
The name ‘prewalkers’ is actually a little misleading. Of course, a child doesn't learn to walk because of shoes. But with the right shoes, we can give our children the best possible support for this important development phase. The little ones take their first steps without shoes, and we have no intention of interfering with the perception that takes place in the soles of their feet! That's why there is no arch support in Affenzahn children's shoes, because this would change the gait. In our prewalkers, the child's foot can roll over the ball of the foot and wiggle its toes just like when walking barefoot. To ensure that the surface can still be felt, the prewalkers have a natural shape and a minimal sole. This makes it feel like walking barefoot, but with optimum protection. Perhaps the name ‘prewalker buddies’ would be more appropriate...
The first steps in life are exciting for babies and parents alike. Prewalkers are an important investment to make walking easier for little ones and to protect their feet. Especially in summer, comfortable walking shoes are essential for babies and toddlers to protect their delicate feet from hot sand and rough surfaces.
Our prewalkers for boys and girls are available in many different designs and colours. It is particularly important that our prewalkers are made from breathable materials to prevent overheating and perspiration.
Yes, prewalkers that are also barefoot shoes can be very useful. They combine the advantages of both types of shoes: They provide protection for your child's feet while supporting natural foot development and a feel for the ground. These shoes promote the development of healthy foot muscles and a natural gait, which is particularly important when children are learning to walk.
It may be a small step for humanity, but it's a giant leap for a toddler's development: learning to walk. For many months, the baby has strengthened its leg muscles by kicking diligently, trained its sense of balance, learned to coordinate its hands and feet, and developed an understanding of space: now it's time to go vertical! Every child has their own pace; some start taking their first steps at 9 months, others at 24 months. For the second, third, hundredth, and thousandth steps, keep going healthy, comfortable, and barefoot with Affenzahn prewalker shoes!
The term prewalker shoes does not mean that children need shoes to learn to walk. In fact, it would be best to learn to walk barefoot. However, this is not always possible, which is why our prewalkers take into consideration the special needs of small feet. The super flexible sole is particularly flexible and soft. In addition, all of our prewalkers have a newly designed sole that goes over the toes at the front and is cut higher at the heel than our other shoes for older children. When learning to walk, children often crawl in between and to ensure protection for the toes, the sole is higher at the front. There is a little more support at the back, as the first steps can still be quite shaky. In addition to the new sole, all our prewalkers are of course developed according to our Affenzahn barefoot shoe concept and therefore offer enough space for growth.
The length of time children wear prewalkers varies depending on their development. Our range of baby walker sizes extends from 19 to 25, after which children are no longer crawling so often and no longer need the raised sole over their toes.
Choosing the right prewalker depends on your child's needs and preferences.
1. The Cotton Smally is ideal for a smooth introduction to the world of walking, with a comfortable cut and breathable material made from certified organic cotton. It has a large hook-and-loop fastener that is easy for children to grip.
2. The Knit Toddly offers a lot of flexibility thanks to the elastic knit upper material. It is not lined and is therefore super airy and very light. It's also a real eye-catcher!
3. The Leather Walky is the more classic choice with two hook-and-loop fasteners. The high-quality leather is robust, yet the Walky has a soft fit. Leather can also have a temperature-regulating effect.
4. The Leather Talky is our new super soft, robust leather prewalker for the transition period. It is equipped with our AffenTex membrane, so it is waterproof. The embossed suede leather gives it a special look.
5. The Vegan Snuggy has also been added to the portfolio: this winter prewalker boot is waterproof and extends above the ankle, making it suitable for colder days as winter approaches. It has a soft, warm lining and makes every movement flexible and easy!
Children's feet grow at lightning speed: on average, three shoe sizes per year during toddlerhood. Children of this age don't yet notice when their shoes are too tight, or are unable to express this – which makes it all the more important to measure their feet regularly. At Affenzahn, you can find the right size in no time at all – with our templates or our size finder.