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A BIT ABOUT OUR LEATHER TESTING

As a mum, I know how important safety is to parents. When I first started this business, my son Josh was a baby and, in many ways, he was our first product tester. I watched as he toddled around in his Dotty Fish shoes, exploring the world – and like most babies, he was just as interested in chewing the shoes as he was in wearing them.

That’s when I realised how important it was to make sure the leather used in our baby shoes was completely safe for little ones. Babies explore with their hands and mouths, so we knew our shoes not only had to be comfortable and durable, but also made from materials that parents could trust.


Baby wearing bright blue Dotty Fish baby safe leather sandals.
Dotty Fish has worked with Eurofins for many years, a specialist leather testing laboratory based in the UK. We work with these experts to advise us on the leather industry and to keep us up to date with the latest safety standards and regulations.

All Dotty Fish shoes are made from goat, cow or sheep leather, which is sample tested at source. We also carry out our own independent testing in line with European REACH safety regulations. This means we can say with confidence that our shoes are made from leather that is safe for babies and children.

I am very proud of the Dotty Fish brand and how far we have come over the years. Providing quality baby shoes at affordable prices has always been at the heart of what we do, and this continues to guide us as we develop new designs and products.

LEATHER FAQ’S

What leather do Dotty Fish shoes use?

Our shoes are made from soft goat, cow or sheep leather, which is flexible, breathable and comfortable for little feet, while also being tested to ensure it is safe for babies and children.

Is this genuine leather?

Yes – we only use genuine leather and never PU or synthetic leather. PU leather may look like real leather, but it does not breathe in the same way and is not as soft or durable as genuine leather. Real leather is naturally breathable, flexible and comfortable, which makes it much better for little feet. It is also longer lasting and more comfortable for everyday wear.

Why is leather testing important for baby shoes?

Babies and toddlers often touch, chew and explore their shoes, so it’s very important that the leather and dyes used are safe and free from harmful substances. Leather testing helps ensure the materials used in our shoes are safe for little ones.

What is REACH testing?

REACH is a European safety regulation that checks materials for harmful chemicals and substances. It helps ensure that products, including leather, are safe to use and safe for contact with skin. At Dotty Fish, our leather is tested in line with REACH regulations to make sure it is safe for babies and children.

How do I care for my Dotty Fish shoes?

We recommend spot cleaning your leather shoes with a damp sponge or cloth. Please do not put them in the washing machine, this will damage the leather and they may lose their shape. For full care information, please see our Care Information page.

Why are my baby’s sock stained after wearing the shoes?

Our shoes are made of natural leather, so unfortunately some colour may run from the shoes every now and again. This can happen if your baby’s feet sweat or become slightly damp, especially with our more vibrant designs. We expect the colour run will disappear after a couple of wears, or after running a slightly damp cloth around the ankle trim a few times. If you are unhappy please get in touch and we will resolve any issues.