First walking shoes

[kimbob89]

Hello,

My LO has been walking since 10 months but I've never bought him any shoes before! He's started playgroup and they often play outside and he loves being in the garden too. My mum went to sports direct and bought him some trainers and he doesnt like them at all! I think they are too heavy for his feet because he clumps about and cries and crawls when they are on. I'm sure I've read on here before that for first shoes they should be soft soled and quite light for arch development? I didn't want to offend my mum because she's only being kind but I'm not really comfortable him wearing such hard soled shoes as he's only 13 months. Am I right in thinking he needs soft soled ones or not? He's also really flat footed (as is his dad) so worry about what's best for his arches too.

Any advice would be really appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Pearls18]

I would go to Clark's (or similar) and get him properly measured, others might disagree with me but I get DS1 measured for every pair of his "main" shoes, he has some converse and similar for novelty but always wears Clark's for his main pair that he is mostly in and the size I get his "novelty" shoes are always bought after a recent measurement. He's 3 and half now, so I would absolutely get him properly measured at this age, I know they're expensive when they grow out of them quickly but it's important for their feet, they will be able to advise on the best type of shoe too.

 

[kimbob89]

I would go to Clark's (or similar) and get him properly measured, others might disagree with me but I get DS1 measured for every pair of his "main" shoes, he has some converse and similar for novelty but always wears Clark's for his main pair that he is mostly in and the size I get his "novelty" shoes are always bought after a recent measurement. He's 3 and half now, so I would absolutely get him properly measured at this age, I know they're expensive when they grow out of them quickly but it's important for their feet, they will be able to advise on the best type of shoe too.

I did go to clarks a few weeks back. The shop assistant wasnt very helpful I asked what kind of shoes he would recommend and he said ''well these are in his size''. Lol. I would buy them from Clarks no problem I'm not bothered about price whatsoever just wanted some opinions before going ahead.

 

[liz1985]

Yes I would definitely take him to be measured at clarkes or similar. I've never heard they need soft soles once they can walk. If my child was walking outside id want hard soles in case they stood on something, id just make sure I took them off as soon as they were no longer needed as they should go bare foot as often as possible while the feet are still growing.

 

[kirstybumx3]

I think the Clark's first walking shoes are rubber but flexible. I'll be taking rio to be fitted soon too. Although he will only wear shoes when absolutely necessary x

 

[Sini]

Kickers - lightweight, sturdy shoes. Pricey but worth it

 

[Amygdala]

If you can, I'd take him to an independent shoe shop. Clark's can be very hit and miss with the expertise of their staff in my experience and have tried to sell me shoes that weren't needed before (once because LO wasn't walking yet and they wrongly advised me that they need shoes to learn walking and once when they said LO's shoes were too small but an independent shop I went to for more choice refused to sell me a bigger size because actually they were fitting fine).
If you're not bothered about price, I'd go for Pepino or Elefanten first shoes (or Clark's as long as you're sure of the size you need). They all do soft, flexible but supportive shoes for toddlers. They should be at least ankle high at this age to avoid injury if/when they trip.

 

[kimbob89]

Thanks for all your advice ladies! I understand he needs rubber sole shoes but thought they needed to still be flexible as to mimic barefoot as long as possible.

I'll definitely go to an independent shop when I go shopping tomorrow, I can't seem to find many sellers for Pepino and Elefanten but I'll keep looking