Toddler Girls’ Xhilaration Jayenne Applique Boots (Sizes 5-9) 

A week ago, it was 80 degrees in Los Angeles and a day later it was 60 degrees. This week they predict rain, rain and more rain. I know my friends in the midwest and the east coast are suffering from extreme cold so I am not complaining but when it comes to buying shoes for my girls we need to have varying weather choices – from sandals to boots – in our closet ready to wear any day of the week. This week, I am looking at boots and with Christmas and New Year’s just around the corner this boot is great.  It’s perfect for a holiday party since its dressy but at the same time your daughter’s feet and legs will be protected from rain, cold and, if you are in LA, possibly even the sun (one can be hopeful!).

This boot is made out of faux patent leather with a thermoplastic rubber sole. It’s knee high and has decorative flower appliques. There is a cushioned insole and a non-marking sole.

Available at target.com. $24.99.

Pediped Alyssa Black (Sizes 4-7)

For those of you fortunate enough to wear dress shoes during the winter, this is a great pick for your little daughter. I love all pediped shoes – it is such a great brand. The reason I had to recommend a pair this week is that they are following in TOMS footsteps (no pun intended) and now throught Dec. 31st they are giving away a pair of shoes to a child in need for every shoe purchased. I just love the holiday season especially when shoe companies are giving away shoes! Guilt-free shopping!!!

This mary jane is made out of leather and has a specialized rubber sole and rounded edges to mimic the shape of a child’s foot. There is a soft toe box that allows the toe to curl and grip the floor (ideal for beginning walkers).

Available at pediped.com. $45.00, and remember to order before 12/31 for the buy one-donate one special.

Naturina Nat 2931 (Sizes 4-13)

This is my holiday pick for boys! I just love the green shoe – perfect for Christmas-time since this shoe can match the tree. If you order before the 23rd, you will have it in time for Christmas with next day delivery (hurry).

This boot is a slip on with hook and loop closure. It’s made out of suede upper with contrast stitching. There is a breathable leather lining and a cushioned leather insole. The outsole is made out of rubber and comes in green and tan.

Available at piperlime.com. $53.99 (orig. $64.00).

Payless Hope Canvas Slip-On (Sizes 5-12)

Yes, another shoe company copying TOMS. He must be thrilled to see the movement he has started. Imagine if all the shoe companies donated shoes to the needy. There would be no more kids without proper shoes (something I care deeply about).  Every time you bought a shoe, you could pat yourself on the back and feel good about your purchase, look stylish and know that you are also helping children in need.

Payless has this shoe with the Buy One. Give One. campaign.  They partnered with World Vision to deliver 100,000 pairs of shoes to children in need in Central America. Oh, and by the way, this shoe is so comfortable.  I especially love the army print pair. I wish they made them in kids’ sizes (hint, hint payless).

Available at payless.com. $19.99.

Toddler Boys’ Cherokee Orson Athleisure Shoes (Sizes 5 -12) 

Target has done it again with a great looking comfortable shoe at a great price. This is the perfect shoe to put your son in once he has mastered walking and is out of his slipper-type shoe. I love the navy blue and grey combination and your son will look great at all of his holiday school celebrations.

This shoe is made out of faux leather and genuine suede. It closes with a hook and loop closure. There is a padded tongue, cushioned insole, adjustable strap, padded colar and a non-marking sole.

Available at Target.com. $16.99.

Minnetonka Moccasin Kids’ Back Zipper Boot (Toddler 7- Girls 3)

 

We were in DC with my husband’s side of the family for thanksgiving dinner. For all the pretravel thanksgiving hype, our air travel was great. No delays, no airport scans, no patdowns – overall a great travel experience. Once we arrived in DC, we were greeted by one of my husband’s nieces and she was wearing this bootie. She tells me it’s such a comfortable shoe and she loves it.  

We did a little sightseeing while we were there. We visited the White House, Washington Monument, WW2 Memorial, Lincoln Memorial and Bureau of Engraving. She was able to tour all The National Mall while wearing these shoes. I was thinking how ironic it is that she’s walking DC in truly America’s first footwear. Native Americans wore Moccasins long before Columbus arrived. Not to mention how adorable she looked in her booties/moccasins.

This bootie is made out of suede and has a full back zipper. It is very flexible and comes in black and brown.

Available at shoes.com. $32.00.

SRT Preschool Kennedy (Sizes 7-1, Widths Medium and Wide)

Wow. Is this just a gorgeous shoe!!! I love the classic Mary Jane style with beautiful leather flower appliques. I really love Stride Rite. I especially love that Stride Rite makes such a strong effort to create healthy shoes for kids. I think there website is fantastic because it has so much wonderful information. I myself have learned several interesting foot/shoe facts.

Stride Rite even has a pediatrician and a shoe guru (no,not me) to answer parents’ foot and shoe questions.  Stride Rite has developed the STEP program (Scientifically Tested Everyday Proven) which makes buying healthy shoes for kids easy for moms and dads.  The STEP program has 3 phases for buying shoes:

 1. Pre-Walker (For instance, Robeez shoes which is owned by Stride Rite).

 2. Early Walker, which is centered around SRT (Sensory Response Technology) Soft Motion.

This is Stride Rite’s latest innovation, and it has been clinically proven to reduce the number of stumbles and falls for new walkers. The SRT Soft Motion shoes is a line of shoes that are thin but also include a flexible outsole to both protect the foot and be flexible so an early walker can still feel the ground under him/her. The outsole is rounded in order to mimic the natural shape of the foot.

 3. Off & Running.  The Preschool Kennedy which I am reviewing is a Phase 3 shoe and has the SRT Toddler/Preschool technology.  It includes a patented construction that supports developing bones and muscles. There are sensory pods in the shoe which allows kids to get the feel of the ground while still maitaining adequate support. There is a removable insole with the “Check Fit System” so parents can make sure that their child’s shoe fits correctly.  

Stride Rite, no wonder you have been a leading kids shoe brand since 1919.

This shoe is made out of leather and has moisture wicking, eco-friendly lining. It closes with a hook and loop and has a padded collar. This Mary Jane comes in black, pomegranate, brown nubuck and navy.

Available at striderite.com. $50.00.

Dad’s Fabulously Comfortable Pick: Kenesaw Slip-On

Kenesaw Slip- On (Sizes 8.5-13)

A few weeks ago, we were at our friend’s house for Friday evening dinner and my friend, Darren, put his foot on the table and said you must blog about my “home for the foot” (or as laymen call it, a shoe).  Darren exclaimed “It is so comfortable and stylish,” and I had to agree. Plus, he is a big fan of Dr. ShoeMom and religously reads all my postings.  He is also an all-around great and funny guy and I am a leading member of his fan club!  So, how could I not write about this shoe!

Darren heads up the IT department of Cedars Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles. He has enormous responsilities and deals with tremendous pressures on a daily basis.  Plus, the Cedars Sinai campus is huge and Darren is always walking around to different parts of the hospital.  He must be in comfortable shoes and if he endorses this shoe, I have to recommend it as well.

This shoe is handcrafted in Italy using Italian leather. It’s lined in leather too and has a padded insole. There is a full leather sole with a rubber heel.  Available in black or brown. This shoe is better suited for a narrow foot type.

Available at Johnstonmurphy.com. $250.00.