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Dr Golly helps parents select the best shoe for their baby
I get asked a lot about what type of shoes you should buy your children first.. and when you need to buy them.
In this blog, I’ll outline everything parents need to know to make informed decisions in selecting shoes that help little toes, feet and legs walk with safety and confidence.
…all this coming from a man who has a kicks collection to rival Imelda Marcos! I can’t exclude style from this discussion…There’s something about those little mini shoes and sandals that makes even the coldest heart warm! But remember safety and comfort always trump style when it comes to making a shoe selection.
The great news is that there are plenty of options that fit the brief of safe, comfortable and CUTE!
The No. 1 question I get as a paediatrician… Do babies even need shoes?
The answer is largely yes, but only once they start to walk.
Daycare and childcare settings will insist on closed-toe shoes once your child is walking.
If your baby is exploring outside areas, shoes are a good idea to keep their feet safe; stubbed toes, prickles and bees – just to name a few incidents they’ll encounter if they’re outside having fun.
You don’t need to have them in shoes too early though, going barefoot is essential for early gross motor development.
Before your baby starts walking, there is no need for structured shoes. Going barefoot while they crawl and stand indoors will help strengthen their muscles and support healthy natural development, joint mobility, balance and co-ordination.
For babies and new walkers, experts consistently agree that “barefoot is best” whenever it’s safe to do so. Going barefoot allows children to build muscle strength, develop balance, and follow natural growth patterns.
Fit matters just as much as timing
As a father of 3, I need to vent about this …when it comes to baby and children’s shoe sizing, you need a PhD in the subject to navigate… why is it so complicated!?
If you’re shopping online, my PRO TIP is to have a cheap at-home foot measuring device where you can know the length of their foot and then – using the US/EU/UK/AU sizing charts – determine what size your child is (it’s crazy, each market has a completely different sizing system!).
Age plays a role in their size but every child varies wildly with shoes – much more than clothes.
Baby feet grow quickly, so measuring every 1-2 months is wise. I’d always double check before you purchase a new size.
You can download a FREE international sizing guide HERE & below – leave it on the side of the fridge and you’ll thank me later!
DISCLAIMER: Always read the conversion charts of the brand you are purchasing before you buy, this is a general guide only. Another handy hint is to read online reviews and see if that particular brand ‘runs big or small’ compared to average.
Shoe Size guide 0-8 Years
Key Features to Look For in Baby and Toddler Shoes
(Paediatrician approved guidance)
From a paediatric and podiatry perspective, the purpose of early footwear is not to “correct” a child’s feet, but to protect them while encouraging normal development. Healthy feet rely on movement, sensory feedback, and gradual muscle strengthening as children learn to walk.
There’s no single, perfect shoe, but here are the features most commonly recommended by paediatric health professionals:
Baby and Toddler Shoes that you should AVOID: A paediatrician’s guide
Certain shoe styles can restrict natural movement, interfere with balance, or place unnecessary strain on developing feet, these the ones I recommending avoiding for everyday long term wear (short periods will be fine for most kids):
1. Flip-flops and sliders (thongs if you’re Aussie)
These offer little to no support and often cause toddlers to grip with their toes to keep the shoe on.
Over time, this can contribute to toe deformities, altered gait, and foot pain – avoid these ones completely.
2. Crocs and jelly clogs
While popular, these shoes are often unstable for early walkers and may increase the risk of tripping or excessive toe gripping.
This doesn’t mean you can’t wear crocs to a trip to the beach or the pool (my kids do) it just means they aren’t an everyday shoe for babies and toddlers. Try and always have them in ‘sports mode’ with the strap at the back; ‘speed mode’ where they are like a clog is where the toe gripping happens.
3. Ballet flats
Flat, slip-on shoes without support or fastenings can cause children to clench their toes, placing stress on the forefoot and affecting normal walking patterns (this is a good reminder for mothers too).
4. High-heeled shoes
Avoid any heel over 2cm for children under five.
Heels alter natural posture, shift weight forward, and interfere with healthy movement.
5. Pointy-toed shoes
These restrict toe spread and natural movement, increasing the risk of hammer toes and long-term structural issues (see notes on wide toe-box above).
6. Sheepskin-style boots
Often heavy and poorly structured, these boots can limit ankle movement and are not ideal for early stages of walking.
Again, like crocs, it doesn’t mean you can’t wear them at bedtime or alike, just not all the time.
7. Heavy or stiff shoes
Thick, rigid soles prevent children from feeling the ground, this is a key part of developing balance, coordination, and body awareness.
