Trust Stride Rite with Precious First Steps

Disclosure: Mom Central received a sample pair of Stride Rite shoes to facilitate this post. All opinions are our own.

After shedding a tear or two, parents welcome new adventures when their baby becomes mobile. First comes baby-proofing the home, followed (almost too) quickly with outfitting Baby with a new pair of shoes.

I would be lying if I said I didn’t endure a few moments of sadness thinking that my daughter’s chubby feet would soon be better suited in sturdy shoes than colorful socks with bows on the toes. When the time came to take the plunge, I knew I wanted a quality shoe that would be sturdy and protect her feet.

Stride Rite’s reputation gave me the confidence that my daughter would be putting her best foot forward for those important first steps, so I started shopping. I opted for the Soft Motion shoe, as it’s built to mimic a baby’s foot, with rounded, flexible soles that feel more natural when walking. The design attempts to reduce tumbles, by improving Baby’s balance.

My daughter loves to move and kicks her legs constantly. When she feels happy or excited, she almost dances, her legs move so much. So you can imagine how hard it would prove to get shoes on her feet! For a sturdy show, Stride Rite’s Soft Motion shoes easily flexed over my daughter’s happy feet, their oversized openings helping a lot. The different closures also ensure that the shoe STAYS on her foot, another huge advantage. So if I am walking with her in a carrier or a stroller, I’m not retracing my steps a half hour later to find an errant shoe on the sidewalk. Even with so many colors and styles to choose from, I finally settled on the Jazzy Sneaker.

For older kids, the Stride Rite Phibian sneaker-sandal will likely prove a hit this summer. I’ll be recommending them for the neighborhood toddlers who play in our local park – I’m always watching kids run from the playground to the interactive water fountains in their standard sneakers, and then plodding around in soaking feet.

The Phibian goes easily from wet to dry. They fit and grip like a sneaker, but with the breathable quick-dry effect of a sandal. Parents will especially love being able to throw them in the washing machine! Kids will love that they also come in a Spider Man version, which looks very cool!

I am so glad that I have found a reliable, quality shoe for this important milestone in my daughter’s life. Even though I still feel a bit nostalgic, when I see her excitement over her new skills, I can’t help but be proud of her. The reassurance that I have knowing that she is being set up for successful first steps makes everything that much better.

To purchase one of the new Stride Rite Spring/Summer styles, please visit www.striderite.com.

Feature Image Photo Credit: m-imagephotography/Thinkstock

Kelly Palmisano

Mom of one active and sassy daughter. Lover of travel and active passport stamp collector. Currently delaying a move to the suburbs to continue soaking in the excitement and convenience of the city life, and exposing my little one to all it has to offer.