First shoes: when, what, and what to skip

There is enormous pressure to buy shoes the moment a baby pulls to stand. The boring truth: indoors, barefoot or grippy socks is best for as long as possible.

Pre-walkers Soft-soled booties exist to keep feet warm and socks on, not to support walking. Look for flexible soles you can bend in half.

First real shoes Once walking outside, you want a thin flexible sole, wide toe box, and a secure strap. If you cannot twist the shoe, it is too stiff. Buy in the afternoon when feet are biggest, leave a thumb's width of room, and expect to size up every three months.