Best Rubber First Walking Shoes for Baby Boys of 2026

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What shoes should babies wear when starting to walk?

Choose shoes with lightweight, flexible soles to aid walking development. Most brands have pre-walkers, which are super-soft and actually fine for the first few walking months (according to parents we speak to). Look for fully adjustable fastenings. Try to find shoes with padded ankles for protection and support.

2. When should babies start wearing hard soles?

Yee Wong, creator of SoftBaby organic baby clothing, says she advises clients not to rush the developmental process, but to wait until they have a skilled and confident walker on their hands before putting their baby in hard-soled shoes; which typically means waiting until she is at least 15 months of age or older.

3. Do babies starting to walk need shoes?

Your baby does not need shoes until they start walking, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. The only thing younger babies need on their feet are socks to keep them warm. Think about it like this: The purpose of shoes (other than to look cute, of course), is to protect the feet.

4. What age are first walkers for?

Each baby's development is unique and the age at which their walking skills develop can differ. Most toddler's first steps happen between the ages of 7 and 18 months. And after that, it can take a while for them to build the confidence to walk unassisted.