Dr Golly Paediatrician offers his top tips for selecting your baby's first walker shoe with Little SOHLS
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Time to read 6 min
Choosing your baby’s first walker shoes can feel overwhelming — with so many options and opinions out there, how do you know what’s actually best for growing feet? We sat down with paediatrician and father-of-three Dr Daniel Golshevsky (Dr Golly) to cut through the noise and share practical, expert-backed advice. From when babies truly need shoes, to what features support healthy development (and which styles to avoid), here’s what parents should know before buying their little one’s first pair.
Q1: Dr Golly, what’s the number one question you get from parents when it comes to selecting their first shoes?
The number 1 question I get as a paediatrician is “do babies even need shoes?” The answer is largely yes, but only once they start to walk.
For babies and new walkers, experts consistently agree that ‘barefoot is best’ whenever it’s safe to do so. Going barefoot allows children to build muscle strength, develop balance, and follow natural growth patterns.
Before your baby starts walking there is no need for structured shoes. Going barefoot while they crawl and stand inside will help strengthen their muscles and support healthy natural development, joint mobility, balance and co-ordination.
Daycare and childcare settings will insist on closed toe shoes once your child is walking.
If your baby is exploring outside areas, shoes are a good idea to keep their feet safe, stubbed toes, prickles and bees just to name a few incidents they’ll encounter if they’re outside having fun.
Q2: What are the key features parents should look for when selecting their baby’s first walking shoes?
There’s a few – what you’re looking for is:
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The correct size is the top priority
Too small: Can restrict growth, cause ingrown nails, and contribute to permanent deformities
Too big: Leads to instability, tripping, and muscle imbalances as the child struggles to keep the shoe on
Aim for approximately 1–1.5 cm (a thumb’s width) of space at the front of the shoe. The fit of the shoe should be slightly broader and longer than the foot, without causing slipping and tripping
A wide toe box: this allows your baby’s toes to spread naturally and engage with the ground. Having adequate room for the toes to splay is important for balance, stability, and normal foot development, particularly in early walkers.
Flexible sole: The sole should bend easily at the ball of the foot. Flexibility supports natural gait patterns and encourages activation of intrinsic foot muscles, which are essential during early walking stages.
Non-slip outsole: A textured rubber sole improves traction on indoor and outdoor surfaces, helping reduce slips and falls as toddlers gain confidence with walking.
Lightweight construction: Shoes should be light enough to avoid interfering with natural walking mechanics. Excessively heavy footwear can alter gait and increase fatigue in young children.
Breathable materials: Soft leather, mesh, or canvas allow airflow and moisture control, helping reduce skin irritation, blisters, and overheating of the feet.
Adjustable fastenings: Velcro straps, laces, or buckles help secure the shoe to the foot, promoting stability and reducing the risk of tripping. A secure fit is particularly important for active toddlers.
Q3: What baby and toddler shoes should parents avoid?
There are a few (popular) shoe styles that can restrict natural movement, interfere with balance, or place unnecessary strain on developing feet. I recommend avoiding these for everyday long term wear (short period will be fine for most kids):
Flip-flops and sliders (thongs is you’re Aussie):
These offer little to no support and often cause toddlers to grip with their toes to keep the shoe on
Over time, this can contribute to toe deformities, altered gait, and foot pain, avoid this completely
Crocs and unsecure clogs
While popular, these shoes are often unstable for early walkers and may increase the risk of tripping or excessive toe gripping
This doesn’t mean you can’t wear them to a trip to the beach or the pool (my kids do) it just means they aren’t an every day shoe for babies and toddlers
If you’re wearing crocs remember to always use the back strap
Ballet flats
Flat, slip-on shoes without support or fastenings can cause children to clench their toes, placing stress on the forefoot and affecting normal walking patterns (this is a good reminder for mum too)
High-heeled shoes
Any heel over 2 cm for children under five should be avoided
Heels alter natural posture, shift weight forward, and interfere with healthy movement
Pointy-toed shoes
These restrict toe spread and natural movement, increasing the risk of hammer toes and long-term structural issues
Sheepskin-style boots
Often heavy and poorly structured, these boots can limit ankle movement and are not ideal for early stages of walking
Again, like crocs it doesn’t mean you can’t wear them at bedtime or alike
Heavy or stiff shoes
Thick, rigid soles prevent children from feeling the ground, this is a key part of developing balance, coordination, and body awareness
The other big issue with stiff shoes is they are almost impossible to get on those chubby little feet…IYKYK!
