First steps = first shoes?

When your baby starts to take his first wobbly steps, you must feel immense pride and excitement. Contrary to appearances, you do not have to immediately go to the nearest shoe store to buy cute shoes. They would create an unnecessary barrier between your child's feet and the ground. As a result, maintaining balance would be even more difficult, and discovering the world could be effectively disrupted. 

When learning to walk, it is extremely important to feel the ground under your feet. Bare feet will make your child easily able to explore the environment. The ability to feel the ground under which he walks will not only help him maintain balance and coordination, but also develop his senses. Relying on shoes could hinder the development of foot and ankle muscles.

However, if you do not want to expose your toddler to the cold or the unpleasant feeling of a rough surface, opt for soft and light socks with non-slip inserts. In this way, your child will remain free and his feet will have additional protection.

So when should you buy your first shoes?

Each child is unique and develops in an individual way. Although the moment when he begins to take his first steps falls between 8 and 18 months of age, it is worth refraining from buying shoes until your child gains enough confidence to walk practically without the help of an adult.

This is when she will need support in the form of her first shoes, and you will finally be able to choose between a whole lot of models with charming decorations.

We buy our first shoes

Now that you know it's time to buy your first pair of shoes, it's time to get to work. We have compiled some tips to help you make the right choice.

Children's shoes are available in various colors and designs. However, before you choose the model that will steal your heart the most, focus on more important - than visual - aspects. 

Fit

The most important element when buying the first shoes for a child is the right fit. You certainly know how unbearable tight shoes can be and you probably prefer that your child never has to experience this discomfort. 

Perhaps we will surprise you, but in the case of babies, the nerve endings responsible for receiving stimuli from the environment are not yet fully developed. As a result, your child may not feel that the shoes you choose are uncomfortable. And even if he does, it may be a miracle to let you know. To avoid problems, make sure you know the width and length of your child's feet. 

Material and finish

Children's shoes should be made of soft, flexible and breathable materials, e.g. natural leather. All seams, edges and finishes must be as soft as possible. This way nothing will rub your baby's feet. 

The upper should be wide enough for the fingers to move freely. Also, make sure it's not too high. Shoes ending above the ankle seem to prevent accidental injuries, but unfortunately they hinder the proper development of muscle strength. Also, make sure the shoes are as light as possible. 

Soles and insoles

The soles of baby shoes should be flexible and non-slip. Thanks to this, your toddler will be able to explore the world around him much more safely. Beware of stiff soles that make it difficult to learn to walk.

Look for shoes with breathable inserts made of natural, soft materials. As a result, the lining will adapt to the shape of your toddler's foot, and he will feel maximum comfort.

Clasp

Equally important is the right choice of fasteners in shoes. Wondering between Velcro and laces? Regardless of what you choose, make sure that the clasp provides enough support for children's feet and that the heel does not slip out when walking.

If your child is reluctant to cooperate when getting ready to leave the house, put on Velcro-fastened shoes. The downside of this solution is the fact that your child can easily unfasten them on their own when you let them out of your sight for a moment. Putting on shoes with laces is a bit more time consuming, but solving them is not so easy. However, make sure you squeeze the knots tight to prevent tripping and painful falls.

Are second-hand baby shoes a good idea?

Under no circumstances should you decide to buy second-hand children's shoes. Remember that each person's feet are unique, which is especially important in the case of just developing babies. Used children's shoes are adapted to the characteristics of the feet of another toddler, so they will not provide adequate support to your child's feet.

Fortunately, in our online store you will find a wide selection of models designed specifically for children's feet. We enjoy your shopping!