pre-walker shoes outdoors?

[MrsPear]

Joni managed her first steps with her push along walker today She loved it so, so, so much, she was squealing and laughing!

I'm totally over-excited so I've told OH to go out and buy her something cheap she can walk along with outside (our sitting room is only 5 seconds wall to wall and it's our only baby proof room). Will she be okay in her little pre-walker shoe things? They're the soft soled ones but they're pretty sturdy. I've heard you shouldn't get 'proper' shoes until they can walk properly. Why is that? Since these are the first 'steps' I've ever seen her take, we might still be a way off. Obviously we'll be going somewhere with no massive sharp spikes in the ground (presumably even when she wears proper shoes that's a given?!)

I know I sound a bit neurotic but I'm imagining some horror stories like someone took their toddler out in pre-walkers and then all their toe-nails dropped off or something...

Can't wait to see her walking outside!!

 

[Saphira]

That's exciting! When dd1 started to push her trike outside but before she confidently walked on her own we got her her first pair of shoes (from Stride Rite). They were closed toe, regular shoes advertised for new walkers. The soles are soft and flexible.

 

[MommyJogger]

By pre-walkers, do you mean Robeez-type shoes? Soft soles as in leather bottoms? Anything sturdy enough to distribute pressure from sharp points on the ground is sufficient for most terrain. If the bottom of the shoe is more than regular cloth, you're good. DS is still in robeez most of the time. It's ideal to put off regular shoes as long as possible. The bones in their feet are developing until around the time they lose their first tooth-- the developments parallel each other for the most part. Proper foot development relies on the use of the small auxiliary muscles that don't see as much use in the traditional high-support shoes we put young kids in.

 

[Saphira]

These were my daughter's first pair: https://www.amazon.com/Stride-Rite-SRT-SM-Elmo/dp/B004MKV0VW

She also had the completely soft leather ones from Robeez (https://www.amazon.com/Robeez-Sweet-Girl-Infant-Toddler/dp/B00C40T60E/ref=sr_1_16?s=shoes&ie=UTF8&qid=1382885076&sr=1-16&keywords=robeez+baby+shoes) but on the rocky dirt paths we walk on there's no way I'd have let her walk outside in those. Especially as there were often puddles. I thought those are inside shoes, by the way.(?) I held off on harder shoes as long as possible but didn't want to leave her in the stroller when she started showing interest in pushing things.

 

[MommyJogger]

We go out in Robeez. Unless the gravel/rocks are very large, the soles distribute weight fine and it doesn't bother him. If it's wet, I either take his shoes off and let him barefoot through the puddles or we're in Pedipeds originals. https://www.amazon.com/pediped-Orig...=UTF8&qid=1382885473&sr=1-40&keywords=pediped
There's not really such a thing as an inside shoe, imo. That's called socks in this house.
Shoe companies are terrible about marketing stuff that's bad for you as being good for you. There would be a lot less injury if we never wore shoes as they exist today and even adults are healthier shoeless/soft-soled barring extreme work conditions. The muscles in your feet just get weaker and weaker the more time you're in traditional shoes, causing the problems that make you need the support shoes advertize.

 

[Saphira]

Interesting, I wasn't aware they're for starting out walkers to be used outdoors too. We used the Robeez shoes inside and when she was in the stroller. I'll look more into using them outdoors when dd2 starts walking, I'm just afraid the sole isn't enough protection on all terrain.

 

[supertabby]

Pre-walkers aren't protective enough for outdoors really, the soles are too thin. They're a bit of a waste of money really as you don't need them indoors - the only thing they're good for is an extra layer over socks for keeping feet warm outside in cooler weather.

The reason for not going straight into normal shoes is because at first toddlers need to be able to feel the surface below them to aid balance and gaining confidence. They'll tend to curl their toes a bit too at this stage.

Isobel learnt to walk in a very small house but it only took a few weeks - 3 or 4 max, probably less actually - from first steps to wearing proper shoes. If you go to a decent shoe shop they'll tell you honestly if your lo is ready yet or not.

 

[MommyJogger]

Pre-walkers aren't protective enough for outdoors really, the soles are too thin. They're a bit of a waste of money really as you don't need them indoors - the only thing they're good for is an extra layer over socks for keeping feet warm outside in cooler weather.

Not wanting to start something, but this is false. Even I wear what would be considered pre-walkers outdoors, on trail runs, and while hiking. Humans are meant to be barefoot.

 

[MrsPear]

By pre-walkers, do you mean Robeez-type shoes? Soft soles as in leather bottoms? Anything sturdy enough to distribute pressure from sharp points on the ground is sufficient for most terrain. If the bottom of the shoe is more than regular cloth, you're good. DS is still in robeez most of the time. It's ideal to put off regular shoes as long as possible. The bones in their feet are developing until around the time they lose their first tooth-- the developments parallel each other for the most part. Proper foot development relies on the use of the small auxiliary muscles that don't see as much use in the traditional high-support shoes we put young kids in.

Yes probably like that make although I haven't heard of that one. They've got sort of rubbery grip and are quite thick leathery stuff, but not a proper rubber sole. x

 

[VikkiD]

My lo started walking around a month ago an we let him walk outdoors in his pre walker shoes from Clark's it was only Friday that we got him some walking shoes

Ps well done to your lo it's great to see them walkin

 

[MrsPear]

I think I'll just go with them for a bit then.She's definitely a way off walking properly so that makes sense that they would learn different balance in 'proper' shoes. We wouldn't be wearing them on anywhere other than the asphalt at the park so I think they're thick enough to protect from little pebbles etc. I agree the pre walkers are a bit daft indoors but I carry Joni in a sling so they are useful for warmth outside and she does already have a few pairs x

 

[Saphira]

We had hardwood flooring in the old place and socks were way too slippery for her. That's why we used Robeez indoors, more grip. Barefoot if it was warm but that usually wasn't the case.

 

[MrsPear]

We had hardwood flooring in the old place and socks were way too slippery for her. That's why we used Robeez indoors, more grip. Barefoot if it was warm but that usually wasn't the case.

Yeah that's true, our floors can be slippy too. In the sitting room we have a rug and that's pretty much the only baby proof space, but elsewhere in the house we're all slipping and sliding all over!

 

[lola_90]

We bought my son these last week

https://www.clarks.co.uk/p/20350969

He has been walking for 4 weeks now, he only wears them if going outside were he will be walking as pram type shoes meant that his feet got soaked within seconds. We are waiting until he outgrows these to get proper shoes, will probably be another 4+ weeks