High Top Walking Shoes for Ankle Support in Babies

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Verywell / Sabrina Jiang

While the best thing for a baby who is learning to walk is to be barefoot, that's not always the safest option. Because of potential dangers like broken glass, sharp rocks, and unfriendly insects, Miguel Cunha, DPM, Podiatrist and Founder of Gotham Footcare, recommends the use of baby walking shoes when walking outdoors for most, if not all, of the time.

It may be tempting to grab the cutest pair of shoes you can find on the shelves, but not all baby walking shoes are created equal, and you want to ensure you're getting a pair that will fit and protect those tiny toes while still supporting development and flexibility. Thankfully there are many wonderful options out there that are both adorable and safe for your baby.

Here are the best baby walking shoes on the market.

Our Top Picks

These adorable shoes are designed to support the foot without inhibiting muscle and balance development.

These affordable shoes have a rounded sole to help reduce the risk of trips and falls, non-skid rubber soles, and more.

These luxury baby shoes are made of classic white leather and feature a cushioned collar for added comfort and support.

These luxurious shoes were designed to give your child a barefoot feel, which helps with foot development.

If you love to dress your kiddo up, these leather baby booties are the perfect combination of stylish and functional.

If you have a little runner on your hands, these sneakers will help keep them safe (while also looking cute).

If you're going somewhere with uneven ground, the solid rubber sole of these shoes will help your baby find their balance.

Ideal for water adventures, they're designed to get wet (and dry quickly) while keeping your baby's feet from sliding around.

Made with a super soft terry upper and interior, these fur booties will keep tots warm during colder winter weather conditions.

Not only are these shoes adorable, but they're also designed to support a baby's foot without inhibiting muscle and balance development. The shoes feature a wide toe box that allows for the natural splaying of toes and a rubber outsole that's lightweight, shock-absorbing, and slip-resistant, ensuring your child's safety and comfort.

They feature a large hook and loop closure and elastic laces, making them easy to take on and off. With removable insoles, the shoes can accommodate customized child orthotics if your tot needs them. They're available in sizes 3 to 7 (generally for kids up to 24 months) and are machine washable, so you don't have to worry about letting your little one explore the muddy backyard after a downpour. According to the manufacturer, the shoes run a little big, so you may want to go down half a size.

One of the best things about Stride Rite shoes is that they have many size options, so you're bound to find something that will fit your baby. These sneakers are available in sizes 3 to 7 (infant to 4 years old), including half sizes, and have three different width options.

Parents also love that the shoes have a rounded sole to help reduce the risk of trips and falls, non-skid rubber soles, and an elastic strap with velcro to keep them put. The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)-approved shoes are made with breathable material to promote air circulation and feature memory foam footbeds to enhance your baby's comfort. What's more, they come in a variety of adorable colors.

If you're willing to splurge for top-of-the-line baby walking shoes, go for the Stride Rite Soft Motion Frankie Sneaker. The shoes have a memory foam footbed, sit higher up on the ankle (which prevents them from falling off), and have the American Podiatric Medical Association seal of approval. They're made of classic white leather and feature a cushioned collar for added comfort and support.

Basically, these are baby luxury shoes. Like other Stride Rite shoes, they're available in sizes 3 to 6 (infant to 4 years old), including half-sizes, and have two different width options.

According to Dr. Cunha, one thing to pay close attention to when looking for the right baby walking shoes is traction. "The soles of the shoe should be textured, as this will provide traction and help prevent your child from slipping on slick surfaces," he says. The Freshly Picked Soft Sole Leather Moccasins are designed to have a rough sole for traction and to protect delicate baby feet from objects that may injure them.

They were also designed to basically give your child the feeling of being barefoot, which helps with foot development. Because of the flexible elastic along the top of the shoe, your little one will have a hard time pulling these off, so you'll feel good knowing that they'll always stay in place once you put them on. You can get these in infant sizes 1 to 3 (1 to 18 months) and toddler sizes 4 to 5 (18 to 30 months).

If you love to dress your kiddo up, you'll be pleased to know you don't have to sacrifice style for a strong (and safe) pair of baby walking shoes. These boots from Stride Rite will look great with some cute little shorts or a dress, but they still have the necessities—like traction and design—that allow your baby to feel like they're walking barefoot.

