Watching your walk their first few steps is undoubtedly one of the most precious and special moments in your life. As your little tot leaves behind an era of crawling socks to graduate to baby shoes, it’s a huge milestone for new parents indeed. In fact, many munchkins start off walking being barefoot initially, but over time, they’ll require cute little shoes too. There are so many amazing choices for the best baby walking shoes with ankle support for both a boy and a girl today, including ones made from Italian leather! Your toddler will need the best shoes to help them gradually stabilize their walk and feel comfortable little by little. So, when babies start taking their first steps, the ideal footwear not only ensures flexibility but also and more importantly provides stability and balance.
Just like It is essential to take care of children’s feet during the first year of life to prevent later problems. To do this, it is essential to choose a shoe and size appropriate to their feet’ size.
How To Choose The Best Baby Walking Shoes?
When buying anything for babies or toddlers, such as the Best Rain Boots For Toddlers or the Best Baby Bath Play Mats, there are a whole lot of considerations. Besides size, you also need to see comfort, since your baby’s skin is so much more sensitive than that of adults. So, what are the aspects that you need to take into account for baby shoes? Read on.
Meanwhile, you might also want to check out the Best Water Shoes for Toddlers and Best Swimming Goggles for Toddlers if you’re headed out for a water holiday.
Type of shoes
There’s no doubt that the first thing that you need to consider is the kind of shoes that you want your baby to have and wear. This includes shoes that come with snaps, buckles, Velcro, laces, and even elastic slip-on ones. Ideally, get your baby shoes with elastic, snap-on, or velcro closure ones since it’s easy for them to learn wearing and removing the shoes on their own. Since elastic, snap-on, and velcro are all easy to use and adjust, your tot will quickly learn to put them on and take them off and won’t be dependent on you for tying laces all the time.
However, one more thing that you need to remember is that your toddler is just beginning to learn to walk. So, do look for baby walking shoes with ankle support so that they don’t hurt their delicate ankles while trying to walk.
Padding and sole
Another important aspect to check for is padding. You need to make sure that the baby walking shoes for boy or girl have good padding around the ankle. If the padding is inadequate, then that could cause rashes, which could irritate your baby’s delicate asking. Yet another factor you need to check is whether the sole is flexible and that it doesn’t bend easily. Since the sole is how your baby will walk, you need to ensure that the sole is flat so that your tot gets enough stability and support when they step onto the floor. Finally, check how good the grip is by checking that there are enough grooves on the sole. The more the number of grooves, the better the grip your baby will get and the less they’ll slide or slip.
Size
Finally, size is obviously an important measure. Most brands, Italian or otherwise, manufacturers, and e-commerce websites for baby walking shoes have good sizing guides, which will help you zero in on the right side for your baby’s feet. A larger size might lead to tripping, and a smaller size could bend your baby’s toes. As such, always go for the exact size, even if you have to purchase new shoes after a few months.
Why does your baby need baby walking shoes?
If your baby is just taking some steps, then they still don’t need shoes as they’re still developing initial sensory skills. However, later on, they’ll need baby walking shoes for several reasons. Firstly, they go a long way in protecting your baby’s feet from objects that could injure them as they walk and explore around. When you finally take your baby to the playground when they start walking, then obviously they’re going to need shoes. This is also true for restaurants and malls when you don’t want your tot to be barefoot on the cold or hot floor or simply in socks. Also, socks tend to be very slippery and increase the risk of a baby falling, this is why baby shoes are so important. Last but not least, baby walking shoes will encourage your baby to walk around, even more, aiding in their development.
Baby Deer High Top Leather First Walker
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The Baby Deer High-Top Leather First Walker shoes are one of the best baby walking shoes with ankle support. These Italian baby walking shoes are made from 100 percent genuine leather, complete with a crepe sole. Moreover, the shaft of the shoe measures 3 inches from the arch, providing your baby’s ankles with all the support they need to avoid a twist and a tumble. These fashionable white-colored shoes also have a highly grippy sole that ensures that your tot doesn’t slip even when they’re attempting to walk on the slope. Finally, the boot features a secure and safe lace closure system that ensures a customizable and adjustable fit. The best part? They come in two sizes for infants between 0 and 12 months and in five sizes for toddlers for the ages of 1 to 4 years.
Pros:
- Rubber sole for impressive grip.
- Made from 100 percent leather.
- Has high top to support ankles.
Cons:
- No color options.
Converse Kids’ Chuck Taylor All Star
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Behold the Converse Kids’ Chuck Taylor All-Star, one of the best baby walking shoes for girls. Not only are the shoes available in four colors, but also they’re available for three different age groups of kids – infants between 0 and 12 months, toddlers between 1 and 4 years, and even little kids between 4 and 8 years! In fact, they have one size for infants and two sizes for toddlers. Made from 100 percent textile cloth, these shoes boast a good grip thanks to the rubber sole with deep grooves, provide lots of stability and support to your baby while he or she walks. When it comes to the closure, the shoes feature a double Velcro fastening, ensuring that your tot’s feet don’t slip out and they don’t trip. Finally, these classic-looking shoes even come with special soft foam socks lining so your child doesn’t get any rashes while walking.
