No, babies don’t need shoes to help their feet develop or to help them stand or walk. Teeny high-tops and Mary Janes are adorable, but they’re more of a hindrance than a help when it comes to practicing walking skills. … If it’s warm enough, walking barefoot indoors — or even outdoors, on safe surfaces — can be fun.

Are baby shoes necessary?

No, babies don’t need shoes to help their feet develop or to help them stand or walk. Teeny high-tops and Mary Janes are adorable, but they’re more of a hindrance than a help when it comes to practicing walking skills. … If it’s warm enough, walking barefoot indoors — or even outdoors, on safe surfaces — can be fun.

Is it bad for babies to walk without shoes?

Walking barefoot can help develop muscles and ligaments in the foot, and strengthen the foot’s arch. When toddlers walk barefoot, it also helps improve their proprioception (their awareness of their position in relation to the space around them), which is extremely beneficial for their motor development.