10 Best Shoes for Baby Foot Development: Support Happy Feet
Ditch the search for the shoes to straighten baby feet, and explore our guide on the best picks for happy and healthy feet.
Updated February 29, 2024.
Are your baby's first steps just around the corner? It's an exciting milestone, but did you know that the shoes they wear can significantly impact their foot development? As tiny as they are, babies' feet have a big journey ahead.
From birth, they appear to have flat feet since their foot and leg muscles aren't yet fully developed to support the standing posture. Foot arches start to form as they grow, and that journey is faster when babies wear shoes with arch support.
So, choose soft, flexible, breathable shoes that aid walking to promote healthy foot development and possibly ward off future foot problems. Explore our detailed list of the ten best shoes for baby foot development to help you find the right pair.
Our 10 Best Shoes for Baby Foot Development
- Best overall shoes for baby foot development - Tyler B. White
- Best girls’ sandals for baby foot development - Breezy Lilly
- Best high-cut sneakers for baby foot development - Benji the Scout
- Best boys’ sandals for baby foot development - Athletic Axl
- Best boots for baby foot development - Graphite Jacob
- Best girls’ shoes for baby foot development - Ivory Abi
- Best Velcro boots for baby foot development - Kristoff Cove
- Best boys’ shoes for baby foot development - Roger Run
- Best sandals for baby foot development - Dandy Dominic
- Best high-top shoes for baby foot development - Cap Levi
Are Proper Shoes Important for Developing Feet?
During childhood, the bones, muscles, and ligaments in the feet are still forming and strengthening. Improperly fitting shoes can restrict this development and lead to long-term problems like bunions, hammertoes, and flat feet.
The right shoes with flexible soles provide support and stability for growing feet, helping children maintain proper balance and posture. They offer a comfortable and secure fit, allowing your kid to move freely while providing the necessary support for their developing arches and ankles. This reduces the risk of injuries and promotes healthy gait formation.
1
Tyler B. White
Navy and white supportive sneakers
Material
Leather + Nubuck Leather
Type
Sneakers
Price
$158
Features
- Two adjustable Velcro straps
- Anti-bacterial insoles
- Shock-absorbent outsoles
- High built-in arch support
Brief overview
Tyler B. White is a great option for everyday wear if you're searching for shoes to straighten baby feet that also pay homage to Adidas and New Balance. Featuring simple colours and classic design elements, these shoes are easy to pair with any smart casual outfit.
Why choose Tyler B. White
These sneakers provide comfort and a built-in arch support, making them suitable for kids with a wide gait or those wearing orthotics. The anti-bacterial insoles also keep little feet fresh all day.
2
Breezy Lilly
Regular cut supportive sandals
Material
Leather
Type
Sandals
Price
$158
Features
- Two adjustable Velcro straps
- Anti-bacterial insoles
- Shock-absorbent thermoplastic outsoles
- High built-in arch support
- Air valves for moisture reduction
- Thomas heel
Brief overview
Breezy Lilly is an excellent choice with its elegant style. Crafted with high-quality patterned leather and a floral element, these shoes add sophistication to any outfit. The traditional colour combination also brings a touch of simplicity, creating a balanced look.
Why choose Breezy Lilly
These sandals are pretty and provide great support too. They feature air valves to release trapped air and reduce moisture, keeping your baby's feet fresh throughout the day.
3
Benji the Scout
Supportive high-cut sneakers
Material
Nubuck Leather
Type
High-Top Sneakers
Price
$172
Features
- Shoelaces + Zipper
- Extended ankle support
- Removable insole
- Anti-bacterial insoles
- Shock-absorbent thermoplastic outsoles
- High built-in arch support
Brief overview
From the natural honey color of the soles to the striped shoelaces, every element is carefully created to add a nice pop to the boots. Your child is bound to fall in love with these shoes for their comfort and tasteful design.
Why choose Benji the Scout
Benji the Scout offers extended ankle support with shock-absorbing outsoles. The attention to detail on the Nubuck leather and removable insoles make these sneakers incredibly stylish and suitable for your baby's foot development.
4
Athletic Axl
Orthopaedic high-top ankle sandals
Material
Leather
Type
High-Top Sandals
Price
$166
Features
- Four adjustable Velcro straps
- Extended ankle support
- Anti-bacterial insoles
- Shock-absorbent thermoplastic outsoles
- High built-in arch support
- Air valves for moisture reduction
- Thomas heel
Brief overview
Athletic Axl is perfect for energetic little ones. These shoes are designed for comfort while exploring their surroundings and provide great stability for toddler foot development. Your baby boy will love the sporty style of these navy blue sandals with their fun colours.
Why choose Athletic Axl
These open-toed athletic sandals give your child's feet enough room to breathe while being functional for everyday wear. The shock-absorbent soles and four adjustable Velcro straps provide extra support, ensuring a hassle-free day for you and your little one.
5
Graphite Jacob
Dark grey orthopaedic high-top boots
Material
Nubuck Leather
Type
Boots
Price
$172
Features
- Shoelaces + Zipper
- Extended ankle support
- Anti-bacterial insoles
- Shock-absorbent thermoplastic outsoles
- High built-in arch support
- Air valves for moisture reduction
- Thomas heel
Brief overview
Graphite Jacob is designed with durability in mind, suitable for any weather conditions or activity. The nubuck leather provides protection against marks, allowing your child to wear them continuously.
