How To Pick Out the Best Shoe for Your New Walker — All the Best Tips and Tricks

Disclaimer: Mamas Uncut and Stride Rite are in an exclusive partnership.

There are so many things you need to be aware of when buying your new walker their first pair of shoes. When to wear them, where to wear them, and how do you know if they fit your little one properly?

Well, Stride Rite and Mamas Uncut are here to help with just that! The first thing you should know is that according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, “a person’s lifelong gait, or walking pattern begins with their first steps. Babies learn to walk by gripping the ground with their toes and using their heels for stability. This helps develop the muscles needed for walking.”

Zips Kennedy Sneaker 2.0

$52 at the time of publication

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Because of how babies learn to walk, the AAP suggests that when your little one is indoors and on even surfaces, it “is easier to do without socks or shoes.” However, while the AAP states that “your baby’s feet will develop just as well without footwear,” the AAP also suggests that “shoes should be worn to protect your baby’s feet when cruising or walking outside or on uneven, hot, or cold surfaces.”

So “shoes, socks, and footed pajamas should have wiggle room.” But how do you know if your little one has enough wiggle room? Well, that’s what Stride Rite is here to help with.

For decades, Stride Rite has been the go-to brand for moms when it comes to picking out their child’s first pair of walking shoes.

And now that we know where to go for the shoes, how do you pick them out? Stride Rite agrees with the AAP that barefoot is best for building muscles, but when it’s time to go outside, Stride Rite says “the shoes you choose should be designed specifically for baby feet so they don’t interfere with normal development.”

Stride Rite’s Soft Motion shoes are best for this. And there are so many different styles! Here are just a few!

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When it comes to choosing sneakers for your baby or for your toddler, Stride Rite makes a few important distinctions. When it comes to buying shoes for a baby “choose light, flexible baby shoes with soft, slip-free rubber soles. Look for rounded heels and edges that mimic the actual shape of a baby’s foot.”

When you are buying shoes for a toddler, “look for sensory enhancing shoes that are made to support balance, coordination, and fine motor development. Footwear should be light, durable, and reinforced for stability, with rounded edges and rubber soles.”

Stride Rite also has online aids to help you pick the perfect size shoe for your little one. All you have to do is measure the length and width of your child’s foot and plug it into Stride Rite’s website here. Once you click “calculate size,” Stride Rite will then share your child’s correct size based on their measurements! How great is that!

RELATED: This Holiday Is the Best Time to Order the Perfect Shoes for a New Walker!

As Stride Rite reveals, “children’s feet can grow half a size every 2 to 4 months!” So be sure to remeasure your child’s feet “every two months to ensure their shoes are fitting well.”

And if you’re looking for someone to help you with the fit of your child’s shoe, Stride Rite also offers in-store help at several different locations across the continental US. Click here to see if there is a store near you!

To learn what other moms think about Stride Rite shoes, click here!

Our little ones grow so fast. Just weeks after being born, babies begin to strengthen the muscles in their legs in preparation for taking their first step. Usually, your baby will begin to crawl between 6 and 13 months. Then, between 9 and 12 months they will begin pulling themselves up. And, between 8 and 18 months, they’ll likely walk for the first time! The milestone deserves celebrating (go, baby, go!) but it also means that excellent shoes are now necessary for walking around outside the home.

This holiday season is a great time to purchase shoes for your new walker. After all, your child should start the new year off on the right foot that’s in the right shoe. Stride Rite is one of the most beloved brands for kids that offers fashionable shoes that hold up over time. We have rounded up dozens of the shoemaker‘s most stylish and comfortable shoes for new walkers. Order a pair or two today so that your growing baby has some sweet kicks to explore the world in.

Shoes for Little Girls

Zips Runner Sneaker Hot Pink

$50 at the time of publication.

Getting shoes on our babies can be a chore but these sneakers have a hook-and-loop enclosure that makes it so much easier than lacing up and tying shoes. These kicks are comfortable for your little walker from every angle, ensuring support with every stride. Another awesome aspect of these shoes is that they are made from recycled materials! We love this hot pink color but there are many more to choose from.Shortcode

Talley Boot Silver

$56 at the time of publication.

This fresh spin on the classic duck boot is going to look fashionable and cute on your little walker. Stride Rite shoes come with slip-resistant soles to minimize the chances of falling. Further, their shoes are approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) for first-time walkers. Shortcode

Kylo 2.0 Sneaker Blue & Pink

$50 at the time of publication.

