The Best Baby Walking Shoes for Your Little One’s First Steps

If you’re looking for a great budget option, these are the best walking shoes to shop. These come in multiple colors, wash like a dream, and the bottom is flexible yet sturdy, which is exactly what you want baby's walking shoes to be.

The sides have extra stretch for easy on and off, and the top is roomy enough for the toes, but provides enough pressure for stability and safety. They’re a real win for the price and don't sacrifice quality.

More: The Best Baby Products for All New Parents

Super stretchy, affordable, and quick drying, these shoes help prevent sweaty, stinky feet while still cradling baby's precious little tootsies, providing support for those first steps.

The soles have rubber spikes for better grip and stability, and the cap of the shoes give some extra wiggle room to keep those baby toes comfortable. Plus, what kid doesn't want a pair of fire engine red shoes?

I have given Peggy Piggy shoes to so many new parents for a few reasons: They’re machine-washable, they are flexible but sturdy, and at under $25, you won't feel as bad if one of them gets lost at the mall because no one noticed the baby had removed a shoe somewhere and chucked it into the abyss. (This happens.)

A sneaker that looks like a sneaker for grown-ups or older children, but performs like a baby shoe? Sign us up. This shoe from See Kai Run is a newer version of the ones my own children wore. The shoes are the highest quality — the soles don’t pull away from the shoe, and the Velcro never becomes gross and puffy. (And they’re just fine, even after stepping in puddles and holding stinky baby feet.)

Plus, they’re so flexible and fashionable that they can easily be passed these down to multiple children — they’re that good.

When a cruiser really gets going, these sneakers from Stride Rite will keep them steady as they navigate their new world. The flexible rubber sole and washable canvas upper make for a sturdy, baby-friendly design that kids won't get mad wearing.

The insole is made from soft foam for supportive cushioning, and kids can even help get themselves in and out of the shoes, which is a major developmental milestone.

Machine-washable? Yes, please! The soles on these walking shoes are flexible, the top is washable, and the strap adjusts wonderfully. The upper is made from perforated fabric to let your kids feet breathe. Plus, just look at how cute they are — they’re like, dad-shoes baby shoes!

Stride Rite has been around for decades making great kids' shoes, and their baby walking shoes are some of the best you'll find.

During beach and splash park season, babies will want to get out there and play. This pair of shoes makes sure that little one's feet are safe and secure as they stomp about, splashing, playing, and having loads of fun in the water.

They're mesh fabric and designed to let water flow through them without puddling. The insole is also made of quick-dry materials, preventing moldy, mildewy shoes.

These are quite possibly the cutest shoes of all time. They squeak with every step, but don't worry, you can turn that off. It's really just designed to delight and encourage your baby to walk.

It's also great in a crowd or at the park, because its hard to lose track of a little one if they're wearing these. They have a wide opening that makes them easy to take on and off, and honestly? These baby walking shoes are just a huge hit with kids.

Apart from being just about the softest baby walking shoes on the planet, these were awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association — and that's a huge deal. My kids loved See Kai Run and they stayed strapped on so efficiently, they only lost them occasionally.

They are also machine-washable, which is super helpful when your child decides that mud is the best walking surface.

I don’t know about you, but I’m getting real “royal baby” vibes from these baby shoes — they’re just so prim and proper! They’re lined with soft cotton for extra protection and warmth, but because they’re all-natural, they’ll still breathe and support baby’s feet. They're perfect for a wedding or special event where baby needs to get dressed up and grubby shoes would ruin the lewk.

Sweet pink ears and little whiskers make this pair of baby walkers special. And these are some of the best-made 100% leather baby walking shoes on the market. They're snug without being tight, and the designs are just sweet. You'll be sad when your baby grows out of them.

Imagine when baby sees these shoes for the first time and they just light up because they are so fun.

Four separate parents told me how much they absolutely love this shoe on their little one. It’s sturdy enough that you don’t feel like it’s going to get pierced or damaged, and flexible enough that it allows their foot to move in a way that’s natural for them.

The fact that it’s a stretchy pull-on design just makes it that much better, because there’s no Velcro to get caught on clothes or laces that need tying.

These are primarily “indoor shoes,” but they are really great at getting your baby used to the idea of shoes while also providing support and grip for the floor. They're made from soft and flexible cotton, without prints and dyes so they won't irritate sensitive skin. And as a bonus, the silicone rubber bottoms of these shoes makes those loud stompy feet just a hair quieter.

For some reason, there are just not a ton of gender-neutral baby’s first walking shoes. This is really one of the few on the market, but it’s a really good shoe. It’s made of the soft, durable leather bottom with a canvas upper material and elastic back and sides to give a better fit.

More: The Best Baby Products for All New Parents

I bought this exact pair for my 17-month-old nephew, and he was off to the races. It’s a really high-quality leather loafer for the price, easy to get on and off, but not so easy that your child will be taking them off in the car and hurling it at their brother in the backseat. They look great with a preppy outfit, but even better dressed down with jeans and a tee.

Jbrds are designed to accommodate a baby's needs for growth and support, with a protective exterior that cups baby's foot, while cradling their steps.

The sock and adjustable strap design make them easy to wear, and comfortable for babies unfamiliar with the sensation of wearing supportive shoes. They also make a wonderful and unexpected sprinkle or baby shower gift.