Love Those Shoes

Heidi Klum's kids step out in matching Crocs!

Browsing through this Daily Mail article, aside from realising I don’t have the time for a body like Heidi’s, I couldn’t help but go “Aww..” at the matching Crocs shoes her kids were seen in.

: Seal puts his kids in Crocs

Not only do her kids look super cute walking with Seal but it makes a change to see affordable shoes rather than the custom made styles with a hefty price tag that other celeb’s kids are seen wearing while they play in the sand!

When money is no object why not spend hundreds on shoes that will be worn for a few months then cast aside? Well one reason is because more expensive doesn’t always mean better for you!

Crocs Kids Crocband Navy/Red Clog

As Seal and Heidi Klum no doubt know, Crocs offer more health benefits than you can shake a stick at and the colours and styles means that there is a perfectly suited pair for each one of their offspring.

To name a few of the health benefits that Crocs offer, they increase circulation, support the correct development of the feet and prevent bacteria and fungal build up which can lead to smelly feet and other nasties!

Crocs Girls Crocband Dahlia/Fuchsia Clog

And you don’t need LA weather to put your kids in Crocs either as they can get muddy and wet yet still clean up like new without you having to break a sweat brandishing shoe cleaning miscellany!

FiveFingers Kids Shoes Now In Stock!

The long awaited FiveFingers kids shoes have now come into stock!

An innovative product in the kids footwear market, FiveFingers have turned traditional ideas regarding childrens shoes on their head. Designed to fit as snugly as a sock, FiveFingers kids shoes offer maximum flexibility combined with durability and protection so you can be confident in your shoe choice.

Fivefingers Girls KSO Pink/White/Black

FiveFingers allow the feet to move naturally without restricting them in anyway, this has been proven to strengthen the feet and support correct development while side stepping any future problems such as deformities and weak ligaments which are often caused by ill fitting, restrictive shoes.

Fivefingers Boys KSO Blue/Grey/Black

Although FiveFingers can be worn all year round, they really come into their own during summer (if we get one!) because they are perfect for wearing by the beach as they are slip resistant and quick drying and the velcro straps help keep them securely on the feet.

To see our range of FiveFingers childrens shoes click here!

Let me know if you have tried FiveFingers for yourself or your kids!

In the Summer Time!

The sun has come out again, and this time it’s here to stay for an alleged 2 month heatwave (it’s about time!) But which children’s shoes are the best for this heat and which will see you through until autumn rears it ugly (and no doubt super-early) head?

Just looking at the Crocs Shirley Sandal gives me that summer time feeling thanks to it’s bright colours!

: Crocs Girls Shirley Pink Lemonade/Burst Sandal

For a bit more protection, the Crocs Carlie Flat Shoe covers more of the foot but still has a peep toe front so the breeze can get to those little toes.

: Crocs Girls Carlie Flat Hot Pink Shoe

The added bonus I find with Crocs shoes is that they can be worn by the pool or beach as they are slip resistant and they are easy peasy to clean anything from sand to mud off!

Another fab summer style is the Vivo Barefoot Pally Shoe, DD is a huge fan of thse shoes (which makes them a lot easier to get on her feet!) and I have complete confidence in the technology – they are a bit pricey but they can be worn in all weather so you do get your money’s worth.

: Vivo Barefoot Girls Pally Red Shoe

Be sure to let me know which your favourite summer shoes are!

Crocs Kids Shoes Now In Stock!

The weather is beautiful, the birds are singing and to top it all off…our Crocs Kids Shoes have now arrived and are ready to send out today!

So what is all the fuss that surrounds Crocs shoes?

Well, it helps that Crocs kids shoes are both comfortable and style forward, alongside the much worn Classic Clogs style, the Crocs range also includes sandals and boots which are just as comfortable as the original style and contain the same healthy features.

: Crocs Girls Shirley Pink Lemonade/Burst Sandal

: Crocs Kids Crocband Navy/Red Clog

Crocs Girls Crocband Dahlia/Fuchsia Clog

Crocs shoes have nubs on the footbed which help to increase circulation in the feet while the roomy toe area fives the toes plenty of space to wriggle and move without restrictions. Some of the styles also feature ventilated toe boxes which let the feet breathe and prevent smelly tootsies while the slip resistant sole stabilises each step and makes them great for by the pool.

To order your Crocs Kids Shoes click here!

Top 5 Footwear Myths Debunked!

In today’s culture of excess information and articles written on just about anything, it can often be hard knowing what to believe and what to take with a pinch of salt. Information on childrens footwear is readily available but how much of it is based on fact and how much is the recycling of old wives tales and past ideas so ingrained in our subconscious that we pass them off as tried and tested research without a second thought?

