Thread: Speaking of walking ...

I'm assuming Teagan will eventually need shoes for outdoor cruising. What are some good brands of shoes for little walkers? Do you go to a shoe store and measure their little feet?

I really liked robeez for when DS1 first started walking. I can't remember how those are sized but I don't remember getting him measured for them. I think I might have traced his foot and ordered online. After he was going pretty well I started also buying See Kai Run shoes. They have a pretty flexable sole and come in some really soft/flexable leather. I used to buy them at a specialty store when we lived in San Diego and had his foot measured regularly. He had really fat/wide feet so these shoes worked well and lasted forever so they were worth the money. Here is there online website http://www.seekairun.com/

I used to spend the $$$ on shoes while he was little because I felt that he couldn't communicate really well if they were hurting his feet. Now I usually get him one $$$ pair of daily shoes per year and fill in with some cheapies as needed. I saved all his shoes from the 1st two years, he was so gentle on them, so Odin is set!

Ronin has his baby volleys and another pair of soft soled shoes already. I will need to find some good baby sandals for when he is walking because it will be warmer by then.

We went to Stride Rite for DS. It was expensive, but he had really chubby feet so it was necessary. The part I look for in baby shoes is flexibility.

DD1 never wore shoes, she hated shoes and I finally stopped fighting her. She was 3 before I could get her to wear shoes consistently and to this day she will still be my child outside barefoot

Clara has some Robeez also. I really like those so I'll probably get some more for when she starts walking but she'll only wear them outside like the other two did and go barefoot inside.

I felt better having my oldest DD fitted by someone who knew what they were doing, so we took her to Stride Rite. I like to pay a little more for a good pair of everyday shoes. If we need special shoes (dress shose for Christmas, Easter, etc.), I go cheap since they are usually only worn once or twice before they are outgrown.

I really believe properly fitted shoes and flexibility are important for those learning to walk. In those early days, most of DD's walking was done indoors and she jsut went barefoot. Barefeet are suppose to be optimal for learning anyway.

I LOVE baby shoes! Here are a couple of my favorite brands!

http://preschoolians.com/

http://www.pediped.com/

Oh boy. These are some expensive little shoes. I was just at a second hand store tonight and saw a pair of Stride Rites for $7. I tried them on Teagan and her chubby little nubs were way too chubby. Perhaps her feet will slim down before she's ready for shoes? I'll have to go shoe hunting at the next JBF sale