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First Shoes: Everything You Need to Know

22 February 2026

Your baby's first steps are among the happiest milestones of childhood. Naturally, the question of when to buy the first pair arises. Before rushing to the store, it is important to remember that shoes are only necessary once your child is walking independently, and needs protection from things like glass, hot or cold surfaces, or to prevent slipping on floors. Until then, walking barefoot is the best way to develop and strengthen the feet.

When the time is right, it is important to choose the most suitable shoes.

Some principles are important to maintain when selecting your baby's first pair of shoes: Choose a thin, flat, flexible and textured sole to prevent slipping, along with a completely flat footbed. The shoes must be made of soft and breathable materials; they should be lightweight, wide at the toes and narrower at the heel, featuring Velcro straps or laces. There is no need for high-top or orthopedic shoes, unless there is a specific problem.

Proper fitting: It is important to measure the shoes while your baby is standing up, with their toes straight. Leave a half-centimeter gap between the toes and the front of the shoe. The shoes should not be too tight or too loose.

It is normal if they resist: It is advisable to introduce the shoes gradually; let them wear the pair at home for several minutes and increase the time a little each day. The goal is to associate the shoes with a positive experience, ensuring the process feels enjoyable for the toddler.

Changing shoe size: Children grow rapidly and their feet can grow significantly within just two months. It is essential to monitor for signs of unsuitable shoes: persistent refusal to wear the shoes, changes in walking patterns or redness and pressure marks on the skin. If you suspect any issues with their walking or feet, consult a Tipat Halav (Family Care Center) nurse, a pediatrician, or an orthopedic specialist.

Many new parents look forward to the moment their toddler starts walking. However, alongside a great deal of excitement, there are numerous questions and concerns regarding walking and the right time to buy the first pair of shoes. So, how can you know when the time is right, and how do you choose the first pair? What should you do if your child resists wearing shoes? In the following article, we will try to answer these and other questions.

The right time for the first pair of shoes

When your child stands independently without help, and starts taking their first steps, it is time to think about buying the first pair of shoes. If the baby is still sitting in a stroller or has only just begun to stand, shoes are not yet necessary. Additionally, it is important to note that walking barefoot is recommended as it provides a wide range of sensory sensations and strengthens both feet and balance. Therefore, for toddlers who have just started walking and are indoors or in safe surroundings, walking barefoot is best. The need for shoes arises when the feet require protection from glass, stones, hot or cold surfaces, or to prevent slipping. Shoes are also advisable in cases of joint hypermobility or difficulty in acquiring standing and walking skills.

Choosing the right pair of shoes

When the time comes and you decide to buy the first pair of shoes for your child, there are several factors to consider ensuring healthy walking development:

The sole should be such that when holding the shoe, it bends easily at the front.

Why is this important? The foot contains muscles responsible for movement, balance and stability. Walking with a flexible, non-rigid sole enables foot mobility and strengthens  the muscles of the feet.

The sole must be completely flat, without a heel. It should also be textured or have good friction, to prevent slipping on surfaces.

Why is this important? Toddlers who start to walk need the right support to prevent falls and protect them from injuries.

Babies do not need shoes with special internal support. The footbed (the internal part of the shoe) must be completely flat, without indents or raised areas.

Why is this important? Most children develop and acquire typical standing and walking skills without these additions, which may interfere with the natural development of the feet and harm the baby's walking ability. In case of developmental difficulties, a child-development physical therapist or a pediatrician may recommend using medical footbeds or braces.

The shoe must be made of soft, breathable materials, such as soft leather or cloth.

Why is this important? To allow the foot to breathe and prevent the buildup of sweat or moisture.

Shoes must be as lightweight as possible.

Why is this important? The feet of children who have just started walking are not yet strong enough; therefore, a heavy shoe may cause fatigue.

The width of the shoe should match the width of the baby's feet – neither too narrow nor too wide. The shoe should be narrower at the heel area.

Why is this important? To allow the feet to remain free, while still ensuring stability.

Avoid buying high-top shoes, such as boots, for babies.

Why is this important? High-top shoes significantly restrict the movement of the ankle joint (the connection between the foot and the lower leg); therefore, it is highly important that the shoes are below the ankle and that the back of the shoe is firmer. The goal is to provide stability, while maintaining free movement.

The shoe should have Velcro straps or laces.

Why is this important? Velcro straps and laces provide a better fit for the feet. Flip-flops are not recommended because they cannot be fastened securely, which makes walking more difficult and increases the risk of falls.