Here are my top 5 footwear myths debunked…

Feet are fragile and need protection – The feet will adapt to every situation that they are put in and the muscles and ligaments will develop and strengthen when walking barefoot or with minimal cushioning and support. The skin on the sole of the feet is tough and regenerates faster than the skin on any other part of the body. Ironically it’s ill fitting shoes that the feet need protection from as these can put pressure on the feet and can cause future deformities in the feet.

All shoes are designed after extensive research and testing – Although this is true of some styles, not all shoes are designed using research and comfort is often not a factor when pen hits paper with style instead being a main motivator. The basic shoe model hasn’t changed for over 50 years however styles based on research from brands such as FiveFingers and Camper are emerging and contradicting the theory behind this traditional style.

Cute and good for the feet!

Shoes should fit snugly – The theory is that a snug fit will offer more support to the feet, however a snug fit will prohibit the foot’s natural movement and restrict development as the muscles will struggle to move and grow.

The research that goes into Fivefingers Kids KSO is second to none!

Shoes should have some “grow room” – On the other hand, although the foot needs freedom, if it is too big the natural bend of the shoe will be out of line with the natural bend of the foot which can cause restrictions.

Children should wear shoes as soon as they start toddling – Barefoot is definitely best when it comes to learning to walk. The toes are specifically designed to grip the floor so there isn’t a need for shoes and when walking barefoot toddlers can use the feedback given from the feet to walk, when wearing shoes this line of communication is blocked causing them to look at there feet and consequently fall over due to the imbalance. When outside or in cold weather the best protection is flexible, ideally barefoot, styles which give the feet the freedom to sit naturally and allow plenty of wriggle room!

If the (one) shoe fits...!

Unlike adults, kids don’t act how their shoes dictate them to, instead changing their movements like the wind – for instance, if I was wearing heels and decided to go for a jog I would wait until I’d got home and changed my footwear. DD on the other hand will go from making daisy chains cross legged on the floor to running, skipping, hopping… etc. without so much as a second glance at the shoes she is wearing.

Although we should applaud this show of spontaneity (and maybe tell ourselves it is an early sign of genius behaviour…!) in reality it can be a potentially dangerous practice depending on the shoes.

Thankfully (and obviously) most children’s shoes are suitable for playing in, however running, jumping and hopping are activities that all put immense shock on the feet and legs so there are some shoes which are better suited to “play time” than others.

Vivo Barefoot shoes will allow the foot to move naturally – rather than landing smack on the middle of the arch, your little one is more likely to land on the toes and roll back onto their heels reducing the stress put on the foot.

Vivo Barefoot Girls Pally Red Shoe

FiveFingers KSO Kids shoes are designed to be like a second skin and therefore won’t inhibit any movement, like the Vivo Barefoot they will encourage a toe to heel movement so won’t put stress on the feet or legs.

Fivefingers Boys KSO Blue/Grey/Black

Some good things to watch for when looking for multi purpose shoes include a secure fit either from laces, velcro etc… as you don’t want the shoes to come off when running. A flexible sole that will move with the foot whether it’s hopping, skipping or just tapping along is also important. Finally the shoes should look good, this will make them easier to wear whatever the activity or situation.

Wht have you found to be the best shoes for all occasions? Is there any brand you stick to above all else?

DD Reviews Vivo Barefoot Shoes

My little product tester DD has been wearing the Vivo Barefoot Pally Pink Shoes for a few months now and she is a major fan – like me shoes loves to take her shoes off as soon as she comes into the house, with Vivo Barefoot shoes it’s like she’s barefoot outside aswell.

So, how does she describe the shoes? Comfy… Pretty… Play Shoes… okay, so the vocabulary of a not-quite-four-year-old does leave a lot to be desired in the product review stakes, however I can see the difference by watching her movement and she has noticeably less tired feet when walking.

The Vivo Barefoot Girls Pally Shoes - as recommeded by DD!

Aside from all the physiological benefits of walking barefoot (ann DD’s reommendation!) another thing to consider is that, when walking barefoot, a young child will hold his or her head up because they are getting all the essential feedback from their feet, however when they are wearing shoes the feedback channel is blocked so they watch their feet, resulting in more falls and potential injuries.

On the other hand, walking barefoot can also be full of harmful pitfalls due to the things that can be found on the pavement, ranging from sharp stones to broken glass from smashed bottles. Thankfully, Vivo Barefoot shoes have created a middle ground where the feet can be protected while still providing the same sensations as being barefoot.

Vivo Barefoot Boys Rooty Dark Brown Shoe

Let's hear it for the boys - The Vivo Barefoot Boy's Root Shoe!

Would I recommend Vivo Barefoot shoes for kids? Without a second thought. Would DD? From the head nodding and shouts of yes then I would bet on it!

