Shoe Buying Guide

For us mommas, shoe buying for ourselves can be a t.r.e.a.t. BUT, we don’t always relish the opportunity to buy our little ones their own shoes. While it is obviously adorable to get your kiddo that pair of unicorn shoes or little nikes, they are surprisingly expensive and don’t last for a long time. Not to mention, when even is the right age to put them in shoes?!

Today, we are going to answer all your shoe buying related questions with my handy guide! I’ll start by saying babies should start wearing shoes once they are cruising consistently and try to stand about 80% of the day. 

Now, what should you be on the lookout for in a good pair of shoes?  Let’s start by looking at my three keys to a good shoe.

Soles

For starters, find a baby shoe with soft soles. This helps your kiddo increase the input they can have through their actual foot. You’ll want to pick a shoe with a straight last, or sole. Check the bottom of the shoe. You should be able to draw a line from the heel to the toe without a curvature.

Heel cups

Next, pay attention to the heel cups. I recommend a rigid heel cup, which will move you away from flip flops and crocs. When looking at shoes, press down on the top of the heel cup. It should resist pressure but not collapse. Similarly, a more rigid shoe should break closer to the toe box instead of in the middle.

Ankle straps

I know ankle strap shoes aren’t always the most stylish, but they are GREAT for your little. The  straps reduce slipping/movement within the shoe and add stability. For this reason, avoid slip ons if you can. When your child already looks like they’re wading through a pool every time they stand, the extra stability matters.

Overall, look for shoes that are breathable, offer good support in the ways described above, and aren’t too expensive. You need to remember that with how fast your kiddo is growing, it’s likely they will only have 8 to 12 weeks with a pair. It’s especially important to follow this list if your kiddo has flat, pronated feet. The arch and heel cup support in a rigid shoe will make a significant amount of difference. 

I’ll leave you with one of my favorite shoe recommendations: Wobbly Waddlers. You’ve likely seen me promote them on my Insta, because how could I not support a fellow momtreprenuer who pulled posture and development into the design of shoe?? 

Check out my Amazon page for more information on Wobbly Waddlers and as always, if your kiddo is having trouble walking, don’t be afraid to reach out for a consultation!