What are Pre-Walking Shoes for Babies?
Attipas Australia founder Caroline explains what exactly are pre-walking shoes & why we need them:
1. What are pre-walking shoes? Pre-walking shoes are typically a baby's first pair of shoes. They are generally soft-soled, flexible and lightweight, as recommended by podiatrists. Pre-walking shoes should be completely flat, without a groove or arch support, while your baby learns to walk. Keeping your baby's feet completely flat helps stimulate neurones in the brain which aids cognitive and motor skill development.
2. When to buy pre-walking shoes? Typically, babies start standing, crawling and 'cruising' around furniture (walking with the aid of chairs and tables) around the 6-8 month mark, though this does vary child to child. You can typically start wearing pre-walking shoes any time from the age of 6 months. Many parents like the idea of keeping baby's feet warm, protecting little toes and offering a non-slip grip during the 'cruising' phase.
3. What are the benefits of pre-walking shoes? Wearing pre-walking shoes, as opposed to any other type of shoes, support your baby in taking their first, unaided steps. This is because pre-walking shoes are designed with a soft, flexible sole that allows babies to 'feel' the ground, developing cognitive and motor skills. Pre-walking shoes also offer added support and protection for little toes, including during the heat (think hot concrete), cold (babies lose heat through their feet), unsafe terrains (rocky or sharp surfaces). Wearing pre-walking shoes also keep little feet clean and avoids cuts and infections.
4. Where can I buy pre-walking shoes? Many podiatrists stock a variety of pre-walking shoes for babies, however, my favourite pre-walking shoes for babies are Attipas. Attipas pre-walking shoes for babies slip on like a sock but support like a shoe. They also have a big toe box which allows free toe movement, helping with cognitive and motor skill development. Attipas are highly flexible and have a soft sole, making them the best pre-walking shoes for babies on the market.
Attipas Australia founder Caroline says less is more when is comes to first shoes for baby.
Attipas mimic barefoot walking which helps with growth and development.
In a world of mixed messages when it comes to baby and toddler health, you can be forgiven for being confused. “The whole idea of less is more, when it comes to toddler foot health, is something I really believe in,” said Caroline Africh, founder of Attipas Australia and mum of three who recently appeared on Shark Tank and the Today Show. "In fact, the reason I brought Attipas to Australia was that they mimicked barefoot walking."
In an age when sifting through information is half the battle, finding a comfortable and healthy pre-walking shoe has been a challenge for many parents, especially when presented with so many options. When Caroline discovered Attipas shoes on a holiday in Japan seven years ago, she knew she needed to bring them back to Australia and spread the word, "Attipas are the only pre-walking shoes on the market that have been proven to mimic barefoot walking", says Caroline.
Attipas (Atti-pas, a Korean & French hybrid, meaning "happy walk") were designed in Korea based on 7 years of research in conjunction with the Seoul University of Korea, and have since received the tick of approved from Aussie podiatrists. When asked about what people love the most about Attipas, Caroline replies “They stay on: Parents love the fact that Attipas are easy to put on but toddlers can't pull them off. Missing shoes and socks are a thing of the past!”
In an age when sifting through information is half the battle, finding a comfortable and healthy pre-walking shoe has been a challenge for many parents, especially when presented with so many options. When Caroline discovered Attipas shoes on a holiday in Japan seven years ago, she knew she needed to bring them back to Australia and spread the word, "Attipas are the only pre-walking shoes on the market that have been proven to mimic barefoot walking", says Caroline.
Attipas (Atti-pas, a Korean & French hybrid, meaning "happy walk") were designed in Korea based on 7 years of research in conjunction with the Seoul University of Korea, and have since received the tick of approved from Aussie podiatrists. When asked about what people love the most about Attipas, Caroline replies “They stay on: Parents love the fact that Attipas are easy to put on but toddlers can't pull them off. Missing shoes and socks are a thing of the past!”
“We even got invited to the Oscars to hand out Attipas to celebrity mums” said Caroline. “I literally handed out pairs to Zoe Saldana's makeup artist and she posted a picture of her kids wearing them on Instagram".
Attipas baby shoes can be purchased online only via their store, and offer same and next day shipping options in Australia and New Zealand.
“The biggest concern for parents buying shoes online is that they're not sure what size to buy,” she said. “To make things easier we've created a Free Size Guide that can be printed at home and takes the pain and guesswork out of measuring your baby's feet. In this digital age you shouldn't be restricted to buying expensive shoes from a department store or podiatrist. Attipas are a really affordable option for parents these days", says Caroline.
“I'd always wanted to start a business but wanted to do something I was passionate about,” Caroline says. It wasnt until I become a new mum and saw a real gap in the Australian market for a quality, no-fuss pre-walking shoes that I that I decided to partner with Attipas and become the Australian distributor. We helped Attipas gain world recognition by getting them to the Oscars, on celebrity babies, the whole shebang. I even had three investors throwing offers at me on Shark Tank Australia. We've done a lot with this brand.
“When I see toddlers wearing Attipas out on the street, I think ‘Wow, I played a role in helping that child develop healthy walking habits, and also made life so much easier for their parents'. That's success to me."
Thanks From Caroline
What Our Customers Say
What people are saying about us...
We bought these for our then 11 month old and they are the perfect baby shoe! They protect little toes, are easy to walk in even for an early walker, and the sock-style means she can't pull them off. She's one now and loves them so much that she sometimes brings them to you to put them on for her, even inside! Very glad we bought the next size up as well. Perfect!
Victoria
We absolutely love our Attipas. Our son loves being outside and crawling. He has been dragging his little toes alone the concrete and leaving marks. Now with these shoes no more grazes and he loves them!
Jessica
We love Attipas!! Can't fault them. Was over my son coming home from daycare with dirty feet and socks can so easily be pulled off. Attipas are such a great option and so cute as well.
Andrea
Our 1 year old has just started walking and these are the only shoes she seems to walk comfortably in. They're also great for childcare, as they don't fall off easily (and get lost!). They're super easy to put on and take off too - win-win!
Jessie