Organic Baby Shoes
Take the right step: Why organic baby shoes are a smart choice for little feet and why they can make a great baby gift.
When Should a Baby Start Wearing Shoes?
For the first year of life, experts agree that babies do not necessarily need real shoes. Instead, soft baby socks or booties are best for warmth and comfort. Until your little one starts crawling, baby shoes are more of a cute accessory for special occasions.
Once crawling begins, consider non-slip socks or crawling shoes made of soft, breathable organic materials like vegan leather. These protect your baby's feet while supporting natural movement. As soon as your baby starts taking confident steps, it’s time to introduce organic baby shoes or organic baby walking shoes designed for both support and protection outdoors.
Why Are Organic Baby Shoes the Better Choice?
Babies explore the world with their mouths, and yes, that includes their toes and even their shoes! If your baby is chewing on shoes made from materials that contain harmful chemicals, this could lead to serious health issues. That's why organic baby shoes are so important.
Organic shoes, especially those made from chrome-free leather or organic cotton, are free from toxic dyes, formaldehyde, and other hazardous substances. They are not only better for your baby’s health but also for the environment.
Soft, breathable, and flexible, organic baby shoes made from natural materials help protect your baby’s delicate feet while allowing them to move naturally. A lightweight design with fully flexible soles is essential, as baby foot bones are still forming and need space to grow and flex.
Why Organic Baby Shoes Make a Wonderful Baby Gift
Tiny shoes are a classic baby gift and organic baby shoes are both thoughtful and safe. A high-quality pair of organic booties can be kept as a keepsake, treasured long after they're outgrown. They’re also a cute addition to a baby time capsule.
But timing is key! Since babies don’t need structured shoes from birth, here are a few great gift ideas:
- Gift soft organic baby booties suitable from newborn to crawling age.
- Give a voucher for baby's first pair of walking shoes.
- Join the parents on their first shoe-shopping trip and gift a pair of organic baby walking shoes.
- Consider them as a unique and useful Christening or first birthday gift.
There's nothing quite so sweet as tiny little baby feet.
Why Baby Shoes Can Be Dangerous
Tests revealed hazardous substances in baby shoes!
Sadly, not all baby shoes are safe. According to the German consumer safety magazine Ökotest, many conventional baby leather shoes have tested positive for harmful substances like:
- Chromium VI – a known allergen and carcinogen
- Formaldehyde
- Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)
Oekotest is a German magazine that evaluates and ranks various consumer products for its effect on health & environment. A test in February 2011 by Oekotest revealed that out of 19 baby leather shoes and leather baby moccasins tested just one was rated "good".
Many of the baby leather booties and moccasins contained Chrome VI (Chromate), PAK and Formaldehydes which are known to trigger allergies and may even cause cancer.
Consequently, in 2011, C&A had to recall 15.000 leather baby booties since they contained Chrome VI.
Hazardous chemicals are a serious issue and unfortunately Chrome- VI in baby shoes still poses a problem. In the beginning of 2014, another 23 pairs of baby shoes and children shoes were examined in Germany. Out of these, 6 pairs exceeded the Chromate limit allowed by far. And only half of the products were totally free of Chromate VI.
Another Oekotest result was done and published in their April 2015 issue. In this study, 13 sneakers for toddlers and kindergarten kids were tested. Unfortunately the outcome of this test was equally shocking! In 2017 yet another test concluded that Chrome-VI in leather products still was a major issue.
Unfortunately, harmful substances cannot be seen, smelled, or detected by price. That’s why certified organic baby shoes from reputable brands are the safest choice.
Learn more about Chrome VI in leather shoes and leather goods.
Where to Buy Organic Baby Shoes: Trusted Brands
Here are a few organic baby shoes brands that are available in shops and at online dealers. They offer organic baby booties and moccasins and prioritize your baby’s health and comfort.
BOBUX
Bobux from New Zealand are a great choice when it comes to organic baby shoes made of quality leather. They are around since 1991 already? and by now available in over 18 countries all over the world. Bobux baby shoes are made from 100% eco-leather and with environmentally friendly non-toxic colors. Bobux shoes are Chrome-free and they are safe even if babies put them into their mouth.
Due to a unique elastic system, Bobux shoes slip on easily and off but at the same time stay on. And all Bobux slippers and shoes are even washable!
Kids of all ages love these breathable leather shoes because they are absolutely comfortable. Pediatricians, physical therapists and orthopedic surgeons recommend these soft shoes because they come very close to barefoot running.
For pre-walkers and first walkers Bobux offer the Bobux i-Walk Junior shoes with a special two-part split sole. They are extra soft and light as a feather, and are suitable for baby's first steps. A unique split sole provides flexible, slip-resistant protection for first walkers and cruisers. They are primarily for indoor use since the sole is not waterproof.
