It depends, does your child walk yet?  I look for shoes that have soft leather soles.  The kind that bend easily so that my daughter can still feel the floor.

I have bought her several Nike brand shoes and even boots, but I think that's why she hasn't taken off walking yet... because she can't feel the floor. Whenever I have her barefoot she is more inclined to stand up and take a few steps.  She can stand up on the bed or in her crib no problem, it's just the walking on her own that she is afraid of. I think it's my fault because I put "cute" shoes on vs. practical shoes. :(

I was just about to post this same question. My MIL insists that our 13 month old needs to be fitted for special shoes to learn to walk. I let him go barefoot and he is just starting to walk. I have only had him in socks up to this point, no shoes. He pulls himself up, holds on to the couch or coffee tables and walks around it just fine. He does get up on his tippy toes, which drivers my MIL crazy. She says that he won't walk correctly learning to walk on his tippy toes. Any opinions on walking shoes?

Laura

I know what you mean about expensive shoes!... I am not a fan about paying tons of money for shoes.. especially since I have three kids!.. However Stride Rite is having a SALE right now!.... 20% off .. It started yesterday.. Sunday!  ... They really do have great shoes for kids.  They know how to fit your child will not sell you shoes that are too small or too big. 

I was able to bought my two kids two pairs each for what I usually pay for one pair of shoes... they had several shoes that were discounted ... plus an additional 20% off at the register! 

GO.. GO... GO...   They don't normally have sales like this... also they have an email thing you can sign up for that will email you when they have these sales so you won't have to get emails like this from me.... LOL...

That is just my advice!  ...

I second Stride Rite. They are the best shoes for kids and babies. Lightweight,  flexible and cute.

When they have sales GO, but also I have found Stride Rites at Nordstrom Rack for half the price. The only downside is that you don't get the personal fitting like you do in an actual Stride Rite store.

Jessica

Ladies w/new walkers please please know that many many many studies say that the best thing for new walkers (until age 2) is to go barefoot.  I know that there is a need for shoes and more of a rubber bottom outside so make sure you get super flexible shoes.

Here are my faves: Pedipeds (www.pedipeds.com) and Shooshoos (www.shooshoosusa.com).  Both have soft soled and shoes w/a little more rubber on the bottom, but are extremely flexible.  There is also a great brand called Riley Roos (www.rileyroos.com).  I agree Stride Right can have some great choices, but please make sure to get the 1st walker very flexible shoes.  You can find these brands all over the web on sale etc.  Just do a google search.

To the poster about fitting for shoes, that is absolutely not needed.  This was the custom 20-30 years ago, but is not needed unless your child has extreme issues w/their feet.

Candice: Juggling WOHM to J 6/04, E 12/05, A  2/09 & our furst Sascha the cutest dog ever

writer/owner: www.fashionablyorganized.com

Thanks cbk4145

 We got my daughter's 1st pair of real shoes at Harry Harris Shoes in Encino.  They are great, and they take a polaroid of your kid wearing their new shoes &  give the child a huge awesome balloon that will last months.  They do custom fittings & send you post card to remind you when you have to bring the kids in for a fitting (check to see if those shoes are still a good fit) for free.  They have great costumer service and awesome when you don't know much about kids shoes.  Being a 1st time parent they educated about shoes & what children need at different stages.  Shoes are pricey at times, but they have great selection, a lot of European styles and most of all they give you the knowledge you need to buy shoes elsewhere. 

Harry Harris Shoes

16744 Ventura Blvd, [at Balboa Blvd]
Encino, CA 91436
Parking: street parking

Phone: (818) 981-2641

Hours: M-Sa 10-6, 1st Su of month 11-4