Walking Shoes for Babies – The Best Alternative to Stride Rite Shoes!

June 6, 2025 Baby Shoes Juan Valenzuela 2 - Comments

Is your baby taking their first steps and you’re wondering which shoes are best? Choosing the right walking shoes for babies is key to supporting healthy foot development and building confidence as they explore. The best baby walking shoes are lightweight, flexible, and offer a stable base to encourage natural movement. While brands like Stride Rite are trusted favorites, there are several other high-quality options worth considering. In this guide, I’ll share the top walking shoes for babies that combine comfort, support, and durability—perfect for those exciting first steps.

Expert Tips for Choosing and Using Baby Walking Shoes

A baby’s feet are soft and developing, so the shoes they wear can influence their growth and gait. It can be tempting to just go for the cutest pair on the shelf, but there’s a bit more to it. Some shoes might look adorable, but if they’re too stiff or too loose, they won’t be doing your baby any favors. And hey, babies spend a lot of their time trying to figure out balance, so they need as much help as they can get from shoes that fit well and offer the right support.

A baby learning how to walk in her first pair of walking shoes.
An image of a baby girl taking her first steps and using her arms to balance.

What Features Must a First Walking Shoe Provide?

Each feature plays a role in ensuring that the shoes provide the necessary support and comfort for a child’s first steps.

Flexible Soles

Juan Valenzuela displays the flexibility of a pink See Kai Run shoe with a grey sole for babies learning how to walk.
A baby’s first walking shoes should have flexible soles to allow for natural movement. Babies need to feel the ground beneath their feet to develop balance and coordination. Moreover, flexible soles promote muscle development by allowing the foot to move naturally.

Stable Base of Support

Juan Pablo Valenzuela displays a blue Tsukihoshi toddler shoe with a stable base of support.
While flexibility is crucial, the shoe should also offer enough support to keep the foot stable. This balance of flexibility and support is vital in promoting healthy foot development.

Breathable Materials

Breathable See Kai Run pink shoe for girls.
Babies’ feet sweat more than adults, so it’s essential to choose shoes made from breathable materials like leather or mesh. These materials help keep feet dry and comfortable, reducing the risk of irritation and infection.

Easy to Put On and Take Off

Toddler shoes with double velcro straps and oversized openings for easy on and off.
Parents often struggle with getting shoes on and off their wiggly babies. Opt for shoes with adjustable closures, like Velcro straps or elastic laces, which make the process easier for both parents and children.

Why Do Parents Prefer Stride Rite Over Other Baby Shoe Brands?

Stride Rite continues to be a top choice for babies taking their first steps thanks to its wide range of well-crafted baby shoes. What sets Stride Rite apart is its variety of width options—medium, wide, and extra wide—making it easier to find the perfect fit for babies of all foot shapes. This focus on comfort, fit, and support is why so many parents trust Stride Rite for their little one’s first walking shoes.

Top Alternatives to Stride Rite Shoes

While Stride Rite is a well-known brand, several other brands offer excellent walking shoes for babies. Here are my top alternatives that provide quality options for first walkers.

1. See Kai Run

See Kai Run shoes are known for their stylish designs and durable construction. They provide a great balance of flexibility and support, making them ideal for first walkers.

Shoe Style Stevie II by See Kai Run

These See Kai Run Stevie first walker shoes are a popular choice among parents for their wide toe boxes and adjustable straps.

See Kai Run shoe for toddler girls learning how to walk.
See Kai Run shoe for toddler boys learning how to walk.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe Stevie II by See Kai Run on Amazon or Zappos
  • Not available in wide or extra wide widths but fits naturally wide
  • Awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)
  • Durable cotton drill upper, comfy leather insole, and recycled mesh lining keep feet fresh
  • Breathable textile lining and cushioned insole
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

Shoe style Lucia by See Kai Run

These baby girl Mary Jane shoes feature a roomy toe box, flexible sole, and breathable materials to support healthy foot development and all-day comfort for early walkers.