Bobux i-Walk children's shoes with soft flexible rubber soles are perfect for little walkers. The 100% eco leather uppers and 100% eco leather linings allow for maximum breathability of a kid's foot all season long. With the full sole the shoes may be worn in wet weather, too. By choosing i-Walk you give your kid’s feet the best start!
#ad Bobux Eco Shoes for babies and toddlers.
SAFINIO - 2021 Etsy Design Award Finalist
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Look at these cute leather booties for baby! They are not only cute but made of chrome-free and eco-friendly vegetable tanned leather, containing no harmful substances for baby whatsoever.
Check out handmade Safinio leather baby moccasins on Etsy by clicking on the photo. They offer lots of different designs both for girls and boys as well as unisex designs in various sizes even for toddlers and younger kids.
Made in Germany: Safinio are based in Germany and are shipping their handmade leather baby moccasins worldwide.
These strawberry design baby leather booties have been chosen for the 2021 Etsy Design Awards Finals!
By the way, there's more small businesses selling organic baby booties on Etsy. You can search for organic baby shoes and booties there and if in doubt, contact sellers to inquire about their products and manufacturing process.
POLOLO
Over 15 years in business: Pololo organic baby shoes, handmade non-skidding baby and toddler leather slippers that come in a great and super cute variety. Hand-made in Germany!
Pololo shoes are 100% ecological and made from ecologically-tanned (vegetably tanned) nappa leather. Besides ecology this company also places great importance on fair-trade and sustainability . Pololo shoes have been awarded several eco-friendly certificates and seals.
For details visit their very informative website which is available in English, too, at pololo.com.
As of today their online shop only ships within Europe with retailers in Australia, South Korea, China and Hong Kong.
NEW!!! Select Pololo baby shoes available on amazon.com!
BURT'S BEES UNISEX ORGANIC BOOTIES
Burt's Bees organic adjustable infant booties for pre-walkers: These cute booties are made to stay on baby's feet with 2 adjustment options. They are made of 100% cotton. They are machine washable which is very handy with baby booties. (#ad) Burt's Bees organic baby booties come in six colors and sizes 0-3 months, 3-6 and 6-9 months.
DAISY ROOTS
Daisy Roots are manufactured in UK. They offer great handmade soft soled leather baby and toddler shoes, made from genuine, Chrome-free tanned leather. Their range is for infants and toddlers aged up to 4 years old and they are sold in over twenty five countries worldwide. Shipping to the USA is available for 8 $.
Check out their website at daisy-roots.com.
ROBEEZ ECO COLLECTION
Robeez was found in Canada in 1994. The story is short and convincing: a mother handcrafted a pair of soft-soled leather shoes for her own son. Starting with only a few pairs of shoes from her home in Vancouver, BC, the company has grown and Robeez nowadays is known across the world. In September 2006, Robeez was acquired by Stride Rite Corporation.
Robeez Eco Collection is made of green materials only, that is naturally tanned suede, naturally tanned leather, 100% organic cotton canvas and water soluble inks. Their 1st Stepz Eco Collection has a sole made from 30% recycled rubber. Available sizes are up to 24 months.
ANNA & PAUL
Anna & Paul are a German company that manufacture organic baby shoes and crawling shoes made of high-quality natural leather, made in Portugal.
Their products are simple adorable. The leather they use is free from chromium, formaldehyde and azo dye. In the aforementioned Oekotest they were the only company whose shoes were rated "good"!
Anna & Paul have a wide choice of adorable leather slippers from 0 to 2 years. The slippers can be ordered via their online shop and are also available at exclusive dealers in Germany, Belgium, France, The Netherlands and Switzerland (see more details at annaundpaul.de).
Anna & Paul baby shoes have been featured in various magazines and they meanwhile offer worldwide shipping, at a very high rate, though. Also, so far their webpage is availabe in German only.
More cute (#ad) organic baby shoes and booties
Vegan Baby Shoes
Many parents now opt for vegan baby shoes made from non-animal materials like organic cotton, canvas, or faux leather. Just like with any shoes, make sure they're free of toxins, dyes, and irritants. Whether vegan or not, organic materials remain the healthiest option.
A Growing Trend Expert Advice: Let Baby Walk Barefoot When Possible
Dr. Carl Heinz Ullrich, Orthopedist and Sports Physician, recommends letting babies and children walk barefoot often to promote stronger muscles and better coordination. When shoes are needed, organic baby shoes with flexible soles are the best choice.
Choosing organic baby shoes isn't just a trendy parenting choice, it’s a smart, healthy investment in your baby’s comfort, development, and well-being. Whether you're shopping for your own child or giving a gift, organic materials ensure your gesture is safe, thoughtful, and long-lasting.
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