When your toddler is learning to walk do you know how to buy the best walking shoes for toddlers learning to walk? If you have toddlers and the Your toddlers‘ feet grow at an incredible rate until they reach the age of two. Once every six weeks, their feet should be rechecked and measured. Those first hesitant steps are a significant milestone in the life of any youngster. And whether your child requires shoes for crawling, pre-walking, or taking their first steps, they must have the appropriate footwear. Little feet require adequate support and high-quality footwear. If they’re still learning to walk, don’t purchase those matching walking shoes for babies.
Babies who are just learning to walk benefit from not wearing shoes since they are more stable. Their tootsies need shoes once they’re active and steady on their feet to protect them from sharp objects and illnesses they might pick up outside. Look for soft-soled, flexible shoes for smaller children to help them take their first steps; stiff soles make it more likely that they may trip. Sneakers are a good choice for older toddlers. Velcro shoe closures are the best since they allow them to secure their shoes on their own. Untied laces are a tripping hazard because kids don’t know how to stop and knot them.
They have small feet, but they are not thin. Many toddlers have extremely broad feet. If you remove their shoes and notice a shoe impression on their skin, you might want to consider a pair with a wider width for more comfort. For the first steps, the leather sole is flexible and grips the floor for increased traction. They’re also made to last season after season. They come in a 6-month size for infants.
Parents consider the need for their newborns’ first suitable footwear around the time they start pulling themselves up to stand. Although we believe that teaching your child to stand and walk with bare feet is the optimal method, there are times when shoes are required.
1. How To Buy The Best Walking Shoes For Toddlers Learning to Walk, Factors to Consider While Buying Shoes
- Soft-soled baby shoes are always the ideal choice because they are both comfy and provide the support that the youngster requires.
- Price, comfort, and style are all factors to consider. To give correct ankle support and stability while walking, make sure the shoe extends to the ankle. Toddler shoes should be soft and pleasant to walk in and provide an adequate breathing area for the child’s feet.
- It is general knowledge that newborns frequently slip and tumble when learning to walk, necessitating the purchase of flexible, non-skid, or skid-resistant shoes. Brands have created special leather shoes for this purpose, which provide excellent grip and comfort.
2. Shopping Tips To Consider When Buying Walking Shoes For Toddlers
Pay attention to your child’s reaction as he or she is trying on shoes. Try a different pair of shoes if the ones they’re wearing seem to be hurting them or making it difficult for them to walk. At this age, function takes precedence over fashion. Don’t be fooled by appealing fashions that irritate your skin or fall off.
Thumb test
Make sure there is at least a thumb’s width (approximately half an inch) between your baby’s longest toe and the shoe’s tip to ensure the shoes are the appropriate fit. Your youngster should be able to wiggle their toes comfortably. Check your baby’s shoes every month to make sure they still fit because their feet grow quickly.
Heel test
When your baby is standing, there should be enough room between his or her heel and the heel of the shoe for you to squeeze a little finger between them. The shoe’s rear should fit snugly and comfortably. The shoes are too big if your child’s heel slides out. The shoes are too tiny if they pinch your baby’s heel.
Choose the right type
Begin by putting on a pair of pre-walkers. These are light, having a thin, flexible sole that is designed more for protection than support. Once your youngster can walk, they will want proper footwear with a more durable sole. Because flat feet are common in toddlers, arch supports are unnecessary. High-ankle shoes should be avoided because toddlers’ ankles should be kept free to prevent accidental injuries and help them develop muscle strength.
The ideal walking shoes for babies are those that are as light as possible and provide support and flexibility to your baby’s feet. To offer them the most hold on the ground, the soles should be flexible and non-slip.
It’s all about the timing
Our feet tend to vary in size during the day, and after a few hours of standing or walking, they can be a little bigger in the afternoon. With this in mind, going shoe shopping in the afternoon is an excellent option. If your child is upset about having their feet measured, bring a toy or a book to distract them and prevent tantrums.
