I have one of those babies who is barefoot 90% of the time, both because I love seeing baby feet and because she kicks off anything I put on her feet within minutes.

Or, she did. Until I discovered Buskins™ shoes.

When I am silly enough to cover those gorgeous little toes of hers, her Buskins actually stay on!

Outfitted with a stay-put Velcro closure around the ankle, genuine leather soft-soled Buskins shoes hail from Australia where they are handcrafted. With the strategic placement of the Velcro closure, Buskins are easy to get on and they stay on comfortably without the common rough elastic around the ankles of many shoes that can chafe or be too tight on chubby little ankles. They’re available in six sizes from newborn to 24 months and they retail for $28. There are 40+ styles for both boys and girls, many of which I’d love to add to the collections of my shoe-addicted children. (Oh wait, that’s me isn’t it?)

Buskins President and CEO Winnie Liu (also the owner of Jazzy Toes) took over the company in 2007 and has focused on not only great styles and designs but also on the packaging, which is perfect for gift giving.

Win it! Buskins is giving away a pair of their great shoes to one randomly selected winner. To enter, simply visit the Buskins site to choose your fave and leave a comment on this post letting us know the style and size you’d want if you win. Contest closes at noon MST on Friday, June 27/08.

Additional entries available - up to four per person. See contest entry information and rules.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

Remember ShooShoos?

We heard from approximately a ton of you who were super excited that we had found a less expensive alternative in high quality leather shoes that are not outsourced to China for manufacturing. We were excited too. It excites us to excite you, and we mean that in the most unobtrusive of ways.

The great folks a ShooShoos also caught the wave of excitement and have jumped in to offer you, TOP readers, a 10% permanent discount at their online shop! They’re the newest addition to our fabulous TOP Shops page.

If you’re looking for a great baby gift or some ultra-soft high quality leather shoes for your own babies or toddlers, use the code top at ShooShoos to save 10% on their already fantastic prices.

My little sweetie has the most precious feet. No, seriously, they’re so cute that I could just kiss them all day! That might explain why I usually let her go barefoot and until recently have not put a pair of shoes on her sweet feet.

Well, that changed when I received a pair of Minnies baby shoes. The shoes are almost as cute as her feet! Note that I said “almost”, nothing really compares to her little piggies. That said, I did not hesitate to dress her little piggies with these beautiful pink corduroy shoes. They slipped on easy and they were kept in place by two silky smooth elastics accented with a pink butterfly!

After visiting Minnies website, I could see how much thought and effort are put in to these tiny shoes. They have four fabulous lines, including Funky Casuals, Kickin’ Sneakers, Chillin’ Boots, and Sweetalicious Mary Janes. They restock their line twice a year in the spring and in the fall, always being sure to keep on top of the “what’s new” in the baby fashion world. To top it off, the material used to make these fab little shoes is carefully tested to make sure it lives up to the strictest safety standards!

Minnies are some seriously funky and functional footwear for those sweet little feet in anyone’s life. They are available in sizes 1-4 for pre-walking baby girls and boys. Launching just this spring, Minnies will be found in specialty stores and boutiques across North America and in Europe. - Andrea

[Ed: The Minnies site is driven by flash (not good) and has auto-play sound (also not good) but the shoes? Rock.]

Win it! We’re giving away a pair of boys Kickin’ Sneakers in 6-12 months. To enter, simply leave a comment on this post by noon MST on May 21, 2008.

Additional entries available. See contest entry information and rules.

CONTEST CLOSED

The Opinionated Parent(s) have been testing out some soft soled leather shoes that are new-to-us but have been around for over ten years. Apparently we’ve all been living under a rock.

ShooShoos are incredibly soft and the price is definitely right at only $12.95 - $18.95. I know! I originally thought that was a typo. It certainly makes me regret what I’ve spent in the past.

