexibility, thanks to a thin, receptive sole and a cushioned, reactive foot bed. This brand earns high praise from parents as a best shoe for babies learning to walk.

11. Stride Rite SRT Emilia

Baby will step confidently forward in Emilia by Stride Rite, a classic design with subtle feminine detailing. The shoe has a cushioned foot bed and a lightweight flexible outsole. The breathable leather upper is bedazzled with embroidered pink flowers and a sweet scalloped edging. Lauded by generations of moms as the best shoe style for babies learning to walk, the high ankle design remains a fan favorite.

12. Madge by Cat & Jack

Adorable and affordable, value-priced Madge by Cat & Jack offers the comfort Cat & Jack brand fans have come to love, along with a sparkly touch of girl-y style. The soft fabric, easy-to-wash shoe for babies learning to walk is available in animal print, grey with glitter stars, pink and navy.

Writer Jackie Perrin has covered the best of family travel for nearly two decades, for media ranging from newspapers and magazines to TripAdvisor.com. At home and on the go, she manages a crew of companions. Follow her on Pinterest, TripAdvisor and Instagram, @NYfamtravels.

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