When should my son get his first shoes?

[Paschaelina]

Ok, I know it's a bit dull but icant seem to find a definitive answer.

He's just turned one, has been walking for 2 weeks and can now get across the room without falling, still wobbly though.

I know about leaving it a bit and not wearing shoes indoors but it's getting towards autumn and he needs something more than socks outside.

He has cheapy cruiser things, will they be enough? And until what point?

If he's walking get some soft soled shoes. Once he's grown out of them he'll be ready for proper shoes.

LITR that site is brilliant! I can forsee hours of fun shoe-shopping and not feeling guilty (well maybe a little bit at some of the prices)

Tryingtoleave that's exactly what I am going to do.

Hmm the Christmas puddings or robins? Choices, choices... And the monkeys and spiders and the sheepskin cwtches are very cute and and and...

My littlest DD got her first shoes today from a local shop who do Startright. They're the kind they call pre-walkers, which are softer than actual shoes with a reinforced toe because she doesn't walk exclusively, she still crawls too, in about equal measure.

I would highly recommend the shop I went to, but unless you're in North Cornwall that wont help (PM me if you are). I agree to put if off if you can but when you do decide it's time for proper shoes do go for softer rather than stiffer and do go to a reputable fitter like Clarks or Startright.

As a children's shoe fitter (well, I used to be!), we'd always say that children didn't need 'proper' shoes until they can walk confidently, without assistance. As a rough guide, that would usually be at least 20 or so steps before stumbling.
Some people like to buy cruising/pre-walking shoes, which have the soft, flexible soles and extra protection at the toes, for when little ones are just starting to walk, but they aren't essential.