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Time to read 2 min
Looking for the perfect first pair of shoes for your new walker? This guide from Little SOHLS covers everything you need to know—from why barefoot is best to the key features to look for in first walker shoes. Discover the right fit and style to support your little one’s growth and confidence with every step.
When your little one is inside or on safe, soft surfaces, the best shoes are... no shoes at all. Going barefoot allows tiny feet to grip, stretch, and move freely—essential for developing balance and strength.
But once they’re venturing outside or exploring rougher terrain, foot protection becomes a must. Think playground mulch, hot pavement, or slippery grocery store floors. That’s where the right shoes come in.
When shopping for that first pair, look for shoes that mimic barefoot movement while offering gentle protection. Here's what to prioritise:
Flexible Soles: The shoe should move with your child’s foot—not against it. Look for soft, flexible soles that let them grip the ground and feel their movements. This supports balance and coordination.
Wide-toe box: Wiggly toes need space! A wide toe box allows for proper toe splay, which supports balance and healthy muscle development.
Lightweight & Grippy: Babies don’t need heavy-duty footwear—lightweight shoes make walking easier. But they do need grip to prevent slips and tumbles. For example our SOHLS features a lightweight, textured outsole made from thermoplastic polyurethane. Used in safety footwear, this is a go-to material for extra cushioning and flexibility.
Breathable, soft fabric: Comfort matters. Since toddlers have extra cushion on the bottoms of their feet and extra-sensitive skin, shoes should be soft enough to wear without socks. Our SOHLS are designed with fast-drying, soft, breathable ActiveKnit.
Wiggly toddlers don’t always make shoe shopping easy—but don’t worry, you’ve got this!
Stand & Measure: Simply print out our Size Guide and have your child stand on to see which size sole will be best.
Use a Paper Trick: No printer? Tape a piece of paper to the floor. With your child standing on it, mark the tip of the big toe and the heel. Measure that distance after they step off.
Choose the Larger Foot: Feet aren’t always identical, so go with the longer measurement.
Add Growing Room: Look for about a thumb’s width of space at the front of the shoe. If they’re between sizes, and you want to wear them right away, we recommend sizing down for a snug fit. Otherwise size up, and pop on a pair of socks with the shoes until they are the perfect fit. Just be sure they aren't too big they will slip off or cause falls.
Keep it simple: Skip the bells and whistles (literally). Velcro closures, soft materials, and easy-on designs are your best friends.
Try them on later in the day: Little feet can swell by afternoon, so shop or measure after nap time for the most accurate fit.
Trust your instincts: If your little one seems uncomfortable, trust that. Happy feet = happy walker.
Finding the right shoes for your first walker is a beautiful little milestone in itself. At Little SOHLS, we believe in supporting those first steps with care, comfort, and just the right amount of protection—so your little adventurer can move with confidence, joy, and freedom.
Ready to find your first pair? Browse our curated collection of first walker shoes, all designed with developing feet in mind:
