How to Pick the Perfect Shoes for Your First Time Walker
Uh-oh momma, you blinked and now all of the sudden your crawler is a walker and your baby needs some shoes! Shoes are a serious weakness of mine and walker shoes seem to be especially cute! They're usually softer and more flexible than other children's shoes, but are still sturdy enough to support baby's first steps!
I've rounded up some of my favorite walker shoes plus a few other shoes for more experienced walkers that have a thicker bottom and can handle some wear and tear! If this is your first time buying shoes for your little one, I have some helpful tips to make sure you get the right fit and style!
How to pick out the perfect pair of shoes for your baby
Evaluate your baby's foot: Take a look at your baby's foot. Does it seem wide? How long is it? Determine the approximate length and width of that adorable little foot so you can make sure you're snagging the right size.
Leave a little room: Baby's grow fast (and grow out of everything) so don't pick a shoe that barely fits. You definitely want the shoe to fit snug since babies are prone to falling, but not so snug that there's no wiggle room in the toes!
Look for quality materials: When it comes to their wardrobe, kids will put whatever they're wearing through the ringer! Look for shoes that use sturdy, quality materials like thick canvas or leather. You'll also want quality stitching and plenty of cushion on the sole to support those adorable feet.
Avoid laces if you can: Have you ever tried to get a kid to sit still while you do anything for them? It basically counts as a workout! I usually opt for shoes that have buckles or Velcro, or better yet, ones that slip on! Your day is crazy enough, so save some time and struggle and avoid shoelaces.
The 12 Best Baby Shoes for Your New Walker
One | Freshly Picked Oxford Crib Shoe | Nordstrom | There's something about these Freshly Picked shoes that I just can't get over! They have a classic look and the top of the shoes is elastic so it stays on baby's foot so well. The leather is super soft and acts like a cushion!
Two | Kenneth Cole New York Rose Bow Ballet Flat | Nordstrom | I love these shoes for the glam factor! They're so precious but still simple so they'll go with everything. The strap across the ankle will keep it from falling off and there's elastic behind the bow so it's easy to slip on and off.
Three | See Kai Run Stevie II Sneaker | Nordstrom | These came highly recommended in the Momma Society Facebook Group, especially for little ones with wide feet! The sneaker style is casual enough for every day wear plus the leather makes them easy to clean. Mom win!
Four | Robeez Pretty in Blue Mary Jane | Nordstrom | Embroidered baby flats in powder blue - are you kidding me? I love how dainty these shoes are while still being a sturdy shoe for little's just learning to walk. The suede sole is extra soft and they feel like a pair of cozy socks but look like a million bucks!
Five | See Kai Run Elias Sneaker | Nordstrom | If Brody wasn't living in rain boots, he would definitely be rocking these! I love the sturdy canvas and the tan color easily hides dirt and scuffs. Bonus, these are available in walker, toddler, and little kid sizes, so you can get matching pairs for everyone!
Six | Native Shoes Jefferson Bling Glitter Slip-On | Nordstrom | Native shoes are awesome because they slip on, are easy to clean, and have a soft sole but sturdy bottom. I love the glitter because it adds an extra pop of fun. Plus the holes keep them breathable for heat and water!
Seven | Native Shoes Miller Slip-On Sneaker | Nordstrom | This is another option from Native Shoes that I love. It comes in four or five colors and the detailing on top makes it look more like a sneaker than a slip on. These are perfect for outside or taking to the pool since they aren't made from cloth or leather and only require a quick wipe to clean them off!
Eight | Keds Daphne T-Strap Sneaker | Nordstrom | Keds are so classic and I love that this option for little ones uses a velcro strap instead of laces. The pattern is from the Rifle Paper Co. Collection, which also has adult sizes. One for you and one for you mini-me!
Nine | Sperry Top-Sider Original Boat Shoe | Nordstrom | Just like dad's, but cuter! Sperry's have a classic look and I love these because they easily transition between seasons. The stitching on these is done by hand and the rubber sole means they'll be safe when they get wet, too!
Ten | Footmates Harper Mary Jane | Nordstrom | I love the look of these Mary Jane's - I'm definitely scooping up a pair for Isla! The patent leather dresses up the look of the whole shoe so they're perfect for pairing with dressier outfits (hello, holidays!).
Eleven | Freshly Picked Perforated Mary Jane Moccasin | Nordstrom | These are the perfect shoe for transitioning from crawling to walking. They're made of leather so they're sturdy, but also lightweight and flexible. The best part? As baby wears them, an outline of their footprint wears into the shoes, so you can save them after they're too small as a keepsake!
Twelve | Robeez Ellie Crib Shoe | Nordstrom | I love the espadrille style of these and the satin fabric dresses them up a bit more than cavas would. The rim of the shoe is made of flexible elastic and the tab on the back makes it easy for you (or your little) to pull these on.
Are you as sentimental as me about baby needing shoes? What are your tips for finding the perfect fit? Let me know in the comments! P.S., get the inside scoop from our community by joining the private Momma Society Facebook group!
