Why I Don’t Recommend Boots for Babies and Early Walkers

Every fall, parents rush in to buy tiny boots for their babies. It's the season to start shopping for winter gear for your kids. They look adorable on the shelf — but in real life? They’re heavy, clunky, and constantly falling off. For little ones under 2 years old, boots aren’t just impractical… they can actually get in the way of healthy foot development.

Let's talk about why your early walker, or non walker doesn't need a winter boot. This is probably even more important for daycares that keep insisting on boots for baby's when they just are miserable contraptions. Surely we can find some common ground here and tackle both warm feet and healthy feet while meeting safety standards. 

Instead, I recommend boot bags (also called soft-soled winter boots). In previous years, we carried one product but now you can get more than the Stonz Booties. Now we have soft soled winter boots from Reima, Jan & Jul and more! The winter boot for baby space has competition. 

We've talked this topic before - but now that I've been in business for a few years and chatting with customers regularly - here's what I really feel.

The Problem with Boots

Boots work for us, but not for babies. In general one of th emost common reasons parents come to the boutique is because they can't find a boot small enough, or a boot that fits. That's probably because your baby doesn't need a boot and isn't ready fo ra boot. 

Here’s what usually happens when you try them on tiny feet:

• They fall off. No matter how tight you strap them, structured boots don’t stay put on squirmy feet.
  

• They’re too stiff. Babies need to feel the ground to balance and develop strength --- rigid soles take that away.
  

• They’re heavy. Extra weight makes walking awkward, especially when your child is just finding their balance.
  

Pediatric experts agree: babies and toddlers need as much barefoot or soft-sole time as possible. Stiff shoes and boots restrict movement and reduce the sensory feedback little feet need to grow strong. 

Somewhere along the way we got it in our heads babies need shoes to learn to walk - they don't. Don't rush them into shoes. 

What Baby Feet Actually Need

For the first couple of years, your baby’s feet are still forming arches, muscles, and balance. That means their footwear should be:

• Flexible so toes can grip and spread.
  

• Lightweight so steps aren’t forced or awkward.
  

• Soft-soled to mimic barefoot walking while protecting from the cold.
  

This is where a soft soled slipper or winter styled bag and other foot wear designed for early walkers for feet falls into place. It gets all this done while also tackling the rapid change yoru kids feet will do. There's so much growth happening during these days.

When Boots Do Make Sense

So when should you buy real boots?

• Strong, confident walkers who spend most of their time outside on their own two feet.
  

• Typically 18–24 months and older. Which is why I've started buying fewer small sizes when ordering boots and been focusing on the bigger sizes, including Junior. Yes, we have winter boots of all sizes now.
  

• For kids running through slush, puddles, and playgrounds where a soft sole shoe doesn’t cut it anymore. The biggest weakness of a soft soled winter boot is that it's generally just water resistant and not water proof. One of the biggest ways to tackle this is being okay with this - for the most part they only need waterproof during the wet warm days.
  

👉 If you’re just going car seat → stroller → store, a boot bag or slipper is more than enough.

Why Boot Bags Work

Boot bags (like the ones from Reima, Stonz, and Jan & Jul) are designed for babies and toddlers who don’t need structured boots yet.

• Stay put. Adjustable toggles or elastic cuffs keep them on — no more lost boots.
  

• Fit every stage. Chubby baby toes, crawling, or early walking — they adapt.
  

• Winter ready. Warm linings, weather-resistant materials, and grippy soles mean cozy feet without bulk.
  

Parent friendly. Easy on/off, car seat safe, babywearing approved.

Don’t Forget: Feet Grow Fast

Another reason boots don’t make sense early on? Babies and toddlers grow out of shoes every 2–3 months.

• Under 2 years: expect a new size every season.
  
  

• Ages 2–3: about 2–3 sizes per year.
  
  

With an soft soled winter boot or slipper you need a less perfect fit - the imperfection gives room for flexibility in foot growth. Instead of trying to balance falling over and growth, we can just focus on warmth and comfort. 

Your baby doesn’t need boots at 6 months; or even at 12 months. Until they’re steady walkers who spend their days outside, stick with boot bags or soft-soled shoes.

Explore our collection of soft soled winter boots from Reima, and/or booties and slippers from Jan & Jul — the winter-friendly, soft-sole solution babies really need. Or shop booties and slippers second hand for new and different soft soled products froms brands from big and small shops around the world. 

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Q: When should babies start wearing boots?
A: Usually around 18–24 months, once they’re confident walkers outdoors.

Q: Are boots bad for babies?
A: They’re too heavy and stiff for early walkers. Soft soles support natural foot development.

Q: What can I use instead of baby boots?
A: Boot bags or soft-soled winter booties from brands like Stonz, Reima, and Jan & Jul.

Q: How fast do toddler feet grow?
A: Under 2 years, about every 2–3 months. After 2, about 2–3 sizes per year.