My daughter is currently sporting these (pictured) and there’s nothing we don’t love about them. From the soft leather body to the non-slip soles to the turned over ankle seam to protect her soft newbie skin, Shooshoos are great shoes for a great price!

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Let me begin this by saying that my little man is just NOT a shoe guy….It takes a lot of effort to get a pair of socks and shoes on his little feet! However, I recently had the chance to review a pair of ShooShoos for him, and I must say that I was very impressed! From the first day, I could tell he was really comfy in them and being that they just slip right on, it was a much easier approach than what we were used to. He wore them the rest of the week, with no fussing or whining, and even brought them to me when I told him to go get his shoes…If you knew my little man, you would know that this was just short of a miracle!

ShooShoos was started in 1996 in South Africa to uplift disadvantaged communities and now sell internationally to over 20 countries. All the shoes are manufactured in Cape Town, South Africa and are Pediatrician Recommended. Impressive, huh? Their line boasts some super-cute styles….My favorites being the “Brown Suede Sports” for boys (pictured) and the “Fushia T Bar” for girls, just to name a few. They have so many great choices that it’s really hard to pick a favorite! Every pair of ShooShoos features an elasticized ankle, 100% napa leather construction, non-toxic dyes, non-slip soles (a big MUST for this Mommy!), no laces to trip over and all cotton thread and lining. They have sizing from 0-24 months for both boys and girls and ShooShoos pricing is much more economical than other comparable brands!

To sum things up, I just can’t say enough good things about ShooShoos….They are super-cute, super-comfy, and super-convenient! All the makings for a happy little boy around my house…I only wish I had found them much sooner! They also look to be very durable and though only time will tell, I have my bets on them holding up very well! Head on over to ShooShoos and check them out now…You’ll find some great summer styles and they have very fast shipping! - Sara

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My 16 month old son is growing up so fast that his shoes can’t quite catch up with him. I can’t ever seem to find shoes that are soft enough for his growing young feet and yet sturdy enough to withstand the vigorous action he subjects them to. This is why I jumped at the chance to review a pair of shoes from ShooShoos USA. Started in 1996 in Cape Town to uplift disadvantaged communities, ShooShoos has grown into a worldwide brand with sales in over 20 countries. Their shoes were designed with the help of pediatricians and sport shoe institutes to give young feet the healthiest start.

Since Kiddo loves trains, I picked the Blue Suede / Red Train Soft Soled Leather Baby Shoes from ShooShoos’ vast array of cute, well-designed shoes. They arrived beautifully packaged in a clear child-size plastic tote. Unlike traditional shoes, the gentle elasticized ankle on these soft and flexible navy leather shoes (with a cute little red train on them) made it a breeze to slip them on Kiddo’s feet and even his busy little fingers couldn’t take them off. Before long, Kiddo was careening around the house yelling “Choo Choo” (his favorite word second only to ‘no’) and I watched secure in the knowledge that these shoes made out of 100% Napa leather with their non-slip soles would keep him from slipping/falling. With their non-toxic dyes and all cotton thread and lining, they’re ideal for tender young skin. And when these shoes get dirty, I just toss them in the washer with like colors and voila! Clean (Shoo) Shoes!

I love them and so does my toddler. - Rashmi

Save 10% on your ShooShoos with the code top until May 31, 2008. That makes them…super cheap!

The above image (of three more awesome pairs of ShooShoos) will take you right to the ShooShoos USA site - you’ll love it there!

Win it! ShooShoos is giving away FIVE pairs of their fab shoes to five winners! To enter, leave a comment on this post by noon MST on May 15/08 indicating the style and size you’d like to win.

Additional entries available. See contest entry information and rules.

CONTEST CLOSED

It’s no secret that we’re Robeez lovers around here. We’ve reviewed their apparel & basic shoes, tredz and tredz sandals, and we’re back again with the launch of the newest Robeez line - the Weekend Collection.

