At this stage, you’re probably wondering:
“Do babies really need shoes before they can walk?”
And the truth is - indoors, the answer is probably no (not unless it's cold weather). Barefoot is best for crawling, pulling up, and cruising, because little toes grip the floor and muscles grow stronger that way.
But when you’re out and about outdoors, pre-walker shoes still have their place:
- Protection: Soft shoes keep tiny feet safe from rough, hot or dirty outdoor surfaces.
- Hygiene: Helpful when visiting malls, restaurants or childcare centres where little feet might touch the floor.
- Style: The perfect finishing touch for outings, baby parties, or milestone photos.
- Gifting: Parents treasure their baby’s first shoes as a memory of their earliest days.
Think of Stage 1 shoes as soft foot covers - gentle, flexible, and adorable. They’re not for teaching your baby to walk, but for protecting little feet and dressing them up for life’s special moments.
11 products
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Not indoors. Barefoot is best for balance and muscle strength. But when outdoors, pre-walker shoes help protect little feet from hot concrete floor, rough surfaces and hygiene concerns.
Not in warm climates. They’re mainly for protection and style (great for outings, parties and milestone photos).
Soft, breathable materials with flexible soles that bend easily, feeling more like socks than “real” shoes.
Brands who specialise in ranges of soft sole shoes such as Bobux Xplorers and Tip Toey Joey.