We woke today knowing that it’d be an important day for Little Man, a milestone. It was time to buy him his first pair of shoes. He’s been taking more and more steps lately, and so a shoe shopping trip was in our sights. His lovely auntie and uncle gave him ‘shoe money’ for his birthday, so we were all-set and eager!
We prepared well, by dropping Boo at her grandparents to play, as we were visiting them afterwards anyway. She seemed infinitely happier at the prospect of an hour with Nanny and Grandad rather than shopping with us! And so off we went.
Clarks wasn’t too busy, we only had to wait a few minutes before our number was called and we sat down to get my gorgeous boy’s feet measured. And that’s really where the trouble began… He did not want to put his foot into that measuring device, no, not at all! The tears and shouting began and the hysteria mounted. Now, with hindsight (a wonderful thing), sitting holding him there on my lap, while a strange lady came at him grabbing his legs was probably unwise. Why? Well, he only had his 12 months jabs two days earlier, when I had sat him in the exact same position, with a strange lady coming at him, though she did inflict a fair bit of pain in that instance. I don’t know that they’re connected, but I figure there’s a chance. Anyway, we did manage, and it turns out he’s a 5H – pretty big and very wide! Footwear choices were quite limited due to the width, but as luck would have it, the very pair that I’d liked were the only ones in his size. And here they are..
And will he wear them? Nope. Screamed in the shop, sobbed at his grandparents and when we managed to coax him into them, he wobbled about in them tear-stained and miserable.
A milestone reached. A magic moment in the making and a photo opportunity if ever there was one. But shoes just don’t seem to be his thing! We have time, so we will obviously persevere…
Have others had children with a similar reaction? Is there hope for us?!
A first pair of proper shoes is a big milestone. I’m sure he’ll get used to them soon.
Certainly hope so! Thanks x
Oh my, what a nightmare! I do think it’s very common though – shoes feel so alien at first. He’ll come round. Maybe play a game of ‘shoe shops’ and pop them on the feet of a favourite teddy for a few days? It might coax him into thinking they’re actually ok! x
I do like that idea for a game. I’ll give it a go! Thanks x
Aww the first pair of shoes, a huge milestone! It must be weird having shoes when you’re used to being barefoot though. Seem to remember causing a stink with hers too initially. Little Man will be fine though, they’re great shoes. Thank you so much for sharing with #whatsthestory
Yes, he’s had his whole life shoe-less, so I’d imagine it is odd! Thanks, and thanks for hosting x
Aw bless him, I hope he loves them in time. Mine were always the opposite, but I guess they are a strange thing on your feet at first.
My daughter was fine, so it didn’t occur to me there’d be a problem! Fool that I was…! Thanks x
Amazing milestone. Hopefully he will love them soon. Love the shoes
Really hope so! Thank you x
My son wasn’t terribly keen for ages and ages, well into his second pair. He’s fine now though and gets very excited about getting new footwear. However, don’t get me started on wellies……….they sound remarkably similar our two! I think you may be right about the jab connection.
At least he’s not alone! Yes, the connection just didn’t strike me until we sat there to do it, and then it was too late!
Awwww my little Bruiser was the same on his first shoe fitting. In fact he refused to wear the shoes at all for weeks. He was onto his second pair before he finally accepting wearing something on his feet. He’ll learn to love them in the end, I promise!
linking up with #MagicMoments
Thank you – you’ve given me hope!
First pair of shoes is a MASSIVE deal and a big change for our LOs. From running around with free toes to wearing their first shoes. He’ll grow to love them! They are fab! x
Thank you – I really hope he does, and it’d be nice if it’s before he outgrows them..!
Aww! Such a big milestone….
My girl is 6 and still hates wearing shoes…She only wears them when she really has to….lol
Oh no, I hope he’s still not like it at 6!! Thanks 🙂
Aww bless – mine were a nightmare getting fitted too. They used to curl up their feet! Glad you got the pair you wanted though xx
He just cried and screamed the whole time! Poor little mite. Just about to go out, so Operation Shoe will commence shortly…!
I feel his pain – I hate shoes and shoe shopping too! My eldest is now becoming a bit of a diva about shoes, “No they don’t fit, I prefer that style…” that kind of thing!!! I hope the latest trip out went well.
We have them on now…! We’ll see if it lasts 🙂
This has been out experience with Jossy and she’s 16m! We had a breakthrough this week, she said the word ‘shoes’ and tried to get them on herself, they were off again after ten minutes but it’s a start!
He’s been better today, but we’ll see how he is tomorrow – take each day! Hope your LO improves soon, too 🙂
my little man was exactly the same honey small amount of time and often helped with us. what a big mile stone though!!
thanks for linking up with #MagicMoments
Thank you. Well, we’ve just been out & he let me put them on him without fuss & had a little walk in them, so fingers crossed it’ll continue to go well..! Thanks for hosting x
The ones you chose are dead sweet and sturdy-looking too. Good luck !!
Thanks – that was my thinking! He’s had them on today without any drama, so fingers crossed that’ll continue…!
Lovely post (despite the tears) but what a lovely moment. Lucas had these shows too (except in blue) and we’ve still got. Brought back many memories for me as I am sure it has for a lot more of your readers #magicmoments
He’s happy with them today, so the tears are over! They are cute shoes, thanks 🙂
Aww,what a lovely and exciting milestone!im sure he ll grow to love his new shoes!Mini was the same-she would rather go barefoot but unfortunately we live in the west if Ireland not the south of France so she had no choice but to get used to shoes!
Thank you. He’s been much better today, fortunately! My daughter was fine, so yesterday was unexpected!
I remember buying 6yo’s first pair of shoes. I was so excited
So was I – until he screamed the place down! 😉
First shoes, such a big thing! Thankfully ours were all reasonably calm… I seem to remember the 4yo not being massively keen 🙂 Hopefully he’ll get used to them soon, they are lovely shoes!
Yes, a lovely milestone, or so I’d thought! I really think the jabs experience played a part, though. He’s worn them today happily enough, so hoping he’ll be OK now! Thanks x
That is such a shame, I remember our first pair of shoes it was something quite special, but I did a lot of prep before hand…We had a lovely little picture too from Clarks with my first steps on the top. I hope he gets the hang of it soon. Good luck…
He was so upset! Thankfully, he did wear them happily yesterday, so hoping this will continue..! Thanks
Eek! We’ve got that fun ahead of us – C is 10 months old and standing so I’m guessing we’re due a Clarks visit soon. I hope the shoes are easier to get on now…