The Best First Walker Shoes for Toddlers: A Shoe Expert’s Top 4 Picks

Looking for the best first walker shoes for your child? My name is Margot Wasserman and I run Tip Top Shoes located on West 72nd Street. Our store has been in business for over 85 years, and our business is focused on the importance of measuring children’s feet properly to ensure natural foot growth, comfort, balance and walking mechanics. A question that I always receive from new moms is about the best “first walkers,” so here is a list of my top 4 choices, some of which you can find at my store, Tip Top Shoes and others online elsewhere.

1. The Ten Little First Walkers Lightweight Shoes are an incredible first walker shoe. They are ultra light weight and flexible, promoting natural foot movement and balance. The shoe itself is wide and a foot-shaped toe box that supports healthy and development feet, while the flat sole helps little walkers feel the ground beneath them. This is a great choice for new walkers are runs at approximately $42 per shoe.

2. The Nike Kids’ Flex Runner 4 is a flexible and easy to wear athletic option. This sneaker is a stretchy sneaker that is very easy to flip on and lets little feet move naturally. The flexible grooves in the sold support how toddlers actually walk and it’s a great every day shoe for both young boys and girls. You can find this shoe for approximately $35-$40.

3. The Stride Rite Taye 2.0 Sneakers are a highly rated classic toddler sneaker that has a comfortable cushioned insole and a hook and loop strap for a secure fit. These shoes have a durable traction outsole giving a great trip for early steps. These shoes are often recommended by pediatric shoe guides for both their comfort and fit. These shoes are roughly $40. These shoes also come in multiple colorways for both genders. 

4. The Nike Toddler Court Borough Shoes are a stylish and supportive balance pick. These shoes give off a classic sneaker feel with a roomy toe box and soft midsole for comfort. These shoes also have a hook and loop closure plus pull tabs, which allows getting the shoes on a breeze. This is a great pick if you want something structure, yet toddler friendly.

In conclusion, when looking for a first walker shoe for a child ages 12-18 months old, you want to look for a (1) flexible sole, which allows feet to bend easily and feel the ground (helping balance), (2) a wide toe box, which gives toes room to grip the floor, (3) non-slip traction, which helps prevent slips on smooth surfaces and (4) easy closure, which makes putting on and adjusting the shoe much easier.

Feel free to visit us a Tip Top Shoes located at 149 West 72nd Street for help with all of your little one’s shoe needs!