How To Pick The Perfect Pair of Shoes for Your Baby Boy

Shoes are an essential addition to any outfit for both adults and children. Finding the right balance between style, function, and versatility can be difficult for kids, but following a few simple ideas makes the task far less daunting. 

Whether it’s boys sandals for the hot summer months or rainboots for gloomy fall, there will always be a sensible choice to pick for your baby boy that will allow him to explore the world around while giving you peace of mind he is safe. 

Things to Remember

While it is important to find shoes that fit your child properly and securely, research has found that growing toddlers need to spend considerable time barefoot too. Most toddlers are flat-footed due to the bones and muscles still having to grow as they do. 

Spending time barefoot will encourage your little one’s balance, posture, and coordination. Therefore, having nothing on their feet is just as important as finding the perfect shoes. 

Grip

If your child is unsteady on their feet and needs extra support, the grip is vital to any shoes you buy. Most kid’s footwear has rubber soles that offer a lot of sturdy grip, regardless of the surface they are walking on. 

This will help extend the longevity of the shoes as well as offer easy cleaning and maintenance. 

Price 

It is no secret that kids grow very quickly; before you know it, shoes are too small. Keep this in mind when purchasing shoes. Find pairs that are very versatile but reasonably priced. Your child will grow out of them quicker than you want, but footwear that’s too cheap will likely not stand up to wear and tear it could face with a mobile toddler. 

Consider selling shoes that are too small as secondhand, and use that money strictly for buying new ones. This is an excellent way to budget while clothes shopping. 

Versatility

Children don’t necessarily perceive footwear the same way adults do. To them, it is not a source of style but rather a source of comfort and function. Because of this, buying two or three more neutral and versatile shoes will be a better choice moving forward.

Find shoes that will carry over into multiple seasons and are neutral enough in appearance to match most of your son’s wardrobe, especially as this too will change quite often. 

Sandals

As probably the most popular option for babies and toddlers, sandals are always the perfect place to start. They come in various styles, materials, and colors, meaning there will be an option to choose from regardless of the event. In addition, adjustable straps will help extend their use as you can accommodate your growing little one. 

A good rule of thumb with sandals is to get a neutral summer pair that can be worn in the park, at the beach, or generally when you are out and about. Finding options made from rubber or foam will keep them light and durable with effortless maintenance to keep them clean. Faux leather sandals are a great option if you are looking for more formal footwear that is still light and breezy.

Rainboots

When the rainy months arrive, purchasing a pair of rainboots will let your baby boy keep relatively dry while also having a blast playing in the puddles. Typically made entirely of rubber, a decent pair of rainboots can offer protection from rain and the cold. 

Fun, bright patterns are ideal if you are looking for a casual option to use strictly for playing in or having a day out in the gloomy weather, but opting for a darker, more neutral boot can double as a semi-formal option during the colder months. Ideally, the top of the boot will sit halfway up the calf or just below the knee. Additionally, bright colors and prints are easier to spot when visibility decreases due to bad weather. 

Velcro

Ditching lace-ups for velcro options is an excellent choice unless you are actively trying to teach your child how to tie their laces. Velcro allows you to adjust the shoe’s fit easily and reduces the effort needed to get them on and off. 

If your son spends a lot of time playing in the water, the velcro might lose its effectiveness at an increased rate due to constantly being wet. If this concerns you, find shoes that require no tying and simply slip on and off. But pay extra attention to the fit of these shoes. If they are too big or too small, you will not be able to adjust them as needed, affecting the comfort significantly. 

Formal

If your lifestyle incorporates many formal social occasions, purchasing a more formal pair of shoes is not a bad idea. In addition, buying in darker tones like brown and black will give you versatile options throughout the year. 

As mentioned before, leather or faux leather closed-toe sandals are suitable for warmer months, while winter boots with zips or laces will see you through the remaining year. To avoid repurchasing formal footwear too frequently, find options with stylish designs, solid soles, and adjustable elements.