The design of the Kylo 2.0 Sneaker was engineered for new walkers. These shoes have a flexible sole that promotes natural motion and high-traction grooves prevent slips and falls. We are huge fans of this blue and pink color combination and we are sure your little one will be as well. Shortcode

Zips Kennedy Sneaker 2.0 Pastel Dots

$52 at the time of publication.

If you can’t tell, we at Mamas Uncut love the hook-and-loop enclosure on so many of their athletic-style shoes. It just makes life easier. These comfortable shoes have a metallic and pink pastel color scheme that really delivers the cuteness factor. You’ll find this fabulous shoe in a few different color options as well. Shortcode

Ginny Mary Jane Champagne

$50 at the time of publication.

Say “hello” to this new arrival from Stride Rite. Say “goodby” to the traditional buckle enclosure that felt like a test for your fingers. Innovation for the win! These absolutely adorable mary janes come in light pink-adjacent metallic color that really shines. Shortcode

Lucianne Mary Jane Honey Tan

$40 at the time of publication.

Here’s the dreaded buckle we mentioned for the last shoe but, there’s a surprise! Hidden beneath the buckle, there is the preferred hook-and-loop enclosure. If you’re looking for a more traditional mary jane, this would be the right choice for you. Stride Rite Mary Janes come with an oversized opening to make slipping these kicks on and off a breeze. We love this tan color but there are more color options available. Shortcode

Mateo Boot Champagne

$56 at the time of publication.

Stride Rite little boots are also built for first-time walkers. And wow, isn’t this boot cute? The faux fur lining at the top of the boot is going to feel so good to your tot. If you’re looking for winter-ready shoes the Mateo Boot could be the perfect holiday buy for you. Shortcode

Janna Mary Jane Pink

$33 at the time of publication.

That little bow! These shoes come with a classic T-shape design that is topped with a matching bow. A rounded grippy outsole enables small feet to find their footing. It does not get any sweeter than this. Shortcode

Kiki 2.0 Sandal White

$48 at the time of publication.

Are you seeing stars? These sneaker-sandal hybrid shoes for new walkers are fabulous by every measure. You might think that the Mary Jane-style shoes and sandals like this one do not offer the same amount of support but these shoes have been approved by the APMA as well. Shortcode

Tobias Sneaker Sandal Pink Multi

$48 at the time of publication.

If you’re lucky enough to live in a part of the US that is warm year-round, these sneaker sandals will make sense if you’re purchasing them for the holidays. Comfort has been kicked into high gear with these shoes that offer the best of both sandals and sneakers. Shortcode

Agnes Boot Sierra

$56 at the time of publication.

You can’t see it from this angle, but these shoes have a quick zipper on the other side that makes putting on and removing these boots as easy as can be. We love the sparkling star details here as well as the stylish silver buckle. If it’s cold this time of year where you live, boots could be the right solution. Shortcode

Nettie Sneaker Baseball

$33 at the time of publication.

We know a little girl whose favorite object is a baseball that she carries with her everywhere she goes. We imagine she would be thrilled with these baseball-inspired sneakers. Baseball-loving boys will want these as well. This shoe comes in a variety of styles that range from a rainbow metallic look to a soccer-themed one. Shortcode

Emilia Shoe White

$56 at the time of publication.

We have saved the best for last! The Emilia Shoe is Stride Rite’s classic first-time shoe and it is ideal for new walkers. These bright, white shoes look so very special and the dainty flower detail is almost too cute for words. Shortcode

Shoes for Little Boys

Zips Runner Sneaker Grey

$50 at the time of publication.

Featuring a hook-and-loop enclosure, these shoes are so much easier to get on than lace-ups. These kicks are comfortable for your little walker from every angle, ensuring support with every stride. All Stride Rite shoes for new walkers are American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) approved. Another thing to note, if you scrolled past the shoes we recommended for girls, you should take a second look as all of the shoes for this age/stage are technically unisex. Shortcode

Talley Brown Boot

$56 at the time of publication.

Have you ever!? With slip-resistant soles, this fresh spin on the classic duck boot is going to look fashionable and cute on your little walker and will ensure that they have a steady stride. Treat your little one to some new boots for the holidays. Shortcode

Russell Boot

$56 at the time of publication.

These stunning boots are perfect for a child with a sense of adventure. Although these have laces, they actually feature a hook-and-loop enclosure and a wide opening to make getting these bad boys on a breeze. Anti-microbial, recycled material linings help reduce odor in these shoes and all others from Stride Rite. Shortcode

Kylo 2.0 Sneaker Grey

$50 at the time of publication.

