First shoes feel like a milestone. But babies don't actually need shoes until they're walking, and even then, bare feet are often best indoors. Here's when shoes help, what to look for, and how to get the size right.
Barefoot is best for learning to walk
When babies pull up, cruise and take their first steps, they use their feet to feel the floor and find their balance. Going barefoot at home lets their toes grip and their muscles do the work. Many pediatricians recommend bare feet indoors whenever it's safe.
When shoes help
- On cold floors, where socks alone slip.
- On short outings, to keep feet warm and clean.
- Once they're walking outside, to protect feet from rough or hot ground. At this stage, a sturdier outdoor shoe is the right choice.
What to look for in first shoes
- A soft, flexible sole that bends easily in your hand.
- Room for toes to spread out.
- A secure fit so they don't slip off, without pinching.
- Lightweight materials.
Our Kick soft-sole baby sneakers have a flexible cotton sole, a high-top cut that sits above the ankle and cross-tied laces at the front, which helps them stay on. They come in sizes 0–6M, 7–12M and 13–18M. The soft sole is made for indoors and light use, and they aren't waterproof, so skip puddles and rough ground.
How to measure a baby's foot
- Stand your baby on a piece of paper, with their weight on their feet if they can stand.
- Mark the back of the heel and the tip of the longest toe.
- Measure the distance between the marks.
- Choose a shoe with a sole a little longer than the foot, so there's space for toes to move and grow. Many parents aim for about a finger's width.
Go by foot length, not age. The Kick soles, for example, are 4.3 inches (0–6M), 4.7 inches (7–12M) and 5.1 inches (13–18M) long.
How to check the fit
- Press the front of the shoe. There should be a little space beyond the longest toe.
- Check the heel doesn't slip out when they move.
- After wearing, look for red marks on their feet. That's a sign of a poor fit.
- Recheck every couple of months. Little feet grow fast.
Questions parents ask
When should a baby start wearing shoes?
Once they're walking, mainly for outings and cold floors. Before that, socks or bare feet are fine.
Are soft-soled shoes good for babies?
Yes, for indoors and light use. They protect feet while letting them bend and grip naturally.
How much room should baby shoes have?
A little space beyond the longest toe, often about a finger's width. Check the heel doesn't slip.
For more first-year clothing tips, read baby clothes that make diaper changes easier.
