The foot develops on its own
A child's feet will develop well if they are left alone, the Canadian Paediatric Society reminds us. Muscles, arch and bones don't need a stiff shoe to build themselves: they need to move.
Soft leather slippers, handmade
100% natural cowhide leather that hugs the shape of the foot, a non-slip suede sole and elastic around the ankle. From 0 to 6 years, and every design has its own first name.
Designed for learning to walk A soft, non-slip sole with no added support or arch: the foot moves almost as if barefoot, which is what pediatric societies advise for first steps. Why it matters
How old is your child?
Choose their age: we'll show you the designs available in their size.
- 0 to 6 months, Size 16-17
- 6 to 12 months, Size 18-19
- 12 to 18 months, Size 20-21
- 18 to 24 months, Size 22-23
- 2 to 3 years, Size 24-25-26
- 3 to 4 years, Size 27-28
- 4 to 5 years, Size 29-30
- 5 to 6 years, Size 31-32
Would you rather measure their foot? The size guide gives an approximate foot length for each size (EU sizes).
Shop by collection
A few designs to discover
Designs available in most sizes. Choose the size right on the card.
Petit Moccs
Fringed leather slippers in solid colours, for little ones.
Four sizes, from 16-17 (0 to 6 months) to 22-23 (18 to 24 months).
See the Petit Moccs
Learning to walk
Why a soft sole?
Before they walk, babies don't need shoes. Once they take off, what matters is protecting their feet without confining them.
Like barefoot, but protected
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, babies' feet develop best if they're not confined in shoes
. Once those first steps head outdoors, though, feet need protection: a soft, light shoe with a non-slip sole, without arches or added support — extras that may actually make it harder to walk
.
What that means at Petit Canon
Soft cowhide leather that bends with the foot, a non-slip suede sole that grips smooth floors, elastic around the ankle so the slipper stays on, and no stiff sole. From 0 to 6 years, size by size.
A guideline, not medical advice: if your child has pain when walking, talk to their doctor.
Sources
- Canadian Paediatric Society, Footwear for children, Community Paediatrics Committee, updated July 2022.
- American Academy of Pediatrics, Shoes for Active Toddlers and Movement Milestones in Babies 8 to 12 Months Old, HealthyChildren.org.
- Buckland et al., Pediatric Physical Therapy, 2014: in 25 children who were just starting to walk, their stride in very flexible shoes was closer to barefoot walking, with no more falls than in stiffer shoes.
What makes the difference
The details that matter, from the leather to the sole.
- 100% natural cowhide leather
- Top quality: soft, strong and breathable, it hugs the shape of the foot.
- Non-slip suede sole
- It can be gently brushed.
- Elastic around the ankle
- To keep the foot well supported.
- Water-based colours
- Free of chemicals.
- NF safety standards
- The slippers meet NF safety standards.
- Original illustrations
- On the soft leather slippers: animals, stars and other motifs, depending on the design.
- Handmade
- Artisan craftsmanship that blends tradition with modern designs.
Handmade
How they are made
From the leather to the pouch, every pair goes through the same steps.
-
Cutting
Each piece is cut from 100% natural cowhide leather, soft and breathable.
-
Sewing
The upper is stitched, and the motif is sewn onto the leather.
-
Assembly
The non-slip suede sole and the ankle elastic are put together by hand.
-
Finishing
Each pair is slipped into its cotton pouch, ready to give.
Photos illustrating the steps.
A lovely baby gift idea
The slippers come tucked in a cotton pouch: a sweet way to give them.
Which size should you give?
Choose based on the baby's age:
When in doubt, go one size up: a slipper that's a little big can be worn longer.
All sizes, with approximate foot lengths, are in the size guide.
Get the newsletter
New designs and news from Petit Canon, straight to your inbox.