And, we’re back to another pair of sneakers that your intrepid walker can wear any season. These super comfy shoes come in a cool grey color with red accents. If you’re looking for something with a bit more visual interest than the Zips Runner Sneaker, try this pair.Shortcode

Jodie Sneaker Brown

$52 at the time of publication.

These cute shoes are made from genuine leather and feature the same comfortable footbed and support as the previous shoes. They just are an upgraded style that looks practical and handsome. If you brown isn’t the one for you, these kicks also come in a modern grey. Shortcode

Artie Shoe Navy

$52 at the time of publication.

Stride Rite went all in on this snazzy, navy shoe with tan accents. A bit sporty and a bit dressy this shoe is going to take your little walker places in style. This shoe comes in a variety of different color combinations for you to shop as well. Shortcode

Kylin Sneaker Blue

$30 at the time of publication.

Light blue and royal blue are a strong pairing for these sneakers. And the athletic mesh gives these shoes a casual and comfortable look that matches just how great these shoes feel on your kid’s feet. Shortcode

Mateo Boot Navy

$56 at the time of publication.

Boom! Blue leather really makes a statement with these modish boots. We love these for boys but we imagine plenty of little girls would also enjoy wearing these around. If you are worried about boots being difficult to get on and off, have no fear! All of Stride Rite’s shoes for new walkers come with a wide opening that you will appreciate. Shortcode

Tobias Sneaker Sandal Blue & Lime

$46 at the time of publication.

Your baby boy will get the best of both worlds with these sneaker-sandal hybrid shoes. That electric lime color really pops against the blue. Little ones will appreciate some cool air on hot days but still get the support and comfort that a sneaker offers. Shortcode

Nettie Sneaker Soccer

$50 at the time of publication.

Similar to the baseball-themed shoe we showed you in the girls’ section, this is the soccer version for your little pro. We can just picture a boy playing in these and we imagine he’ll end up on a soccer field soon. Shortcode

Zips Kennedy Sneaker Black

$52 at the time of publication.

If the last pair of black and white shoes was too playful and busy for your tastes, this double strap wonder could be the answer if you want black. We love the Z-shaped lightning bolt on the side of these kicks. If you’d prefer a shoe with more color, Stride Rite has you covered with a few different options to choose from. Shortcode

Atlas Slip-On Sneaker Grey

$27 at the time of publication.

“Baby Shark, doo-doo, doo-doo…” This grey slip-on shoe is anything but boring. It has the features of a shark, including teeth, eyes, and fins for a whimsical and fun look. Shortcode

Rhett Sneaker Multi

$27 at the time of publication.

After those black and grey pairs, isn’t it refreshing to see some color? We love the sporty mesh look and faux laces that make these shoes look more mature than some of the others on this list. These shoes have balance-assist rounded outsoles that really help little walkers stay upright. Shortcode

Wally Loafer Brown

$29 at the time of publication.

If dad has a pair of loafers or boat shoes, your baby can be a mini-me with these old man-chic shoes. Where the last shoe was sporty this one feels a bit more buttoned up which might feel more appropriate for something like a church service, wedding, or holiday gathering. Shortcode

Frankie Boot White

$56 at the time of publication.

You’ve seen sneaker-sandal hybrids but now it’s time for a sneaker-boot one! To us, these white shoes look so hip and tasteful. We’ve heard the old saying “Never trust a man in white shoes,” but we’re certain baby boys get a pass. Shortcode

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: The Best First Shoes For Your Newly Walking Baby

Sonny Sneaker Sandal Dark Blue

$35 at the time of publication.

Here’s another pair of sneaker-sandal shoes that are great for those who live in warm areas. They are super comfortable and lightweight for all-day wearability. Shortcode

Elliot Shoe Brown

$56 at the time of publication.

We saved Stride Rite’s classic first-time shoe for new walkers for last. This handsome and understated shoe is going to look fantastic dressed up or down and go with so many outfits. It’s comfortable yet flexible and is engineered to make your little one’s first strides as easy as can be. We think the brown color is a winner but you will also find white, black, and patterned options. Shortcode

There you go! We hope you found the right pair of Stride Rite shoes for your new walker. Stride Rite really is the brand to beat when it comes to stylish, high-quality, and competitively-priced shoes for, not only new walkers, but kids of many ages.

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