See Kai Run Mary Jane for toddlers learning how to walk.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe Casey by See Kai Run on Amazon or Zappos
  • Not available in wide or extra wide widths but fits naturally wide
  • Awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)
  • Fleece lining for extra warmth
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

Shoe style Connor by See Kai Run

These See Kai Run baby sneakers provide a flexible sole, breathable materials, and a wide opening for easy on-and-off—perfect for busy kids on the go.

See Kai Run shoes for boys.
See Kai Run shoes for girls.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe Connor by See Kai Run on Zappos or Amazon
  • Not available in wide or extra wide widths but fits naturally wide
  • Semi-perforated leather paired with suede-feel overlays for durability
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

Shoe Style Casey by See Kai Run

These See Kai Run baby boots provide extra depth, rounded toe-boxes, and open up nice and wide for easy on and off.

See Kai Run boot for toddler boys learning how to walk.
See Kai Run boot for toddler girls learning how to walk.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe style Casey by See Kai Run on Amazon or Zappos
  • Not available in wide or extra wide widths but fits naturally wide
  • Awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)
  • Fleece lining for extra warmth
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

2. New Balance

New Balance baby shoes offer a variety of sneakers that combine style and flexibility needed for growing feet. Their shoes often feature adjustable closures, making them easy for parents to manage.

NEW-B FIRST by New Balance

These New Balance baby shoes are a game-changer for parents of babies with wide or extra wide feet. Designed with generous width options and an extra roomy fit, this shoe makes slipping little feet in and out effortless.

New Balance shoes for babies.
Pink New Balance shoes for baby girls.
New Balance baby shoes.
  • Order the shoe NEW-B FIRST by New Balance on the New Balance website or Amazon
  • Available in wide and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
  • Breathable
  • Flex grooves for natural movement
  • Pull tab on the back
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your baby’s current foot size

3. Merrell

Merrell baby shoes are designed with a wide toe box and a barefoot feel, encouraging natural foot development.

Shoe style Bare Steps Sneaker by Merrell

With a wide toe box, flexible sole, and rounded edges, this baby shoe allows babies to move comfortably and confidently. It’s lightweight, easy to put on, and provides just the right amount of support for growing feet.

Merrell Bare Steps shoe style in pink for toddler girls.
Merrell Bare Steps in grey for toddler boys.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe Bare Steps by Merrell on Amazon or Zappos
  • Not available in wide or extra wide widths but fits naturally wide
  • Awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)
  • Padded tongue and collar for added comfort
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

4. Tsukihoshi

Tsukihoshi is a Japanese brand renowned for its innovative designs and focus on children’s foot health. Their shoes are lightweight and flexible, making them an excellent choice for infant walking shoes.

Shoe Style Racer by Tsukihoshi

Tsukihoshi walking shoes for babies are lightweight, flexible, and capable of accommodating babies with wide feet and high insteps.

Tsukihoshi shoes for toddler girls learning how to walk.
Tsukihoshi shoes for toddlers learning how to walk.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe Artie and Adalyn by Stride Rite on Amazon or Zappos
  • Rounded edges to decrease stumbles and falls
  • Available in wide and extra wide widths
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

Baby Sneakers: A Popular Choice

Baby sneakers are an increasingly popular choice for first walking shoes. They often combine the necessary features of flexibility, support, and breathability with modern, stylish designs. The appeal of baby sneakers lies in their ability to blend functionality with fashion, offering parents a versatile option for their child’s footwear needs.

Not Sure Which Shoe to Choose? – Get a Personalized Suggestion

Every child’s feet are unique, and what works for one may not work for another. It’s important to consider your baby’s foot shape when selecting walking shoes. Understanding the specific needs of your baby’s feet can help you choose shoes that provide the best support and comfort. I encourage you to reach out for personalized shoe recommendations tailored to your baby’s unique foot shape.

The Importance of Wearing Shoes in the Correct Size

Wearing shoes that fit properly is essential for your baby’s comfort and health. Ill-fitting shoes can lead to blisters, calluses, and even long-term foot deformities. Babies’ feet grow rapidly, so it’s important to regularly measure their feet and ensure their shoes fit correctly.

Keep an eye on fit over time. Babies grow fast, and so do their feet! It’s a good idea to check shoe fit every couple of months to make sure they haven’t outgrown their pair.