3. Obtain the ideal fit
- The importance of fit and comfort in children’s shoes cannot be overstated. The soles of the shoes should be flexible to allow for mobility, and the shoes should be made of breathable fabric; leather is a fantastic option because it molds to the contour of the wearer’s foot and is easy to clean. New shoes will mold to their specific footprint and allow their bones to grow properly. It’s also a good idea to bring socks while measuring your baby’s feet and to make sure they wear socks with new shoes for the first few times to break them in and avoid friction.
- Choose a fastening that is simple to attach, such as Velcro or a buckle. Laces are great for a little older child who is willing to stand still for a few seconds. If you wish to keep an eye in between, press down on the front of the shoe with your thumb to examine how far your child’s toes are from the top. In pre-walkers, we recommend 10mm of room between the toes and the front of the shoe and 14mm in walkers. Because babies’ feet develop quickly.
- It’s a good idea to take measurements every six to eight weeks to ensure that the shoes still fit. Your child’s feet can grow two sizes per year up until the age of four, then slow down to roughly one size per year by the time they start school.
The most crucial thing to keep in mind is finding the appropriate match. A shoe’s fit is crucial. A lousy fit on your baby’s feet, on the other hand, may be less noticeable. - Your toddler’s nerve endings may not be fully mature at this time. This implies that kids may not notice whether the shoes are uncomfortable. The longest toe of a new shoe should be 12–16 mm longer than the longest toe of an old shoe.
Keep these pointers in mind while you shop for shoes.
The ideal first walking shoes for a baby are those that allow their feet to move freely while also protecting them from uneven, rocky, hot, and cold surfaces.
4. Do not purchase your child’s first pair of shoes the moment they begin walking. Consider the points below first before buying.
You might assume you need to rush out and get a pair of baby shoes for your kid as soon as they take their first, joyful, unsteady steps, but you don’t. When babies are learning to walk, it is beneficial for them to have bare feet for a period of time. They must be able to wiggle their toes and feel everything. Walking shoes will create an unneeded barrier between them and the ground at this point. It will be more challenging for them to grasp and learn how to balance in this new environment.
- The footwear’s comfort
To allow enough growth space, footwear should be properly sized depending on the length and breadth of the foot. They shouldn’t be too loose or too tight. Tight shoes or shoes that are tight towards the toes will make the child uncomfortable and create pain, making them hesitant to take steps or forcing them to reposition their foot to relieve the pain. An irregular, unsteady gait increases the chance of falling and causing damage in the short term. If the shoes are overly tight, callouses, corns, and growing toenails are all possibilities. Walking in pain also sends the toddler negative feedback, which lowers their self-esteem.
2. Pliability, suppleness, and natural movement are all characteristics of this product.
Flexible soles and breathable materials are required for the first toddler shoes. The shoes should fit into the child’s natural shape and move as freely as possible as the child moves his or her feet. Hard-soled shoes will obstruct this critical stage of growth. To minimize slipping and sliding, your baby’s first walking shoes should have a moderately grooved rubber sole. The bottoms of the shoes should be flexible rather than stiff or smooth. Sandpaper can be used to roughen the soles of slick-bottomed shoes to improve traction.
To assist your baby’s natural movement, his or her shoes should be flexible and lightweight. Shoes made entirely of plastic or rubber are rigid and may cause your baby’s feet to sweat. Choose shoes that can stretch and bend, such as canvas, leather, or cotton.
3. Refitting regularly
Toddlers’ feet grow at an incredible rate until they reach the age of two. Once every six weeks, their feet should be rechecked and measured to ensure that the shoes still fit. You may note that their shoes will need to be replaced regularly. In other words, leave your explorer barefoot indoors if the environment is safe to walk in without shoes. Make sure the shoes you choose are flexible and non-slip, and that their feet are measured both lengthwise and widthwise to ensure that their small toes have enough room to breathe and expand while not being too loose.
