Baby shoes keep tiny feet warm and protected. While your little one is mostly lying down, soft fabric booties are all they need. As your baby starts to crawl and eventually walk, a shoe with a supportive sole becomes more important. Getting the right size is always key to healthy foot development.
Tiny baby shoes are absolutely adorable — little hearts melt over mini princess slippers, leather shoes with fun prints, or delicate strap shoes for special occasions. That said, shoes aren’t a must-have for the very youngest babies.
Do Newborns Need Shoes?
Very young babies who spend most of their time lying down or being carried don’t need hard-soled shoes. Soft, warm booties made from knit fabric, cotton, lambswool, or fleece — or simply warm socks — are the perfect choice. Rattle shoes with little characters and tiny bells are also great for encouraging babies to reach and grab. Once your baby starts crawling, soft leather crawling shoes with a non-slip sole are a wonderful option.
Does My Baby Need Shoes to Learn to Walk?
Shoes aren’t actually necessary for learning to walk. In fact, stiff shoes can get in the way, since babies need to develop their balance, coordination, and the muscles needed for walking. Barefoot or non-slip socks are the best way for babies to practice. If you’d like to protect those little soles — for example, when practicing outside — look for soft-soled first walkers with a fully flexible sole. Once your child is walking confidently, you can move on to shoes with a firmer sole and ankle support.
How Do I Find the Right Shoe Size?
Getting the right size is crucial for healthy foot development! Shoes that are too small can cause toe and foot deformities, or even affect leg alignment (bow legs or knock knees). For children’s shoes, it’s generally recommended to leave 12–17 mm (about the width of an adult finger) in front of the big toe. This accounts for the foot sliding forward while walking, and for the fact that little feet grow fast — roughly 1–1.5 mm per month in length. Don’t rely on your child’s opinion here! Kids often can’t tell when a shoe is too tight, and babies tend to curl their toes when they feel pressure. Always measure new shoes before buying.
To find the right fit, place your baby’s foot on a piece of cardboard and trace around both feet (they’re often slightly different sizes). Add 12–17 mm to the longer foot — that’s your foot template. Use it to measure the inside of the shoe before you buy.
For online orders, here’s a handy size guide: in European sizing, one shoe size equals approximately 6.67 mm (based on the “Paris point” system). To calculate the right size, take the desired inner shoe length (foot length + 17 mm) and multiply by 1.5 (e.g., 12 cm × 1.5 = size 18). Keep in mind this is just an estimate, as European shoe sizes aren’t standardized and shoes are often shorter inside than their listed size. Always measure the inside of the shoe!
Already found the perfect pair of baby shoes and looking to complete the outfit? Check out our Baby Bodysuits & Onesies too.
