It's time for first pair of shoes - which ones?

[alittleteapot]

DD is walking now and needs some proper footwear. Have no clue what's best Any advice?

I'm sure others will say it's not best, but I took DS to Clarks.

Depends what you want and how much - can you wait a week or two until the sales start then go to an independent or John Lewis to get a wider choice of brands which fit. Not open toed sandals for a new walker but flexible and breathable (leather or cotton canvas.

small ones

small ones

what sort of soles? in my day they were quite hard but kids these days all seem to wear trainery things.

I used to like Clarks but they seem to have a very limited range at the moment. I really like Start-rite

i still remember going to clarks and having my feet measured in the electronic measuring thing, and that feeling when you scuffed the leather for the first time...

oh thanks pillock looks like that website tells me all i need to know!

Wait a few weeks until your DD is walking really well, and then go to an independant. They'll find a shoe that really fits her, rather than doing the Clarks thing of fitting her into one of their shoes.

For wide feet Ricosta or Ecco are fabulous, if thats what it turns out she needs

They don't measure lo's feet electronically. Go for a sole you can bend really easily with good grip but fit is more important otherwise she'll trip or turn feet awkwardly

£30 though

that's why I suggested waiting for sales !

she's only walking independently for v short periods but can walk nearly half a mile pushing her trolley now. should i wait?

Yes if poss, her feet will change over the next few weeks as her walking increases .

Yes, sales - i see now!

yes to independent shop
don't get velcro trainers: lace-up shoes give much more support, though you'll probably want sturdy sandals for the summer
and make sure lo still has bare feet loads of the time

thanks v much lizs

The pre-walkers are better for the stage your dd is at, and they are only £18

They have more flexible soles and are lighter. ds2 has these in blue

yes, lots of barefeet. just bit tricky now she's desperate to walk (holding hands) on grbby pavements etc. have those slipper things but they make her claw her toes.

clarks sale is on now, btw. i got two pairs of shoes (well, one leather, one doodles) for £16.

gorgeous pillock! yes £18 - bargain

It's not a bargain, I'm well aware of that thanks. But it is much less than the walkers, and as ds2 is walking outside, albeit for very short distances, I want his feet to have some protection in shoes I know are fitted well.

You get the best fitted shoes you can - startright, clarkes, elephant are all good makes - it is important to realise that one will have a better fit for your dc's foot. It isn't a case of one make is better but one make will be a better fit for your dc.

If you can go and use an independenat shoe shop that stocks more than oe make, pick a time to visit when the shop is not busy (not a saturday afternoon) so that the staff will take their time and fit the shoes well.

pick a shoe if possible that has no seams across the tops of the toes - the stitching can rub the dc' toes (some shoes if you feel inside have a lining)

sorry pillock i was being sarky with you not at you! completely agree and have already been checking stockists. those pre walkers look lovely.

thanks ivykaty those are good tips too.

lol just you wait if you think that £18 is expensive... i bought dd some new shoes 6 weeks ago and she's gone up half a size already.