What Shoes To Get Your New Walker

So you have a new walker…now what? I had so many questions before my daughter started walking and they only continued once she actually began walking. Hopefully this post can answer any questions you have before your child starts walking to help put your mind at ease.

First, I wondered when it was appropriate for her to begin walking. She had been cruising along furniture and using a walker since about 8 months old, but was showing no signs of walking. I read multiple places that it’s generally between 12 and 18 months that children start walking. I wasn’t worried that she was only cruising along furniture, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t compare her to other children, younger than her that were walking. Everyone kept telling us, once they start walking you’re going to wish they hadn’t learned to walk yet. I was totally fine only chasing her around while she was crawling. Not to mention, less bruises on her legs, that she now has since she’s learned to walk. The anxiety was REAL for me once she started walking because I was always worried she was going to fall and get seriously hurt.

She learned to walk between 13 and 14 months old and now I needed to figure out what shoes were appropriate for her. Our doctor said she doesn’t need to wear shoes until she’s walking and even then, only when she outside for safety. In the beginning, when I started putting shoes on her, she did not want to wear them. It’s definitely taken some time for her to get used to wearing them, but she will tolerate them for much longer than she did at the beginning.

I follow @milestones.and.motherhood for all things PT for young children. KC gives so much information on her instagram account and on her blog. I used her shoe guide to help me figure out what shoes to get for my new walker. She always shows on her instagram how you want a soft sole and bends the shoes to show you exactly what you’re looking for in a new walker shoe. I was between See Kai Run and Stride Rite for Mackenzie and ended up going with Stride Rite Soft Motion Rhett.

I went to an actual shoe store to have her foot measured because I was unsure what size she was, 3 or 4, medium or wide, so it was helpful to get her foot measured so I could get the right shoe! A friend had recommended to me going to a shoe store to get the correct size and that was such great advice!

Another option is Ten Little, which we also have a pair of their Everyday Original shoe. What I love about Ten Little is they have a print out so you can accurately measure your child’s foot before ordering a pair for your little one. Then, once you receive your new shoes, they have a measuring tool in their shoe box to measure your child’s foot again when you’re ready to order a new pair! They make it so easy to order the right size since all brands run so differently. We also got a pair of the Mary Janes and they are adorable! I’m looking forward to ordering Mackenzie a pair of their High Tops for Mackenzie for winter.

Overall, it can be very overwhelming to find the right shoe for your child’s foot. I definitely recommend going to a shoe store if you can so your child can get measured properly. If not, Zappos & Nordstrom are easy because they are free shipping and free returns. Target carry’s a stride rite line and they are easy to order from because you can do drive up but also free returns. And Ten Little us another great option because it’s easy to measure your child’s foot at home and order the correct size! Plus I love the look of their shoes. We’ve definitely been wearing our Ten Little’s more often and I find them easy to get on and off! I can’t speak from experience, but See Kai Run is also highly recommended when it comes to new walker shoes & I have friends that love them for their kids.

Hopefully this helps if you’re looking to get your new walker shoes!