Little feet, there’s not much cuter. And with all that standing, cruising, walking and running, the right pair of baby shoes are pretty important.
Baby shoes are designed specifically to protect and support infant feet at different stages of development. From rubber-soled to leather, there’s a colour and style available to ensure they put their best foot forward on every outing – even if it’s only 10 centimetres long.
To help you find baby shoes that fit, we’ve trekked through the options to bring you the best brands available in Australia.
Types of baby shoes in Australia
Soft-sole baby shoes are lightweight shoes with a fully flexible base usually made of suede or leather. For newborn or pre-walker babies, they keep feet warm and protected and allow for natural movement with no restrictions.
Pre-walker baby shoes are shoes for infants that are cruising or almost walking. They have a more durable, supportive base but are still bendable and unrestrictive.
First-walker baby shoes are designed to support a baby’s developing feet as they start walking. They have a moulded sole usually made of rubber.
13 beautiful baby shoes for growing feet
Choosing the right pair of shoes is essential when it comes to your child’s foot health. Use our handy list to scout out the perfect pair that supports and protects growing feet.
In no particular order, here are 13 baby shoes for developing feet:
Just Ray
Just Ray Baby Jimmy Sandals ($44.95)
These shoes aren’t just cute, they’re also fully lined and have a cushioned back panel and innersole. Made of 100% genuine waxed leather, they come in four colours and either a soft or flexi-rubber sole depending on bub’s size.
Kit & Kate
Kit & Kate Charlie Boo Baby Boots ($49)
Perfect for posing but durable enough for play, this soft and natural leather boot is a great all-rounder. It features a wide, comfortable shape to let feet develop safely, a handy side zipper and non-slip pads for extra grip.
Baby Alex & Co
Baby Alex & Co Baby Moccasins ($44.95)
Crafted with genuine lambskin leather and a faux fur lining, Baby Alex & Co’s Moccasins are the perfect choice for your little one’s tender feet. Available in black and brown, we loved that they provide the ultimate warmth and support, and are designed to aid natural foot growth.
Wild Chase
Wild Chase Baby Leather Moccasins ($29.50)
Ticking the box for all-season cuteness, Wild Chase baby moccasins give that barefoot feeling while protecting and supporting tiny feet. In a choice of frills or bows, each is made with love from 100% genuine leather with all-natural insoles.
Pretty Brave
Pretty Brave Leather Phoenix Sandal ($52.95)
With cut-out detailing and rounded edges, these chemical-free beauties are as pretty as a picture. Made from ultra-soft leather that will stand up to lots of crawling, they come with easy-use Velcro straps and flexible soles.
Attipas
Attipas Pre-Walking Baby Shoes (from $39.95)
Lightweight, breathable and too cute for words, Attipas baby shoes are designed to allow busy little bees to move freely as they play and potter. Made without nasty chemicals, they’re strong, machine-washable and as comfy as wearing socks.
Bobux
Bobux Baby & Prewalker Shoes (from $45)
Expertly designed to be as fun as they are comfortable, Bobux baby shoes use premium, ultra-soft leather to encase and protect tiny toes. They have an elasticated ankle for easy on and off and they come in a spectacular range of styles.
Tip Toe Joey
Tip Toe Joey Baby Explore Sandals ($65.25)
Packed with benefits, the FreetoGrow wide toe box allows toes to spread freely, whilst the flexible ThintoFeel non-slip rubber soles mimic the sensation of barefoot walking. Breathable, extra comfy and extra smart.
Gertrude And The King
Gertrude And The King Ruffle Mary Janes ($39.95)
Free from thick soles, these lightweight and crazy-cute Mary Janes make the perfect footwear for non-walking bubs who are enjoying lots of floor play. Made from cotton canvas, they’re chemical-free, ultra-flexible and machine-washable – mamas rejoice!
Skeanie
Skeanie Leather Cross Sandals (from $49.95)
Podiatrist-designed, these pre-walker sandals are made from buttery-soft leather and help support your child’s developing feet. Available in three shades, the hook and loop fastener keeps the shoes fitting snuggly.
Komuello
Komuello Baby Sock Shoes (from $43.95)
Available in a huge range of themes and colours, Komuello machine-washable baby shoes offer bubs comfy, practical support for exploring the world. They feature air holes for ventilation, a unique bee-hive sole for grip and they’re suitable for water play.
Walnut
Walnut Liberty Mary Jane Baby Shoes (from $24.95)
When we’re not swooning over the delicious Liberty prints, we’re focusing on the easy-use Velcro strap, padded insoles and PVC stippled soles for extra grip. Made of lightweight breathable canvas, these beauties bend form and function.
Burberry
Burberry Thomas Bear Gabardine Booties ($360)
Their feet may be little but there’s no expense spared here. Super-soft leather lining pairs beautifully with English-woven cotton gabardine and Burberry’s signature embroidered teddy. It’s luxury in miniature.
