Prewalkers vs First Walkers: What’s Right for Your Child’s First Steps?

Your little one has taken their first steps, a proud moment for you both! But now you’re wondering… what should they wear on their feet?

A quick online search can leave you feeling more uncertain than when you started: soft soles, prewalkers, first walkers, barefoot is best? There’s so much conflicting advice, it’s hard to know what’s right.

At CeCe & Me, we know how important, and confusing, these early decisions are. That’s why we’re here to cut through the noise and give you clear, trusted advice, so you can feel confident about what’s best for your child at each stage of their walking journey.

So, what are prewalkers?

Prewalkers are lightweight shoes with soft, flexible soles and minimal structure. They're designed to

protect little feet, especially outdoors, while still allowing them to move as naturally as possible. The soles are thin enough to let your child feel the ground beneath them, which is essential for developing balance, coordination and an awareness of their surroundings.

Despite the name, prewalkers aren’t just for children who haven’t taken steps yet. They’re suitable from the cruising stage (pulling up and walking with support) right through to about 6–8 weeks after your child starts walking independently. During this time, barefoot is best wherever it’s safe, but prewalkers offer the protection they need when out and about or on rough surfaces.

At this stage, shoes aren’t for support, they’re just for protection. That’s a really important distinction.

When is it time for first walkers?

Once your child has been walking independently for a good 6 weeks or more, and they’re moving confidently, starting to explore faster movements, maybe even breaking into a run, they're ready for their next shoes: first walkers.

First walker shoes offer a little more structure than prewalkers, with a slightly thicker sole, but should still be lightweight and flexible. Young feet still have a lot of developing to do, and too much structure can do more harm than good.

Why flexibility matters

It’s tempting to go for shoes that look like cute, tiny versions of adult trainers or boots, but these are rarely right for young children. Stiff, heavy, or overly cushioned shoes can:

• Restrict natural movement

• Interfere with balance and posture

• Prevent muscles and bones from developing properly

• Cause fatigue due to extra weight

  
  

Remember: your child is still learning how to walk. They rely on the feedback they get through the soles of their feet to guide their movements and build strength and coordination. Cushioning dulls this vital feedback. That’s why barefoot or close-to-barefoot options are a good choice in the early years.

What to look for in a shoe

No matter what stage your child is at, here’s what to look for in shoes to support the development of healthy feet:

• Thin, flexible sole (no thick cushioning)

• Soft, breathable upper

• Secure fastening across the top of the foot (Velcro is by far the most popular)

• Firm, well-fitted heel cup to keep the foot stable in the shoe

• Wide toe box so little toes can spread and wiggle

  
  

And finally… don’t rush!

It’s natural to get excited about buying those first proper shoes, but there’s no need to rush. Let your child take their time mastering walking and introduce shoes when they need them, primarily to protect their little feet, not for support.

When it’s time, the right shoes can make all the difference to your child’s development, not just now, but for the years to come.

If you’re unsure about what stage your child is at, or what type of shoe would be best, we’re always here to help. At CeCe & Me, we’re trained in foot health and development and passionate about giving little feet the best start.

Find your nearest CeCe & Me shoe fitter