Pre walker shoes are the perfect choice for protecting little feet from cold weather conditions and getting kids comfortable in footwear.
Whilst not designed for everyday walking, pram shoes serve an important purpose for children as their feet grow and develop, and your child embarks on their journey towards those very first steps.
This blog post will explain what pre-walker shoes are, their purpose, when babies should be wearing them, how they should fit, and much more.
What are pre walker shoes?
Pre-walkers, or ‘pram shoes’, are specifically designed with comfort and style in mind. They allow for healthy foot growth, but are not recommended for regularly walking in.
They’re most suitable for younger children who aren’t yet competent walkers, and they’re made from soft, flexible and comfortable materials, perfect for wearing in the pushchair.
A great pre-walker footwear option is our Nova Tan Suede Leather Pram Shoe - these feature a premium upper, blending smooth full-grain leather with textured suede. Durable, and comfortable.
When babies should wear pre-walker shoes
Babies should be wearing pre-walker shoes as soon as they’re in the pram, or whenever they’re leaving the house in any other form. They can also be useful for wearing on car journeys, or when in a carrier too.
Basically, if you’re taking an infant/young child out of the house, but they won’t be walking around, pre-walker shoes are suitable thanks to the protection and comfort they bring.
How long should babies wear pre-walker shoes for?
Pre-walker shoes are suitable for babies effectively until they’re able to walk, and no longer require a buggy full time. Given that they’re designed largely for use in the pram, they can be worn until your child no longer relies on a pram.
So, even if your child is learning to walk and is able to walk small distances comfortably, you still might want pre-walker shoes as an option to take them out in the pushchair, if you know they won’t need to walk about on that trip.
How should pre-walker shoes fit?
Pram shoes should have a loose but secure fit, to accommodate for growth and movement, without having excess room for slipping and allowing cold air in.
Pre-walker shoes are mainly for aesthetic and protective purposes, so the ‘perfect’ fit isn’t quite as vital as it is for shoes being walked in, so as long as your child’s pram shoes aren’t excessively tight, whilst not falling off, you should be ok!
Can babies wear pre-walker shoes outside?
Whilst not designed for walking about in, babies can wear pre-walker shoes outside if they’re in the pram or being carried around. They’re also suitable for short periods of walking/moving around in dry conditions.
The difference between pre-walkers and first shoes
Pre-walker and first-walker shoes both serve important purposes, but they differ in function.
Both types of shoes focus on being soft and comfortable, whilst allowing feet to breathe and grow. However, first walker shoes are designed to be suitable for children who have taken their first steps, and are embarking on their walking journey. They include features like toe guards and cushioned ankle collars, making them suitable for supporting, but not inhibiting, natural movement.
Pram shoes are good for babies’ feet because they allow them to grow whilst keeping them warm and protected.
Pre-walker shoes, on the other hand, don’t have all these same features, and are instead designed to be comfortable, breathable and stylish, ideal for wearing in the pram and protecting feet from the elements.
The benefits of pre-walker shoes
Pre-walker footwear offer several important benefits for your child:
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Supportive - Pre-walker shoes are not designed for walking, but they are suitable for protecting little feet during shuffles and wobbles as children work towards their first steps.
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Weather protection - Pram shoes provide warmth and protection against adverse weather conditions whilst in the pushchair.
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Supple and flexible - Made from soft and flexible materials, pram shoes are designed not to restrict kids’ soft and fragile feet. This is important to prevent foot health issues from an early age.
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Stylish - Our ranges of girls pre-walker shoes and boys pre-walker shoes are both designed with comfort and fashion at the forefront. Not only do these pram shoes promote healthy foot development and protection, they’ll also look adorable on your kids!
Choosing pre-walker shoes
Choosing pre-walker shoes involves understanding your child' s needs, as well as considering which shoes you think might suit them best from a fashion perspective.
You might want to consider the Alba mushroom suede pre-walkers - with a nod to natural comfort, the interior has a breathable, chrome-free leather lining.
Or, a slightly different option, the Zora pearl white leather pre-walker shoe. Fuss-free dressing with a fake buckle on the strap, hiding a convenient hook and loop fastening.