Similar to the classic Robeez style, the weekend collection are available in nine classic colours with sporty elastic detailing. They’ve got all the great things we love about Robeez - the buttery leather, soft soles, easy on and stay on elasticized ankles…if you have kids, you know why we love them - but they look more like a little old man loafer than any Robeez shoe that’s come before them. Seriously? These are the loafer you wish you had for yourself but in itty bitty little sizes.

Win it! We’re giving away two pairs of shoes from the Robeez Weekend Collection valued at $27.95 each. To enter, leave a comment on this post with the colour and size you’d choose if you win (from this page only.) Contest closes at noon MST on May 5.

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CONTEST CLOSED

Congrats to winners Bunny and Janene!

We told you recently about the new Robeez Tredz. My love affair continues with the launch this month of the Tredz sandals!

The sandals, like the Tredz shoes, are available in three sizes - 12-16 mos, 16-20 mos and 20-24 mos, and there are currently six available styles. They retail for $41.95.

My daughter has the fuschia flower sandal (pictured) and I’m completely in love, as I always am with any new pair of Robeez. The ankle elastic allows each month range to fit a variety of sizes and ensures that the sandals are easy to get on and really stay on, and the sole is perfectly supportive and flexible - perfect for the new and exhuberant walker alike.

How great to have the comfort of Robeez, the function of Tredz and the summer style of sandals all wrapped up in one awesome little shoe!

Win it! Two lucky randomly selected winners will win their choice of any Robeez sandal! To enter, leave a comment on this post listing your favourite sandal style from this page.

Contest closes at noon MST on March 31, 2008.

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1. Blog about this contest using one of the top three images found here.

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CONTEST CLOSED

Kids shoes are far more important than many people think. Our little people have only one pair of feet to get them through many many years. For that reason, I’m a firm believer that only the best of shoes should grace their little tootsies and am always excited about finding a new favourite.

Family owned and operated See Kai Run makes shoes and boots for babies and toddlers that easily meet my high standards. We were sent the Gwendolyn style, pictured top right. and there’s nothing I don’t love about it. First of all, it’s adorable. It’s a runner made of creamy vanilla leather with taupe and mauve-y pink accents. In terms of comfort, this shoe is fabulous. In addition to the buttery soft leather top and incredibly pliable sole, it has a wide toe box for lots of wiggle room and extra padding around the ankle for extra comfort.

With a huge array of styles and retail prices starting at just $26, I’d suggest a few pairs!

(Check out the sale page for even better deals!)

See Kai Run has just launched their online retail store and to celebrate they’re offering free shipping until the end of April. What better time than now to get shoes for the next four seasons?

Win it! See Kai Run is giving one lucky TOP reader a fab pair of shoes, your choice, just for checking out their new shop! To enter, head over there and choose your favourite three styles. Leave us a comment telling us which three you love most. It’s a tough choice, but it’s got to be done. One winner will be selected at random and contacted for their final choice, size and shipping info. Contest closes at noon MST on March 28, 2008.

Get additional entries into this contest!

1. Blog about this contest using one of the top three images found here.

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Contest Closed

As someone with what I like to call “old lady feet,” I have to be very careful about the shoes I wear. They need to fit my orthotics in them, be well made and extremely comfortable. No big heels, no tiny toes, no Payless. I’m the same way with my children’s feet - only the best for those cute little tootsies.

Clarks is one of my favourite brands for my own feet and so I was very excited to hear this great news: Clarks USA is now carrying shoes for kids! (Well, they’re coming this month, so they’re not even on the website yet for me to link to.)

For those of you who aren’t familiar with Clarks, here’s some info from their press release:

Clarks kids is modeled after the same principles of other Clarks brands, comfort and quality, and the commitment to keeping kids’ feet healthy, happy and looking good.

“Our goal for introducing Clarks kids in the U.S. market is to offer our customers a choice in premium children’s footwear,”

“As with all our shoes, we invest significant time in research and development to make sure we deliver the best possible fit and the highest quality materials.”

