Dakota Baby & Toddler First/Pre Walker Shoes Navy
SKEANIE’s Dakota First/Pre Walker Shoes in timeless Navy Blue – the go-to baby shoes and toddler shoes, designed to support every little step with style, comfort, and care. Handcrafted from the softest leather and built for all seasons, these lightweight shoes are perfect for first adventures — whether your little one is crawling, cruising, or taking those magical first steps.
✔️ Barefoot design for natural movement
✔️ Hook and loop fastener for a snug, secure fit
✔️ Removable insoles – great for quick clean-ups or orthotics
✔️ Podiatry-designed and APMA approved
✔️ Eco-friendly and ethically made
These shoes for newborns and toddlers aren’t just adorable — they’re smart. Podiatrists and paediatricians love them for good reason: they support healthy foot development during those crucial early years when tiny feet need big love. Fun fact: a child’s foot goes through 3x more stress than an adult’s and sweats twice as much. That’s why Dakota shoes are breathable, flexible, and oh-so-gentle.
Caring for your SKEANIE shoes:
Clean with a damp cloth or leather wipe, and condition with a leather renovating polish as needed. (Psst… never put them in the washing machine or dryer!)
✨ Designed in Australia
✨ Fair Trade Made
✨ Colours may vary slightly
Your little one's journey starts with their feet — and SKEANIE is here for every wobbly, wonderful step. Try the Dakota Navy today and see why these baby shoes, toddler shoes, and shoes for newborns are loved by parents (and approved by podiatrists) around the world!
- Ensure your child’s foot is relaxed before measuring.
- Measure towards the end of the day to ensure foot is at it’s largest.
- Place your child’s foot on a piece of paper
- Draw a line at the heel and at the big toe - measure the foot length in mm.
- DO NOT add to your child’s foot length as wriggle room has been factored in.
- Whilst we have tried our best to make our sizing guide as accurate as possible, the sizing of our shoes may vary slightly between designs.
- *Approx. Age - please note that this is an approximate only and we cannot guarantee that the size will fit the approximate age bracket. We recommend using the Maximum Foot Length measurement.
SKEANIE Shoes Sizing Guide | ||||
Size |
Maximum |
Approx. AUS Size |
Approx. US Size |
Approx.* Age |
EU17/XS | 95mm | 1 | 2 | 0-6 mths |
EU18/S | 105mm | 2 | 3 | 3-9 mths |
EU19 | 113mm | 3 | 4 | 6-12 mths |
EU20/M | 122mm | 4 | 5 | 9-15 mths |
EU21 | 130mm | 4.5 | 5.5 | 12 mths plus |
EU22/L | 137mm | 5 | 6 | 12 mths plus |
SKEANIE leather shoes and boots are thoughtfully designed for growing feet. Handcrafted from soft, breathable leather and featuring flexible rubber or suede soles, our footwear is podiatrist-approved and supports natural foot development.
Because we use soft, high-quality leather, SKEANIE shoes are best worn as dress shoes or for special occasions. While they’re made to move—walking, playing, even running—they’re not made for rough, wet, or extreme conditions.
Leather Shoe Care
Keep Their First Shoes Looking Beautiful
To help your SKEANIE shoes stay stylish, comfortable, and long-lasting, follow our simple care guide:
What to Avoid:
- Getting the shoes wet or muddy
- Using them as bike or scooter brakes
- Kicking balls or rough play on concrete
- Walking through dirt, sand, or uneven terrain
- Machine washing or tumble drying
General Shoe Care Tips:
- Spray with a gentle water and stain repellent before first use
- Wipe clean with a damp cloth or leather-safe wipe after each wear
- Apply leather conditioner and renovating polish to maintain softness and colour
- Store in a cool, dry place when not in use
Dealing with Scuffing on Soft Leather
Scuffing is natural with soft leather shoes—especially on rough surfaces. While it doesn’t damage the integrity of the shoe, it can affect the appearance. Here’s how to reduce and repair scuff marks:
- Use a colour-matched polish to touch up visible marks
- Apply a leather conditioner regularly to nourish and restore the leather
- Avoid dragging toes or scraping against pavement
- Reserve shoes for clean, dry surfaces where possible
Caring for Metallic Leather Shoes
Metallic leather shoes, like our beautiful Mary-Jane styles in Gold and Silver, require extra care. These finishes are created using a heat-bonded foil that cannot be reapplied once scratched.
To clean and maintain metallic leather:
- Gently wipe with a soft, damp cloth
- Buff regularly with a dry, soft cloth to restore shine
- Use a small amount of Renovating Polish if needed, applied with a cloth in light, even strokes
Please tread carefully with metallics to preserve their delicate finish.
A Final Word on SKEANIE Shoe Care
Your baby’s first shoes hold precious memories—first steps, little adventures, growing confidence. With the right care, SKEANIE leather shoes can stay beautiful and functional, supporting your little one every step of the way.
Treat them well, and they’ll last well beyond their first walk.