Q4: Can you help parents understand minimalist shoes and their benefits for growing feet?
Minimalist shoes, often referred to as barefoot shoes, are designed to replicate the mechanics of barefoot walking while offering protection. From a medical perspective, these shoes support natural foot development by:
Allowing toe alignment through wide toe boxes
Promoting neutral posture with zero-drop soles
These characteristics may reduce excessive pressure on the forefoot, support natural growth patterns, and help prevent conditions associated with restrictive footwear, including hammer toes and chronic foot pain.
Q5: Is barefoot walking a fad?
A: Ha ha - It does sound a bit like it… but for babies walking barefoot on safe, controlled surfaces is widely recognised as beneficial during the early stages of foot development. Clinically, barefoot walking allows natural activation of intrinsic foot muscles, improves proprioception, and supports normal arch development. It may help alleviate pain, reduce compensatory movement patterns, and lowers the risk of overuse conditions such as plantar fasciitis. When barefoot walking is not feasible, minimalist or barefoot shoes can offer an appropriate alternative while still supporting natural foot function.
When properly fitted, minimalist shoes can be an effective option for children with developing feet.
@studioboheme_paris
Our Recommendation for First Walker Shoes
After speaking with Dr Golly, one thing is clear — the right first walking shoe should support natural development, not restrict it. That philosophy is exactly why we created SOHLS.
Our Velcro Move SOHLS were specifically and thoughtfully designed to align with the key features paediatricians and podiatrists recommend for early walkers — so parents can feel confident they’re choosing footwear that works with their child’s growing feet, not against them.
Why SOHLS are loved by first walkers
Wide toe box: Designed to allow natural toe splay for better balance and stability — exactly as Dr Golly recommends.
Super flexible sole: Our soles bend easily at the ball of the foot to support natural gait patterns and muscle development.
Lightweight design: No heavy, clunky shoes here — just soft, featherlight materials that let little feet move freely.
Breathable & gentle materials: Our soft knit uppers allow airflow and reduce irritation on delicate skin.
Adjustable Velcro fastening: A wide opening makes them easy to get on and off (even on those chubby little feet!) while ensuring a secure fit for confident steps.
The SOHLS Fit Guarantee
We know how tricky sizing can be for growing feet — and we believe parents shouldn’t have to guess. That’s why SOHLS offers something most footwear brands don’t:
✔ Half sizes for the perfect fit
✔ Our Fit Guarantee for peace of mind
✔ Easy returns & exchanges
Because when it comes to healthy foot development, the right fit isn’t optional — it’s essential.
Designed by a mum, loved by over 10,000 parents worldwide, and created with developing feet in mind, SOHLS are built for life’s little adventures.
About Dr Golly:
Dr Daniel Golshevsky (Dr Golly) is a Melbourne-based paediatrician and father of 3. With a growing social and media presence, he is a proud Red Nose Australia Ambassador & clinical champion of perinatal mental health for both the Gidget Foundation & PANDA. As a general paediatrician, he cares for babies, children and teenagers of all ages, managing physical, mental and behavioural development as well as illness and emergency. Over the last decade, Dr Golly sub-specialised in unsettled babies and poor sleep. His philosophy is centred around empowering parents & protecting mothers. He developed an online Sleep and Settling Program, which has quickly become the essential guide for thousands of families across the globe. Find him on Instagram: @drgolly