First Walker Shoes
What to look for :
- Sturdy and deep heel cup to provide ankle support
- Wide toe box to allow for natural toe splay to help with balance
- Flexible sole to allow intrinsic foot muscles to strengthen
The shoe pictured to the right is the Stride Rite “Soft Motion” Rhett Sneaker.
Shoes We Recommend:
Toddler Shoes
Once children outgrow their first pair of shoes (or they are walking as their primary mode of mobility) you can transition out of “first walkers” and into shoes that can provide more stability for impact activities like faster walking, and emerging skills in jumping.
What to look for :
- Sturdy and deep heel cup to provide ankle support
- Wide toe box to allow for natural toe splay
- Flexible sole to allow intrinsic foot muscles to strengthen
- Possibly a high top, if you notice reduced ankle stability or increased pronation (ankles tipping inward)
This is the New Balance 327 Bungee Lace.
Brands We Love:
Ten Little – options for high top, original, and sandals
New Balance – great options for wide shoes
See Kai Run – both their original brand and brand for Target have great options
Stride Rite – great options for sneakers, sandals, and boots
Does your child wear orthotics?
Tips: aim for a wider shoe and try not to go larger than 1 size up from your child’s shoe size without orthotics. Remove the shoes’ original foot inserts if more depth is needed!
The shoe pictured to the right is from Billy Footwear.
Here are some of our favorites!
See Kai Run – Dean Adaptive Sneaker
New Balance – Arishi V4 – comes in wide + X wide
New Balance 574 New-B – comes in wide + X wide
Billy Footwear – original brand and brand for Target have adaptive options
Looking for sandals?
Tips: A deep heel cup, secure ankle strap, and at least 1 secure strap over the mid foot will help provide increased stability for your child’s foot. Avoid crocs, flip flops and slide-on sandals if possible.
The shoe pictured to the right is the Terry Watershoes from Target.
