CHOOSING THE RIGHT SHOES
Choosing the right shoes for your baby or toddler is an important part of supporting healthy foot development and confident movement. In the early years, little feet are soft, flexible and still growing, so footwear should allow them to move as naturally as possible rather than restrict them.
At Dotty Fish, our baby and toddler footwear is designed with a barefoot feel, using lightweight, flexible soles and a wide, non-restrictive toe shape that gives little toes plenty of room to spread, wiggle and move naturally.
As your little one grows from first movements to more confident steps, their footwear needs will change. It’s best to choose shoes based on how your child is moving and where they’ll be wearing them, rather than age alone. This guide will help you find the right Dotty Fish shoes for each stage and adventure.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A FIRST SHOE
When choosing those first shoes for little feet, it’s worth remembering that barefoot is usually best whenever it is safe and practical. Shoes can provide warmth and protection while still allowing feet to move naturally. Footwear for babies, toddlers and young children should be:
- Flexible – so little feet can move naturally without unnecessary restriction.
- Lightweight – allowing natural movement through the feet, ankles, knees and hips.
- Wide around the toes – giving toes room to spread, wiggle and move.
- Thin and flexible underfoot – helping children feel the ground beneath their feet.
- Secure without being restrictive – staying comfortably on little feet while allowing room to move.
- Comfortable and breathable – using materials suitable for little feet and the activity they’re designed for.
A little note about sizing: Age ranges show the sizes available and should only be used as a guide. Every child is different, so we always recommend measuring both feet and checking the recommended foot length in the relevant Size Guide before ordering.
WHICH SHOES ARE RIGHT FOR MY LITTLE ONE?
Jump straight to the style that best suits your little one:
SOFT SOLE SHOES
Ideal for Crawling & First Steps
Available sizes: 0–6 months to 4–5 years
View Soft Sole Shoes Size Guide
Soft sole shoes are ideal for babies who are crawling, cruising, standing or taking their first steps. Their lightweight, flexible design allows little feet to move naturally while providing gentle protection and grip.
- Soft, flexible suede soles for a barefoot feel
- Wide, non-restrictive toe shape
- Non-slip suede provides gentle grip on smooth indoor floors
- Lightweight design supports natural movement
- Elasticated ankles help keep shoes securely on
- Soft, breathable leather for comfortable little feet
Our soft sole shoes are primarily designed for indoor use and are a great choice for those important early stages of movement and first steps.
RUBBER SOLE SHOES
For More Confident Little Walkers
Available sizes: 12–18 months to 5–6 years
View Rubber Sole Shoes Size Guide
Rubber sole shoes are a great next step once your child is walking more confidently. They provide extra grip and durability while remaining lightweight and flexible, allowing growing feet to continue moving naturally.
- Flexible rubber soles provide grip without unnecessary stiffness
- Wide toe shape gives growing toes room to spread
- Lightweight design supports natural movement
- Soft leather keeps little feet comfortable
- Elasticated ankles make them easy to put on and help them stay secure
- Suitable for indoors and light outdoor wear in dry conditions
They’re a natural next stage from our soft sole shoes for toddlers who are becoming steadier and more confident on their feet.
SOFT SOLE SANDALS
For First Steps & Warmer Days
Available sizes: 0–6 months to 3–4 years
View Soft Sole Sandals Size Guide
Our soft sole sandals offer the lightweight, flexible feel of our soft sole shoes in a breathable open design, making them ideal for babies and toddlers during warmer weather.
- Soft, flexible suede soles for a barefoot feel
- Breathable leather helps keep little feet comfortable
- Wide, non-restrictive shape gives toes room to move
- Lightweight design supports natural balance and coordination
- Elasticated ankles help keep sandals securely in place
- Ideal for warmer days, holidays and special occasions
Our soft sole sandals are primarily designed for indoor use and gentle first steps. The soft suede sole can provide some protection for little feet, but isn’t designed for regular outdoor walking.
SUEDE SLIPPERS
For Cosy Indoor Adventures
Available sizes: 0–6 months to 4–5 years
View Suede Slippers Size Guide
When little feet need some extra warmth, our suede slippers provide a cosy alternative to going barefoot. Their soft, flexible construction allows feet to move naturally while the fleece lining keeps little toes snug.
- Soft suede uppers with a warm fleece lining
- Flexible suede soles maintain a natural barefoot feel
- Non-slip soles provide gentle grip on smooth indoor floors
- Lightweight and non-restrictive for natural movement
- Elasticated ankles help keep slippers securely in place
- Ideal for wooden, tiled and laminate floors
Designed for indoor wear, they’re a lovely way to keep little feet warm without the stiffness of a traditional slipper.
COTTON BABY BOOTIES
For Tiny Toes & Keeping Cosy
Available sizes: 0–6 months to 18–24 months
View Baby Booties Size Guide
Our cotton baby booties are designed for younger babies who need warmth and comfort without heavy or restrictive footwear. They’re ideal for keeping tiny feet cosy at home or while you’re out and about.
- Soft cotton outer with a warm fleece lining
- Flexible suede sole allows little feet to move naturally
- Lightweight and comfortable for tiny developing feet
- Adjustable hook-and-loop fastening for a secure fit
- Elasticated ankles help keep booties on wriggly little feet
- Ideal for indoors, prams, pushchairs and baby carriers
Baby booties are a lovely choice before little ones are properly walking, providing warmth and protection while keeping their feet comfortable and unrestricted.
SWIM SHOES
For Beach, Pool & Water Adventures
Available sizes: 6–12 months to 5–6 years
View Swim Shoes Size Guide
For adventures around water, our swim shoes give little feet lightweight protection while maintaining a flexible, barefoot feel. They’re designed for exploring beaches, pools, gardens and other wet or warm surfaces.
- Quick-drying polyester knit upper
- Flexible rubber sole for a lightweight barefoot feel
- Non-slip sole provides grip on wet surfaces
- Wide toe shape gives little toes room to move naturally
- Adjustable hook-and-loop fastening helps provide a secure fit
- Ideal for beaches, pools, holidays, gardens and rock pools
Swim shoes help protect little feet from hot sand, poolside surfaces and rough ground while still allowing plenty of freedom to move, splash and explore.
STILL NOT SURE WHICH SHOES TO CHOOSE?
Every little one develops at their own pace, so age is only a guide. Think about how your child is moving, where they’ll be wearing their shoes and what they need from their footwear.
For the best fit, always measure both feet and compare the larger measurement with the recommended foot length in the relevant Dotty Fish Size Guide.