Clarks kids are specially designed to fit the unique characteristics of kids’ feet. Research shows that the right fit is critical to promoting healthy bone development and that an improper fit can cause irreparable damage to kids’ feet. From the product development stage to the point-of-sale at Clarks’ store, Clarks kids’ upholds the promise of comfort and fit. During the early stages of production, Clarks road tests each style of shoe with school-age children in the U.K. At the store, all Clarks store associates go through rigorous training and are not approved to fit kids until they have witnessed 50 fittings, a system that creates a staff of Expert Trained Fitters.

Available in a full range of width fittings and whole and half sizes, Clarks kids take baby from diapers to Kindergarten and are designed to fit kids as they grow from ages 0-5. Clarks kids’ “First Shoes” collection includes crawlers, cruisers and walkers made to nurture and protect tiny feet as they move through the key stages of foot development, while Clarks kids’ toddler and pre-school shoes are designed to ensure children have confidence as they begin to run and play. All Clarks kids feature built-in growing room and additional padding for comfort to the foot. In addition, Clarks offers parents a “Growing Feet Record” to keep track of their child’s foot growth and regular fit checks are encouraged to ensure a perfect fit, season after season. Soft, supple leathers, fun colors and charming embellishments make Clarks kids an attractive option for the pint-sized trendsetter while ensuring little feet are protected every step of the way.

Clarks kids is also pleased to offer CICA by Clarks. A European athletic footwear brand “built for action”, CICA by Clarks feature the same performance benefits as other athletic footwear collections like supergrip soles and underfoot cushioning while being the only athletic footwear line specifically designed to fit the shape of kids’ feet.

Clarks kids collection is priced an average of $45 and is available exclusively at Clarks’ retail stores in major markets across the country.

We have the children of two T.O.P. reviewers testing out Clarks Kids footwear and here’s what they have to say:

Sarah says: My son received his sample of the Jungle Rock FST shoe in stone coloured leather (pictured at right, left side of image) last week and he immediately asked me to put them on and take him bike riding - his very favorite outdoor hobby. Because bike riding for him consists of pushing along on a tricycle until he picks up speed and then dragging his feet behind him, it wasn’t long before he had scuffed the toes up but I think it makes these shoes look even cuter. Little boys are supposed to be rough on their stuff! In his own style of language, Miles tells me these shoes are very comfortable. If you must know, this means he wanted to nap in them and, even after he had biked in them, I let him. It was too cute to resist! They’re very easy to get on and off with the great design of the velcro and though they’re runners they’re stylish enough to wear with many types of outfits. When he outgrows (or wrecks) this pair I’ll definitely pay the $45 to get him the next size up. It’s worth it to know your kid is wearing quality footwear while he looks good!

Emily says: My daughter Anie received a sample of the Spring Sparkle shoe in white leather (pictured above right). She has very small feet and walked early so we were able to test these as walkers even in a size three and I must say that they’re probably the most adorable pair of shoes she has. For a shoe addicted mother like me, that’s saying something! They’re obviously comfortable because she has worn them every day all day for a week, in the house and out, and they’re easy to get on and off. Granted we haven’t had them long enough to put them through the ringer as kids are bound to do, but they look great after a week of hard wear and tomorrow we’re off to the zoo. Other than being covered in poop and other zoo-related goo, I’m confident that these Clarks Kids shoes will stand up to a full day of walking and playing. These retail for $35 and would be well worth the price. Next time I head to the Clarks store in my neighborhood, I’ll be bringing Anie to choose another pair in her next size!

So? A complete hit with both kid reviewers and both moms think they’re worth the price.

Watch your local Clarks store for the arrival of Clarks Kids this month!

Finally.

