First steps
First Shoes: Soft Soles, Sizes and When to Go Barefoot
What the AAP says about shoes in the first years, how to check the fit each month, and how Owlowla soft-soled sizes line up with age.
Published 19 September 2026 ยท Prices updated 19 September 2026
This guide is general information, not medical advice. Your pediatrician knows your baby, so ask them about anything specific.
Soft leather shoes are one of the most popular baby gifts we see, and one of the most misunderstood. Before we talk sizes, here is what pediatricians say about shoes in the first place.
In the early months, babies' feet develop best if they're not confined in shoes; socks are all that's needed to keep their feet warm; however, once children start walking outdoors, they need shoes for protection.
What soft soles are for
Our shoes sit between a sock and a shoe. The suede sole bends in half and grips a smooth floor, and the elastic ankle keeps them on a kicking foot. They are for crawling, pulling up and first steps indoors.
Once walking moves outside onto pavement and playgrounds, a toddler needs a shoe with a firmer, nonskid sole. That is not what these are.
Sizes by age
Every Owlowla style comes in four sizes. The ages are a starting point, and the table shows which styles run in each.
| Age on the box | Embroidered Leather Crib Shoes | Soft Sole Leather Baby Shoes | Leather Baby Moccasins |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 to 6 months | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 6 to 12 months | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 12 to 18 months | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 18 to 24 months | Yes | Yes | Yes |
From the size list of each style, updated 19 September 2026. The age is a guide: measure the foot.
Checking the fit
Feet grow fast in the first two years, so the fit needs a look about once a month. The AAP's test is a finger's width between the top of the big toe and the inside of the shoe.
It's better to have no shoes at all than shoes that are too tight.
Care
Leather does not go in the washing machine. Wipe the shoes with a damp cloth and a little mild detergent, and let them air dry.
