Is your little explorer starting to cruise, climb, or even take his first steps? Invest in some quality kicks.
You may have heard that barefoot is best when it comes to babies – and this is indeed true. Young children should be barefoot most of the time as this helps their feet be stimulated by the ground and trains them to develop the right balance, posture and coordination.
However, baby shoes are still necessary to protect your child’s feet when they head outdoors. Their tiny feet also require extra protection from cold or rough surfaces indoors, as well as sharp objects on the ground.
So how do you find the perfect pair of baby shoes? Well, here are some features to look out for:
- Lightweight and flexible with no arch supports or stiff sides.
- Made of a breathable material like leather or fabric.
- A good fit. They should fit your baby and be comfortable with some wiggle room.
- Whether it’s Velcro, straps or laces, ensure that the shoe’s fastener is supporting your baby’s feet well, so they don’t have to struggle to keep them on.
- Easy to clean and doesn’t get out of shape after washing.
We’ve rounded up some of our favourite options to choose from, in all colours and designs!
Pediped Originals
PRICE From $69
FROM The Elly Store
WHAT Ideal for babies and tots learning to walk, Pediped’s Originals range is designed to mimic barefoot walking with its soft leather soles. The shoes are designed to resemble the natural shape of the foot, and are handstitched for added breathability. The shoes use Velcro fasteners so you can get the optimal fit. Available in both girl and boy designs, in 0- to 24-month sizes.
PARENTS SAY Mums we spoke to adored these shoes. The designs were adorable and there was a wide variety, from sandals to sneakers, to Mary Janes for the girls and boat shoes for the boys. They were soft, comfortable and easy to put on. Though at $69 and up a pair, this can be a bit pricey.
Stride Rite
PRICE From $40
FROM Amazon.sg
WHAT Designed for first-time walkers, these shoes feature an Ortholite memory foam footbed, and are seamlessly constructed to cradle the natural shape of your little one’s feet. There are rounded edges at the sole to prevent stumbles and falls.
PARENTS SAY In general, the Stride Rite range has less design variety than Pediped, focusing more on sneakers. However, parents rave that these are one of the best shoes for babies learning to walk, with a bendable sole and wide fit.
Little Blue Lamb Shoes
PRICE From $49.90
FROM Twolittlefeet.sg
WHAT Made of premium soft leather from Italy, these soft-soled shoes are perfect for your baby’s feet. Besides being lined with leather for breathability, they feature anti-skid outsoles for better grip and traction. Boys and girls designs available for sizes 0 to 24 months.
PARENTS SAY Similar in design to Pedipeds Originals but for almost half the price. Parents have also mentioned how the shoes are comfortable and of good quality, and are especially suited for kids that like running around outdoors.
Bobux Soft Soles
PRICE From USD18 (SGD25)
FROM Bobux.sg
WHAT Bobux’s Soft Soles range combines the breathability and flexibility of leather and suede to protect your bub’s feet. They also feature a non-slip grip, comfortable fit and pliable materials, so baby’s feet can develop naturally and not feel squished. We’re also impressed by the many adorable designs on offer, like animal prints and boats.
PARENTS SAY Extremely soft and comfortable for little ones.
See Kai Run Russell Sneaker
PRICE From $56.22
FROM Amazon.sg
WHAT These baby sneakers are built for play, with a flexible and lightweight outsole that’s non-marking and slip resistant. A wide opening also makes shoes easy for little ones and parents to put on, with a reverse strap providing extra adjustability to ensure an accurate fit.
PARENTS SAY These shoes are prefect for developing feet, with a true-to-size fit. However, one parent mentioned how the canvas tends to get dirty easily.
Goumiboots Bamboo & Organic Cotton Booties
PRICE From $16.50
FROM Pupsik Studio
WHAT These adorable booties are made of bamboo viscose and organic cotton, and are recommended for babies 0 to 12 months of age. The organic material used is suitable for bubs with sensitive skin too. There’s also a Velcro and elastic two-part closure, so the shoes won’t fall off baby's feet.
PARENTS SAY The booties are super soft. As advertised, they don’t slip off easily. The range of colours are great too.
Avenue Kids Classy White Collection
PRICE From $46.90
FROM Shopee
WHAT We’re loving the stylish designs in this collection by Avenue Kids, a boutique brand in Singapore specialising in footwear and apparel for babies and kids. Their Classy White Collection features flats and sneakers in numerous stylish variations. The flats for girls have especially cute and irresistible designs!
PARENTS SAY Shoes are easy for tots to put on, and the little ones seems to really love wearing them.
Mini Melissa Wide Sandal II Baby
PRICE $95
FROM Melissa.sg
WHAT You’re probably familiar with Melissa shoes, and their baby range is just as stylish and comfortable as their flats for women! We’re particularly loving the baby sandals, which come in fun and joyful colours that your bub will love. All Melissa shoes are also made with its own trademark material MELFLEX − a type of PVC that’s 100% recyclable, flexible and resistant.
PARENTS SAY Undeniably pricey for baby shoes, but comfortable and easy to clean.
Photos: Amazon Singapore, Bobux Singapore, Melissa Singapore, Pupsik Studio, Shopee, The Elly Store, Two Little Feet
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