The classic baby shoes are made of 100 percent leather and feature a rubber sole, plus elastic laces that'll keep the shoes in place, even on especially fussy toddlers. You can get these shoes in sizes 3 to 7 (for infants to 4 years olds), including half sizes, and in three different widths.

If you have a little runner on your hands, these Nikes will help keep them safe while also looking cute. They're made with breathable mesh upper materials and a rubber sole for good traction. They're available in standard kids sizes, 2 to 10 (infant to toddler), but you'll want to be sure they fit correctly if you think your baby will be running in them.

To ensure the right fit, Whitney Casares, M.D., M.P.H., Pediatrician, Author of The New Baby Blueprint: Caring for You and Your Little One and Founder of www.modernmommydoc.com, says parents should "make sure the baby's toes are not crammed against the front edge of the shoes so there's room for movement as they walk." If your baby trips and falls more when wearing the shoes than they do when barefoot, that can indicate the shoes are too large and you need to size down.

Additionally, Dr. Cunha says that children's shoes should have shoelaces, velcro, or some other fastening system in order to be safe and secure. With a velcro strap, these sneakers will stay put but are still easy to take on and off.

If you're going somewhere with gravel or uneven ground, a shoe with a solid rubber sole like the Converse Kids Chuck Taylors is going to help your baby find their balance a little better. The top of the shoe is made from canvas for great air circulation (though the sparkle pink style is thicker than the others), as well as two hook and loop velcro straps to keep the shoes on tight.

They're available in sizes 2 to 10 (for infants and kids up to 8 years old), but like the grown-up Chuck Taylors, they do run large, so you'll want your kiddo to test them out around the house a little bit before committing.

Little walkers are at the perfect age for splashing around in the kiddie pool or at a water table, but that poses a problem for their little feet, especially when the pool is surrounded by potentially hot asphalt.

According to podiatrist Dr. Cunha, shoes should be lightweight, supportive, and durable. It is important to pick a shoe that offers as much durability and protection as possible without sacrificing comfort or flexibility. So, as tempting as it may be to put your baby's little toes into some flip flops, that's not going to be the best thing for their feet.

Instead, pick up a pair of these Stride Rite water shoes. They're designed to get wet (and dry quickly) and keep your baby's feet from sliding around and causing falls. They're available in sizes 3 to 6 (for infants to toddlers 4 years old), including half sizes, and in medium or wide widths.

If you live in a colder climate, your tot may need some really warm boots for the cold winter months. Ugg has a lot of great kids boots (that are just as cozy as the adult styles), but the Bixbee Ankle Boot is great for babies and new walkers because it features a velcro strap that will keep the shoe firmly in place.

The booties have a super soft terry upper and interior to promote foot development but still feature a rough sole with small textured stars to provide some traction—though you may not want your tot to test their walking skills on the ice just yet. These little booties are available in sizes 1 to 5 and are suitable for kids up to 24 months old.

Final Verdict

Any of these shoes will keep your baby's feet protected and stable, but the Tsukihoshi Racer Washable Sneaker (view on Amazon) stands above the rest. They're thoughtfully designed, stylish, and you can toss them in the washing machine to extend their life. The only exception is if your little walker is playing in the water; then you'll want the Stride Rite Soft Motion Splash Water Shoes (view on Amazon), which are designed to not only reduce the risk of slips but also dry quickly for comfort.

What to Look for in Baby Walking Shoes

Fit

In this case, "fit" doesn't simply mean that you are physically able to get their feet into a pair of shoes (as in "will these leftovers fit into this plastic container?"). When shopping for baby footwear, "fit" takes into account finding the right size and width, making sure there aren't any gaps that could cause their feet to slide around, and paying attention to areas that might be a bit too snug.

And sadly, sometimes those exceptionally adorable shoes you had your eye on aren't going to be a good fit for your baby. "Just like us, function is more important than fashion," Mona Amin, DO, a board-certified pediatrician in private practice in Fort Lauderdale, Florida tells Verywell Family. "And proper fit is important."

So how do you make sure the (baby walking) shoe fits? Gina Posner, MD, a pediatrician at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California, recommends leaving it up to the professionals. "I would take them to a shoe store so that they can accurately measure their feet," she tells Verywell Family. If that's not an option, Amin suggests printing out one of the free child shoe sizing guides available online—including on certain brands' websites. "They're so easy to use and assures proper fit," she explains.