4. Selecting appropriate and healthy materials
Avoid using low-cost materials. Your child’s feet must be able to breathe. Look for breathable linings and top shoes made of the softest, highest-quality leather that will mold to their feet’ curves for the best first walking shoes. Your child’s feet will sweat in the shoe if the materials aren’t breathable enough, and they won’t be able to dry properly. This can result in foot problems, such as athlete’s foot.
Choose shoes made of healthy materials such as mesh, soft leather, or fabric when selecting shoes for your infant. These fabrics allow your baby’s feet to breathe freely and comfortably while wearing shoes. Shoes consisting of stiff leather or synthetic materials should be avoided. These aren’t breathable and can obstruct your baby’s foot development.
5. Velcro, straps, or laces?
There are a few alternatives when it comes to fastening types. Each one has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
6. Is the fastener secure?
Whether you use Velcro, straps, or laces, be sure the fastener you choose supports your baby’s position in the shoe. They won’t have to curl their toes to keep the shoes on properly if they have good support.
7. Do they have a lot of leeway?
To get the best fit for your child, make sure the fasteners are easy to tighten and adjust. When they’re walking, keep an eye out for their heel slipping out of the shoe.
5. How simple is it to put on and take off shoes?
A Velcro strap makes it easy to slip on and off shoes, which is ideal for busy parents. But keep in mind that it’s also the simplest fastener for your toddler to open. These may not be the ideal solution for you if your child tends to wiggle out of their shoes or kick them off. Buckle straps and laces are a little more difficult to put on and take off, but they can be more comfortable to wear during the day. Just make sure your laces are long enough to tie a double knot so they don’t come undone during the day and become a trip hazard.
How to handle dry feet
The best shoes for children’s feet are those with leather uppers and mesh linings. They can perspire up to an egg cup of water per day. Perspiration can flow through the pores of the leather, keeping your feet dry and healthy. Make sure your child’s shoes get a good airing by rotating them.
Conclusion
Make sure you get the proper fit every time. Toddlers with happy feet are happy toddlers. Purchasing a pair of children’s shoes is a significant investment. Choosing shoes for your child is a major undertaking. Because they have not been trained, children’s feet do not meet the same needs as adults. The first step is to select the appropriate size. Buying your baby’s first pair of walking shoes is fun and signals an exciting new milestone in their development once you know what to look for.
Go to a retailer that specializes in high-quality baby shoes and have fun picking out the color, design, and finish you desire. Then sit back, relax, and savor this unique opportunity to spend time with your energetic kid. The importance of flexible soles and a good fit cannot be overstated.
FAQS
- What are the best types of walking shoes for toddlers?
- The best types of walking shoes for toddlers are those that provide support, stability, and flexibility. Look for shoes that have a flexible sole, good traction, and a secure fit. Soft-soled shoes or lightweight sneakers are good options.
- What should I look for when buying walking shoes for toddlers?
- When buying walking shoes for toddlers, look for shoes that have a sturdy and flexible sole, good traction, and a secure fit. Avoid shoes with heels or hard soles. Also, look for shoes that have a roomy toe box to allow for movement and growth.
- Should I buy shoes that are too big for my toddler to allow for growth?
- It’s best to buy shoes that fit your toddler’s feet snugly and comfortably, but with enough room for the toes to wiggle. It’s also important to keep in mind that toddlers’ feet grow quickly, so you may need to buy new shoes often.
- Are there any walking shoes specifically designed for toddlers?
- Yes, many brands offer walking shoes specifically designed for toddlers. These shoes often have a flexible sole, good traction, and a secure fit to provide the support and stability your toddler needs as they learn to walk.
- How do I know if my toddler’s walking shoes fit properly?
- To ensure a proper fit, have your toddler stand and walk while wearing the shoes. Make sure there is enough room for the toes to move and that the shoe is snug but not too tight. Also, check that the heel is secure and doesn’t slip while walking