Physical Shoe Features That Can Harm Growing Feet
When assessing footwear, parents should look beyond appearance and focus on how the shoe functions – unfortunately many of the popular adult brands that make baby shoes hit these categories:
1. Inflexible soles
Shoes should bend easily at the ball of the foot. If the sole won’t flex or twist, it’s too rigid for a child’s foot.
2. Smooth or slippery soles
Shoes without grip increase the risk of slips and falls, particularly for toddlers still mastering balance.
3. Non-breathable materials
Plastic or synthetic uppers trap heat and moisture, leading to sweaty feet, blisters, skin irritation, and discomfort.
4. No fastenings
Slip-on shoes without straps, laces, or velcro do not hold the foot securely, increasing instability and the risk of falls.
5. Damp shoes or socks
This can lead to fungal infections, always make sure wet shoes are dried thoroughly before your kids put them back on.
Always wash and dry socks.
Fit and Condition Issues Parents Should Avoid
Even the “right” shoe can cause problems if it doesn’t fit properly, where possible avoid:
1. Shoes that need “breaking in”
Baby and children’s shoes should be comfortable immediately. If they need breaking in, they’re not suitable for developing feet.
2. Hand-me-down shoes
Used shoes have already moulded to another child’s foot size and walking pattern, which can affect alignment and muscle development.
3. Poor sizing
Too small:
Can restrict growth, cause ingrown nails, and contribute to deformities.
Too big:
Leads to instability, tripping, and muscle imbalances as the child struggles to keep the shoe on.
Aim for approximately 1–1.5 cm (a thumb’s width) of space at the front of the shoe. The fit of the shoe should be slightly broader and longer than the foot, without causing slipping or tripping.
Why Proper Fit Matters for Growing Feet
Common Foot Problems in Children
Wearing the wrong footwear during key growth patterns can lead to problems that affect the entire body.
Does My Child Need Extra Support?
Talk to your paediatrician if you notice:
How the Right Shoes Help Alleviate Pain
Choosing the right shoes can help alleviate pain and support healthy development.
Choosing the Best Shoes as Your Child Grows
Extra FAQs I get on shoes, foot growth and developement:
What are minimalist shoes and how do they support foot development?
Minimalist shoes, often referred to as barefoot shoes, are designed to replicate the mechanics of barefoot walking while still offering protection. From a medical perspective, these shoes support natural foot development by:
These characteristics may reduce excessive pressure on the forefoot, support natural growth patterns, and help prevent conditions associated with restrictive footwear, including hammer toes and chronic foot pain. When properly fitted, minimalist shoes can be an effective option for children’s developing feet.
Anything else we can do to promote overall foot development and foot health?
Yes. Promoting overall foot health in children involves a combination of footwear choices, activity, and routine as your child grows.
I recommended:
Healthy feet play an essential role in supporting posture, balance, and the overall body, potentially reducing the risk of chronic issues that persist into adult years, even after feet stop growing.
Walking barefoot (clinical considerations)
ANS: Walking barefoot on safe, controlled surfaces is widely recognised as beneficial during the early stages of foot development. Clinically, barefoot walking allows natural activation of intrinsic foot muscles, improves proprioception (awareness of the body in space), and supports normal arch development. It may help alleviate pain, reduce compensatory movement patterns, and lower the risk of overuse conditions such as plantar fasciitis. When barefoot walking is not feasible, minimalist or barefoot shoes can offer an appropriate alternative while still supporting natural foot function.
How long does it take a baby’s foot to fully develop?
This is a really common question, and the answer often surprises parents. A baby’s foot is not fully developed at birth. In fact, at around six months of age, much of the foot is still made up of soft cartilage rather than bone.
The final bones in the foot don’t even begin to form until around three years of age. Foot development is a long, gradual process. While the structure continues to strengthen throughout childhood, most of the bones in the foot are not fully formed until the late teenage years, usually by around 18 years of age. This is why allowing natural movement, avoiding restrictive footwear, and supporting healthy development in the first few years and throughout adolescence is so important.
The takeaway for parents when it comes to selecting your baby’s first shoes…
Healthy feet are the foundation for healthy movement. Choosing appropriate footwear and avoiding shoes that restrict, destabilise, or irritate plays an essential role in supporting your child’s ability to walk with comfort and their overall body development.
When in doubt, remember: simple, flexible, well-fitting shoes or barefoot when safe are best for growing babies and children.
Important Medical Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and does not replace individual medical advice. Every child’s feet develop differently, and footwear needs may vary based on age, activity level, and underlying conditions.
Parents and caregivers should:
Footwear alone does not diagnose, treat, or prevent medical conditions, but appropriate shoe choices can support healthy foot development when combined with normal activity and movement.