I was so sad when I had to give up my children’s Robeez (except the booties, which we use as indoor slippers all year long) because they’re just too rough and tumble to wear something with a leather sole. When they began to tear through a pair in less than a week I knew it was time to invest in some shoes with more durable soles. But my oh my I missed those Robeez.

On February 4th the infamous Robeez are finally launching their new line of ourdoor shoes as a fabulous option for the transition between soft soles and firm soled walkers. Robeez Tredz are available in three sizes, 12-16 mos, 16-20 mos and 20-24 mos. There are more than 20 adorable designs and each one has a durable water-resistant sole, adjustable velcro fasteners and the classic Robeez elasticized ankle to keep them where they’re supposed to be.

When our first sneak-preview pair showed up on our doorstep I was giddy with excitement. The pictures are cute but these shoes are so much cuter in person. Even the box is high quality. (Yes, I keep all of our shoe boxes for consignment sales. Go ahead, call me a dork.) They’re comfortable, cute and safe. Perfect? I think so!

(Enter to win up to six pairs and a $500 gift certificate here!)

I’ve got one of those children that you can’t turn your back on.

Like, ever.

Not even for a split second.

Thanks to Itzy Bitzy squeaky shoes that I received for review, though, I no longer freak out immediately if I can’t see her for a moment, because I can hear her! It’s a brilliant concept, really, but I’ve never seen a pair before that was so affordable and also such high quality. So many of the shoes with great features and/or great looks have either hard leather, hard soles, are hard to get on and off or some other negative quality. Or they’re $70/pair for shoes for a two year old. Not at Itzy Bitzy though! I’m totally going to be keeping this company in business buying shoes for my own kids and for gifts for the next several years. At just $14.99 per pair you just can’t go wrong.

We’ve got the Sydney style in hot pink (pictured) and it’s completely adorable. My daughter loves them and will no longer wear any other pair. They have great shoes for boys and lots of other styles for girls.

Save 15% on already amazingly priced shoes with the code OParent15.
You can find Itzy Bitzy in the TOP Shops, where we feature exclusive discounts from some of our favourite and most highly recommended online retailers.

Win a pair of Itzy Bitzy shoes of your choice! To enter the random draw, email theopinionatedparent@gmail.com before midnight MST on 1/15/08 with ITZY BITZY in the subject line and tell us how many children company founder Michelle has. (Hint: The answer is not two.) Congratulations Kent!

Today marks the start of the annual winter shoe sale at T.O.P. fave Vincent Shoes!

We have several styles and love love love them! They’re totally worth their full price so anytime you can save I’d say buy at least two!

Head on over to save up to 50% on many styles of fall and winter shoes and boots.

I’ve always wanted to buy a pair of squeaky shoes for my son but the ones I’ve seen in local stores have been way overpriced and looked ‘undercomfy.’

Enter Itzy Bitzy. They have amazingly cute squeaky baby/toddler shoes for just $14.99/pair. For that price, I wondered if they’d be comfortable but my son has worn them daily since we received them for review from The Opinionated Parent and loves every minute of running around and squeaking for everyone. (And they bring out the cutest dancing feet!) The leather is soft and supple, the soles are super soft and flexible and the squeaker is loud enough to catch a runaway without being completely irritating.

We’ve got the Scotty style (pictured) and it’s completely adorable, but they have great shoes for both boys and girls and they’re all just $14.99. (Forgive me, did I already mention that they’re only $14.99? Because they’re only $14.99. Wheee!)

Save 15% on already amazingly priced shoes with the code OParent15.
Itzy Bitzy is the newest addition to the TOP Shops, where we feature exclusive discounts from some of our favourite and most highly recommended online retaulers.

Win a pair of Itzy Bitzy shoes of your choice! To enter the random draw, email theopinionatedparent@gmail.com before midnight MST on 12/24/07 with ITZY BITZY in the subject line and tell us one of the two charities that Itzy Bitzy sales support. Congratulations Betty!

