Baby slippers and first steps - Style and comfort for the first months

baby's first steps shoes

There’s that specific day when your baby lets go of the couch and tries to take their very first steps on their own. It’s a delicate moment, and the choice of shoes matters just as much as the timing. At Smallable, our designers craft every pair of shoes first-step shoes to support the foot’s natural development, without ever compromising the beauty of the shoe. Soft leather, suede, nubuck, or velour, with flexible and lightweight soles: here’s a selection of shoes for babies, designed to support your little one—whether a girl or a boy—as they take their first steps.

Learn more about baby's first shoes

When should you put the first shoes on your baby?

There’s no one-size-fits-all age—just milestones. As long as your child is crawling or pulling themselves up by holding onto furniture, walking barefoot is still best for them: going barefoot helps build strength in their little feet, improve their balance, and gradually develop the arch of their foot. For newborns, there’s no need to put shoes on them: tights or a pair of organic cotton booties will keep their little feet warm.

As soon as your baby starts standing up—usually between 9 and 12 months—soft baby booties will protect their little feet from the cold without restricting their freedom of movement. It’s only when your child starts walking on their own—often between 12 and 18 months—that true first-step shoes become essential, especially outdoors.

Soft booties or shoes first-step shoes: what’s the difference?

Baby booties, made of soft leather, suede, or suede-like fabric, are designed for indoor use before a child has mastered walking. Their very thin sole allows the foot to feel the ground, which promotes balance. Easy to slip on thanks to their elastic ankle strap, soft leather booties—which are more like little slippers than actual shoes—accompany babies as they learn to walk.

The walking-learning shoe is designed for young walkers who are already moving around on their own. They remain flexible but are more durable: rubber outsole, reinforced toe caps to protect against impacts, a discreet heel counter at the back of the shoe to stabilize the heel, and a Velcro-style closure. Sneakers, sandals, and ankle boots all fall into this category of shoes walking shoes.

Which styles of baby shoes are best for each season?

In spring and summer, leather baby sandals—closed at the front to protect each toe—let the foot breathe. Avoid flip-flops, mules, or sandals that are too open, as they don’t provide enough support for the foot. Ballerina flats, loafers, and derbies—for both girls and boys—round out the wardrobe, along with low-top sneakers and canvas shoes. Each new spring collection features shades of beige, brown, or silver, as well as prints and sequins, for both girls and boys.

In winter, it’s time for ankle boots, knee-high boots, and fur-lined baby boots. A boot lined with faux fur keeps feet warm, and snow boots designed for toddlers feature a non-slip sole. Shoes low-top or shoes high-top, les deux shoes are suitable as long as the upper remains flexible and bends at the instep, whether it’s a lace-up sneaker or an ankle boot.

Key criteria for making the right choice

How do you choose the right shoes when toddlers start walking? Good shoes for first steps are first and foremost recognized by their soles: thin, very flexible, and sufficiently slip-resistant. A flexible sole should bend easily at the front. Be wary of stiff soles or high-top uppers designed to support the ankle: pediatricians, podiatrists, and osteopaths agree that they hinder a child’s proper motor development. Proper foot support comes from a lightweight heel counter and a snug fit that doesn’t constrict.

As for materials, shoes leather shoes minimize sweating: combined with a soft lining and an insole that conforms to the shape of the foot, breathable leather keeps little feet dry. Synthetic and faux leather should be reserved for occasional use.

A baby’s foot grows by leaps and bounds: measure it regularly, while standing and at the end of the day, to find the right size. Sizes vary depending on the fit of each model; before buying shoes, check for the correct size, and if in doubt, ask a shoe salesperson for advice. Two or three pairs of comfortable shoes are enough. Toddlers outgrow their shoes long before they’ve worn out their shoes.

Our Designers and Their Craftsmanship

At Smallable, first-step shoes are viewed as objects of craftsmanship. Our collection of shoes brings together some of the finest brands from shoes for children, ranging from major historic brands to more niche designers. Petit Nord works with soft, durable Scandinavian materials, creating timeless elegance. Pom d'Api, a historic leader in baby shoes, draws on expertise in children’s feet built up over several generations.

Full-grain leather, natural suede, breathable linings: all the shoes in our selection meet the same high standards. From soft leather baby booties to sneakers, our wide range of children’s shoes styles is available for girls and boys, from infant sizes to junior sizes, for baby girls and baby boys alike. And because Smallable has the whole family in mind, moms, dads, and grandparents will find a pair of shoes from brand to give to their children or granddaughters and grandsons.

FAQ

There’s no set age. As long as your child isn’t walking on their own, bare feet or non-slip socks are enough. A baby’s first steps are meaningful once they can walk on their own, which is usually between 12 and 18 months. Putting shoes on too early won’t help your baby take their first steps any faster.
These leather slippers are soft and easy to slip on, making them ideal for indoor use. The first-step shoes, which are more durable, are designed for children who are already walking on their own, especially outdoors.

Measure their foot while they are standing, at the end of the day, leaving a little space in front of the toes. Check their shoe size every les deux to three months, and always before buying them new shoes.
Soft leather, suede, and nubuck are still the best choices: they're breathable and mold to the shape of your foot. Avoid stiff synthetic materials.

In very young children, flat feet are usually normal: the arch develops over time. Should your child wear shoes orthopedic shoes? Rarely: there’s no need to have them wear corrective shoes without a doctor’s recommendation. If in doubt, consult a podiatrist.