There are many special moments when you’re bringing up a baby. Their first laugh, weaning, starting to crawl and then walking to name a few. When your child start walking and walking outdoors more, you might get the extra special treat of taking them to get their very first pair of shoes.
Yes, that’s right, babies should not wear hard-soled shoes until they can actually walk and make use of them. I know people seem to think that they look super cute on shoes, but do you realise how much you could be harming the growth of your little ones feet, and according to The Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists, they don’t actually need proper shoes until they’ve been walking confidently for several weeks.
So, once your little one is a competent walker, now is the time to look into footwear for your baby and taking them for their first fitting. This is where you should do your research and find a place that will help put your baby at ease whilst doing the fitting, and will give you the time and patience that you need when passing this big milestone.
We chose to go to Poppy Red in Ilkley, who had invited us to pop in to get Joseph his first pair of proper shoes. After having a read up about them, I was confident that Poppy Red would be the ideal place to take Joseph and so planned a little trip out there.
Arriving at this beautiful little shop, we was greeted by Jenny, one of the owners, who looked after us for the duration of the shoe fitting. She was lovely and chatty and Joseph took a liking to her straight away. Sitting him down, she took out a foot gauge that measures both length and width to give him his shoe size.
Both feet should be measured at this point as there is often one slightly bigger than the other and in that instance, shoes would be given in the size that is largest so as to give them plenty of growing room. Joseph was measured as a 21 (UK 4.5) with both feet measuring the same.
Then came the fun part, trying on shoes. At this point Jenny grabbed every pair of shoes that they had in Joseph’s size and brought them to us so we could see all the choices available. I thought this was a great touch as at least we got to see them all at the side of each other, look at quality, design and fit.
Some had lights that lit them up, others were sandals for the warmer weather. Straight away, 2 pairs stood out, a pair of Bobux and a pair of Biomecanics. Both of these brands are great for little ones as they are made to look after little feet. Jenny mentioned that the Bobux were a size 20 as they come up bigger in size, showing us that they were the same size as the Biomecanics ones when side by side.
Each pair was put on Joseph and she checked the sides, backs and everything else to make sure that they were fitted correctly and would be comfortable for him. He then went for a toddle around the shop to see what he was like in them.
In the end, I decided that the Biomecanics shoes would be the ideal pair as they have a hyperflexible sole and reinforced toecap which gives the stability and security they need to improve balance when walking. The rubber sole is bendable and follows the natural movement of the foot which means that there is no pressure being added to little feet.
They seemed perfect, Jenny agreed, mentioning that they were the best fit and would be great for his growing feet. We decided to keep them on Joseph as we were going to have a walk around the park and thought this would be a great opportunity for him to get used to them. Unfortunately, the heavens opened and Joseph also feel asleep in his pram. 
Now Joseph has used them a few times, I’m happy to say that we made the right decision to have his first shoe fitting at Poppy Red as the shoes are perfect and Joseph loves wearing them, and that’s the most important thing!
Aww! It's such a special moment getting those first shoes…
They are just adorable x
Those photos are adorable! It is a really special moment buying their first shoes and such a milestone in their little life x
great photos and thanks for the review x
This is so sweet! I remember when we bought our little girl her first pair of shoes too. We got it from Startrite. In fact, we kept her very first pair too 🙂 Dean of Little Steps
I love shoe shopping. I am taking my daughter to buy school shoes next week and am very excited. The shoes in the pictures are so cute! I love little baby shoes. Angela
Ahh first shoes are always such a special experience – E got her first pair of "proper" shoes a few weeks ago! H x
Awww so cute! What a lovely selection of shoes. I like shoe shopping (hate all other shopping tho!) IT looks and sounds like a lovely experience and his shoes are so sweet! xx
Thank you for the advice! I wish I lived closer to that shop so I could get their fitting service!
I remember all three of my children's visit to get there first shoes. I always waited until they could walk confidently for a while before I brought any shoes too. This sounds like a lovely shop to visit for little ones shoes with lots of choice. He look's so smart in his little shoes xx
Agreed it makes me so annoyed when I see mums shoving their poor babies feet into shoes. They need to follow guidelines because as you said it damages the growth of the babies feet.
I like the look of the shoes they have there and sounds like a great place for this exciting milestone! @LindyHine
It's so important to get the right shoes especially the first pair
My babies are just over 5 months now. I cant wait for them to start walking. first pair of shoes are very important!
Feet are so important and need proper care and attention
So special getting your first proper shoes
Feet are so important and need proper care and attention
So special getting your first proper shoes