How do you choose your baby’s first shoes?
Choosing your baby’s first shoes is an emotional milestone. Your baby is starting to pull themselves up onto their little legs and explore the world on two feet. Between a tumble or two and plenty of giggles, one crucial question arises: when and how should you choose their first shoes?
At Bonton, we guide parents through this adventure with one goal in mind: combining excellent support for developing feet with the irresistible style that makes our "family concept store" heart beat faster. Here’s everything you need to know to find the right shoes for your little explorer.
When is the right time to buy your baby’s first shoes?
There’s no rush! Paediatricians and podiatrists have a simple golden rule: the longer baby goes barefoot, the better. Why? Because feeling the ground helps the muscles in their feet develop and builds their balance.
However, once outings become frequent or the nursery floor feels a little chilly, shoes become necessary.
There are two stages:
- The pre-walking shoe: For babies who can stand but cannot yet walk on their own. It should be as soft as a second skin.
- The walking shoe: For little ones taking steps without holding a hand. It provides more structure to protect the foot from uneven outdoor surfaces.
What are the three golden rules for a good first walking shoe?
Flexibility above all
The sole should be ultra-flexible. Here’s a simple test: you should be able to fold the shoe in half (toe to heel) with one hand. A sole that’s too stiff would prevent the foot from moving naturally and needlessly tire your baby’s joints.
Support, not restriction
Contrary to old beliefs, a shoe shouldn’t "lock" the ankle in place to keep it straight. It should simply support it. Look for a heel counter (the part that wraps around the heel) firm enough to stop the foot slipping, but low enough to leave the ankle free to move.
Breathable natural materials
A baby’s feet sweat a lot. At Bonton, we favour soft leather, suede and high-quality cotton canvas. These materials help regulate temperature and prevent irritation.
How do you find the right shoe size for your baby?
Nothing is more uncomfortable than a shoe that’s too small, but one that’s too big is just as risky (hello, tumbles!).
Bonton’s tip:
- Place your baby’s foot flat on a sheet of paper.
- Mark the heel and the tip of the big toe.
- Measure the distance: ideally, there should be 0.8 cm to 1 cm of room between the tip of the toe and the end of the shoe to allow for growth.
Did you know? Between the ages of 1 and 2, a child’s shoe size changes roughly every 3 to 4 months. Check regularly that their toes aren’t too cramped!
Which Bonton shoes should you choose for your baby?
You can be particular about practical details and still love great design: our shoe collections reflect the brand’s colourful DNA.
- Soft leather slippers: Perfect for indoors and those first attempts at standing. Decorated with our exclusive prints (little flowers, stars or polka dots), they make for an adorable look from the cradle onwards.
- Lace-up boots: Laces are ideal for a tailored fit, especially if your baby’s feet are a little chubby or, conversely, very narrow.
- Our iconic canvas trainers: For a relaxed, urban look from an early age. Easy to wash, they’re perfect for afternoons in the park.
Hook-and-loop fastenings or laces for your baby’s shoes?
It’s often the dilemma parents face at the checkout.
- Laces: They provide the best support because they let you adjust the shoe precisely across the instep. They’re the option experts recommend for those very first steps.
- Hook-and-loop fastenings: They’re great for independence! Ideal for nursery or preschool, they let children learn to put on their own shoes, developing their fine motor skills.
Choosing your child’s first shoes is an investment in their future development. By prioritising flexibility, quality materials and the right fit, you’ll give them what they need to explore the world with confidence and style.
Ready for the big adventure? Visit us in store or on our online shop to discover our selection of shoes designed for little girls, little boys and big smiles.
