Shoes vs pre walkers

[Thesebootsweremadeforwalking1]

In March my son took his first steps so I popped to Clark’s, got him measured and came home with a couple pairs of pre walkers. One for home and one for nursery.

I returned to Clark’s to get him measured and the lady was appalled he’s spent the last four months walking around in pre walkers. She said they are for kids before they walk - it’s in the name I know but now I am wondering what’s the point of them if they can literally only wear them for that week whilst they get their balance?

Anyway I told her we will be back and haven’t bought him more shoes since the ones he has are generally ok other than being dirty.

Does he need new shoes? He’s 13 months old for context and walks fine as far as I can tell (other than in the wrong direction …)

At that age I didn't put anything on my children feet and when they did want to go outside and need protection I used shoes minimally. 'Pre walking' shoes is an absolute gimmick to make you spend money when all shoes actually do is restrict the very soft bones in a child's foot for growing. If they need shoes make sure they are measured and fitted correctly and use them the minimal amount of time.

• When I say shoes for home I mean keeping at home but wearing them going out to the park or the corner shop. When he’s at home he’s just barefoot - especially now the weather is better he can even be barefoot on the grass.

I have no idea but maybe look for an independent seller nearby rather than Clarks - I think they're far more knowledgeable than Clarks staff and have a range of brands (albeit usually quite expensive, unfortunately).

Thanks both, looks like the answer is that we are off to the expensive shoe shop (one instantly came to mind) to get him some new shoes.

My little girl is 17 months and is in pre walkers. She’s been confidently walking for 3 months now but I’ll buy her pre walkers again when she needs the next size. I think they’re more flexible and thinner than ‘walking’ shoes which I think is better when they’re still small.
I think the walkers are probably more for when they’re walking longer distances.
I don’t think they start until size 4 anyway and she’s only a size 3 still at the moment

Also saying that I’ve actually just bought my 4 year old some more flexible and thinner bare foot friendly shoes that are meant to be better for feet so if anything pre walkers from Clark’s are probably better than the thicker, less flexible walker ones

Pre walkers are marketing shite…Clark’s sell you them to suck you into their crap brand…children learn to walk without them amazingly enough

My kids were in these sort of things for ages when they started to walk. Supper soft and flexible but gave the soles of their feet some protection. Didn't go in for actual shoes until we'll after they were one.

Thanks all. I’m going to go to the expensive shoe shop for advice but seems like he’s probably fine walking in his pre walkers - and they may actually be better for his feet than hard sole shoes.

I used to fit children’s shoes at Clarks for four years, only left a couple of years ago. Some of the previous advice is incorrect so hopefully I can clear it up for you OP @Thesebootsweremadeforwalking1

The lady in the shop is correct somewhat but would depend on how steady your son is, I used to assess children visually. If he is a wobbly walker or still at the staggering about stage prewalkers are best. If he is steadier on his feet / running than hard soles. Please bear in mind prewalker soles are less than a couple of mm thick and aren’t the best for all terrains! Either would be fine for his stage for foot development. Don’t worry he will be fine having been in the prewalkers it won’t have damaged his feet at all but he is likely ready for the next stage up now if he is a confident walker. Most the shoes in the toddler range still have flexible soles. I would definitely stick with Clarks, or Startrite or similar. Children need a proper measure it is so important for growing feet. Clarks do 4 width fittings as well which is even better. If you’re not confident in the sales person you can ask a manager to come and give a second opinion on the measure and fit of the shoe. For correct growing room for his foot size, you would be looking for the tip of your pinky finger above his big toe. Remeasure 6-8 weeks, most children don’t grow this fast but some do & all depends on growth spurts etc. feel free to ask if you have any more questions :)

DSIL worked for Clinkards. She told me to keep DS in socks only until he had been walking about 6 weeks under his own steam. She said the bones of childrens feet are still soft and should be allowed to find their natural spread.

One of mine walked at 9 months and had tiny feet so was in pre walkers for ages as they were the only thing I could find properly fitted in a size 2. She’s now 6 and won all the running races at sports day last week so clearly it didn’t do her any harm 🤷‍♀️

I’d really recommend getting the start rite measuring gauge to use at home though, then you can just order online and there’s more choice, better sales etc. Watch their how-to video and it couldn’t be easier.