First Shoes: When Is Your Baby Ready?
How to tell when your little one is ready for their first pair of shoes, and what to look for when you buy them.
First shoes mark a milestone, and you can take your time. Barefoot play builds strength and balance in little feet.
Signs your baby is ready
Your baby is ready for first shoes once they walk on their own, for a few steps without holding on. Until then, keep them in soft socks or barefoot indoors.
What to look for
- A flexible sole that bends at the ball of the foot
- A roomy toe area so toes can spread
- Adjustable fastenings, such as straps, that hold the heel in place
- Light weight, so each step takes little effort
- Breathable materials like leather or canvas
Getting the size right
Toddlers can’t tell you a shoe pinches, so measure them. Use a foot gauge or book a store fitting, then check 3 things:
- You can fit about a thumb’s width beyond the longest toe.
- The heel stays in when your toddler walks.
- You see no red marks after an hour of wear.
How long they last
Expect 2 to 3 months. A toddler’s foot can grow a full size in that time, so check the size every 6 to 8 weeks. Our measuring schedule has the details.