Orthopedic shoes: There is no such thing

You have probably heard the term "orthopedic shoes", but it is important to know that there is no such thing. Most baby shoes are of good quality, and the brand does not matter as long as they meet the characteristics mentioned above.

Naturally, it is important to ensure that the shoes fit your child's feet. Some brands are better for narrow feet, while others fit wider feet better. It is important to measure and choose accordingly.

Regarding the use of footbeds, it is important to note that without genuine necessity, they can actually do more harm than good. If you have any concerns about your baby's feet or walking, it is advisable to consult a child-development physical therapist, a Tipat Halav (Family Care Center) nurse, a pediatrician, or an orthopedic specialist.

Fitting the shoes: Practical steps

It is recommended that your baby's first pair of shoes is new; do not let your child wear shoes previously worn by another child.

How do you measure baby shoes correctly? The measuring process is crucial; it is essential to measure the shoes while your baby is standing, not while sitting in the stroller. When your baby stands, the foot spreads and reaches its actual size.

During measurement, it is important to adhere to the following guidelines:

  • Ensure the toes are as straight as possible
  • Leave a half centimeter to one centimeter gap
  • The shoes should not be too tight or too loose
  • No difficulty in putting on shoes
  • Ensure the toes are as straight as possible (babies who are just beginning to stand and walk often tend to curl their toes).
  • It is important to leave a half centimeter to one centimeter gap, at the most, between the toes and the front of the shoe.
  • The shoes should not be too tight or too loose. A loose shoe leads to clumsy walking and may cause frequent falls.
  • If you find it difficult to put the shoes on your child, ask the store staff for help, but it is always important to check for yourself that the shoes fit correctly and provide a good grip on the foot.

"I don't want shoes!"

You have bought a nice new pair of shoes, but your child refuses to put them on. Resistance to new shoes may be frustrating. However, it is important to know that this is perfectly common and normal. Many toddlers need time to adjust to the sensation of wearing shoes. They are used to the freedom of being barefoot, and suddenly they are expected to have their feet enclosed in shoes, which can also limit their movement. Therefore, at the beginning, just as many children try to pull their socks off, they may also try to take off their shoes.

Here are some tips for gradual adjustment:

  • First steps at home: Let your child wear the shoes at home, in a safe environment, for short periods of time to help them get used to them.
  • Creating a positive experience: It is recommended to let your child play with the shoes to get familiar with them, as well as encourage play while they are wearing the shoes to create a positive association.
  • Make it short at the beginning: Introduce the shoes gradually. Start with only a few minutes a day, and then slowly increase the time as your child adjusts.

It is important to remember

It is important to remember

If your child's resistance is extreme, or if their walking pattern changes significantly, the shoes may not be a good fit. In such cases, it is advisable to consult a child-development physical therapist.

Signs of ill-fitting shoes

There are several signs that indicate that the shoes may not fit correctly:

  • Extreme resistance to wearing the shoes (after the initial adjustment phase).
  • Walking problems or significant changes in walking patterns. Pay attention to your child's stability and notice if they tend to fall.
  • Persistent crying may indicate that the child is in pain.
  • If the feet are red with signs of pressure after removing the shoes, the size may be too small.

Recommended frequency for replacing shoes

Children at this age grow rapidly, and their feet can increase by half a size in just two months. Typically, first shoes fit for approximately three months. In any case, it is essential to perform a shoe-fit check every 6 to 8 weeks:

  1. Place your hand on the toe area while the child is standing in their shoes.
  2. Press down gently to ensure there is a gap of approximately half a centimeter between the toes and the end of the shoe.
  3. If the gap has decreased, or if the child seems to be in pain, it is likely time to replace the shoes.

Special situations

If you suspect there is an issue with your child's walking, for instance, if they seem unsteady, are in pain or have recurring complaints, or if something simply does not feel right, it is advisable to consult a physician or an orthopedic specialist.

Maintenance and care tips

To keep the shoes in good condition, it is recommended to:

  • Clean them regularly with a damp cloth.
  • Maintain the shape of the shoe. When taking them off, place them neatly.
  • If your child has two pairs of shoes, it is advisable to alternate between them during the week.
  • Avoid handing down shoes between children. Each child has a unique foot structure and walking posture.

In summary, it is important to remember that the first pair of shoes is a small step in your child's development but a significant one. It is recommended to follow several simple guidelines when fitting new shoes, so your child's first steps are taken with confidence, the feet develop properly, and their walking becomes stable.