If you're reading this, it's very likely your little one is about to start walking... and you're about to start running after them! At Feroz, we know this stage is as exciting as trying to put a shoe on an octopus.
We know that choosing the right footwear can be a major family drama: with grandmas offering opinions, playground myths, and feet that won't stay still, you don't know where to start. But don't worry, that's why we've prepared this comprehensive guide. Because if your little one is going to start their walking adventure, they should do it in style and with well-cared-for feet!
Why is it crucial to choose the right footwear when a baby starts walking?
Your baby's first footwear is much more than an adorable accessory. During the first years of life, children's feet undergo crucial development that will influence their way of walking throughout their lives.
A baby's feet are mainly composed of cartilage which, over time, will ossify to form the 26 bones that each adult foot has. During this process, it is essential that the foot has the freedom to move and develop naturally.
Inadequate footwear during this stage can:
- ❌ Alter the natural development of the foot
- ❌ Affect balance and posture
- ❌ Create bad walking habits
- ❌ Cause unnecessary discomfort.
On the contrary, appropriate footwear:
- ✔️ Protects without restricting
- ✔️ Allows natural development
- ✔️ Respects balance
- ✔️ Provides protection during the first steps
What essential characteristics should your baby's first shoes have?
At Feroz, we always say that "the best shoe is the one you don't notice." Therefore, first shoes must be ultra-flexible to allow the foot to move with total freedom. The ultimate test? You should be able to bend the shoe completely in any direction with just one hand and without effort.
In addition to being flexible, the sole should be thin, to allow the foot to receive the most stimulation, and durable, to protect your baby's delicate soles. The shoe should have plenty of interior space, especially in the forefoot area, allowing the toes to move freely, and be completely flat, with no drop, meaning the heel is not higher than the toe.
The footwear should keep the foot in place without squeezing it. An adjustable closure system, such as Velcro or laces, allows the shoe to adapt to the baby's instep. The ankle area should be well-supported but without excessive restrictions.
In addition, babies' feet tend to sweat more than adults'. That's why at Feroz we only use natural materials that allow the foot to breathe, such as leather, textile, or Feroz microfiber: absolutely breathable materials ideal for keeping feet cool and dry.
Finally, the insole must be removable, to check that the size and width are suitable for your little one, and completely flat, just like the shoe, which ideally will not have a heel counter or other reinforcements.
In short, the most suitable shoe to accompany your baby in their first steps is one that can accompany them without restricting their freedom of movement or development.
You might be interested -> When do babies take their first steps?
At what age does my baby need shoes?
This is one of the most frequent questions we receive and our answer is always the same: when they start walking independently. Take a look at the main phases of your little one's motor development that will occur from birth until they start walking:
- 0-6 months: no footwear needed, just socks or booties to keep warm.
- 6-10 months: crawling phase, no footwear needed, non-slip socks can be used.
- 10-15 months: first steps, it's time to start using soft and flexible shoes.
- 15+ months (approx.): established walking and first steps footwear.
Size Guide: How to get the right measurement?
If there's one thing all parents worry about when buying their little ones' first shoes, it's how to get the size right. But is it really that difficult to measure a baby's foot? To make it easy for you, at Feroz we have created a comprehensive Size Guide, which will help you with both that first pair and with updating sizes as your little one's feet grow (faster than you think!)
Additionally, we give you some tricks to always keep in mind that will help you choose the most appropriate size:
- Babies' feet also swell during the day, always in the last hours of the day.
- Take into account the thickness of the sock you will use with each type of shoe.
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Measure both feet, as they may be slightly different. To choose the size, use the larger one as a reference.
- Always add a margin of 12mm-15mm to allow the foot to continue growing.
- In addition to length, check the width of the foot to ensure that the toes have enough space.
How often do babies change shoe sizes?
If you have small children, you probably already know: the speed at which they change and grow is astonishing. Clothes, shoes, accessories... everything becomes too small before you realize it, and in the case of footwear, it's especially important to pay attention, as the change is not as evident as with other garments. Generally speaking, we can say that little ones need their footwear checked and changed:
- Between birth and 15 months: every 3-4 months. Approx. growth of 2 cm per year.
- Between 15 and 24 months: every 3 or 4 months. Approx. growth of 2 cm per year.
- Between 2 and 3 years: every 4 or 6 months. Approx. growth of 1.5 cm per year.
Common mistakes when choosing first shoes
Buying your baby's first shoes is a crucial moment, and inexperience can lead you to make some common mistakes. We'll outline them here so you can avoid them:
- Choosing overly rigid shoes: you see your baby so sweet and tiny that, inevitably, you want to protect their feet at all costs. However, contrary to what was once thought, forget hard and rigid shoes and opt for barefoot models, which are more respectful of child development. Avoid rigid heel counters, thick and hard soles, and tall, rigid boots.
- Incorrect size: young children grow so fast that, often, to save money, we tend to buy a larger size than they need, with the idea that the garment will last a little longer... When it comes to footwear, this is almost as harmful as buying a size that is too small, as it can cause trips, creating insecurity in the child that hinders the development of walking.
- Incorrect materials: remember that the material is almost as important as the shape. Forget non-breathable materials and make sure the insole is removable.
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Inappropriate designs: we all want our little ones to look beautiful (and, in fact, they always do, regardless of the clothes or footwear they wear). Don't get carried away by fashion and avoid buying shoes with too many decorative elements that increase the weight of the shoe or hinder its flexibility, and with narrow toes or inappropriate closure systems, such as buckles, overly thin laces, or low-quality Velcro.
- Inadequate timing: starting to use shoes too early does not favor the child's development, but waiting too long can cause damage to their feet when they start walking. The correct time to start putting shoes on your baby is, no more no less, when they start taking their first steps.
Where can I buy my baby's first shoes?
After all we've told you as passionate experts in the field (and because we put our heart and soul into doing it right), we can't recommend anything better than… ta-da! Feroz!
We know that your little one's first steps are an epic moment (level "mandatory family album"!), and that's why we design respectful footwear that accompanies without limiting. So their feet can remain free and happy forever and ever. Find the right model for your little one in our Baby section. 
And because little ones grow at the speed of light, our shoes grow with them. Here's the collection for not-so-little intrepid ones.
And if you're one of those who prefer to touch, try on, and get advice from real people, visit Ferozland, our physical store in La Cañada, Valencia. A magical place where children are the real stars.
