How to Choose the Best Walking Shoes for Your Toddler

The moment you see your child takes its first unassisted step, you are overjoyed and cannot believe how big it has grown in such a short period of time. At the same time, you surely will feel tempted to rush and buy your son or daughter a pair of brand new shoes.

After all, it is the best way to celebrate that momentous happening. Still, what you should know is that the procedure of buying your baby its first walking shoes is a bit more complicated than you have actually hoped it would be.

How to choose the appropriate shoes for your toddler The procedure of purchasing a pair of shoes for a toddler who is just learning to walk involves loads of rules that are simply summarized as dos and don'ts. While it is really important that you buy your toddler a pair of outdoor shoes, it is also really important to remember that your little bundle of joy is most stabile when it is on its bare feet.

Walking barefoot enables the child's foot to be developed in a proper manner.

For that purpose, you can resist the temptation of buying him or her an indoor shoes and let it walk barefoot during the summer and with a pair of non-slippery socks during the winter, at least until it has gained a substantial walking mileage.
You need to narrow down your search to shoes that are easy to be put on and just as easy to be taken off. Buckles, Velcro as well as elastic straps are one of the best choices.

You may think that shoelaces look cute, however try to avoid purchasing shoes with laces, as they can be a challenge, especially if you are dealing with a non-cooperative and fussy toddler.

A good fit is of a vital importance The first thing you should remember when you buy your toddler its first shoes is that a good fit is of a vital importance. The shoes should not feel tight, and contrary to the popular belief, there has to be a room for feet to grow.
Also, do not forget about the width.

The best way to test this is to try on some pairs and see how your child walks in them. Your child should act as if it walks barefoot.
The most popular stores always have salespersons that are fully trained and know how to help the parents to find the perfect match.

This said, you shouldn't shy away from purchasing the shoes online. The vast majority of online stores have a knowledgeable customer support that will assist you in your quest for the best pair of shoes.
After all, if the shoes do not fit, you can return them and buy another pair.

Types of shoes you should avoid When it comes to your child's first shoes, you should never go cheap.

The first shoes your toddler wears will define its walking, and if you buy some cheap shoes, the chances are pretty big that your child will have walking difficulties at a later stage. Additionally, you shouldn't spend your whole pay on a pair of shoes that will only be worn for six months or less. Always think in terms of quality.

Never buy your toddler plastic shoes, as the plastic is unbreathable material that tends to make the foot perspire heavily, thus your child's feet may slide and cause blisters.

Lastly, always say no to hand me downs and second hand shoes, as every child will mold the shoes according to its feet anatomy, which usually means that the shoes won't be properly fitted for the feet of the shoes' inheritor.