They are easy to clean and can be paired with bright chinos or blue jeans, creating a stylish outfit for any family gathering.
Why choose Graphite Jacob
These orthopaedic boots offer excellent protection and stability to little ankles prone to rolling in. The zipper and shoelaces add to the ankle stability, making these high-quality leather shoes a solid choice for your baby's foot development.
6
Ivory Abi
White supportive high-cut sneakers
Material
Leather
Type
High-Top Sneakers
Price
$178
Features
- Shoelaces + Zipper
- Extended ankle support
- Anti-bacterial insoles
- Shock-absorbent thermoplastic outsoles
- High built-in arch support
Brief overview
These stylish white sneakers feature a striking star detail, making them the perfect addition to any casual ensemble. From the moment she puts them on, no girl will be able to resist wearing these shoes every day.
Why choose Ivory Abi
Ivory Abi is versatile, offering style and stability. The supportive arch and high-top ankle make them an all-around winner for your baby girl's foot development.
7
Kristoff Cove
Navy orthopaedic high-top boots
Material
Nubuck Leather
Type
High-Top Boots
Price
$172
Features
- Two adjustable Velcro straps
- Extended ankle support
- Anti-scratch/scuffs toe cap protector
- Anti-bacterial insoles
- Shock-absorbent thermoplastic outsoles
- High built-in arch support
- Air valves for moisture reduction
- Thomas heel
Brief overview
Kristoff Cove is made of different types of textured leather with special characteristics to please various kids. These boots also support your child's ankles and ensure their feet stay in the correct position.
Why choose Kristoff Cove
Marrying street style with practicality, these high-top boots feature two Velcro strap closures for adjustability and comfort. They can be worn with orthotics and have anti-scratch/ scuff toe cap protectors to prolong wear.
8
Roger Run Sneakers
Supportive sneakers
Materials
Leather + Nubuck Leather
Type
Sneakers
Price
$158
Features
- Two adjustable Velcro straps
- Anti-bacterial insoles
- Shock-absorbent thermoplastic outsoles
- High built-in arch support
Brief overview
Roger Run is a favorite among stylish toddlers. The classic blue-and-white colours with a vibrant touch of bright red make them ideal for family days out or weekend adventures.
Why choose Roger Run
These anatomical sneakers are perfect for outdoor activities. They feature elastic outsoles, breathable leather uppers, and arch support, ensuring comfort and protection for your baby boy's growing feet.
9
Dandy Dominic
Regular cut supportive sandals
Material
Nubuck Leather
Type
Sandals
Price
$158
Features
- Adjustable Velcro closure
- Anti-bacterial insoles
- Shock-absorbent thermoplastic outsoles
- High built-in arch support
- Air valves for moisture reduction
- Thomas heel
Brief overview
These sandals are defined by the combination of classic boys' colours and the sleekness of the leather. They are designed to protect little toes as they embark on new adventures.
Why choose Dandy Dominic
Dandy Dominic offers enough room and breathability for your baby's feet. The nubuck leather is also easy to clean, so you can keep their shoes looking new and fresh at all times.
10
Cap Levi
Denim-blue supportive high-cut sneakers
Material
Nubuck Leather
Type
High-Top Sneakers
Price
$132
Features
- Two adjustable Velcro straps
- Extended ankle support
- Anti-bacterial insoles
- Shock-absorbent thermoplastic outsoles
- High built-in arch support
Brief overview
Let your adventurous little one enjoy the comfort and excitement of these vibrant and sturdy sneakers. With star-emblazoned blue feet, they'll be thrilled to zip around lawns, parks, and floors.
Why choose Cap Levi
Cap Levi shoes offer high built-in arch support for a secure fit with shock-absorbent outsoles. These features make them perfect for your child's early outdoor adventures and more active school years.
Making Sure Your Kid's Shoes Fit
When buying shoes:
- Timing: Feet tend to swell slightly throughout the day, so aim for shoe shopping in the afternoon or evening.
- Sizing: Don't solely rely on age or labelled shoe size, as these can vary across brands. It's best to have your child's feet measured professionally at a shoe store.
- Growing room: Leave about 14mm (around half an inch) of space between the longest toe and the shoe's end. This allows for growth without compromising immediate comfort.
Checking the fit:
- Length: With the shoes fastened, gently press your thumb against the back of the shoe and your child's heel. There should be a snug fit without pinching, allowing your thumb to fit comfortably in the space.
- Width: Ensure there's no squeezing on the sides. Your child's toes should wiggle freely without feeling constricted.
- Depth: Press the top of the shoe gently. There should be some space between the toes and the upper part of the shoe for comfort.
- Heel grip: Lift your child's foot while they're seated. The shoe should grip the heel, preventing slipping.
- Walking: Observe your child walking in the shoes. They should move naturally without any discomfort or limitations.
Picking the Right Shoes for Your Baby
Shoes are crucial to a baby's development and should be chosen with care. They should be flexible, providing enough space for the baby's feet to move and develop naturally. The best shoes for toddler foot development lay the groundwork for their future growth.
At First Walkers, we understand the importance of proper footwear, offering a wide range of options to meet all your baby's foot needs. So take the first step in ensuring your little one's comfort and progress by choosing the perfect pair of shoes today.
