What kind of shoes and when?

Soft soled is best.

Don't use used shoes.. Doctors have said if you buy used baby shoes then your childs feet can form to the other childs and can potentially develop any problems the other child had. ( with their feet and walking, etc)

We use Preschoolians. They're pretty expensive (around $40), but the sole is clear so you can know for sure that they fit. Plus, they're super flexible and soft, and come in a nice variety -you can even design your own.

Since it's cold my son wears socks at home and shoes when we go out. But we barely let him practice walking outside so he's not used to walking in shoes. He walks best barefoot or in socks.

My daughter is on the verge of walking. She's cruising along furniture and we got Robeez. They are very soft.

My son hates shoes and pulls them off and will lose one (I think purposefully). He prefers to walk in just bare feet. It helps them gain balance and equilibrium that way too.