Once you've found a pair that could work, check the fit of a shoe when your baby tries it on. "The heel of the foot should be snug with the back of the shoe, and the toes should have some wiggle room," Daniel Ganjian, MD, a pediatrician at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, California tells Verywell Family.

Material

Though Amin recommends allowing a baby first learning to walk to go barefoot as much as possible, she stresses the importance of buying well-made shoes constructed using high-quality materials. "If outdoors, and you really want them to have shoes, make sure you use a shoe that has breathable material, has a flexible foot plate, wide toe box, and sturdy heel giving them stability to get comfortable with walking," she explains.

As far as specific materials, it's best to stay away from anything too rigid on the upper part of the shoe. Instead, opt for something soft and flexible—ideally with a little give or stretch—like soft leather, mesh, or canvas. "Remember, toddler feet can grow quickly," Amin says. "Measure every two-three months, and/or when you notice signs of poor fit: blisters on feet, repetitive ingrown nails (from the pressure of shoe on nail bed), or they are uncomfortable while walking."

Flexibility

It's important to keep in mind that as a newly minted shoe-wearer, your baby is more accustomed to walking around barefoot. So to help ease them into the process, opt for walking shoes with a flexible sole. The key is finding a pair with a sole that's not only flexible but also provides some grip. "I like supportive walking shoes that have a good, non-slippery sole for both foot health and overall safety," Posner says.

Similarly, Ganjian recommends baby walking shoes that have non-skid bottoms. "Most kids will need soft soles, but some kids will do better with firm soles," he explains. "Ask your pediatrician if you are not sure or have questions."

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do babies need shoes to walk?

  All three pediatricians we interviewed confirmed that babies do not, in fact, need shoes to walk. "Babies can learn to walk without shoes, and should learn to walk without shoes," Ganjian explains. "It will allow them to fine-tune their foot coordination better when their feet are not in shoes."

  Along the same lines, Amin advises skipping the shoes whenever it's practical to do so. "Developmentally, I recommend keeping your toddler who is learning to walk barefoot as much as possible. This truly helps them learn to walk," she says. "I personally think barefoot in the home is great at any age, from a germ-exposure perspective as well."

  So what are baby walking shoes for, exactly? "The shoes help the most for preventing them from stepping on things that could hurt their feet," Posner explains. And if you're concerned about slippery surfaces in your home, like tiles or marble, and it's too cold for them to go barefoot, Ganjian suggests using non-skid socks to give them a bit of traction.

• When should I put walking shoes on my baby?

  Instinctually, we want to keep babies as safe and secure as possible, so your urge to try to protect their little feet with a pair of shoes makes sense. But according to Ganjian, it's best to avoid shoes until a baby is upright and mobile. "We at the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend not putting on shoes on newborns and only donning shoes when they can walk," he says.

  Again, Admin advocates only putting shoes on your baby when it's absolutely necessary. "When indoors, barefoot is best to practice walking, learn balance, and get steady on their own two feet," she says. "For toddlers learning to walk, I usually recommend going barefoot outdoors in your own backyard or a familiar, clean area."

  When that's not possible, then it's time to break out the shoes. Posner agrees, noting that baby footwear can come in handy "when they are outside and walking around to prevent them from injuring their feet." But your baby can't go barefoot forever. Eventually, Posner says, "you will need to get them acclimated to walking with shoes, but more from a safety standpoint."

Why Trust Verywell Family?

Ashley Ziegler is a staff and freelance writer who covers lifestyle, home, parenting, and commerce content for a variety of platforms. She's a mom to a 1-year-old daughter and a 3-year-old daughter, both of which wore the Ugg Kids Bixbee Ankle Boots, the Converse Chuck Taylors, and the Freshly Picked Soft Sole Leather Moccasins (and loved them). In addition to regularly scouring the internet to find the best things for herself, Ashley spends multiple hours a week researching, comparing, and writing about products specifically for kids and families.

High Top Walking Shoes for Ankle Support in Babies

Source: https://www.verywellfamily.com/best-baby-walking-shoes-4684365

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