10 Best Summer Shoes for First Walkers: Stay Cool & Supported
Not all baby sandals are built for first steps or for summer heat. Explore the 10 best sandals from First Walkers that deliver, and learn exactly what new walkers need to stay cool, stable, and supported, plus
Updated July 22, 2025
Your baby’s first steps are wobbly, wide-set, and full of effort. That’s because early walkers aren’t just small toddlers—they’re still developing arches, learning balance, and building strength with every step [1].
Now add heat, sweat, and unpredictable summer terrain to the mix, and the wrong summer shoes for babies can do more than cause discomfort. It can get in the way of healthy development.
The good news: the right shoes for learning to walk in summer support their movement, keep their feet cool, and help them walk confidently. Below, we'll walk you through exactly what to look for and which shoes do the job best.
» Looking for more protection? Check out the best sneakers for first walkers
Our Picks for the 10 Best Baby Sandals for New Walkers
Indie Ryan Sandals
Structured, breathable, and cushioned, this sandal supports long days of walking without overheating or tiring little legs.
Miki Angela Sandals
Open high-top design, air vents, and white leather make this the coolest pick for hot days and sweaty little feet.
Arianna Florets Sandals
Quick-drying leather and moisture vents make this perfect for splash pads, beach days, and water-loving toddlers.
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What to Look For in Summer Shoes for First Walkers
Flexible Soles
Look for flexible soles that bend at the ball of the foot—not the arch—to support natural movement and grip.
First walkers need to feel the ground to build balance and coordination [2]. Soles should bend at the ball of the foot, not the arch. In summer, they should also provide grip for grass, sand, and splash pads.
Breathable, Quick-Drying Materials
Materials like mesh, soft leather, or quick-dry fabric are key for breathable baby walking shoes that reduce overheating and moisture buildup. These materials help prevent blisters and rashes. They also dry fast after puddle stomping or sprinkler play.
» Find out why your baby's feet might be stinky and learn how to fix it
Adjustable, Secure Closures
Look for multiple Velcro straps or soft buckles. These help adjust for swelling, growth, and movement throughout the day. A secure fit keeps the shoe from slipping or tripping over a wobbly new walker.
Toe and Heel Protection
First walkers shuffle and stumble. Reinforced toes and heels protect against scrapes and hot sidewalks. This support also helps maintain proper foot alignment as they grow.
» Want your kid's feet to develop healthy? Try shoes for pigeon toes
Lightweight Design
Lightweight toddler shoes are easier on growing legs and help little ones move freely. Low-profile, featherlight soles simplify movement. They also help kids stay cool while transitioning between grass, sand, and pavement.
Fit Tip!
Shoes should have a thumb’s width of space at the toe and a snug heel fit. Check sizing every 6–8 weeks. Good summer shoes for first walkers should be easy to put on, hard to kick off, and built for everything from beach days to playground climbs.
» Find out if there's a correlation between knock knees and height
10 Best Summer Shoes for First Walkers
1
Indie Ryan Sandals
A durable build to survive multiple discovery expeditions.
View Size ChartType
High-top sandals
Material
Nubuck leather + leather
Sizes
18–30 (EU) | 2–11.5 (UK)
Key features & benefits for first walkers
- Three adjustable Velcro straps
- Extended ankle support
- Anti-bacterial insoles
- Shock-absorbent thermoplastic outsoles
- High built-in arch support
- Air valves for moisture reduction
- Thomas heel
Why it's great for summer
All-day play often leads to overheating and foot fatigue. The Indie Ryan solves both problems with breathable nubuck leather, moisture-reducing air valves, and shock-absorbing soles.
The triple Velcro design locks in a snug fit without trapping heat. It's best for early walkers who need structure for long play sessions.
2
Miki Angela Sandals
Open-toe high-top design for maximum breathability.
View Size ChartType
High-top sandals
Material
Leather
Sizes
18–30 (EU) | 2–11.5 (UK)
Key features & benefits for first walkers
- Three adjustable Velcro straps
- Extended ankle support
- Anti-bacterial insoles
- Shock-absorbent thermoplastic outsoles
- High built-in arch support
- Air valves for moisture reduction
- Thomas heel
Why it's great for summer
Hot, sweaty feet can ruin summer walks fast. Miki Angela uses heat-reflective white leather, airflow-maximizing vents, and a high-top cut that stays open and cool. Its antibacterial insole adds freshness. It's best for babies with sweaty feet or who are heat-sensitive.
3
Arianna Florets Sandals
Quick-drying leather perfect for splash pads.
