First Step Shoes for Your Child – Junior Steps

Welcome to Junior Steps, the specialist in first step shoes for children. It’s a big milestone when your child takes their first steps, and at Junior Steps, we make sure you choose the best shoes for this important moment. Our first step shoes, made from premium materials like leather and calf leather, provide the right support, comfort, and health for your child’s feet. Explore our collection and give your child the best start with the right first step shoes.

Why Choose First Step Shoes from Junior Steps?

First step shoes are crucial for the healthy development of your child’s feet. At Junior Steps, we understand how important it is to make the right choice when your child starts taking their first steps. Our shoes are specially designed with the following features in mind:

Optimal Flexibility and Support: The sole of the first step shoes is flexible enough for the feet to move naturally, yet it provides enough support for the heel, allowing your child to safely take their first steps.
Perfect Fit: The shoes should not be too tight or too loose. They should fit snugly around the feet to provide the necessary support without constricting the feet.
Soft and Durable Leather: Calf leather and leather are not only durable but also very soft for your child’s feet. They mold to the foot’s shape while providing the necessary firmness to give the feet the support they need.
Durability: The materials are strong and long-lasting, even with your child’s first active steps.
Safety: The flexible yet sturdy sole provides grip and stability, ensuring your child can walk safely.

When Should You Buy First Step Shoes?

First step shoes are a must as soon as your child can stand independently or pull themselves up on furniture, as this is when your child needs support to start walking.

When exactly?

Standing independently: If your child pulls themselves up on furniture or other objects and begins standing, it’s usually time to buy first step shoes.
Is your child already taking small steps? Then it’s time for first step shoes, ensuring their feet are properly supported during their early movements.

How Quickly Do Children's Feet Grow?

Children’s feet grow rapidly, especially in the first few years. It’s important to regularly check your child’s shoe size to ensure the shoes fit properly and give enough space for their feet to develop.

0-12 months: On average, 1 size every 2-3 months.
1-2 years: On average, 1 size every 3-4 months.
2-4 years: About 1 size every 4-6 months.
4-8 years: The growth rate slows slightly, with an average of 1 size every 6-8 months.
From 9 years: Feet usually grow 1 size every 12 months.

Frequently Asked Questions About First Step Shoes for Children

1. Why is leather and calf leather the best material for first step shoes?

Leather and calf leather are not only durable but also very soft for your child’s feet. They provide the necessary support and mold to the shape of the feet, allowing them to develop optimally during the first steps. These materials are breathable, flexible, and offer the right balance between comfort and stability.

2. How do I know if the first step shoes are the right size?

For new shoes, there should be about 12-15 mm of growth room between the big toe and the front of the shoe. When there is less than 3-5 mm of space left, it’s time to buy new shoes. If you’re unsure, come by Junior Steps for a professional size check.

3. How often should I buy new first step shoes?

Children’s feet grow quickly, especially in the early years. It’s important to check your child’s size every 2-3 months for first step shoes, as their feet grow rapidly during this phase.

4. Can kids shoes from Junior Steps be worn indoors and outdoors?

Yes! Our first step shoes are designed to be worn both indoors and outdoors. The flexible, slip-resistant soles provide grip and stability, allowing your child to walk safely on both hard floors and outdoor surfaces.

5. What makes kids shoes from Junior Steps different?

At Junior Steps, we focus on quality. We offer an exclusive collection of genuine Italian-made children’s shoes, crafted from the finest types of calf leather. This leather is not only super soft for baby feet but also provides the right support. Unlike cheap shoes, which often use synthetic materials, our premium materials prevent issues like perspiration and mold, which are essential for foot health.

Our shoes are designed with a perfect last that fits your child’s foot well—not too wide, not too narrow. Cheap shoes often have too wide or too narrow lasts, which can lead to issues such as flat feet or other deformities. Additionally, our shoes feature a contrefort—a reinforcement at the heel that provides extra support. This is especially important as we walk 95% of the time on hard concrete surfaces, which is crucial for growing children. Cheap children’s shoes often don’t have a contrefort, which means they don’t provide adequate support for foot development.

Why Choose Junior Steps?

At Junior Steps, we offer not only the highest quality first step shoes but also understand how important it is for your child to learn to walk correctly. Our shoes are made of leather and calf leather, offering the right balance between flexibility, comfort, and support. Explore our collection easily online and enjoy free shipping on orders over €75 within Belgium. Or visit us in our Zonhoven store, where we’ll be happy to personally advise you and help you choose the best shoes for your child.