These booties were made for walking
So you have a newly-mobile little one. An official toddler. It’s a whole new world for both of you and while you’re baby-proofing all the things and chasing them down the hall, it’s also time to stop (you know, when they’re asleep) and consider what first walker shoes to start them out with. They’re a little different from pairs for older kiddos. New toddlers need shoes designed to keep them upright (obviously) and support their foot development. Luckily, there are so many first walker shoes to choose from, so you’ll be able to find the perfect pair or two for their little feet.
Carter's Every Step
$23+ BUY NOWCarter's line of shoes for new walkers, called Every Step, features sneakers, boots, Mary Janes, moccasins, and even high-tops. A double hook-and-loop closure makes it easy to put on and take off these shoes, and the cute, classic styles and colors mean they'll easily match with your child's outfits.
Livie & Luca First Walkers
$68 BUY NOWThe First Walkers line from Livie & Luca, which includes the precious Ruche Mary Jane shown above, provides flexibility, comfort through soft, breathable leather, light nonslip outsoles to increase stability and support, an extended heel radius for stride and gait development, a front toe cap for durability, and wide toe boxes for stability and to allow those little piggies to spread and grip.
Everyday Original from Ten Little
$44 BUY NOWThis smart sneaker supports natural foot growth and comes with reinforced toe caps, a no-slip tongue and non-slip, flat, flexible soles to keep your new walker on their feet. They come in vegan leather uppers in bright colors and neutral shades. Each shoe also comes with stickers so you can personalize your kid's kicks. The Ten Little website features a Fit Finder to take the guesswork out of determining your child's shoe size (thank you!). And once your child has outgrown their shoes and you're ready to reorder from the site, they'll send you a prepaid shipping label so you can mail in your outgrown shoes for free to donate to a child in need, through the company's partnership with Soles4Souls.
Wobbly Waddlers First Steps Shoes
$55 BUY NOWThe First Steps line from Wobbly Waddlers,offer a flexible rubber sole, leather insole, ankle support and additional stability to support toddlers as they learn to walk. The shoes in this line are handmade in Mexico and come in cute and classic styles.
BirdRock Baby Mary Janes
$30 BUY NOWFour heart cutouts dress up this classic leather Mary Jane from BirdRock Baby. There's an elastic band at the ankle that keeps shoes snug and makes it easy to take them on and off. And with each purchase, BirdRock Baby donates a day's worth of food to a child in need through the charity Feed My Starving Children. BirdRock Baby also makes super cute moccasins and baby booties in a variety of colors and styles and at reasonable prices.
Ro+Me by Robeez
$20 BUY NOWWith soft-soled shoes, apparel, and socks that don't wiggle off little feet, Robeez has already built a cult following and it's no surprise why. Perfect for those first steps, Robeez shoes are not only adorable, they're durable and they won't slip off (we tested it ourselves!). Ro+Me by Robeez, their line of soft-soled shoes feature eye-catching metallic and sequin accents and casual designs that can be dressed up or dressed down. They're especially made for babies in all stages from crawlers to walkers.
Zutano Booties with Gripper Soles
$21 BUY NOWZutano booties not only stay on little feet; they have a grippy sole that give them stability. Parents will love the hook-and-loop side closures, which make slipping the shoe on and off squirmy baby feet a breeze.
Plae Ty
$64 BUY NOWGet kids prepped for a lifetime of memorable play with Plae shoes. Choose from the classic Ty style in in bright or neutral colors or Emme in silver/pink, black, and garnet. Plae shoes are machine-washable and kids can customize their kicks with colorful interchangeable tabs.
Pediped's flexible Grip 'n' Go
$43—$60 BUY NOWPediped's Force shoes are designed for a toddler's first steps, with flexible soles and spacious toe boxes that let little feet learn to grab onto the ground and march forward with confidence. Plus, they're machine-washable, so let your little one jump in every mud puddle they want. Available in 6 colors, ranging from navy blue to glittery pink.
Stride Rite Soft Motion Artie Sneaker
$22+ BUY NOWFor almost 100 years, Stride Rite has been making shoes for teeny tiny feet. The kicks in the Stride Rite Soft Motion line are built for toddlers' first steps, with bendy flexible bottoms, strong closures and rounded soles that won't trip up your toddler. Plus, these shoes come as small as a size 3 and in three different widths, so you should be able to find ones that fit well.
See Kai Run First Walker Line
$48 BUY NOWSee Kai Run's first walker line of shoes are perfect for kiddos taking their first steps. Expect shoes with a canvas lining and removable leather-lined footbed for freshness, a padded collar and tongue, and a generous toe box with enough room for healthy foot development. Parents rave about how easy they are to get these on and off.
Freshly Picked Moccasins
$59 BUY NOWWe wish these shiny rose-gold moccasins from Freshly Picked came in our size, frankly. With elastic for easy on-off and the tough-but-pretty leather, this pair will keep kids looking good while they walk.
Native Shoes' Charley Child Waterproof Flat Sandals
$32 BUY NOWLooking for a warm-weather option? Native Shoes' Charley Child Waterproof Flat Sandals are ready for toddling through sprinklers and bringing on beach and lake trips. Two adjustable straps avoid ankle twists that loose sandals might cause, and a soft and squishy footbed feels good under baby's toes.
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