Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions
Answers about Attipas first walking shoes, sizing, care, shipping and returns, plus why parents and podiatrists choose Attipas. Policies can change, so please also check the links below at checkout.
Why are Attipas Australia’s most popular first walkers?
In our own words, Attipas is the number one choice in Australia for first walking shoes. We say that because of the flexible, barefoot-feel design (a wide toe box and a lightweight sock-style fit), endorsements from Australian podiatrists, and the families who shop with us. Parents often tell us the shoes stay on, are easy to put on, and can be worn indoors or out.
Are Attipas shoes podiatrist recommended?
Yes. Attipas is endorsed by Australian podiatrists Monique Milne of Well Heeled Podiatry, and by Daniel Gibbs and Antoni Caserta of AJC Podiatry and Posture Podiatry.
Monique Milne, of Well Heeled Podiatry, has reviewed Attipas baby shoes and kids mesh shoes and said she can highly recommend the range, noting that they mimic barefoot walking, are lightweight and flexible, and have a wide toe box. Read her review and our podiatrist comments page.
Daniel Gibbs has written that his clinic will continue to recommend Attipas as a great start for babies who are newly walking and toddlers who are growing quickly. Read his recommendation.
Antoni Caserta, a paediatric podiatrist, has written for Attipas on infant and toddler footwear, including advice to choose well-fitted shoes that allow freedom of movement when barefoot is not practical.
Was Attipas on Shark Tank?
Yes. Founder Caroline Africh appeared on Season 4 of Shark Tank Australia, as noted on our About page. Attipas was featured as part of that appearance — see Attipas on Shark Tank Australia. The episode aired in 2018 on Network Ten.
When should my baby start wearing shoes?
Shoes are most useful once your child is walking outdoors or needs protection from a surface. Indoors, a barefoot or flexible, barefoot-feel shoe is consistent with the advice on our podiatrist recommendation page. Attipas styles cover pre-walkers through first walkers; use our size guide to choose a size rather than age alone.
What’s the difference between pre-walker and first-walker shoes?
Pre-walker styles are soft, sock-like shoes for babies who are crawling and pulling up to stand. First-walker styles, including our Breathable Mesh shoes, have a flexible sole for children taking independent steps indoors and out. Browse pre-walker shoes and first walker shoes.
What size Attipas should I buy?
Measure your child’s foot from heel to toe, with the foot fully extended and toes uncurled, then match the length to our baby shoe size guide. Every child’s feet grow at a different speed, so measure rather than relying only on age. As a guide, our Signature Cotton sizes are:
| Size | Length | Approx. age | US size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 108 mm | 0–12 months | 3.5 |
| Medium | 115 mm | 12–18 months | 4.5 |
| Large | 125 mm | 18–24 months | 5.5 |
| X-Large | 135 mm | 24 months+ | 6.5 |
Breathable Mesh styles are offered in US 4.5 to 8.5. If you are between sizes, check the chart for that product.
Can Attipas be worn outdoors?
Yes. Product descriptions for our first walking shoes note they can be worn indoors or outdoors. Aqua styles are designed for the beach, swimming and the pool.
Are Attipas machine washable?
Yes. Attipas shoes are fully machine washable to 30 degrees Celsius. Use a laundry bag to help preserve the fabric, and air-dry only (avoid the dryer). See how to wash your Attipas baby shoes.
Do Attipas stay on?
Sock-style Attipas slip on like a sock. Breathable Mesh styles include a Velcro strap so you can adjust the fit. If a pair is not staying on, check the size guide and our fitting tips.
How much is shipping, and what is the returns policy?
We aim to ship on the next business day (this is not guaranteed). Standard postage within Australia and New Zealand is a $12.99 flat rate for orders under $120, and is free on orders over $120, and includes tracking. Express post is $20 Australia-wide. Shipping to the United States is US$15, and is free on orders over US$120. International shipping to all other countries is a flat $30 AUD (6–27 business days). See our shipping policy and refund policy.
For change-of-mind returns we provide a store credit only (we do not refund). FINAL SALE items are not returnable. Return shipping is paid by the customer unless you added Free Returns + Package Protection (Redo) at checkout. Please allow up to 10 business days to process a return after we receive the item. Store credits are valid for 3 years. Faulty items reported within 30 days of purchase may be eligible for replacement, credit or refund after assessment. Start a return through our returns portal.
Where can I buy Attipas in store?
As well as this online store, we list stockists for Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Canberra.