How Should Baby Shoes Fit?

Babies should not have to “break in” their shoes. After they’ve worn the walking shoes around the store for a while, take the shoes off and check baby’s feet for irritation. If the shoes rub or seem to make walking more difficult, find another pair.

You should be able to put a pencil or your pinky finger in between the heel of the shoe and the baby’s foot, and there should be a half- to a quarter-inch (thumb-width) between baby’s toes and the end of the shoe.