Fashion Awards 2023 / Junior Design Awards 2023 / 19 September 2023

Best First Walker Footwear Collection | Junior Design Awards 2023

These are the award winning first shoes your little ones should be sporting this year...

Who:BGreater Shoes

What:First walker shoes designed to promote healthy foot development using barefoot principles

Why:

The cute minimal design, thoughtful details and founding principle of nurturing foot health, really pushed these shoes into our Gold category. With an emphasis on the benefits of barefoot shoes for growing feet, the designs were all generous in the toe with plenty of flexibility in a sole that felt grounding yet protective.

Fab touches such as half a smiley face on the insole of each shoe to help kids identify their left and right feet and little bear ears on the backs of heels, that double up as tabs for pulling shoes on, really impressed. The brand’s reconditioning service, which encourages customers to send back outgrown shoes so that they can be re-treaded and given to lower-income families was also a big talking point.

A new brand to me, it's really interesting to learn about the health benefits of barefoot shoes and these come at a fantastic price point. My toddler was fascinated by the pair with the bear detail on judging day so they get her approval!

Charlotte Kewley, Children’s Stylist and content creator, @thelittlestylist

These are such great shoes for little ones! They feel robust and supportive while still adhering to the barefoot principles of a shoe that connects feet to the ground and gives toes room to grip. Lots of clever details that kids will love too!

Bonita Turner, Editor of Junior

I love the fact that each range of shoes is named after a famous explorer, inspiring kids and setting them off on a path of adventure.

Eleonore Crompton, Contributing Editor, Junior

Who:Rolly

What:Rolly slippers made from cotton with a non-slip sole

Why:

The judges felt that these sweet slippers were lightweight, comfortable, breathable and perfect for little ones just beginning to find their feet. The cute prints and animal characters definitely have the ahh factor and would be appealing to both children and parents, as well as making a great gift.

The panel also noted that their soft elasticated cuffs would be easy for kids to pull on, giving them a sense of independence and pride. A great introduction to a life-long relationship with shoes.

Love the little unicorn slippers which I know so many children will be drawn to.

Bonita Turner, Editor of Junior

Simple slippers that introduce little ones to shoes in a soft and gentle way with the added fun of cute animal characters.

Eleonore Crompton, Contributing Editor, Junior

I really like this move into subtle, soft and calm colours.

Charlotte Kewley, Children’s Stylist and content creator, @thelittlestylist