D.M.
My son has EXTRA wide feet and we used Stride Rite stores, and we started using Pedipeds when he was about 9/10 months old and was cruising by holding onto furniture.
Around the house we always did bare feet, but when we'd go outside and walk around at the store or backyard or park we'd do shoes. My son's Podiatrist said that infants do well when soft shoes are introduced slowly and for short periods of time beginning around the cruising phase.
Check out their website for locations www.striderite.com...or if you feel like an adventure head up to the Camarillo Outlets. I love their staff and we make the trek from Valencia every 2-3 months for new shoes. Plus, there are a lot of other great stores for infants...Carter, Baby Gap.
Good Luck!