The Ultimate Guide to Buying Perfect Shoes For Your Kids
So you’ve decided to buy the first pair of shoes for your bub? What should be a fun trip to the shops suddenly becomes overwhelming. When is the right time to start? What type of shoes are best for those tiny feet? Do I need to spend a fortune on shoes that they’ll outgrow in a few months? And what’s the deal with soles?
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You’re not alone. Many parents share these same concerns, which is why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide. Lucy Jackson, co-founder of Beautiful Soles, shares expert advice, personal insight, and practical tips to help make this milestone moment easier.
Why Baby Shoes Matter More Than You Think
Shoes are often considered just another cute accessory, but for babies and toddlers, they are so much more. The feet are among the most complex parts of the human body, with 26 bones, 33 joints, and over 100 muscles and ligaments. Each walking step places pressure up to twice a child’s body weight on these tiny structures.
Early foot development sets the foundation for future posture, balance, and gait. Wearing the wrong type of shoes can have long-term effects, including poor alignment and discomfort into adulthood.
Lucy’s Story: When Footwear Becomes Personal
Lucy Jackson’s passion for high-quality baby footwear began with a health scare. Her daughter Madeline nearly lost her leg due to a bone infection at just 11 days old. As Madeline grew and began crawling, Lucy consulted pediatricians and podiatrists. The unanimous recommendation? Soft, flexible soles that allow baby feet to grow and move naturally.
When Lucy couldn’t find durable, wide-fitting, soft-soled shoes that were also stylish, she and her best friend Alison Henry launched Beautiful Soles. Their goal: to create shoes that support healthy development without compromising on design.
When Should You Buy Your Baby’s First Shoes?
It’s a common misconception that shoes are only necessary once a child starts walking. In reality, the right kind of footwear can be beneficial even during the crawling stage. If your baby is starting to scoot or crawl, shoes can protect their delicate toes from rough surfaces like tiles or wooden floors.
Signs it’s time to start shopping:
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Your baby is crawling, especially on hard surfaces.
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They’re starting to stand with support or cruise along furniture.
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You need protection for their feet when they’re outside.
At this stage, soft-soled leather shoes with elastic ankles are ideal. They protect little feet without restricting natural movement and allow for good traction thanks to suede soles.
Barefoot is Best—But Not Always Practical
Medical studies consistently show that barefoot walking is ideal for babies learning to walk. It helps with sensory feedback, balance, coordination, and natural muscle development. Countries where children go barefoot regularly report fewer foot problems in adulthood.
But let’s be honest — barefoot isn’t always an option. Hot pavement, rough terrain, chilly winters, or public spaces like daycare centres often require some form of protection. That’s where the right kind of baby shoe comes in.
What Makes a Good First Shoe?
Not all baby shoes are created equal. Many are just mini versions of adult shoes — stylish, but impractical for developing feet. Here’s what to look for:
1. Flexibility
The sole should bend easily and mimic the natural movement of the foot. Rigid shoes can interfere with muscle development and make it harder for babies to find their balance.
2. Flat and Thin Soles
Avoid arch support, heels, or overly padded soles. Baby feet need to feel the ground to develop properly. Arch support isn’t necessary for toddlers and can even hinder natural arch development.
3. Natural Materials
Babies’ feet sweat more than adult feet. Choose breathable materials like leather or cotton canvas that wick away moisture and prevent overheating.
4. Lightweight Design
The lighter the shoe, the easier it is for a baby to lift their feet and walk. Heavy shoes may cause tripping or delay walking milestones.
Fit Matters: How to Measure Baby’s Feet
Wiggle Room is a Must
Allow for at least 1cm of space between the end of the shoe and your baby’s longest toe. This gives growing feet room to expand without crowding.
Always Fit While Standing
Try to have your child stand up during the fitting. This ensures their foot fully spreads under body weight, giving a more accurate size and preventing a too-narrow fit.
Don’t Rely on the Stroller Test
It might be tempting to test shoes while your baby sits in a stroller, but this can lead to improper sizing. Let them stand or, ideally, take a few steps in the shoes.
The Danger of “They’ll Grow Into It”
We’ve all been tempted to buy shoes a size too big to get more wear. But oversized shoes can make walking harder and increase the risk of falls. They also don’t support the foot where it’s needed. A properly fitted shoe promotes better posture and encourages confident, stable walking.
Pro tip: Check shoe fit every 6–8 weeks in babies under two years old. Their feet grow incredibly fast — up to two sizes per year!
Shoe Fastenings: Form Meets Function
When it comes to keeping baby shoes on, design matters.
Elastic Ankles
Perfect for crawlers and early walkers. They help keep shoes in place without restricting movement.
Velcro Straps or Laces
Once your child is walking confidently, look for adjustable closures like Velcro or long laces (double-knotted). These make it harder for your toddler to remove them mid-play and prevent shoes from slipping off unexpectedly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Baby Shoes
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Buying fashion over function: Cute doesn’t equal comfortable or supportive.
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Skipping the measurement: Always measure both feet — one may be larger.
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Ignoring foot shape: Some babies have wide or chubby feet and need a wider fit.
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Forgetting socks: Always try shoes on with the type of socks your child will wear.
Transitioning to Harder Soles
Once your child becomes a confident walker — typically after a few months of walking independently — it’s time to introduce a slightly firmer sole. Look for:
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Flexible rubber soles that bend with the foot.
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Good grip to prevent slipping.
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Continued emphasis on comfort and fit.
Even at this stage, shoes should still be lightweight and non-restrictive. Avoid stiff ankle support unless recommended by a podiatrist.
Seasonal Considerations
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Summer: Breathable, open styles like sandals or mesh sneakers are ideal, but make sure they protect toes if your toddler is still unsteady.
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Winter: Go for lined boots with good grip and warmth, but don’t compromise on flexibility.
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Wet weather: Waterproof boots are handy, but should be worn only outdoors for short periods — they’re not breathable.
What About Pre-Walkers and Sock Shoes?
If your baby isn’t walking yet, pre-walker shoes or sock-style shoes are a great choice. These offer light protection without interfering with natural movement. Just ensure they are non-slip and breathable.
How Often Should You Replace Baby Shoes?
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Every 2–3 months in the early walking stage.
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At least every 3–4 months until age five.
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Sooner if: the shoes look worn out, your child complains of pain, or you notice uneven wear on the soles.
Top Baby and Toddler Shoe Brands to Try
Here are some trusted brands that prioritise baby foot health and design:
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Beautiful Soles
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Livie & Luca
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See Kai Run & Eleven
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Cheeky Little Soles
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Gucio Shoes
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Petit Maloles
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Evie Lala
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Trumpette
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Chook Leaf
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Veja Shoes
These brands offer styles that are foot-healthy, child-friendly, and adorable to boot!
Final Thoughts: What Matters Most
Choosing your baby’s first shoes can feel like a big decision — and it is. But armed with the right information, you’ll feel confident that you’re setting your child up for healthy, happy feet.
Focus on fit, flexibility, and function, and avoid the temptation of fashion-first designs. As Lucy Jackson’s journey with her daughter Madeline shows, the right footwear really can make a difference in your child’s mobility, confidence, and comfort.
And yes — it’s okay to snap a hundred pictures of those precious first steps in their brand-new shoes. They’re only this little once.
