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Honestly how do we get them to wear shoes?

31 replies

Jambags · 03/09/2026 00:10

My lovely 14mo DD is starting to find her footsteps and we are anticipating that she will be walking on her own imminently.
As such we have got her feet measuresmd and done the thing we all seem to do and picked up a pair of well fitting Clarks pre-walkers.
She loves to hold, play and look at them but the second you put them anywhere near her feet she is catatonic. Absolutely will not have it, and will just cry and do everything possible to remove them until they come off.
We have got some softer style slipper type shoes and we find the exact same reaction with these too.
Socks however she is unbothered by.
We have even asked nursery if they can have a go and they have reported the same result back.
My question is, does anyone have any advice from dealing with something similar?
We are going to give a try to those socks with the shoe style sole on the bottom and see if they work for her but I am currently doubtful.
I don't want this to turn into a big traumatising thing for her if I can help it and want to keep it positive and friendly as much as possible.

Just want her to be able to explore outside just as much as she is indoors!

Thankyou, wise council, in advance!

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Bitzee · 07/09/2026 21:23

She doesn’t need shoes until she’s walking properly independently. Grippy socks are fine for cruising. Once she is properly walking then it just becomes a non negotiable part of going outside. DD used to take her shoes off a lot and they were a requisite for her nursery room so I bought her converse lace ups, double knotted them and then distracted with a snack.

Peonies12 · 07/09/2026 21:24

she doesn’t need shoes if she’s indoors. Get some waterproof booties for crawling outside. Once she can walk properly you just put the shoes on. No negotiation

Jk987 · 07/09/2026 22:22

Thick, grippy socks will be fine for now. I wouldn’t bother with shoes at all.

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Eventmrs · 08/09/2026 12:36

Get a pair of shoes and a pair of wellies.

The question is - do you want the shoes or the wellies?
Child then decides. if they say neither, just say you can't go out then and leave them to think it through.

Eatally · 08/09/2026 12:41

Wait until she’s actually walking before introducing shoes, no need at all at this stage. Also, if you leave it a couple of weeks she may have forgotten her dislike.

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