Is your one-year-old already starting to learn how to walk on their own? If so, then it’s time to start looking for the best shoes for 1 year old. When my little one started walking, I immediately let him wear a pair of shoes to protect his feet from accidentally getting hurt. Now, there are countless different models on the market, making it hard to know which pair is worth getting. While most of them look cute, not all shoes have the same quality. Not to mention, all of them label themselves as the best. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best options available on the market and also some advice before you invest in a pair. So, without further ado, keep scrolling to discover our picks, which are available in a wide array of styles!
Robeez Child Crib Shoes
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The first pair of shoes that we have here is probably the cutest. Just take a look at the picture below! The Robeez Child Crib Shoes can make your baby a hundred times cuter. While we think the Pale Dino is the cutest variant, they’re still available in many other designs, like Baby Groot and Baby Bear. Meanwhile, those who want something more timeless can opt for the non-character design.
The ideal shoes for a one-year-old are something that doesn’t constrict their growing feet. This is why we love these shoes. Mimicking the feeling of bare feet, the sole is extremely flexible. In addition, the suede sole is non-slip. Also, these shoes are roomy enough to fit all kinds of feet.
Pros
- The designs of these shoes are adorable.
- They don’t constrict the growth of your baby’s feet.
- These shoes are super comfortable.
Cons
- They can be a bit too big for some babies.
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pediped Flex Force
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What we have here is the pediped Flex Force, one of the most unique shoes for a one-year-old. These shoes are a nice choice if you want to introduce sustainable living to your baby. Yes; these shoes are both sustainable and vegan. No animals are harmed! Based on our experience, these vegan shoes were as comfy as the rest.
Moreover, these shoes are ridiculously lightweight. Weighing only 5 oz, we were shocked when we first picked the shoes up. Despite being so light, these shoes are still durable. They’re great for active babies who love walking. And with the hook-and-loop fastener as well as the laces, they’ll stay on all day long.
Pros
- These vegan shoes are a great option for parents who want to introduce a sustainable lifestyle.
- Keeping them clean is easy as they’re machine washable.
- There are tons of colors to choose from.
Cons
- Some people say they’re smaller than expected.
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BMCiTYBM Infant Sneakers
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Cute and affordable, how can one say no to BMCiTYBM Infant Sneakers? These shoes check all the right boxes. They’re a pair of highly comfortable shoes. The mesh upper enhance the breathability greatly, allowing your little one’s feet to stay dry and cool at all times. Meanwhile, the memory foam footbed allows them to walk and stand without any discomfort.
In addition to that, I also love the toe cap. During testing, my baby accidentally hit the table with his right toe, but he didn’t cry or feel any pain. That was all thanks to the anti-collision toe cap. Plus, the non-slip sole allows kids to walk on any surface confidently.
Pros
- There are so many vibrant colors to choose from.
- These shoes are extremely lightweight and flexible.
- They can be used by baby girls and boys.
Cons
- In some cases, it’s a bit hard to keep the shoes on.
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Simple Joys by Carter’s Canvas Shoes
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If you’re not familiar with Simple Joys by Carter’s Canvas Shoes, you’re in luck, as we’re here to introduce these awesome shoes. These canvas shoes are affordable, but that doesn’t mean they’re bad. With a slip-on design, your baby won’t have to deal with annoying laces or weak straps anymore. We’re sure they’ll be able to put the shoes on in mere seconds.
Some babies just can’t stay still, and my baby is one of them. Thankfully, these shoes have a durable sole that provides plenty of traction. During testing, my baby was able to walk confidently without falling. What’s more, the upper is breathable, further enhancing the comfort. Best of all, both boys and girls can wear these shoes.
Pros
- These shoes are available in multiple sizes and colors.
- They’re cheap but not low-quality.
- With a slip-on design, they offer easy on and off.
Cons
- Babies with narrow feet may find them too big.
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Freshly Picked City Moccs
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While the Freshly Picked City Moccs may be a bit more pricey than many other options, they’re certainly worth the splurge. These moccasins are designed to give your baby a barefoot feel. Available in multiple different shades, these moccs are made of soft leather and suede. They’re both comfy and durable.
Of course, you shouldn’t compromise safety. Thankfully, these moccasins feature a rough sole that offers plenty of traction. When my baby wore them, he never slipped or fell. Not to mention, they stay on really well. What more could you ask for?
