The Philosophy Behind Our Pre-Walking Shoes

The bones in babies’ feet are made mostly of cartilage. Their feet are therefore delicate and can develop abnormally if they are not properly cared for. The soft cartilage will not fully turn into bone until about 18 years of age. Ill-fitting shoes worn during these developmental years can cause problems not only in the feet but also around the rest of the body.
In addition, cruisers, or beginner walkers, gain a lot of sensory stimulation from the sensation they gain from their bare feet. This valuable stimulation that comes from walking barefoot helps them develop balance and coordination. For this reason, MIKI HOUSE Pre-Walking Shoes are specially designed to provide the optimal “barefoot sensation”.

Functions of Our Pre-Walking Shoes

①Roomy round toe design

Babies can feel and grip the ground with their toes as they learn to walk with plenty of room for the toes.

②Barefoot sensation sole design

Crafted from a unique lightweight and flexible synthetic nanofiber material, the outsoles offer proper traction on a variety of surfaces. The lightweight and soft polyurethane footbed helps babies feel the ground as if walking barefoot.

③Straps for the perfect fit

The straps are designed to help secure the ankles and offer customizable fit to meet the individual needs of each baby, adjusting to their individual instep height.

④Comfortable Lining

Comfortable, carefully crafted lining reduces the uneven feel that often comes from the construction or materials used in shoes.

⑤Soft pad

Soft padding on the tongue and collar gently hugs the ankles all around.

⑥Soft heel counter

While helping to support the heels at every step, the heel counter secures the feet and provides a snug fit to help reduce stumbles and falls. Designed to be worn comfortably at a time when babies are also actively crawling, the heel counters of our Pre-Walking Shoes are made with softer material than the ones found in our First Shoes series.

⑦Lightweight design

Lightweight construction offers a barefoot-like experience, helping babies adjust to walking with shoes.

*Some products may not include all features.

When to Use MIKI HOUSE Pre-Walking Shoes

In preparation for First Shoes, etc.

*Use Caution
when walking on uneven surfaces such as asphalt and pebble paths.
Because these shoes are made from soft materials, excessive abrasion can cause premature wear and tear.
*Once your baby is walking confidently indoors and is ready to walk outside, please switch to First Shoes.

Choosing the Right Pre-Walking Shoes

When selecting shoes, try both shoes on to test the fit. Regardless of the size on the label, the actual shoe size will vary slightly depending on the style, material, and construction. It is important to consider both fit and comfort while walking and to make sure that the shoes do not chafe or rub anywhere. There should be enough wiggle room for the toes and some space between the end of the toes and the inside of the shoes.
When trying on the shoes, align the heel inside the shoes and secure the ankles with straps and other closures, making sure that the feet do not move back and forth inside.

• Although there are individual differences, babies’ feet generally grow rapidly, averaging 1cm per year until the age of 2. Shoes that fit well not long ago can quickly become too small. Check shoe size approximately every three months to make sure that the same shoes still fit correctly.
• Keep in mind that wearing poorly fitting shoes can impair the proper growth of both the feet and body or cause corns, calluses and other injuries.
• The size and shape of the feet, in addition to the gait are unique to each individual. Please refrain from giving your baby second-hand shoes.

Care Instructions

Proper care method depends on the material of the shoe upper (the part of the shoe that covers the top, sides, front, and back of the foot). To ensure optimal use, please make sure to care for your shoes accordingly.

Textile Shoes (Natural and Synthetic Fibers)

〈 To Clean 〉

• Using a soft brush, gently clean with a mixture of cold or lukewarm water and a mild detergent.
• Avoid the use of alkaline detergents (shoe cleaners). They offer superior cleaning capability but are too strong for textile shoes and can cause discoloration.
• Avoid direct application of detergent as it can result in discoloration.
• Detergent residue may cause yellowing and other forms of discoloration. Make sure to rinse thoroughly.
• Do not use bleach or leave shoes to soak for long periods of time. They can both lead to discoloration.
• To avoid damage to the fabric, do not wash shoes in the washing machine.