Pros:
- Features a soft foam sock liner.
- Available in 5 different colors
- Comes in multiple sizes.
Cons:
- Slightly pricey.
Josmo Boys Ernie Booties
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Ankle twists are one of the commonest issues when your baby begins learning to walk. That’s why you get the Josmo Boys’ Ernie Booties, one of the best baby walking shoes with ankle support. These baby walking shoes for boys offer high ankle support, thus proving to be of great peace of mind to you. Made from 100 percent genuine leather, these shoes can be worn by your baby every day without worrying about sweating or rashes. It might take you a few minutes to put on this shoe, due to the closure system being a laced one, but it’s worth it. The lacing, together with the high-top ankles, provides ample support to your kid as they learn how to walk and balance themselves. Rounding up the features are the synthetic outsole, the lightly padded footbed, and the rounded toe silhouette.
Pros:
- Affordable.
- Comes in many stylish colors.
- Has high ankle support.
- Features a lightly padded footbed for comfort.
Cons:
- Some parents found the design slightly restrictive.
Ella Bonna Oxford Baby Shoes
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One of the most stylish baby walking shoes for girls is the Ella Bonna Oxford Baby Shoes. These gorgeous Italian baby walking shoes are made from 100 percent genuine leather, but that’s not their best feature. They come in a whopping 22 color choices, right from beige and red to pink and the wonderful baby blue that’s featured below. So, these designer baby shoes are perfect for all sorts of casual and formal outings for your kid. Featuring easy-to-use lace tie-ups, these shoes are designed so that they promote natural foot movement and development. What’s more, the flexible and lightweight soft rubber sole ensures that your tot can walk on any terrain without tripping or putting any pressure on their feet. Overall, these well-crafted baby walking shoes are a must-buy for your beautiful little tot.
Pros:
- Organic cotton laces.
- Rounded toe front for comfort.
- Padded insoles and a flexible and lightweight outsole.
- Made from pure-grain genuine leather.
Cons:
- The sizing is off.
Ugg Kids Bixbee Ankle Boot
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If you live in colder climates, then the Ugg Kids Bixbee Ankle Boot is one of the best baby walking shoes with ankle support that you can find. This lovely pair of boots will keep your baby’s feet warm and toasty during the colder winter months while helping them walk properly and comfortably. These cozy boots feature a velcro strap that’ll keep the shoe firmly on your tot’s tiny feet and won’t allow them to slip off. What’s more, the booties boast a super-soft terry exterior and inner for promoting foot development. At the same time, they feature a grippy and rough sole with small textured stars that provide traction so that your child doesn’t slip anywhere. Available in sizes 1 through 5, these boots are perfect for kids up to 24 months old. The best part? They come in five fashionable colors!
Pros:
- Come in five colors and sizes.
- Keep your kid’s feet warm in colder climates.
- Easy to use Velcro strap.
Cons:
- The sizing is off.
Littlebeemocs Baby Boots Moccasins
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If a style is what you want your baby to exude, then get them these exceptional Italian baby walking shoes – the Littlebeemocs Baby Boots Moccasins. These fabulously stylish and fashionable pair of baby shoes are flexible, lightweight, and come in a fun plethora of colors, including the wonderful tan color you see below. Handcrafted in Europe, these beauties are gentle on sensitive skin due to being hypoallergenic, and won’t discolor or fade socks either. What’s more, they’re even backed by a one-year warranty. Going further, the shoes feature slip-resistant soft soles and come in a whole lot of sizes for fitting kids from newborns to 3 years of age. Finally, the elastic band makes it easy for your tot to put them on and take them off too.
Pros:
- Handcrafted from Italian leather.
- Beautiful.
- Hypoallergenic.
- Slip-resistant sole.
Cons:
- No insole or padding.
BMCiTYBM Baby Shoes Girl Boy Breathable Mesh Sneakers
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The BMCiTYBM Baby Shoes Girl Boy Breathable Mesh Sneakers is one of the best baby walking shoes with ankle support. Made from breathable mesh fabric, they’re the perfect pair of booties for your tots to wear in summers as they won’t make their feet sweaty or uncomfortable. At the same time, they feature a wonderfully rugged yet flexible non-slip sole. So, you can rest assured that your baby won’t take a tumble, no matter the terrain. What’s more, the ankle area feels more like a pair of socks thanks to the elastic material, and even the closure system is made from easy-to-use Velcro. If that wasn’t enough, the shoes even have a toe cap, which can prevent painful toe injuries in case your kids run into objects. Finally, they’re available in 9 different colors, making them the perfect pair of baby walking shoes for girl toddlers.
Pros:
- Made from breathable mesh fabric.
- Comes with a toe cap to prevent a collision.
- Available in amazing designs.
Cons:
- Some parents weren’t comfortable with the back opening.
- The sizing is slightly off.
