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Original poster

DS is cruising so decision needed on first shoes

53 replies

mrsright · 01/05/2006 11:57

He is 14mnths. Don't know whether to go for Clarks cruisers or will Daisy Roots be sturdy enough for outside?

OP posts:
edam · 01/05/2006 12:08

If he's cruising, won't that be inside, therefore no shoes required?

TheCapitalPolice · 01/05/2006 12:17

The soft leather shoes are best for as long as possible - we kept ds in those for ages. They don't need any shoes unless outside anyway, bare feet is best in warm weather round the house :)

Original poster
mrsright · 01/05/2006 12:21

Mostly inside yes,but last weekend he spent a good hour walking behind his ride-on on the lawn.also crawling along concrete path and pulling himself up.He is in a cheap pair of pretend shoes for holding on his socks more than anything at the moment which I think need replacing.I know it getting warmer but some days I still think he needs socks on which don't stay on without shoes.And if he does start walking soonish will cruisers/Daisy Roots be OK?

OP posts:
Squarer · 01/05/2006 12:24

I bought Clarks cruisers, but only because we have wooden floors and he was constantly slipping over in his SOCO boots. I wanted to get his feet properly measured as they are so wide so ended up with the cruisers by default really. They are definitely strong enough for a bit of wobbly outside work. Can't comment on the Daisy Roots as haven't had any.
HTH Smile

cataloguequeen · 01/05/2006 12:26

my dds had both Daisy Roots more for indoors and cruisers for outside... they are sturdier the leather ones can be a little too soft.Smile

Coolmama · 01/05/2006 18:12

I was told DS had to be able to walk at least 15 or 20 yards before comtemplating shoes - the later the better as bare feet helps tendons and ligaments in the feet to strengthen.

Squarer · 01/05/2006 19:28

I think that that must refer to "proper" shoes Coolmama. Cruisers have little to do with those, and if they are what I think they are Daisy Roots have nothing to do with them! Smile

Coolmama · 02/05/2006 18:06

oops - you're right - this was with reference to DS first pair of proper shoes - sorry, didn't mean to confuse -

shazronnie · 02/05/2006 20:37

IMO crawling, cruising, and walking shoes are just Clarks way of making you think that shoes are necessary at every stage! I agree with coolmama, but you might want something to protect little feet from twigs etc in the garden.

starlover · 02/05/2006 20:38

if he is going to be outside then i'd go for the cruisers.
they have a thicker sole

starlover · 02/05/2006 20:39

they're also ok for when he starts walking.

but you should leave him barefoot/just socks on for as much time as possible.

only use them for outside

CHICagoMUM · 02/05/2006 20:41

Quick hijack question - ds has only been walking for 11 days but is already very competent (ie doesn't go down to crawling or grab onto anything unless about to fall). I seem to recall it is advised to wait a fair while until introducing shoes but if he is doing so well (and wants to walk outside to play with elder sister) do you think I should get shoes now?

Squarer · 02/05/2006 20:45

cruising shoes are not necessary if you have non-slip floors or you don't mind stuffing your childs extra-wide feet into anything. Not sure that you really meant to include walking shoes in your list though SR.... Grin
I have to defend cruising shoes from my experience though. AND, they transfer fantastically outdoors. Can't say the same about socks when it's a bit damp.
And believe me, I'm the last person to fall for a gimmick (in many ways I agree with you SR), but I don't believe that the majority of non-slip non-walking shoes are designed for an H fitting, given the theory of ergonomics in the majority of design.

starlover · 02/05/2006 20:47

chicagomum, if you feel he is walking confidently enough then go for it!
it isn't like he'll be out and about for hours, so it should be fine to get proper shoes

Squarer · 02/05/2006 20:53

This hurts my slight hippy tendencies. I really love to see bare feet in the garden in summer. On this basis I would recommend cruising shoes as they are cheaper than walking shoes and far far softer (which have to allow the ligaments et al to develop). They aren't exactly bargain bucket, but DS will be in the next size next week anyway Chicagomum, so waste less money on the cruisers for a little light garden work! (disclaimer: IMO)

CHICagoMUM · 03/05/2006 12:05

Can't do cruisers as his feet are to big. Tried the walkers this morning but he couldn't/wouldn/t walk in them so have to try again in a fortnight. Can't really do barefeet as our garden isn't "gentle" enough for that.

CHICagoMUM · 03/05/2006 12:05

Can't do cruisers as his feet are to big. Tried the walkers this morning but he couldn't/wouldn/t walk in them so have to try again in a fortnight. Can't really do barefeet as our garden isn't "gentle" enough for that.

starlover · 03/05/2006 13:14

a lot of children do take a while to get used to proper shoes. Linus did a kind of goosestep for ages when he got his first pair! or else he just wanted to sit down and inspect them!

starlover · 03/05/2006 13:17

CM, you could try getting a pair of doodles (or similar if you don't go to clarks)
they're very light and the sole is more flexible than a proper walking shoe
and they're much cheaper!

SaintGeorge · 03/05/2006 13:21

Doodles!

Thank you starlover, have been sitting here trying to remember what they were called. So long since I had to buy those Smile

Never heard of cruisers. Are they just a new gimmicky version of a soft shoe then?

kolakube · 03/05/2006 13:36

How about Startrite?

wessexgirl · 03/05/2006 14:57

Somebody told me (can't remember who, so could be totally untrue...) that the Clarks shoe family don't put their kids in shoes at all till they are 2 or so. Has anyone else heard this or is it an urban myth?

Uwila · 03/05/2006 15:04

My favourites are Start Rite and Elefanten (though Elefanten have become quite difficult to find).

I personally don't really like Clarks. I think they are ugly and not that much cheaper. And they always make them in three colors so that they don't go with any of our clothes. Why do they do that?

starlover · 03/05/2006 15:05

why would they be cheaper?

Uwila · 03/05/2006 15:14

Some people buy clarks because they are cheaper than Start Rite. But I have found the difference to be some £3. And for £3, I'll buy the ones I like.

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