One of these shoes is not like the other... 

For first walkers, barefoot is best 

Research clearly shows that going barefoot gives kids the best possible start to walking. Babies and toddlers have naturally wide feet, so barefoot walking allows their toes to spread naturally as they learn to balance. Being barefoot helps their muscle development, strength, coordination and confidence. SO, when they do need to wear shoes, they need safe, developmentally-appropriate shoes that mimic the barefoot experience as closely as possible.

I searched high and low for shoes that were practical, hard-wearing, comfy, and most importantly, podiatrist approved. Oh, and shoes that were affordable – I learned first-hand how fast little feet can grow!

When I couldn’t find what I needed I set out to create them myself, and Billycart Kids was born.

The result: Our beautiful, affordable range of pre walker, first walker and toddler shoes, launched in 2020.

All of our shoes feature a wide fit that won’t squash toes, velcro straps so they’re easy to put on and take off, a flexible rubber non-slip sole so kids can feel the terrain under their feet, and a protective closed toe.

And the best part? All of the shoes in the Billycart Kids range have been approved and recommended by Australian podiatrists, so you can purchase with confidence, knowing you’re making the best choice for your child’s foot development".

As seen in... 

Since our launch we’ve won awards and been featured in the media, but the achievement we’re most proud of is the feedback from our customers.

Our shoes are loved by parents all over Australia as evidenced by an astounding (and growing) number of 5-star reviews, and parents frequently tell us their kids are walking better, falling less and growing in confidence since they started wearing our shoes.  

What our customers are saying... 

Busting the myths around baby and toddler shoes 

Here we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about choosing the right shoes for your baby or toddler. 

‘I’ve bought name brand shoes for my toddler before, and they’re really expensive! That means they’re good, right?’ 

Unfortunately, not always. Neither the price of the shoe nor the brand name are indicators of quality when it comes to little feet. They might be well constructed, but that doesn’t mean they’re specifically designed for babies and toddlers. 

Many shoe brands are excellent at designing adult shoes, but unlike Billycart Kids they’re not first walker specialists. 

When assessing a shoe, take a look at the Billycart Kids shoe features above and undertake your own quality check. Can the soles be bent all the way back on themselves? Do they have a nice, wide fit and a closed toe? Are they lightweight and easy to run and jump in? 

‘Why don’t your shoes have arch support? Don’t babies and toddlers need arch support?’ 

Not in most cases, no. Arch support directly conflicts with the ‘barefoot is best’ principle. Babies and toddlers learn to walk best when they wear soft soles and can feel the ground beneath their feet. 

Unless arch support is prescribed by a professional for corrective purposes, shoes with flat, soft, flexible rubber soles are best. 

‘My kids spend lots of time outside, so they need thick, sturdy shoes. Won’t soft, lightweight shoes wear out too quickly?’ 

Thick and sturdy also means inflexible and heavy, which can make it much harder for babies and toddlers to learn to balance and walk. 

Billycart Kids shoes are lightweight (and much easier for little ones to walk in, with less strain on their muscles), but don’t let that fool you! 

We’ve specifically designed our shoes for outdoor adventures, and with their rubber soles, reinforced heels, quality materials and protective toes they’re long lasting and perfect for endless fun, both inside and out.