Why You Should Choose Stride Rite Shoes for Your Little Walker — From Moms Themselves

There are so many great moments a parent remembers when watching their child grow up. From their first words to their first date, these are moments in life that just stick with us and make us smile at any time of the day.

But perhaps one of the most memorable milestones for a parent is when they see their child take their first steps. It just encapsulates so much—their child is getting older and more independent with each passing day.

Talley Boot

$56 at the time of publication

New walkers also mean it’s time for parents to start picking out new shoes. Sure when they are just waddling around the house, barefoot is likely best, but it’s also important for a child to get comfortable taking some steps in shoes.

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And after surveying thousands of moms on our Facebook pages, we learned that many moms have one thing in common; they rely on Stride Rite to find the best and most comfortable shoes for their little ones.

It’s easy to see why! Not only does Stride Rite provide so many great styles for new walkers, but Stride Rite is also American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) approved!

Agnes Boot

$56 at the time of publication

“We did the Stride Rites for our daughters and our daughters have done the same! Oldest is 11.5 and youngest is 13 months,” one mom told Mamas Uncut!

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“Yes. We always did Stride Rites also for our kids and the grandkids until they grew out of them,” another mama revealed. “That’s what my son wore – and Buster Brown,” a fellow mom agreed.

Lucianne Mary Jane

$39.95 at the time of publication

Another mom explained that she “always bought Stride Rite for my kids. A shoe is very important as their feet develop. I only put shoes on if we were going somewhere, other than that…I let them go barefoot as it’s the best!”

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And here are a few more responses we received about Stride Rite:

“I bought something close to this pair, lightweight Elliot bootie by Stride Rite it’s comfortable yet flexible and features the sturdiness and traction, helping your toddler walk easier on her own.”

“Yes. Stride Rite…I put white lace-up shoes on both our kids til they walked really well. I know kids don’t wear these anymore. Just make sure they have good support.”

“Stride Rite leather high top lace ups… They had solid grip and lots of ankle support for falls.”

Elliot Shoe

$56 at the time of publication

And if you have ever questioned the loyalty and experience of Stride Rite shoes, listen to this: “I used stride rite 30 years ago and then had them bronze still have them,” one mom wrote. To which another mom replied, “I did too, except it was 45 years ago!”

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Zips Kennedy Sneaker 2.0

$52 at the time of publication

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And as Mamas Uncut previously shared, getting your child the right shoes when they’re first learning to walk is so important. 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 and is easier to do without socks or shoes.”

To learn more about how to make sure the shoes you buy for your new walker fit properly, click here for more information.

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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