Pros
- The opening is elastic, which keeps the shoes on all the time.
- You’ll be surprised by how durable they are.
- There are plenty of colors to choose from.
Cons
- Budget-conscious parents may think twice about getting them.
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Meckior Infant Shoes
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Best Budget. Though the Meckior Infant Shoes are cheap as chips, they’re actually better than most people thought. Honestly, our team didn’t have high expectations for these shoes. However, they managed to surprise us. Firstly, thanks to their slip-on design, it’s super easy to put them on. We’re sure your kid can learn how to wear them easily.
Despite having a slip-on design, the shoes stay on the feet really well. Also, can we take a moment to appreciate their design? Whether your baby looks cuter in patterned shoes or vibrant ones, you’ll definitely find a pair that suits them as these shoes are available in dozens of colors and designs.
Pros
- These shoes stay on the feet really well.
- They’re among the most affordable shoes on the market.
- These shoes are lightweight.
Cons
- Not the most durable choice.
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Hudson Baby Booties
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Our list of the best shoes for 1 year old won’t be the same without the Hudson Baby Booties. These are some of the most popular booties on the market. My favorite thing about these booties is how easy it is to keep them on. During testing, my baby couldn’t take them off. In addition to that, the bottom part feature grips that offer enough traction indoors.
I also love the material of these booties. Made of fuzzy fleece, they can keep those little toes warm and comfy all day long. Even better, there are a handful of fun colorways to choose from that can many literally any outfit. Best of all, these booties are machine washable. For more information, check out their official page!
Pros
- The fleece material keeps feet warm.
- We’re surprised by how cheap these booties are.
- They’re extremely popular on Amazon.
Cons
- They can’t protect baby’s feet from tougher surfaces.
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UGG Bixbee
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Best for Cold Weather. When the temperature drops and you need a pair of shoes to keep those little toes warm, you can always rely on UGG Bixbee. With a furry fabric, these shoes feel extremely soft. By wearing them, your baby will be able to keep their toes toasty.
Don’t underestimate these shoes just because they look cute. They also come with a durable bottom that provides impressive traction. Plus, the hook-and-loop closure is extremely easy to use. And as a parent, having machine-washable shoes is a blessing. Lucky for us, these shoes are machine-washable.
Pros
- The textured bottom offers plenty of traction.
- These furry shoes can keep your baby’s feet toasty.
- Aside from being warm, the material is also soft.
Cons
- Unfortunately, they’re not waterproof.
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Native Shoes Jefferson
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Most Breathable. The Native Shoes Jefferson is one of the most popular options on the market. There are so many reasons why these shoes are beloved by toddlers and babies. These shoes are particularly great for summer because of their lightweight body, which is made of EVA. And with the holes, these are some of the most breathable shoes you can find.
“These fully enclosed EVA shoes are super convenient to wear. There’s no strap for kids to fuss with, and they’re super breathable!”
Keedoz
In addition to that, these shoes are low-maintenance. When they get dirty, simply hand wash them and they’ll look like new. Also, can we talk about the infinite color options available? Whether your baby loves bright or dark colors, they’ll definitely find something that excites them.
Pros
- These colorful shoes are super attractive.
- With perforations all over the shoes, they allow the feet to breathe.
- It’s easy to wear and take them off.
Cons
- If your baby has wide feet, you may want to go up one size. Or, you can also check out these best shoes for toddlers with wide feet.
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Stride Rite Soft Motion Jamie Sneakers
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I think we can all agree on one thing: Stride Rite never disappoints. This brand has produced tons of toddler shoes for walking. What we have here are the Stride Rite Soft Motion Jamie Sneakers. Approved by APMA, you can rest assured that these shoes are a safe and comfortable option for babies. Plus, they’re available in three different widths, giving you tons of options.
One of the things that impressed us the most during testing is the sole. My baby never fell, even when he was walking on slippery surfaces. And with a memory foam insole, we can finally say goodbye to skin rubs. I also love the shoes’ timeless design, which can be easily mixed with any outfit.
Pros
- These shoes are available in many colors and sizes.
- Cleaning them is easy, and all you need is a damp cloth and mild detergent.
- They’re exceptionally durable.
Cons
- Some people say they run a bit small.