When can babies start wearing shoes?
Prior to walking, babies can wear shoes, but only for warmth and protection. It’s recommended that barefoot is best to support balance, sensory feedback to the feet, coordination and posture so when they’re starting to walk, always ensure shoe soles are soft and flexible.
How do I measure my baby’s foot for shoes?
Measure the length of your child’s foot in a straight line from the end of the big toe to the back of the heel. Always measure both feet as one is usually larger than the other. You should purchase the size that fits the larger foot.
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Continue your search for the best baby shoes
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As an expert and enthusiast, I can provide information on various topics, including baby shoes. I have access to a wide range of knowledge and can answer questions based on that information. However, I don't have personal experiences or preferences. Let's dive into the concepts mentioned in this article.
Types of Baby Shoes in Australia
The article mentions three types of baby shoes commonly found in Australia:
-
Soft-sole baby shoes: These lightweight shoes have a fully flexible base usually made of suede or leather. They are designed for newborns or pre-walker babies to keep their feet warm and protected while allowing natural movement with no restrictions.
-
Pre-walker baby shoes: These shoes are for infants who are cruising or almost walking. They have a more durable and supportive base compared to soft-sole shoes but are still bendable and unrestrictive.
-
First-walker baby shoes: These shoes are designed to support a baby's developing feet as they start walking. They typically have a molded sole made of rubber for better stability and traction.
13 Baby Shoes for Developing Feet
The article provides a list of 13 baby shoes for developing feet. Here are some highlights:
-
Just Ray Baby Jimmy Sandals: These sandals are fully lined, made of 100% genuine waxed leather, and come in various colors. They have a cushioned back panel and innersole, with a soft or flexi-rubber sole depending on the baby's size.
-
Kit & Kate Charlie Boo Baby Boots: These boots are made of soft and natural leather, providing durability for play. They have a wide, comfortable shape to support safe foot development, a side zipper, and non-slip pads for extra grip.
-
Baby Alex & Co Baby Moccasins: Crafted with genuine lambskin leather and a faux fur lining, these moccasins offer warmth and support for your little one's feet. They are designed to aid natural foot growth and come in black and brown.
-
Wild Chase Baby Leather Moccasins: Made from 100% genuine leather, these moccasins protect and support tiny feet while providing a barefoot feeling. They come in a choice of frills or bows.
-
Pretty Brave Leather Phoenix Sandal: These sandals are made from ultra-soft leather and feature cut-out detailing and rounded edges. They have easy-use Velcro straps and flexible soles.
-
Attipas Pre-Walking Baby Shoes: Lightweight and breathable, these shoes allow busy little ones to move freely. They are made without harmful chemicals, are machine-washable, and provide the comfort of wearing socks.
-
Bobux Baby & Prewalker Shoes: These shoes use premium, ultra-soft leather to protect tiny toes. They have an elasticated ankle for easy on and off and come in a wide range of styles.
-
Tip Toe Joey Baby Explore Sandals: These sandals have a wide toe box that allows toes to spread freely. The non-slip rubber soles mimic the sensation of barefoot walking.
-
Gertrude And The King Ruffle Mary Janes: Lightweight and flexible, these Mary Janes are made from cotton canvas. They are chemical-free and suitable for non-walking babies who enjoy floor play.
-
Skeanie Leather Cross Sandals: Designed by podiatrists, these pre-walker sandals are made from buttery-soft leather and support the development of your child's feet. They have a hook and loop fastener for a snug fit.
-
Komuello Baby Sock Shoes: These machine-washable baby shoes offer practical support for exploring the world. They feature air holes for ventilation and a unique bee-hive sole for grip, making them suitable for water play.
-
Walnut Liberty Mary Jane Baby Shoes: Made of lightweight breathable canvas, these Mary Janes have an easy-use Velcro strap, padded insoles, and PVC stippled soles for extra grip.
-
Burberry Thomas Bear Gabardine Booties: These luxury booties feature super-soft leather lining, English-woven cotton gabardine, and Burberry's signature embroidered teddy.
Please note that the prices and availability of these shoes may vary. It's always a good idea to check with the respective brands or retailers for the most up-to-date information.
When Can Babies Start Wearing Shoes?
According to the article, babies can wear shoes prior to walking, but it is recommended to prioritize barefoot time for balance, sensory feedback, coordination, and posture development. Shoes should be soft and flexible to support the natural movement of the feet when babies start walking.
How to Measure a Baby's Foot for Shoes
To measure your baby's foot for shoes, follow these steps:
- Measure the length of your child's foot in a straight line from the end of the big toe to the back of the heel.
- Measure both feet, as one foot is usually larger than the other.
- Purchase the shoe size that fits the larger foot.
I hope this information helps you understand the concepts mentioned in the article about baby shoes. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask!