〈 To Dry 〉

• Leaving shoes to dry while they are still significantly damp may lead to stains, discoloration, and color bleeding.
• After washing, dry thoroughly using a dry cloth in a slow pushing and squeezing motion, using caution to ensure that the shoes do not lose their shape. Stuff them with white paper to help them retain their shape and leave them to dry in a well-ventilated place away from direct sunlight.

• Please be careful with dark colored shoes or shoes with a combination of colors as they are especially prone to stains, discoloration, and color bleeding.
• Insufficient rinsing may result in detergent and other kinds of residue on the surface. If you notice any residue, please rewash as soon as possible.
• Avoid heat drying shoes. Do not place them in direct sunlight or use a dryer, heater, or hair dryer to dry them. Drying shoes near a direct heat source can result in misshapen or damaged shoes and cause any remaining dirt stains to stand out.

Synthetic Leather Shoes

• To avoid damage to synthetic or faux leather shoes, do not wash them.
• Use a damp cloth to wipe off any stains on the upper of the shoes.
• For tough stains, use a specially formulated faux leather cleaner.
• For faux suede shoes, use a brush to gently scrub off surface dirt and other stains.
• If shoes get wet in the rain, use a soft, dry cloth to wipe off excess moisture, stuff them with white paper, and leave them to dry in a well-ventilated place away from direct sunlight.
• The use of shoe creams and other conditioners is not necessary.
• Treat synthetic leather with care as the material can be easily damaged.
• Humidity and UV light naturally cause synthetic leather to age over time (i.e., peel, become sticky or stiff, crack). Please understand that because of the nature of the material, aging cannot be prevented. Therefore, please avoid long-term storage of faux leather shoes.

Genuine Leather Shoes (Cowhide, etc.)

• Refrain from washing genuine leather shoes as it can lead to discoloration, stiffening, and other damage to the leather.
• To avoid discoloration and stains, promptly remove any dirt and other loose surface soil using a specially formulated leather cleaner .
• For suede shoes, use a brush to gently scrub off surface dirt and other stains.
• Application of appropriate conditioning creams can help restore and nourish leather as well as protect them from stains and cracks.
• If shoes get wet in the rain, use a soft, dry cloth to wipe off excess moisture, stuff them with white paper, and leave them to dry in a well-ventilated place away from direct sunlight. Once dry, use a leather conditioner to help nourish and restore the leather.
• Excessive moisture, perspiration, and abrasion can cause discoloration. In addition, please be aware that color transfer can occur to light-colored socks and other clothing.
• Please note that color may naturally fade over time.

Storing Shoes

• Even when stored, shoes will age slowly over time. To minimize the effect of aging, store shoes in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• Avoid storing shoes in cars as temperature inside the trunk of a vehicle can rise.
• Avoid storing shoes in vinyl and other bags.
• Shoes that have been stored for a long time may have aged significantly. Before putting them on, please check for the following and avoid use if:

• the material of the upper has deteriorated
  (peeled, become sticky or stiff, cracked)
• the hook and loop fasteners no longer stick effectively
• the shoe soles have deteriorated
  (peeled, become sticky or stiff, cracked)

Miscellaneous Precautions

• Follow any separate care and usage instructions included with your specific shoes.
• Stop use if rashes, itchiness, or other skin reactions occur.
• Avoid use in wet conditions as the soles are not waterproof.
• Use caution when walking over slippery surfaces such as manholes and grates as well as on tile, stone, or ceramic floors.
• Placing shoes near a direct heat source can lead to weakening or warping.
• To prevent falls and other injuries, securely fasten straps and other hook and loop fasteners. Improperly fastened straps can become undone while walking and cause shoes to fall off.
• Stop use if the hook and loop fasteners are no longer sticking effectively. Hook and loop fasteners can lose their effectiveness after long use, if they have been exposed to high heat or excessive moisture, or when dirt or lint have collected on the surface.
• When putting shoes on, pull the opening wide enough for the feet to enter easily. Avoid stepping on the back of the shoe as the counter can break, become misshapen, or otherwise become damaged and cause injury.

• Slight discoloration may occur as a result of abrasion or perspiration. In addition, please be aware that color transfer can occur to light-colored socks.