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Zutano Fleece Baby Booties
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Best Booties. If you pay close attention to your baby, you’ll realize that their socks won’t stay on for a long time. Speaking from experience, I can say that no matter how good the socks are, they won’t be able to beat the baby. That’s why we include the Zutano Fleece Baby Booties. These baby boots are so comfortable like socks but offer enough protection like shoes. Better yet, with snap buttons, babies won’t be able to open them.
Yes; compared to other shoes on this list, these booties aren’t exactly for outdoor use. I like to think of them more like house slippers. In addition to that, these adorable booties are available in dozens of different patterns and colors. Better yet, they’re true to size!
Pros
- These baby booties are extremely soft and comfy.
- They can be worn by babies up to 2 years old.
- They have gained more than 10,000 positive ratings on Amazon.
Cons
- Unfortunately, they’re not good for outdoor use.
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TSUKIHOSHI Racer Shoes
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Of course, how can we not include the TSUKIHOSHI Racer Shoes? There are so many reasons why people love these shoes. For one, they come with a wide toe box, allowing babies to wear them without hurting their tiny toes. Aside from that, the sole is also slip-resistant and shock-absorbing, making the shoes a very safe option.
Though by baby only had a while to test them, I could tell that he loved them. These shoes were able to give him that barefoot feeling without sacrificing protection. Also, with a huge hook-and-loop closure, putting the shoes on and taking them off was never a problem for us. Learn more about TSUKIHOSHI and its shoes by watching its YouTube video!
Pros
- These shoes surprisingly offer sufficient arch support.
- With a wide toe box, the comfort of these shoes is hard to beat.
- They’re easy to clean as they’re machine washable.
Cons
- The white sole can get dirty easily.
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See Kai Run Stevie II First Walker
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Best Overall. Taking the number one spot is the See Kai Run Stevie II First Walker. After turning one, some babies will start to learn how to walk on their own. And if your baby is in this phase, these sneakers are the best option for them. They provide unmatched stability for first walkers as well as traction.
In addition to that, these shoes come with a big toe box, which offers more than enough room for their toes. I also love the hook-and-loop closure, which my baby was able to adjust easily during testing. Available in a wide array of fun colors, they’re extremely durable and won’t get dirty easily.
Pros
- Approved by APMA, the quality of these shoes is undeniable.
- These shoes are highly breathable and can keep feet fresh.
- The rubber sole is durable and offers great traction.
Cons
- They’re not the best option for babies with wide feet.
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Our Verdict!
APMA-approved, breathable, durable, and comfy, the See Kai Run Stevie II First Walker is our favorite among all of them. However, the rest are also equally good, or maybe better in some aspects. That’s why we’ve made some categories and chosen which shoes deserve the spotlight according to those categories!
- Best Booties: Zutano Fleece Baby Booties
- Most Breathable: Native Shoes Jefferson
- Best for Cold Weather: UGG Bixbee
- Best Budget: Meckior Infant Shoes
How To Choose The Best Shoes for 1 Year Old
When choosing the best shoes for your 1 year old, make sure to keep the following aspects in mind!
Material
One of the most important things to consider is the shoes’ material. For your one-year-old, you’ll want something soft and comfortable that allows airflow. That way, your kid can walk comfortably without having sweaty toes. We don’t recommend getting shoes with a stiff material as it can hinder the growth of their feet.
Flexibility
After putting the shoes on, try to pinch the top of the shoes. If you can’t grab any material, chances are the shoes are too tight. For your one-year-old, you’ll want to get shoes with flexible materials that are designed to follow the natural movements of the feet.
Traction
Last but not least, your baby shoes should have enough traction on the bottom. It’ll help your kid to walk without falling or slipping. This is really important since some babies are still learning to find their balance while walking.
What shoes should a 1 year old wear?
A 1-year-old should wear a pair of shoes that are comfortable, lightweight, and flexible. Thankfully, most baby shoe brands have a collection of shoes for early walkers.
Is it good for 1 year old to wear shoes?
If they can already walk and you want to let them walk outside, then yes, they should wear a pair of shoes. The shoes should have a soft sole and have enough room for their feet’s development.
Do 1 year olds need socks with shoes?
According to Parenthub, toddlers, like adults, should wear socks with shoes. We think this is true, especially if your little one walks often and you want to protect their skin from damage. However, the socks shouldn’t be too thick.
