Is it really bad if I bought baby suede loafers as 1st pair

amother

OP ↓

Thu, Aug 15 2024, 10:16 pm

I went to a shoe sale and the baby shoes were about 40 a pair so instead of going to a very experienced fitter in a proper store where I would pay probably 100 if not more I just bought a pair of suede loafers for him. Is it really terrible? Should I go out and buy a proper pair of leather laceups?

bsy ↓

Thu, Aug 15 2024, 10:27 pm

It doesn't have to be supportive. They have to stay on. If you want cheap, the brand watelves on Amazon is working well for my toddler. Added benefit is they are barefoot shoes, meaning the toe box is wide. I will probably buy the next size when he outgrows these. Under 30 dollars.
The issue with loafers as I see it is that they often fall off or the foot slips out. When that happens, we tend to use our toes to grip the shoe and keep it on. That's not good, especially for little kids. I do not let my little kids wear loafers or slip ons that fall off

Last edited by bsy on Thu, Aug 15 2024, 10:43 pm; edited 2 times in total

amother

↑ Sand ↓

Thu, Aug 15 2024, 10:27 pm

No it’s not a myth. You can mess up their feet if they don’t have the right support when they first start using their feet.

amother

↑ OP ↓

Thu, Aug 15 2024, 10:28 pm

So I guess I'll see if they fall off and take it from there? If I see they stay on properly then maybe I don't have to worry.

mochamix18

Thu, Aug 15 2024, 10:29 pm

amother OP wrote:

I'm really hoping it's a myth that first pair has to be so supportive??

Nope not a myth. The babies feet are still solidifying and finding their balance and it affects their back and balance as well. There is more to having the shoe fitted then just that it seems like it fits.

amother

↑ Sand

Thu, Aug 15 2024, 10:30 pm

Has nothing to do with falling off. Has to do with him not having proper support for correct walking. It’s not worth it.

↑ bsy ↓

Thu, Aug 15 2024, 10:30 pm

WateLves Toddler Little Kid Wide Barefoot The First Walking Shoes Girls Boys Breathable Lightweight Splay Naturally Minimalist Sneakers https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D3.....ss_tl

These are the ones my toddler has (2nd pair already because he grew)

↑ bsy

Thu, Aug 15 2024, 10:31 pm

amother Sand wrote:

Has nothing to do with falling off. Has to do with him not having proper support for correct walking. It’s not worth it.

Support is actually not important. Unless there are issues with tone etc. a regular walker needs less support to allow the foot to develop properly.

amother

Jade ↓

Thu, Aug 15 2024, 10:31 pm

I think it’s a bit of a myth.
It really depends on the kid, not every kid needs super supportive. I’d put them on him and see how he does (bc you already own them). If he’s falling or tripping, move on.
For what it’s worth, I’ve heard very strong opinions from people on both sides of the issue. Some people really like the stiff, supportive lace ups, and some people the softer material, flexible sole. (And honestly from medical professionals I’ve only heard the latter).

amother

Clear

Thu, Aug 15 2024, 10:33 pm

I wouldn't recommend at all a loafer as a first pair. Suede is good since it's usually soft. But definitely need the laces or straps to hold the feet in place.
Babies feet still form at that age. Loafers are great for shabbos or for pictures. they're not the greatest shoes for any age. If it's the right size then it's extremely hard to get onto the foot. And if your able to put it onto the foot when you buy it it ends up stretching and being a slipper.
(I worked at a shoe store)

amother

Amaranthus ↓

Thu, Aug 15 2024, 10:33 pm

Their first shoes are the only time I pay a premium so they can get supportive shoes fit to their foot. After that it's Ali Express, Amazon, and Target for shoes. I would go and get the better shoes and have it fitted. Sorry. I know it's not what you wanted to hear.

Also, loafers are a poor choice. If they were sneakers I would say it's probably ok.

amother

↑ Amaranthus ↓

Thu, Aug 15 2024, 10:35 pm

amother Jade wrote:

The issue is the falling off, not the stiffness.

I buy very soft first walker shoes but they have a strap to keep them on.

amother

↑ OP ↓

Thu, Aug 15 2024, 10:37 pm

Sigh. Ok I will give them a week or two and after that I'll have to buy a proper pair.

amother

Broom ↓

Thu, Aug 15 2024, 10:37 pm

Nowadays it's considered most healthy for a baby to wear soft, flexible soled shoes. Or go barefoot when possible.
Not firm high-tops like they did a generation ago.
I like stride rite for young toddlers.

Also $40 doesn't sound very cheap for baby shoes.
Do a search on amazon"1st walker shoes".

amother

↑ OP

Thu, Aug 15 2024, 10:39 pm

amother Broom wrote:

Interesting there seem to be two opposite opinions on this. But everyone seems to agree that the loafers aren't good either way. Ok its not the first 40 dollars I flushed in my life. lol.

amother

↑ Broom

Thu, Aug 15 2024, 10:42 pm

Something like this is good for a new walker
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075.....ss_tl