The moms in my baby group often referred to the Robeez we all had as “cute sock holder-on-ers” since the kids didn’t really need shoes when they were wearing them but they looked fab and kept their socks on when nothing else would.

They still look great, and now for a limited time you will receive a pair of matching socks with the purchase of select designs (starting September 17).

There are 15 designs available in 3 sizes: 0-6 months, 6-12 months, and 12-18 months.

Girl designs available: Bunny, Butterfly, Circles, Crown, Daisy, Flower, Hibiscus, and Hearts.

Boy designs available: Baby Dino, Bull Dog, Elephant, Fire Truck, Rocket, Shark, and Turtle.

Happy Shopping!

I love the rain. I always have. I love the smell, the renewed freshness and quite honestly I love getting my lawn watered for free. I do not, however, love wearing my old-standby leather slip ons in the rain or getting caught in flip flops and freezing my toes off. For that reason, I was super excited to discover Plueys.

They’re all about celebrating the rain in style. Their ladies boots as well as kids boots are made from durable natural rubber and have great treaded soles that keep even a klutz like me from slipping in the mud. They’re softly lined but not too warm and, best of all, they look fabulous! I’m digging the sugar plum style shown at right. They look great in my closet, and I enjoy the rain even more now that I have these boots awaiting me for my puddle stomping fun! I love the buckle across the calf of the puddle stompers (the Plueys name for ladies boots) and the adjustable splash guard at the top of the kids boots to protect against splashes. All the more reason to get out and have fun with your kids ~ don’t let the weather stop you!

Want some? We’re giving away your choice of kids boots courtesy of Plueys. To enter, email theopinionatedparent@gmail.com with Plueys in the subject line and tell us where the name “Plueys” comes from. Contest closes at midnight MST on 9/18/07. Congratulations Monte!

Whenever Vincent Shoes contacts us about a new line, it excites me perhaps a little too much. Maybe it’s because my old lady feet require orthotics so my own shoes aren’t very cool and with Vincent I can live vicariously through the children.

We’ve been checking out their new fall ‘07 line and it’s (not surprisingly) fantastic.

Stripe is the new indoor shoe/slipper for fall and I love it. With the full length zipper it’s easy to get on and off and the rubber sole keeps my son safe as he cruises the house. Slip n’ sliding around corners ending with heads in walls are less frequent since these great slips arrived.

Herman has to be one of my all time faves, and it’s not just because they look cool. It’s because kids should be spending their time outdoors whenever possible and with these shoes they’ll want to. The rugged kid who reviewed this model for us says “These shoes are wicked, man. I can climb way higher than I could before. Maybe they’re magic tree climbing shoes!” And his mom says “Thanks. Thanks a lot. I don’t have enough grey hairs yet.” I’m pretty sure I detected some sarcasm there.

Last but not least, we reviewed the Robin style. I personally love this shoe for those less-active days when you still need to be comfortable. They go from running to school through learning all day and on to playing at the park with ease. The website describes them as an “urban sneaker” and that’s the perfect description. Just because you’re hopping over downtown sidewalk lines instead of cow patties doesn’t mean you don’t deserve a good runner - and the Robin works in both locales. Our kid-reviewer for this pair says “I love my new shoes. I got to wear them to church because they look kinda fancy but they’re actually runners so I could play too!”

Whenever you’re in the mood to pick up some new shoes for your kids, a stop at Vincent should be at the top of the list. They’ve always got great sales too! (In fact, I plan to pick up a pair of Oskar’s at a steal of a deal for next summer!) And not having to leave the house to go shoe shopping? That’s a winner. I know a few people (okay, lots of people) who are nervous about buying shoes online. As long as you shop at Vincent, you don’t have to be. Exchanges for any reason are completely free! And they ship free on orders over $75 and cheap flat rates if you order less. They recommend using the Vincent Shoe Fitter before you order to reduce the chances of needing their great exchange policy, but it’s still nice to know it’s there.