First shoes?

[bilbobaggi]

DS has just turned 1, he's confident in standing and cruising and don't think it will be long before walking/ toddling. What shoes are best for first steps? I want something that's actually going to support his feet whilst also being soft and comfy, I'm not so worried about fashion. I'm a bit more freaked out about shoes than clothes, I don't want to mess him up for life or cause him discomfort! Budget under £20 is possible. Any help gratefully received!

I didn't buy shoes until my ds had been walking confidently (more than 10 steps or so without holding on) for a few weeks.

Best thing in their feet while learning to walk is nothing.

I then did the typical measured at clarks. First shoes were 30 iirc but have also picked up bargains in their sales

We bought DS his first shoes as he was starting to walk (as MagnumAddict says - actual first steps not just sofa-cruising). I bought most of his clothes 2nd hand/hand me downs but shoes have all been first-bought and from Clarks just because they are shown to have put the research and technology into their shoes designed for toddlers growing feet, you won't mess him up for life in them :-) But I get what your saying - I've seen lots of High Street fashion shoes I love but won't buy them for him yet as want the trust of Clarks support & suppleness.

Thank you both of you, good to know I don't need to put shoes on him yet. I see so many babies with shoes on and thought I was making a mistake! I'll wait until he's walking then take him to clarks. Thanks!

Clarks here too and also not until they are wanting to bother walking outside.

Both Ds and now dd had some soft 'pram' shoes to wear outside at nursery (as required) to stop socks getting dirty and bringing dirt in. Proper shoes once walking confidently for lengths of time.

My 1 year old is confidently walker round house but still no shoes as best thing is bare feet. Worst thing is supportive shoes

I'd look at barefoot shoes from happy little sole or somewhere like that

I won't be purchasing shoes for at least another few months as he needs to be able to walk a fair distance before he will really require them as he does walk outside

I used Stonz for outside (Happy Little Soles sell them) as they're soft but waterproof and protect their feet, and they stay in very firmly no mattter what the baby does!

Just so people know, Clark's have not, and do not, put technology or research into their children's shoes. I know a few people who work in head office. The only thing they offer is a selection of widths and a measuring service. Other than that their shoes are not special.

I agree with others, no need for shoes I they're walking outside.

Thanks everyone! I shan't bother for a bit then, I have some wellies lined up for the winter and I'll find some proper supportive shoes for then too as I imagine that's when he'll be walking properly. He has waterproof booties that go over his socks for nursery. I'll look at mic-one and happy dope too. Cheers

Don't buy shoes until he needs them as they grow so fast he may never get to wear them. I was told to get shoes 6 weeks after they have started walking confidently but they should also only wear them when necessary.

DD didn't start walking until the winter months, and the weather was so awful that she didn't get her first proper shoes until she was 19 months old and had been walking confidently for about 3 months.

She also had medical issues that meant taking her outside in bad weather was a bad idea.