Have you tried Vivo Barefoot Shoes, either for yourself or your kids? Let me know what your experience been!

Gender Neutral Kids Shoes: The importance of fit Vs. style

When it comes to shoe shopping for our children, a lot of us instinctly look for the gender “appropriate” colours above all else but should we be swayed more by colour than, say, fit or technology?

Angelina and Brad are well reported to have let their daughter Shiloh decide what it is that she wants to wear regardless of if it is for a boy or a girl and although I’m not saying go to this extent (unless you want to) it does pose an interesting debate – should we be so quick to judge shoes based on their colour or design?

: Shiloh Pitt

I for one am guilty of focusing on the girls’ shoes without first making a list of exactly what it is that DD needs and then looking accordingly however should kids shoes be gender neutral with the focus only on the comfort and fit?

The fit is, above all, the most important factor when buying childrens shoes, they should give the feet enough room to sit naturally without causing any pressure points which may cause rubbing and can deform the feet – to test this you should check your child’s feet after they have been wearing their shoes to see if there are any red marks or blisters.

Should we be choosing shoes based solely on colour?

If the only correct size available happens to be in a boy’s style, then it might be an idea to try this – after all our children’s opinions on apporiate colours are based on our own and foot health is surely more important than our own outlook, especially when the styles we choose for our children can have major effects on their future health.

Gender neutral colours, such as red, green and blue are also a great option as they aren’t so obviously gender defined. Crocs and FiveFingers both have styles which are more obviously targeted at either boys or girls, however they do use bold colours on some styles which makes them unisex even if they happen to be described as being for boys or girls.

Fivefingers Kids KSO Red/Grey/Black

Crocs Kids Crocband Navy/Red Clog

Let me know if you have bought boys shoes for your daughter or vice versa and what your thoughts are on the subject!

The Springtime Footwear Question

This week has been a mixed bag of weather, there’s been mist, plummeting temperatures, high temperatures, heavenly sunshine and even torrential rain to top it all off, posing the question – What on earth do I wear? Or (more importantly) what on earth do our kids wear, especially on their feet? Will they by jumping through puddles or running on the grass?

With April showers always threatening to arrive any minute (I don’t know where they come from, one minute blue sky, next minute full on downpour!) shoes that are waterproof are a must have! But which style? I personally find that wellies are too restrictive and not breathable enough and (to to horror of some playground mums) have been putting DD in summery styles like Crocs. Yes I realise her feet might get wet but hey ho they’ll dry and if the sun is shining she isn’t distracted by hot, uncomfortable feet and can instead enjoy the weather – because let’s face it we don’t know how long it’s going to last!

Crocs Girls Carlie Flat Fuchsia/Ultraviolet Shoe

Other options include FiveFingers – again these may let rain in but they are fully breathable and dry really quickly. They also let your little one enjoy every underfoot sensation to it’s full potential which is perfect for springtime when time’s spent on the grass and although going barefoot would be ideal, our health and safety trained minds conjure up horrors hiding in the weeds!

Fivefingers Kids KSO Red/Grey/Black

Yes it may be unpredictable but I love this time of the year, everything feels so fresh and brand new! Let me know if you have any Springtime footwear solutions and what styles you have found to be a winner!

Celebrities kids follow in their footsteps!

Like mother, like daughter and like father, like son – it is often said that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree and our children are mini versions of ourselves, well until they start to get their own taste in music and clothes and suddenly your opinion doesn’t count (sob!) With this in mind I have matched the celebrity and their offspring with, what I think would be their perfect shoes!

Matthew McConaughey and his partner Camilla Alves have both been photographed wearing their Vibram FiveFingers – infact its hard to find a picture of Matthew McConaughey when he isn’t rocking the Vibrams or going barefoot, so I’m sure his children will be huge fans of the Vibram Kids KSO.

As a shock barefooting celebrity, Victoria Beckham has received a pair of Vivo Barefoot trainers and is reportedly a huge fan so the Vivo Barefoot Boys shoes would be perfect for her sons to follow suit and girls shoes are also available if the rumours are to be believed and she is expecting a little girl!

Vivo Barefoot Boys Rooty Navy Shoe

Mum to be, Alicia Silverstone has worn Crocs throughout her pregnancy, obviously appreciating the comfortable, vegan friendly styles. Her bambino can experience the same levels of comfort as Kids Crocs shoes are available in a range of styles and colours!

For Peter Crouch’s baby girl the Camper Baby Bootie is both sporty for him and cute enough for model mummy Abbey Clancy making it the perfect style for her!

Camper Baby White/Plum Bootie

Have you found that you and your children have similar tastes or widely differing ones? Be sure to let me know!

Love Those Shoes – Kids

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