Once your little bundle takes those amazing first steps, they’ll start to spend more and more time on their feet. Any “shoes” they were wearing as babies were just for fashion and fun—now function comes first. Here’s where to begin.
About Little Feet
A baby’s foot is not just a smaller version of an adult foot; it is shorter, wider, tapered toward the heel, and more flexible.
In the earliest days, when your little one is just toddling around at home, bare feet or socks are the best choice. They allow your child complete freedom of movement and the tactile sensation of their feet on the floor, so they can develop unhindered and with confidence. (If you have hard floors such as wood or tile, go for non-skid socks to prevent slips and falls.)
Once your child is walking fairly confidently and doing so in public places, it’s time for footwear. And remember: just like anyone else, toddlers need to try on their shoes. This is critical because it’s not just a matter of size, but of shape.
Don’t be surprised if some shoes just don’t work for your child. Sometimes even high-end brands make shoes that are impractical for some toddlers, because they are simply scaled down shoes that were designed for older kids.
Shoe Types
Soft shoes are a popular first choice for new walkers. These generally have leather or rubber soles, and provide some foot protection without feeling too different from socks.
Sneakers are the next step in toddler footwear. These provide heavier-duty foot protection but should still be pliable.
Boots are less recommended because they can constrain the foot and ankle. If you need to use boots due to the weather, look for a pair that is soft enough to allow full motion, and consider limiting their use.
Sandals come in many forms, some better than others. Look for a pair with closed toes and good traction to avoid issues with tripping or stubbed toes.
High heels are a definite no-no. Although they are trendy and widely available in tiny sizes, experts say kids should avoid them for health reasons such as shortening of the tendons in the heels. A few minutes of dress-up play is one thing, but heels should not be for regular use.
A size chart can give you an idea on where to start.
Size Chart
Additional Considerations
1. Kids will often wear out the tops of their shoes as fast as the bottoms if they are still crawling at times, or if they scoot around on toys with wheels. If this is happening to you, consider shoes with tougher materials on the top and with darker colors; brown shoes may look better than pink shoes if they are getting scuffed up and covered in fresh dirt every day at the park.
2. There are mixed opinions on new vs. used shoes. Experts say new shoes are best because footwear can mold to their first owner’s feet. However, lots of kids out there are doing great with hand-me-downs and used thrift-store shoes. The key remains the fit, not the cost. As a compromise, used shoes can be a great option for back-up shoes that get little use, for example, if you need to leave a spare pair at daycare or preschool.
3. Always aim for shoes that are easy to take on and off, because you’ll be doing it a lot. (Especially if your child is the kind that likes to remove them every chance they get.) Velcro is a favorite choice, as are other types of slip-ons. If you do find yourself selecting shoes with laces, save yourself a lot of hassle by turning them into slip-ons with some fancy lacing options.
Lacing Chart
The quest for the right shoes can be frustrating, like anything with toddlers. If they’re not cooperating, distract them and try again later. You want to try to keep this fun, because as they grow you’ll be choosing new shoes many, many times!