Choosing Your Baby’s First Walking Shoes: A Mum’s Guide to Happy Steps

It feels like just yesterday my little one was crawling around the house, but before I knew it, those tentative first steps had come, and now we are heading to school next year. It’s such a mix of pride, excitement, and a slight panic when you realise you must find their first proper shoes!

When my child started walking outdoors, I quickly learned there’s more to choosing their first shoes than picking the cutest pair. It’s about comfort, support, and the best possible start of those growing feet.

I was thrilled to collaborate with Start-Rite Shoes and try out their AW24 collection. Let me share everything I’ve learned about choosing first walking shoes and why Start-Rite’s latest range is perfect for little explorers. So you don’t make the costly mistakes I made the first time.

When Do You Really Need to Buy Baby’s First Shoes?

I’ll admit, I was tempted to rush out and buy shoes the second my baby started pulling up to stand. But I learned that barefoot is best indoors—it helps strengthen their muscles and improve balance.

The right time to buy shoes is when they’re confidently walking outdoors. Pavements, grass, and gravel all require proper protection, so once those adventures begin, it’s time to invest in a good pair.

How I Knew My Baby Was Ready for Shoes

They were steady on their feet outdoors.
They wanted to explore every nook and cranny in the garden.
Socks just weren’t cutting it on rougher surfaces!

Why I Love Start-Rite’s AW24 Collection

Finding the right pair of shoes felt daunting at first, but Start-Rite made it so easy. Their AW24 collection is everything a mum could want—adorable designs, incredible quality, and thoughtful features that really support little feet.

What Makes the AW24 Collection So Special?

Comfort for All-Day Play
- Padded ankles and cushioned insoles meant my child was happy wearing them from morning walks to afternoon garden adventures.
Flexible Soles for Growing Feet
- The lightweight, flexible soles allowed them to move naturally, making those first wobbly steps feel more confident.
Stylish Options
- The collection has something for every personality, from classic leather designs to playful patterns. (I love a cute design that still matches every outfit or a statement pair of shoes!)
Eco-Friendly Choices
- As a mum trying to make more sustainable choices, I was thrilled to see Start-Rite’s eco-conscious options.

My Personal Favourites from AW24

Fairy Tale

Blue Leather Girls Rip-Tape First Walking Shoes
£45.00

Let your little one take magical steps with the Fairy Tale first walking shoes. Crafted from soft blue leather, these shoes are adorned with charming flower and diamante appliqués that add a touch of sparkle to every step.

Designed with growing feet in mind, the flexible sole supports natural movement, while the padded ankle collar and heel bumpers provide extra protection during adventures big and small. The rip-tape fastening makes getting them on and off a breeze, and the breathable leather and textile linings keep little feet fresh and comfortable all day long. With a removable insole for a custom fit, these shoes are as practical as they are enchanting—perfect for every occasion! Buy Fairytale

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Dino Foot

Khaki Leather / Orange Nubuck Dino Rip-Tape First Walking Shoes
£45.00

Make every adventure roar-some with the Dino Foot first walking shoes! These khaki and orange dino-inspired shoes are perfect for little explorers who are always on the move. With a playful dinosaur motif on the strap and tiny dino footprints on the heel, these shoes spark imaginations while keeping feet secure and comfy.

Built for active toddlers, the grippy sole provides excellent traction for all kinds of adventures, while the toe and heel bumpers offer extra protection for those inevitable bumps along the way. The rip-tape fastening is easy for little hands to manage, and the breathable leather linings keep feet cool and fresh all day long. With a padded ankle collar and removable insole, these shoes are designed for all-day comfort and support—perfect for little ones finding their stride! Buy Dino Now

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Wonderland

Rose Pink Glitter Patent Girls Zip-Up Boots
£45.00

Add a little sparkle to your little one’s step with the Wonderland boots—perfect for brightening up even the gloomiest days. These gorgeous rose-pink glitter boots come with a sweet bow detail stitched onto an elastic panel, featuring Start-Rite’s signature floral print for an extra touch of charm.

These Chelsea-style boots aren’t just adorable—they’re practical too! The flexible sole is designed to move naturally with little feet, while added toe and heel protection ensures they’ll stand up to all their adventures. With a zip-up design for easy on and off and a removable insole for a comfy fit, these boots are as functional as they are fun. Buy Wonderland

Avenue

Tan Leather Kids Zip-Up First Boots
£46.00

Classic and timeless, the Avenue boots are the perfect go-to for little feet this autumn and winter. Made from premium super-soft tan leather, these Chelsea-style boots combine style, durability, and comfort to keep up with all your child’s adventures.

Designed for all-day wear, the breathable leather linings keep feet fresh, while the lightweight and flexible soles support natural movement. The zip fastening makes getting ready a breeze—perfect for little ones eager to get out the door on their own. Versatile and effortlessly stylish, these boots are a great fit for every occasion, from playground fun to family outings. Buy Avenue

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What to Look for in First Walking Shoes

I learned a lot about baby shoes while shopping for that first pair. Here’s what really matters:

1. A Good Fit

Start-Rite makes this easy with their size guides, but I also checked there was a thumb’s width between their toes and the shoe’s edge.
No red marks after wearing them = a win for me!

2. Flexibility and Lightweight Design

Their little feet are still developing, so shoes need to bend and move with them. Start-Rite’s flexible soles felt like an extension of barefoot walking.

3. Breathability

Toddlers can be surprisingly active, so breathable materials like leather or mesh are a must to avoid sweaty little feet.

4. Non-Slip Soles

With my adventurous little one, I needed shoes with great grip. Start-Rite nailed this with their durable, non-slip soles.

Measuring Feet Made Easy

I’ll admit, I was nervous about getting the sizing wrong. Luckily, Start-Rite offers a free foot-measuring guide that saved me a trip to the shop.

How I Measured My Baby’s Feet at Home

Placed their foot on a piece of paper and traced it while they giggled.
Measured the length from heel to toe and the width across the widest part.
Matched the measurements to Start-Rite’s size chart.

Pro tip: Do this when they’re in a good mood, not right before nap time (lesson learned!).

Why Regular Shoe Checks Are Important

Babies grow fast—we’re talking two sizes a year! I now check the fit of their shoes every couple of months to make sure they’re still comfy. It’s a small step that keeps their feet happy and healthy.

Final Thoughts from One Mum to Another

Choosing your baby’s first shoes is such a special milestone, and Start-Rite’s AW24 collection made the process so much easier for me. From the perfect fit to eco-friendly options, they’ve thought of everything to support growing feet.

Ready to Shop?

Explore the Start-Rite AW24 collection here. Trust me, you’ll find something that checks every box—and then some!

What size shoes do 1 year olds wear?

Choosing Your Baby’s First Walking Shoes