Top Picks for First Shoes for Babies and Newly Walking Infants

Hello! I’m BarefootBrit, mum of four, and I’ve navigated the world of baby shoes more times than I can count. If you’re reading this with a baby who’s cruising or just taking their first steps, you’re in the right place. When my first child began walking, I hadn’t yet discovered the incredible benefits of barefoot shoes, but once I did, it was a game-changer. Not only did it transform my baby’s foot development, but it also made me wonder why adult shoes aren’t shaped like our feet. Now, my entire family, including my mum, dad, and sister, are barefoot converts. I receive numerous messages daily from grateful parents who’ve benefited from my advice.

Why Barefoot Shoes Are Ideal for Early Foot Development

The shoes on this list are carefully selected (and tried and tested by my family) to support the natural development of your baby’s feet, adhering to barefoot principles that are essential for physical and sensory growth. Barefoot shoes are designed to mimic the experience of walking barefoot, allowing for optimal foot and toe movement. Here’s why these attributes are crucial:

• Flexibility: Barefoot shoes are made with highly flexible materials, allowing your baby’s feet to bend, flex, and move naturally. This flexibility supports the development of strong, healthy foot muscles and ligaments, which are essential for proper walking and balance.
• Wide Toe Box: A wide toe box allows your baby’s toes to spread out and grip the ground effectively. This toe splay is vital for balance and stability, enabling better control and coordination as your child begins to walk.
• Thin, Flat Soles: Unlike traditional shoes with thick, cushioned soles, barefoot shoes have thin, flat soles that provide a closer connection to the ground. This design helps enhance sensory feedback, allowing your baby to feel and adapt to different surfaces, which is crucial for spatial awareness and proprioception.
• Breathable Materials: Many barefoot shoes are made from natural and breathable materials that keep little feet cool and dry. Proper ventilation helps prevent discomfort and potential issues such as fungal infections.
• Zero Drop: The zero-drop design (where the heel and forefoot are at the same level) ensures that your baby’s feet are in a neutral position, promoting a natural gait and reducing the risk of developing foot deformities.

These features collectively support the healthy development of your baby’s feet by encouraging natural movement, strengthening foot muscles, and providing essential sensory feedback. By choosing shoes that adhere to these barefoot principles, you’re helping your child lay a strong foundation for their physical development and overall well-being.

So here’s a list of my personal favourites. You can pick any of them to be your baby’s first shoes, because they all have the attributes I’ve listed above. Not only that, they are brands I trust and have really tested.

1. Dotty Fish Soft Leather Sole Shoes

• Perfect For: Cruisers, bum shufflers, and first steps.
• Why: Soft leather soles are gentle on delicate feet, and these shoes can even be used outside.
• Shop: Dotty Fish Soft Leather Soles

2. Dotty Fish Shoes with Thin Rubber Sole

• Perfect For: Rougher terrain and those needing more protection.
• Why: These shoes offer a thin rubber sole for added durability and protection while maintaining flexibility.
• Shop: Dotty Fish Thin Rubber Soles

3. Dotty Fish Winter Booties

• Perfect For: Cold weather.
• Why: Featuring an elastic ankle, these booties stay on well and offer warmth while keeping to barefoot principles.
• Shop: Dotty Fish Winter Booties

4. Froddo Pre-Walkers

• Perfect For: Early walkers who need a balance of softness and support.
• Why: Soft leather with a rubber sole provides comfort and flexibility.
• Shop: Froddo Pre-Walkers at Happy Little Soles

5. Wildling Shoes Cubs

• Perfect For: Premium quality and natural fabrics.
• Why: German-engineered and made in Portugal, these ultra-minimalist shoes offer exceptional quality and breathability.
• Shop: Wildling Shoes Cubs

6. Poco Nido

• Perfect For: Cute designs with practical features.
• Why: With options like Mary Janes and T Bars, these shoes are both functional and stylish. My daughter called ours “party shoes”!
• Shop: Poco Nido at Happy Little Soles

7. Tikki Shoes

• Perfect For: Durability and comfort.
• Why: Leather options with thin rubber soles make these shoes both durable and flexible.
• Shop: Tikki Shoes at Happy Little Soles

8. BGreater Alden Model

• Perfect For: Confident walkers needing a more structured shoe.
• Why: Offers a thicker sole while remaining flexible, ideal as a second or graduate shoe.
• Shop: BGreater Alden Model

9. Bobux Xplorer

• Perfect For: Narrow feet.
• Why: While not all Bobux shoes follow barefoot principles, the Xplorer has a foam sole offering a balance of comfort and protection.
• Shop: Bobux Xplorer at Happy Little Soles

10. Gogsig Mateo

• Perfect For: Premium quality and easy slip-on.
• Why: Made with super soft, premium materials, these Danish shoes offer excellent comfort.
• Shop: Gogsig Mateo

11. Omaking Heritage Style T-Bar

• Perfect For: A traditional, smart look.
• Why: Beautifully made with a soft leather, ideal for formal occasions.
• Shop: Omaking at Bubbly Toes Barefoot

12. Amazon Option

• Perfect For: Budget-friendly, flexible first shoes.
• Why: These shoes offer good flexibility and keep toes straight at an affordable price.
• Shop: Amazon Option

For even more styles and options, check out Happy Little Soles and use the discount code BAREFOOTBRIT.

Choosing the right first shoes is crucial for early foot development, so I hope this list helps you find the perfect pair for your little one’s journey. Please do reach out if you need any further help, and definitely come and join in the community group over on Facebook!

Brit👣