View Size ChartType
High-top sandals
Material
Leather
Sizes
18–30 (EU) | 2–11.5 (UK)
Key features & benefits for first walkers
- Three adjustable Velcro straps
- Extended ankle support
- Anti-bacterial insoles
- Shock-absorbent thermoplastic outsoles
- High built-in arch support
- Air valves for moisture reduction
- Thomas heel
Why it's great for summer
Slips and stumbles are common when babies walk on uneven summer terrain. Jumpin' Zach offers a grippy sole and reinforced structure to help toddlers stay balanced. Breathable leather helps manage heat. It's best for explorers who need structure for rocky or grassy paths.
4
Jumpin' Zach Sandals
Grippy sole and reinforced support for uneven terrain.
View Size ChartType
High-top sandals
Material
Nubuck leather
Sizes
18–30 (EU) | 2–11.5 (UK)
Key features & benefits for first walkers
- Three adjustable Velcro straps
- Extended ankle support
- Anti-bacterial insoles
- Shock-absorbent thermoplastic outsoles
- High built-in arch support
- Air valves for moisture reduction
- Thomas heel
Why it's great for summer
Slips and stumbles are common when babies walk on uneven summer terrain. Jumpin' Zach summer sandals for new wakers offer a grippy sole and reinforced structure to help toddlers stay balanced.
Breathable leather helps manage heat. It's best for explorers who need structure for rocky or grassy paths.
5
Athletic Axl Sandals
Four Velcro straps keep wiggly toes in place.
View Size ChartType
High-top sandals
Material
Leather
Sizes
18–30 (EU) | 2–11.5 (UK)
Key features & benefits for first walkers
- Four adjustable Velcro straps
- Extended ankle support
- Anti-bacterial insoles
- Shock-absorbent thermoplastic outsoles
- High built-in arch support
- Air valves for moisture reduction
- Thomas heel
Why it's great for summer
Some toddlers treat shoes like toys, off one minute, gone the next. Athletic Axl's four Velcro straps create a firm hold without overheating the foot. Air vents in the sole help keep things dry. It's best for active toddlers who kick their shoes off easily.
6
Silvery Ellie Sandals
Cute, supportive, and summer-friendly.
View Size ChartType
Sandals
Material
Leather
Sizes
18–30 (EU) | 2–11.5 (UK)
Key features & benefits for first walkers
- Adjustable Velcro strap
- Anti-bacterial insoles
- Shock-absorbent thermoplastic outsoles
- High built-in arch support
- Air valves for moisture reduction
- Thomas heel
Why it's great for summer
Many stylish baby shoes don’t breathe or support well. Silvery Ellie does both, offering reflective leather to beat the heat and a flexible sole for comfort. It pairs style with real function. It's best for stylish girls who want a mix of cute and practical.
7
Alva Gigi Sandals
A wide toe box and four Velcro straps for extra room.
View Size ChartType
High-top sandals
Material
Leather
Sizes
18–30 (EU) | 2–11.5 (UK)
Key features & benefits for first walkers
- Adjustable Velcro closure
- Four Velcro straps
- Extended ankle support
- Anti-bacterial insoles
- Shock-absorbent thermoplastic outsoles
- High built-in arch support
- Air valves for moisture reduction
- Thomas heel
Why it's great for summer
Wide feet often get crammed into narrow sandals, causing discomfort and poor alignment. Alva Gigi offers a generous fit with four-point adjustment, breathable leather, and stable ankle support. It's best for babies with wide feet who still need structure.
8
Andy Blue Sandals
Tough and breathable, ideal for boys on an adventure.
View Size ChartType
Sandals
Material
Nubuck leather
Sizes
18–30 (EU) | 2–11.5 (UK)
Key features & benefits for first walkers
- Adjustable Velcro closure
- Two buckle straps
- Anti-bacterial insoles
- Shock-absorbent thermoplastic outsoles
- High built-in arch support
- Air valves for moisture reduction
- Thomas heel
Why it's great for summer
Rough play can destroy flimsy sandals fast. Andy Blue holds up to digging, running, and scrambling with durable leather, reinforced soles, and breathable comfort. It's best for adventurous boys who love to run, dig, and explore.
9
Dandy Dominic Sandals
Classic boys' color with a closed-toe design for extra protection.
