Getting your child’s first shoes is a special moment and an important milestone. For many parents, it is the first time their baby wears proper footwear, so it's natural to have questions about when to buy them and what to look for.
At North Shoes, we generally recommend thinking about first shoes when your child is:
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Pulling themselves up
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Beginning to stand independently
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Cruising while holding onto furniture
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Becoming more active outdoors
This can be especially useful during the warmer months, when your child may be spending more time outside and needs protection for their feet.
Some families prefer to wait until their child is walking independently before buying their first shoes. That is perfectly fine too. The most important thing is choosing a time that feels right for your child and your family.
Does my child need shoes before they can walk?
Children do not necessarily need proper shoes before they are walking or spending time outdoors. Indoors, going barefoot where it is safe can allow babies to feel the ground beneath their feet and move their toes naturally.
However, once your child is pulling up, cruising or standing outdoors, shoes can help protect their feet from:
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Cold surfaces
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Rough ground
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Stones and sticks
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Damp grass
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Hot surfaces
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General outdoor hazards
The first shoes should feel as natural as possible. They should protect the feet without being stiff, heavy or restrictive.
What should you look for in a first shoe?
First shoes should be soft, flexible and comfortable. Your child is still developing balance, strength and coordination, so their shoes should support natural movement rather than make walking more difficult.
Important features include:
Soft and flexible construction
A first shoe should bend comfortably as your child moves. A rigid sole or upper can feel restrictive and may make it harder for a new walker to move naturally.
Soft, flexible footwear allows your child to feel more of the ground beneath their feet while still providing protection outdoors.
A supportive but flexible ankle
We often recommend a very soft ankle boot for a child’s first shoes. The higher shape can provide additional support around the ankle, which may be helpful while a child is developing confidence on their feet.
However, a first ankle boot should not be rigid. It should still allow the ankle and foot to move naturally and comfortably.
A soft sole
A soft, flexible sole can help a child develop their walking pattern and balance without feeling weighed down. The sole should provide protection while remaining light and easy to move in.
Adjustable fastenings
Riptape straps or laces allow the shoe to be adjusted securely around your child’s foot. This is important because children’s feet vary in shape, and a secure fastening can help prevent the foot from sliding inside the shoe.
Appropriate growing room
There should be enough room for growth, but not so much that the foot moves around or your child trips.
Shoes that are too large can make walking more difficult and may feel unstable. Shoes that are too small can restrict the toes and become uncomfortable. A professional fitting helps establish the right balance.
Plenty of room in the toe box
Babies and young children often curl or grip with their toes, particularly when they are learning to stand and walk. The front of the shoe should provide enough room for the toes to move comfortably without being squeezed together.
Breathable materials
Leather or other breathable materials can help keep feet comfortable. Breathability is particularly important when shoes are worn outdoors or during warmer weather.
Ricosta first shoes
Ricosta has been making children’s footwear for generations, with styles designed to provide comfort, flexibility and support for developing feet.
Two Ricosta styles that we have fitted in-store for many years are:
Ricosta Cory
Cory is a lace-up first boot. Laces allow the boots to be adjusted carefully around the foot and ankle, helping provide a secure, supportive and comfortable fit.
Ricosta Chrisy
Chrisy has twin riptape straps, making it easy to put on and adjust. The two straps provide flexibility when securing the boot around your child’s foot.
Both styles have removable insoles, which offer an additional way for parents to monitor the fit as their child grows.
How removable insoles can help
The removable insole can be taken out of the shoe and used as a helpful check between professional fittings.
To check the fit:
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Remove the insole from the shoe.
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Ask your child to stand on it with their heel positioned correctly.
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Check where their toes reach on the insole.
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Look for signs that the toes are close to, or extending beyond, the end of the usable footbed.
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Check the fit of both feet, as one foot may be slightly larger than the other.
This can help parents notice when it may be time to arrange another fitting or consider the next size. It is not a replacement for a professional fitting, but it is a useful way to keep an eye on growth.
How should first shoes fit?
A well-fitted first shoe should:
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Hold the heel securely, no gapping or slipping
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Allow the toes to move freely
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Fit comfortably across the widest part of the foot, not stretching the leather
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Provide suitable growing room
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Fasten securely without pressure
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Bend naturally as your child walks
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Feel light and comfortable
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Allow natural movement of the foot and ankle
Your child should be able to stand and walk in the shoes without appearing uncomfortable or restricted.
It is important to try on both shoes, as children’s feet are not always exactly the same size. The larger foot should be used when assessing the fit.
Helping your child get used to their first shoes
When young children first put on shoes, they may find the sensation strange. They have not had anything on their feet before, and even a soft, lightweight shoe can feel unfamiliar.
It is best to introduce first shoes gradually. Encourage your child to wear them little and often at first, gradually increasing the amount of time as they become more comfortable.
You may notice that your child:
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Looks at or touches their shoes
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Tries to remove them
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Walks differently for the first few minutes
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Takes time to adjust to the feeling
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Seems more comfortable after wearing them several times
Allowing your child to get used to their shoes gradually can help make the experience more positive.
Why professional fitting is important
We always believe that a professional fitting is best where possible, particularly for very young children.
During a fitting, our trained shoe fitters can:
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Measure your child’s feet
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Assess their individual foot shape
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Recommend suitable styles
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Check the length and width
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Check the toe area
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Assess the ankle and heel fit
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Make sure the fastening is secure
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Allow your child to stand and walk in the shoes
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Check that the shoes are flexible and comfortable
Professional fitting is especially important at this stage because young children’s feet are developing quickly. Their bones are still developing, growth can be rapid and footwear should not restrict natural movement.
A shoe that looks suitable may not be the right shape or depth for your child’s feet. Trying different styles with an experienced fitter can help you find the most comfortable option.
When should first shoes be checked again?
We recommend having first shoes checked again after approximately six weeks to ensure the fit is still suitable.
Children’s feet can grow quickly, particularly during the early years. A shoe that fitted well initially may begin to feel short, narrow or uncomfortable sooner than expected.
You should also arrange an earlier fit check if you notice:
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Your child is reluctant to wear the shoes
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Red marks or rubbing
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Toes touching the front
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The heel slipping
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Shoes becoming difficult to fasten
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Changes in the way your child walks
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Your child frequently removing the shoes
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Visible wear in one particular area
Regular checks help ensure that your child continues to wear shoes that are comfortable and suitable for their stage of development.
Visit North Shoes for your child’s first fitting
Our experienced, trained teams can help you choose your child’s first shoes with confidence. We can measure their feet, recommend suitable styles and allow them to stand and walk in the shoes while we check the fit.
You can visit us in:
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Bourne
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Stamford
Fitting appointments can be booked online, or you can contact us by phone or email for advice. You can also use our online fitting guide and size guide for further information.
The perfect start for little feet
There is no single exact moment when every child needs their first shoes. Some children are ready when they begin pulling themselves up and cruising outdoors, while others may not need them until they are walking independently.
Whenever the time feels right, choose shoes that are:
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Soft
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Flexible
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Lightweight
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Supportive but not rigid
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Adjustable
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Breathable
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Comfortable around the toes
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Fitted with appropriate growing room
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Suitable for natural foot movement
Ricosta Cory and Chrisy are two first-shoe styles that our teams have fitted for many years. Their removable insoles also give parents a helpful way to monitor growth between fittings.
For expert advice, visit North Shoes in Bourne or Stamford and let our trained team help you find a comfortable first pair for this important milestone.