7 Best Baby Walking Shoes of 2022

Walking is an important developmental milestone for your child. In fact, most parents anticipate their babies’ first steps with bated breath. As you watch your little one grow and walk right across every milestone, you’d need to equip him/her with the best shoes for every step of the way.

Of course, we understand the wide variety of baby shoe options available on the market and how it can make the decision process really difficult.

Don’t worry: we’re here to help you.

In this article, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of the best baby shoes available in 2022. In addition, you’d find all the juicy tips on how to select the best walking shoes for your little one.

Read on to find out more!

What’s A Good Baby Walking Shoe?

It’s simple, really.

As your baby learns to walk independently, his/her shoes must be comfortable, stable, supportive, and protective. Although you may be tempted to select the tiniest and cutest option on the aisle, there are many more factors to consider first.

best baby shoe
baby-shoe

Most importantly, the best baby walking shoe option must tick all of the following boxes:

  • Comfort
  • Protection
  • Stability
  • Support
  • Durability

How to Select the Best Baby Walking Shoes

Although there are many options on the market, we’re certain you want the absolute best for your baby.

Don’t worry.

We’re here to guide you through the selection process. As you search for the best baby shoe option, it is important to consider the following key factors:

1. The Shoe Type

This is the first thing to consider when shopping for baby shoes. Before you begin the search, decide on what type of shoe you actually want to get and the purpose for it.

For example, if you’re gunning for stability and support, you probably want to consider a well-padded pair of sneakers. In other instances, high-tops or lightweight boots may be your best bet if you need something that offers protection all the way to the ankles.

2. The Fit

The last thing you want is for your baby to trip while walking in his/her new shoes.

As you search for the best baby shoe option, pick a pair that is your baby’s right shoe size, and fits your baby’s feet perfectly. In fact, it is important to note that babies have a lot of padding on the soles of their feet which may affect the fit of various shoes.

Thankfully, most of the products in this article are made with moldable material so you can adjust it to fit your baby’s feet.

To get the right fit while shopping, you can:

  • Press the top of the shoe with your thumb while your baby is wearing it. If it is the right fit, you’d feel a small space between your baby’s big toe and the edge of the shoe.
  • Slide your pinkie into the heel. If the shoe is the right fit and your baby’s foot is positioned well, you’d have just enough space to do this easily.

3. Support

Your child needs all the support possible in this period.

This includes support from the walking shoes you select. Please, pick a pair that supports your child’s feet at every angle. To do this, select only a shoe that has suitable padding on the inner sole, sides, and top.

This would protect your little one from accidental slips and stumbles.

Best Baby Walking Shoes

1. Stride Rite Soft Motion Sneakers

The first shoe option on our list is the Stride Rite Soft Motion Sneakers. With this pair, your baby gets rubber soles that reach his/her toes to offer extra support.

baby-shoe-with-support

Furthermore, the suede and leather material makes it really comfortable and durable. In fact, some parts of these shoes are padded for extra comfort and protection.

Finally, these lightweight sneakers are perfect for you if your little one is just learning to walk and play without assistance.

2. Tsukihoshi Racer Washable Sneaker

If you fancy ultra-lightweight, flexible, stable, and multi-functional products, you’re at the right stop.

With the Tsukihoshi Racer Washable Sneaker, your baby will get all these and so much more. In fact, its unique barefoot comfort feature allows for the natural splaying of toes for a balanced gait and maximum comfort.

Here’s the best part: this baby shoe is 100% machine-washable.

3. Baby First Walker Sneakers

The next stop on our list is the Baby First Walker Sneakers, which is specially designed to be your baby’s first walking shoes.

This is because the sole is made from rubber and soft spikes which provide excellent grip and maximum comfort. Furthermore, this shoe will help your little one balance better while taking those all-important first steps.

4. Stride Rite Soft Motion Jazzy Casual Sneaker

Want your baby to look really cute and comfy in his/her summer shoes?

The Stride Rite Soft Motion Jazzy Casual Sneaker is all you need.

This really cute pair is made from durable but comfortable leather. In addition, it features rubber soles that can be worn outside across all terrains. The inner soles are made from a special memory foam that molds to the shape of your baby’s foot while maintaining maximum comfort.

This is why most parents agree that it is one of the best baby shoe options for the early walking stages.

5. Stride Rite SRTech Elliot Leather Sneaker

These comfortable and breathable leather sneakers may be all your child needs for a perfect walking journey.

The Stride Rite SRtech Elliot Sneakers features lightweight rubber soles and elastic laces which provide a unique and classy sporty look. Furthermore, this baby shoe option has sensory pods so your baby can feel the ground for better grip and support. Also, the tread design promotes multi-directional flexibility and enhanced comfort.

With this pair, your child is guaranteed maximum comfort and total protection.

6. See Kai Run Stevie II Sneakers

Do you have kids of different ages? Do you want to get the same brand for everyone?

If your answer is yes; the See Kai Run Stevie II Sneakers is just for you.

This shoe option is suitable for toddlers, kids, and even older children. The See Kai Run Stevie II sneaker has a rubber sole with a unique pattern that reduces falls as much as possible. In addition to this, there is a Velcro strap that allows you to adjust this shoe to fit your baby’s feet.

7.  Saucony Kids’ Baby Jazz Sneaker

The last baby shoe option on our list is one that has remained a bestseller for many decades.

The Saucony Kids’ Baby Jazz Sneaker continues to receive positive reviews from parents because of its long-lasting nature.

In fact, your baby will continue to use this shoe without damage until his/her feet just can’t fit in anymore!

The sole is made from comfortable rubber that has a unique pattern for extra grip and stability. As a result, your little one can wear them outside on almost any type of terrain. If you’re a parent who likes to exercise, your little one can join you on long walks through the woods while wearing the Saucony Kids’ Baby Jazz Sneaker.

Finally, this shoe option is ultra-lightweight, making it really easy and comfortable for your child.

Conclusion

As you shop for the best walking shoes for your baby, remember to follow all the tips mentioned above. This would guide you through the process and help you make the best choice for your little one.

Finally, it is also important to note that walking shoes can only come after your baby can comfortably walk around the house with minimal assistance.

References

Hollander K, de Villiers JE, Sehner S, et al. Growing-up (habitually) barefoot influences the development of foot and arch morphology in children and adolescents. Sci Rep. 2017;7(1):8079. doi:10.1038/s41598-017-07868-4