When should a baby wear their first pair of shoes?

It’s one of the questions that new parents ask most often: when is the right time to buy shoes for my baby? Between buying clothes, receiving gifts, and the excitement of wanting to see them in their first pair, it’s easy to jump the gun. But the answer is simpler than it seems.

We’ll tell you when it’s a good time to start, what features their first pair should have, and what to avoid so their feet stay comfortable from the start.

Before walking, they don't need shoes

As long as your baby isn't walking, their feet don't need rigid shoes for support. At home, it’s best to keep them barefoot or in soft socks, provided the temperature allows for it. This way, they can move, stretch, and feel their feet freely, which is important during this stage as they discover their body.

If you want them to look adorable for a photo, a party, or a special occasion, soft and lightweight little shoes are perfect. Just make sure they are flexible and not too tight.

When they start to walk

Most babies take their first steps between 9 and 18 months, though each one follows their own rhythm. When they start walking in outdoor spaces or on surfaces where they could get hurt, that's a good time for their first pair of shoes.

At home, while they are learning, many specialists suggest they walk barefoot on safe surfaces. Shoes are primarily a form of protection for when they go out: streets, parks, or cold or rough floors.

What a good first pair of shoes should have

• Flexible sole. It should bend easily at the toe area. A simple test: bend the shoe with your hands. If it’s hard to do, it’s too stiff.
• Lightweight. Babies are just learning to coordinate; a heavy shoe makes it harder for them to walk.
• Soft interior. No hard seams or wrinkles that could hurt their delicate skin.
• Good heel support. The shoe should stay in place and not slip off when they move.
• Secure and easy-to-use closure. A strap with a buckle, Velcro, or laces that can be adjusted without being too tight.
• Materials that don't cause excessive sweating. Baby feet heat up easily.
• Correct size. Neither too big nor too small. A half-centimeter to one-centimeter gap is enough.

What to avoid in their first pair

• Very rigid or heavy shoes, which limit the natural movement of the foot.
• Shoes that are too big "so they last longer": they slip off and cause the baby to trip.
• Hand-me-down shoes that have already taken the shape of another foot. Even if they look like new, they may not fit your baby's little foot correctly.
• Heels, high platforms, or very thick soles for those first steps.

How to help them get used to their first shoes

1. Start with short periods of time, for example during a walk.
2. Make it part of a routine: putting on shoes means going out to have fun.
3. Use soft, texture-free socks underneath.
4. Check their feet when taking them off. There shouldn't be deep red marks or irritated areas.
5. Measure their foot every 2 or 3 months, because they grow fast.
>

If your baby takes them off all the time, don't worry: it’s very common. We have a guide with the reasons why and what to do: Why does my baby take off their shoes?

What size to buy for the first pair

It depends on the size of their foot, not their age. As a reference, babies between 9 and 15 months usually wear around 12 cm, but it's always best to measure. In our Size Guide, you will find the complete table and how to measure their foot at home.

And if I have questions about their foot development?

Every baby is different. If you notice something that worries you about how they place their foot, how they walk, or any other questions, the best thing to do is consult their pediatrician, who can guide you according to your little one's needs.

And when the time comes…

When you decide it’s time for their first pair, we invite you to check out our little shoes, booties, and character models. The first pair of shoes is a moment that stays in your heart, and we want to be there with you. 💛