Littlebeemocs Fringe Baby Moccasins
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Now here comes a really gorgeous pair of Italian baby walking shoes in the form of Littlebeemocs Fringe Baby Moccasins. One of the highlights of these shoes is that they’re available in a whopping 12 color shades, including the offbeat olive green you see below. Made in Europe, these leather-soled shoes boast a stylish unisex design with little fringes. What’s more, they come in a range of sizes that fit everyone from a newborn to a two-year-old toddler. These moccasins also come with a flexible and slip-resistant soft sole that promotes natural foot development and movement. Moreover, the stretchy elastic band crossing atop the shoe makes it very easy to put them on and take them off. Finally, what you’ll like about these shoes is that they’re free from odors and chemicals, and are lightweight, breathable, and durable as well.
Pros:
- Available in many colors.
- Made from genuine and high-quality leather.
- Lightweight and durable.
Cons:
- The sizing is off.
Keds Girls Champion Lace Toe Cap Sneaker
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One of the best baby walking shoes with ankle support is this Keds Girls Champion Lace Toe Cap Sneaker. Despite being designed as baby walking shoes for girls, they’re featured in a rather well-designed unisex pattern in white color. Made from excellent leather, the shoe features soles made from well-designed and flexible synthetic material. It’s the flexibility of the outer sole that helps your baby walk properly. What’s more, the shoes are equipped with a padded and memory foam footbed that conforms to the shape of the feet, offering the kid more comfort as they find their footing. Coming to the closure, the shoes have a lacing system. So, if you have got a slightly older child who loves putting their own shoes and tying their own laces, then this is a great buy.
Pros:
- Memory foam footbed.
- Lightweight,
- The synthetic sole and terrycloth lining.
- Affordable.
Cons:
- No color options.
Littlebeemocs T-Strap Baby Moccasins
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Yet another pair of excellent baby walking shoes for girls is the Littlebeemocs T-Strap Baby Moccasins, which is also an excellent pair of Italian baby walking shoes. These tot-friendly moccasins are flexible, lightweight, and come in 16 colors, complete with a unique T-strap style that also keeps your baby comfortable. Handcrafted in Europe, these shoes are gentle on sensitive skin since they’re made from hypoallergenic, material. What’s more, they won’t discolor or fade socks, either, and come with a one-year warranty as well. Thanks to the stretchy, flexible T-strap elastic band that goes across the shoe’s top, your kid won’t accidentally fall if these come off, because they won’t Finally, these shoes even come with slip-resistant soft soles.
Pros:
- Stylish and come in 16 colors.
- Stretchy and flexible elastic band.
- Comfortable.
Cons:
- No padding.
Stride Rite SRTech Elliot Bootie
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If you love dressing your kiddo up, then the best baby walking shoes with ankle support is the Stride Rite SRTech Elliot Bootie. With this one, you don’t have to sacrifice comfort and functionality just for the style. Whether you dress your boy up in cute little shorts or your tiny princess in a dreamy dress, these booties are a great fit since they come in three colors – black, brown, and white. Besides the excellent design, they also offer excellent traction that not only protects your kiddo from taking a tumble but also makes them feel like they’re walking barefoot comfortably. Made from 100 percent leather and featuring a rubber sole, these shoes even feature elastic laces that keep them firmly in place on your tot’s feet, even on particularly fussy toddlers. Finally, they come in three different widths and even half sizes.
Pros:
- Comes in three colors and multiple sizes.
- Stylish and comfortable.
- Great grippy sole.
Cons:
- Expensive.
Littlebeemocs Bow Baby Moccasins
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Does your little girl love everything with bows? Well, then she’ll love these baby walking shoes for girls that come with the most gorgeous bow ever. Behold the Littlebeemocs Bow Baby Moccasins, one of the best Italian baby walking shoes on this list. Featured in 12 wonderful colors, including the oh-so-beautiful powder blue below, these shoes feature a striking huge bow atop the shoe as part of the design. These moccasins are not only flexible and lightweight but are handcrafted from genuine leather that’s hypoallergenic as well. Plus, they won’t discolor or fade your baby’s socks either. Besides coming with a one-year warranty, these baby moccasins feature a stretchy and flexible T-strap elastic band that goes across the shoe’s top, thus preventing the shoes from slipping off your tot’s feet. Rounding up the features is the slip-resistant sole.
Pros:
- Comfortable and durable.
- Featured in 12 colors.
- Flexible and stretchy elastic band.
- Huge stylish bow as part of the design.
Cons:
- Virtually none.
Nike Flex Contact 4
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Sitting atop the list of best baby walking shoes with ankle support is Nike Flex Contact 4, a great pair of baby walking shoes for boys and girls. If you have a little runner on your hands, then these Nike shoes are what you need! Made from a breathable mesh upper material, they also feature a flexible rubber sole for good traction. While they’re available in all standard baby and toddler sizes, all you need to get the right size is that ensure that your baby’s toes aren’t crammed against the shoe’s front edge. Thanks to the well-designed and well-fitting velcro strap, these sneakers will stay put on your tot’s feet but are still easy to put on and take off. Finally, they’re available in three colors and feature pull tabs on the tongue and the heel.
Pros:
- Come in three colors.
- Pull tabs on the heel and tongue/
- Velcro strap closure.
Cons:
- None!
