I am on an e-mail list from a Baby website and i got this e-mail yesterday from them yesterday (my son turned 9 months yesterday):
Hello, DiaryDad!
Even if your baby is cruising, don’t invest in baby shoes until he walks independently and can easily navigate rough or uneven surfaces. Experts say going barefoot in the beginning helps him develop his arches, leg muscles, balance, and coordination. Once he stops holding on and takes some initial wobbly steps without help, though, head for the shoe store
– your baby will probably progress amazingly fast (usually in a matter of days) from first steps to toddling more confidently on his own. Then he’ll be ready to don shoes and try walking outside.
It would have been nice to know that before we invested in all those cute size ones that will just sit in the closet
My Dadventures 