Clarks kids walking shoes hub

When to get your baby's first shoes

At Clarks, we'll always suggest babies go barefoot as often as possible. This helps to improve their balance and coordination, as they can feel the ground beneath them. However, as our shoes are expertly designed with this barefoot freedom in mind, it's completely up to you when you decide to buy your child’s first pair of shoes. Some mums and dads choose to buy their baby’s first pair from the newborn stages onwards, while others wait until their baby can walk.

What style is best for first shoes?

When to get your baby’s first shoes is entirely up to you. But whenever you decide to take the leap, try to find shoes that not only look lovely, but are also comfortable and supportive with enough room for little feet to grow in. Each phase of foot development is unique, so we’ll help you find the best shoes for each stage.

What are pram shoes?

Pram shoes are soft leather or cloth booties worn by newborn babies. They’re an adorable accessory to any outfit, though they aren’t actually a necessity. Some people choose to use pram shoes or pram trainers in winter to keep little toes nice and snug. The key is to find shoes that are comfortable and not restrictive. Pram shoes also don't provide the support babies need to walk.

What are crawling shoes?

That moment when you pop and make a cuppa and come back to find them on the other side of the room – clever little explorers. Once they get the knack of crawling, they’ll be off like a whippet! That being said, some babies don’t crawl at all. Instead, they shuffle along on their bottom, wiggle sideways like a crab, or slide on their tummy. Each technique is fine, not to mention equally as cute as the other.

At this stage, the bones in your baby's feet are soft, and they have a protective layer of puppy fat to protect them as they're developing. Going barefoot is important at this stage, as feeling the ground beneath their feet will help them learn to walk. However, your baby will be crawling and cruising every way they can, so barefoot isn’t always safe. When choosing shoes, opt for a pair in a soft material that provides comfort and protection, and also gives extra grip for safer steps.

What are cruising shoes?

Cruising is when your baby uses anything they can to pull themselves up and walk themselves around the room, such as the sofa and TV unit, or – if they’re best buds – the dog! Once your baby’s legs are strong enough to stand, the puppy fat layer on their feet keeps the soft bones safe until they fuse together later in childhood. You can help support them in taking their first steps with shoes designed to build their confidence. Choose cruising shoes that are both comfortable and supportive, with a flexible sole to provide your baby with only the necessary support they need to explore their surroundings.

What are walking shoes?

Did you know babies only learn to walk when the muscles in their feet are ready? That’s why it’s a gradual milestone they’ll achieve only when they’re ready. Learning how to walk is much like learning to ride a bike without stabilisers. There will be many brave attempts followed by many ups and downs. First steps are often all stiff legs, slayed feet and zombie-style arms. So, opt for walking shoes with good grip and plenty of support, to enhance the natural walking motion of growing feet and give them unbeatable comfort every step of the way.

Why choose Clarks walking shoes?

There’s a reason why barefoot is best for babies. Sensory receptors in their feet send messages to their brain, teaching them balance and posture when taking those wobbly first steps. That’s why our walking shoes are expertly designed to aid barefoot freedom, with soft materials and thin, lightweight soles providing only the necessary support for safe, stable movement.

Once your baby has conquered their first steps, they’ll want to walk or run everywhere! During this stage, it’s all about playing – every day is a new adventure. Your little one’s feet are still growing up to two sizes each year at this point, so make sure to have them regularly measured by one of our trained in-store fitters to check they’re wearing the perfect size.

Walking Shoes

Our First Shoes are inspired by barefoot freedom and movement. They provide growing feet with only the necessary support to develop healthily and happily.

Soft, durable materials protect little feet

Lightweight flexible soles for free movement