dd2's first pair of proper shoes - are sandals ok?

[Moomin]

she's been in the cruisers for a while now and has been walking for 3/4 months so i think it's time for her 1st proper pair of shoes. Ok to get Clarks sandals rather than normal bar/closed toe shoes do you think? if i get shoes I'm worried we won't get the wear out of them over the summer

My dd2's first pair of shoes,which we got a month ago are clarks Doodles.

I'd be less keen on open toes, tbh. I find they take a while to get used to and they sometimes trip in them.

yeh, i go for doodles too, gym shoe type thing good for summer and incase it rains too....

I think sandals are fine, as long as they are comfy and supportive. First pair of shoes for DS were Ecco sandals and he loved them and found them easy to walk in and keep on, but they were quite structured around the ankle/heel and had good full straps.

I'd also avoid open toed sandals as they can be a trip hazard in a fledgling walker (our local Startrite fitter won't sellt hem to under 2 1/2's) but a fitted strappy shoe should be fine - light and flexible.

Yes, my ds first shoes this Feb were sandals as we were going to visit my sister abroad. I got clarks (on ebay as they weren't in the shops yet!) and he walked in them very well. They weren't open toed. I'd def get properly fitted ones for the first shoes as they are a lot easier to walk in.

Clarks used to advise against open-toed sandals and sandals with a stitched edge around the toe for first shoes. Doodles are ok.

Something to do with them not always lifting their feet high enough when walking and tripping over the front bit.

I can see the logic in that and I agree, but why do they have them in their shops then? Look under kids then girls then 1st shoes the sandals - they're all open-toed! (apart from the doodles)