Shoes for toddler who isn’t walking yet?

[orangetop34]

Is it okay to put my 14 month old in shoes when we go out, even though he isn’t walking yet and is only crawling? Or is it best for the growth of his feet to stick to socks/bare feet?

If he can wear shoes at this stage, will he need to be properly measured in a shop or can I just buy online? Thanks!

I’d stick to bare feet for as long as possible. Then I’d go to an independent if possible who stocks barefoot friendly shoes. Such as Vivo. Or Bobux or Petisal or Ricosta.

I never bothered until she was walking. Shoes would have just been another layer of faff when getting ready to go out!

If he isn’t walking then why does he need shoes?

Ex clarks employee/slave here. If he's joy walking then don't put anything on unless its really cold. At that age there feet need to be free. If you do get something then don't bother with expensive (clarks) shoes. They used to be better, now no better than any other brand. Pop into a department store and just try some on, you'll be able to figure out what sort of size he needs, which is not really that important if he's not putting much pressure on his feet.

Sorry, not walking

When we went to baby classes I was surprised how many of them were wearing shoes, even before crawling age, let alone walking. I guess it was more for aesthetics than practicality. DD was always just in socks!

Nope. More items to faff around with and losing socks as they whip them off isn't much of a biggie compared to losing an unrequired shoe.

Mine used to wear little slipper like things from Dotty Fish, which were enough to keep toes warm and dry, provide a bit of extra grip on wooden floors and come in lots of cute designs, but don’t restrict the feet in any way.

Mine used to wear Dotty Fish type shoes, just for nursery and when we went outside in public. They're super cute, I wish you could buy the designs in proper shoes!

Mostly barefoot though.

If he isn’t walking then why does he need shoes?

I’m just thinking of when it gets colder really - when he’s standing up, I don’t want him to get cold and wet feet if we’re out in the park!

The Dotty Fish options look good, thanks!

Start rite have pre-Walker shoes I think. But expensive!

I think my dc just wore socks. Or ridiculous bunny bootees awwwww

I’m just a little concerned about constricting his feet too much, but the Dotty Fish ones look like they don’t do that?

Another fan of the dotty fish type! My DD didn't walk until 16months and then hated wearing shoes but nursery rule was to have shoes on when outside. These did the job nicely.

They don't constrict at all. They are more like a soft slipper.

I agree, the soft dotty fish type slipper for now . When he's been walking confidently for a few weeks, get him fitted for proper shoes. There's no rush, and no need for "pre walkers" etc.

Thanks! With Dotty Fish, can you just measure the feet at home and order online?

I used insulated waterproof booties on my babies when it got colder and wetter, until they were walking properly, they were like mittens for the feet and kept their toes nice and warm and they could stand up and cruise ok in them.

They come in sizes like 6-12m or 12-18, 18-24 etc

DS had to have shoes at nursery for going outdoors in autumn/winter - we got him Start Rite cruising shoes that are soft without a stuff sole, they were great. Obviously he didn't wear them indoors.

Thanks all, most helpful