.jpg?width=1200&width=1200&auto=webp&quality=75)
nearly months of rolling, sitting and crawling, all of a sudden your little one will be on their feet.
Although babies can wear shoes and slippers from birth, it’s not until they walk that shoes become a necessity rather than a cute accessory. So where to start?
You will need different types of shoes depending on what stage your child is in in their travels. If they’re not on the go, or maybe just on all fours, a slipper to keep their toes warm will be perfect. If they’re walking or “walking” – where they pull on anything and everything and walk while holding on – thin-soled pre-walker slippers are best. And then when they’re moving properly, you’ll need something a bit more substantial.
Complicated, right? Fortunately, there is expert advice.
What to look for when buying your baby’s first proper shoes
You are out of slippers and beyond pre-walkers. And now?
The National Childbirth Trust (better known as NCT) suggests parents look for these items when looking for a child’s first shoe:
- Soft soles to prevent tripping.
- Room for movement and growth.
- Breathable materials at all for cool and comfortable feet.
- Fully adjustable fasteners for long life.
- Padded ankles for support.
Which resellers should I contact?
Many high street retailers are well equipped to help and have experts on hand who can guide you through this daunting purchase. There is also a list of accredited retailers here.
What if I prefer to shop online?
With young children, shopping online can be easier. If so, you can buy your own foot measurement gauge so you know what size to put in your cart. John Lewis has a print at home option – but make sure your printer is set to 100% in order to have an accurate measurement.
Whether you’re buying your baby’s first pair of shoes, something while he’s trying to stand up or just a pair of cute slippers to keep his little toes warm while he’s still not mobile – here’s a list of shoes we tried and tested.
Frugi Briar knitted ankle boots
It’s a cute but not necessarily practical choice. The beautiful 100% organic cotton slippers have an elasticated top to keep them on your child’s feet and are super soft inside to keep toes toasty warm. Probably better for children who are not moving yet.
BLADE & PINK LEATHER SHOES
These little shoes are the result of a collaboration between leather baby shoe manufacturer Inch Blue and baby clothing brand Blade & Rose. These adorable shoes – which feature various fun designs ranging from mice and tractors to unicorns and lions – are ideal for pre-walkers as they fall somewhere between a shoe and bare feet.
Research suggests that bare feet or a thin sole are better for a child’s walking development because they can feel and grip the ground, which helps them develop a sense of balance.
Non-slip socks for indoor shoes FedMois
Another great option for the pre-walk phase, this option has a soft leather sole, which means your baby can feel the ground beneath them. The sock-like material around the foot is lightweight and breathable and makes them very easy to put on and take off. At a great price – £9.99 for four pairs – you can’t go wrong.
Start-Rite Pink Mouse Pre-Walk Shoes
Start-Rite are a go-to brand in the world of baby shoes – and they’ve teamed up with Jojo Maman Bebe to create these new Pink Mouse Pre Walker shoes. These are a step up from the slippers above and would work on walking children.
The shoes are made from super soft pink leather and have a breathable mesh lining, padded ankles and padded insoles to keep your little one’s feet comfortable and supported.
{{#hasItems}}
Price comparison
- {{ Merchant }} {{ price }} € Buy now
{{/hasItems}} {{#items}}
{{/items}} {{#hasItems}}
{{/hasItems}}
Roamer Cub Toddler Tan Suede
Prepare to feel nostalgic. Many adults remember a childhood trip to Clarks to shop for shoes and the high street store still offers expert in-store help like measuring and advice on what to buy – but these shoes for toddlers are a reliable choice.
The shoes have a soft rubber sole and ankle padding to keep your child’s foot comfortable and supported. There’s also a super easy to use hook-and-loop closure that makes life easier for parents.
Rachel Riley GIRLS DOUBLE STRAPS SANDALS
Perfect for summer, these stylish little sandals have a soft, non-slip rubber sole. The straps are soft leather with two corrosion resistant buckles to adjust as your child’s foot grows. A nice choice for more experienced walkers when the sun is shining.
ADIDAS STAN SMITH X LEGO® SHOES
Adidas’ Stan Smith is a classic sneaker – so why not invest in a pair for your baby right from the start? This particular pair is designed in collaboration between the sports brand and LEGO – featuring bold colors and brick-style detailing to the rear. They are made with at least 50% recycled materials and are therefore also environmentally friendly.
Vans slip-on v cradle white and pink
Another classic shoe – these Vans are great for any budding skaters or cool cats in general. The large loop at the back means they’re easy to put on and take off and the elastic around the ankle is firm enough to hold them on but not too tight to be uncomfortable. There’s also a velcro closure on the side, which means it’s easy to put them on. The sole is nice and thin too.
DR. MARTENS 1460 lace-up leather ankle boots
Dr Martens leather boots are a fashion and cultural classic. They are made from 100% leather and feature a padded insole for added comfort. Available for ages six months and up, we suggest sizing up for comfort and longevity. These aren’t the easiest shoes to get on your child’s feet – be aware there’s a bit of flair involved – although the side zipper does make life a bit easier.
Frugi Puddle Buster rubber boots
Do wellington boots count as first shoes? Well, your baby might need a pair before they walk to keep their feet dry when they’re in their pram in wet weather. They are essential when standing for wet, wintry days and for jumping in puddles. This Frugi pair is created from natural rubber, which means it’s PVC-free and can be purchased in several cute designs.