View Size ChartType
Sandals
Material
Nubuck leather
Sizes
18–30 (EU) | 2–11.5 (UK)
Key features & benefits for first walkers
- Adjustable Velcro closure
- Anti-bacterial insoles
- Shock-absorbent thermoplastic outsoles
- High built-in arch support
- Air valves for moisture reduction
- Thomas heel
Why it's great for summer
Exposed toes get stubbed on pavement and playground edges. Dandy Dominic shields with a structured closed front, while still allowing airflow and dryness. It's best for babies who need extra protection during outdoor play.
10
Neptune Evelyn Sandals
Supportive and breathable unisex sandal.
View Size ChartType
High-top sandals
Material
Nubuck leather
Sizes
18–30 (EU) | 2–11.5 (UK)
Key features & benefits for first walkers
- Four adjustable Velcro straps
- Extended ankle support
- Anti-bacterial insoles
- Shock-absorbent thermoplastic outsoles
- High built-in arch support
- Air valves for moisture reduction
- Thomas heel
Why it's great for summer
Buying for a baby when you don’t know sizing or gender? Neptune Evelyn is roomy, breathable, and neutral—while still offering orthopedic support. It's best for gifting when you don't know the gender of the kid, or if you prefer minimalistic footwear.
Final Tips for Summer Shoe Shopping
Toddlers do sweat more on their feet during summer, which makes them prone to blisters, odor, and fungal infections. Shoes need to breathe, dry quickly, and fight bacteria.
- Watch out for thin mesh, EVA foam, or stiff synthetic uppers. These are often marketed as breathable but don’t offer enough support.
- Some even contain finishes that irritate baby skin—another reason to avoid common materials used in cheap baby shoes. Prioritize natural leather or engineered materials that balance softness with structure.
- Early walkers often grip the ground with their toes to stay balanced. If a sandal is too loose at the front or collapses at the midfoot, this gripping turns into strain. A secure toe strap and a supportive insole help prevent that.
- If you notice consistent toe-walking in sandals, double-check the shoe design. No heel support or floppy soles are often to blame. But if the habit continues in bare feet or all shoes, check in with a pediatrician.
📌 TL; DR: When your kid is learning to walk, you should choose shoes that let your baby feel the ground, stay cool, and move naturally, with just enough support for healthy foot development.
» Read our in-depth guide on buying orthopedic shoes for your kid
The Right Shoes Help First Steps Go Further
The first steps your child takes aren't just physical milestones. They’re the beginning of independence, coordination, and confidence. And in summer, when heat, sweat, and terrain add extra challenges, choosing the right shoe matters even more.
So what? Because uncomfortable, unsupportive shoes don't just slow your child down; they shape how they learn to move. With the right pair, you’re giving your baby more than protection. You’re giving them freedom to explore, fall, get up again, and keep going strong.
If you’re only getting one pair, make it the Indie Ryan Sandals. It has the best combination of breathable materials, orthopedic support, secure closures, and long-wear comfort. It’s structured enough to stabilize new walkers but soft and light enough for all-day summer play.
Support Their First Steps—All Day, All Summer
Wobbly steps and sweaty feet? Indie Ryan keeps new walkers cool, secure, and moving with confidence from park to bedtime.
Shop Now At First WalkersReferences:
- N. Gould, M. Moreland, R. Alvarez, S. Trevino, and J. Fenwick, “Development of the child’s arch,” Foot & Ankle, vol. 9, no. 5, pp. 241–245, Apr. 1989, doi: 10.1177/107110078900900506. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2731836/
- A. Zech, R. Venter, J. E. De Villiers, S. Sehner, K. Wegscheider, and K. Hollander, “Motor skills of children and adolescents are influenced by growing up barefoot or shod,” Frontiers in Pediatrics, vol. 6, Apr. 2018, doi: 10.3389/fped.2018.00115. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29922637/
Disclaimer: First Walkers' information is intended for educational and informational purposes related to toddler footwear and feet. We encourage you to consider individual circumstances and consult qualified orthopedists about specific conditions.
FAQs
Are Crocs good for first time walkers?
No, Crocs aren’t ideal for first-time walkers. They’re too loose, lack ankle support, and often have slippery soles, making them unsafe for early steps.
How do you break in new walking shoes?
Start with short wear times—10 to 15 minutes indoors. Gradually increase each day. Watch for red marks or slipping. Adjust straps for a snug, secure fit.
How should baby walking shoes fit?
They should fit snug at the heel, with about a thumb’s width of space at the toes. No slipping, pinching, or red marks after wear.
What surfaces are best for babies learning to walk?
Flat, firm, and non-slippery surfaces like hardwood, tile, or short carpet are best. Uneven or soft ground can throw off balance early on.
