Celebrity Baby Blog Reviews

Venettini: Go from playground to party in the same shoe

Last season after sampling an insane amount of name-brands on my toddler daughter's feet, I came across a brand called Venettini and quickly became smitten.  Dressing my daughter in the mornings became incredibly easy because her little hands reached for the Mary Janes that went with every outfit. I loved these shoes and so did my daughter so it was only logical that when looking for a summer sandal this same brand would be our first choice.

Though the wonderful people at Venettini were gracious enough to send us a large sampling, our go-to sandal for the summer has been the feminine version of the sporty pair pictured at left (ours are a light orange, green and beige). Made of the softest leather, these sandals are delicate enough to be worn for hours at a time but rough enough to withstand the daily trip to the playground.

Buster Brown Shoes: Keep a good thing going

When I was a kid, getting a new pair of Buster Browns was always a big deal.  And although much has changed in the world of children's shoes, and the world at large, since then -- in this house, a new pair of Buster Browns is still a big deal.  There's a reason this children's shoe maker has been servicing tiny feet for more than a century. Yes, a century! Buster Brown produces shoes that stand the test of time, and at a price you can afford.  We recently received some samples and I'm thrilled to see that the shoes I recall from my youth are more than just a memory. 

Simple: Sustainability at its very best

What could be cooler to a little boy than wearing shoes made, at least in part, of recycled tires?  If there is something cooler, don't bother making your case to our 4-year-old Owen because he can't be convinced of it.  Since receiving his 'Eco-Sneaks' from Simple two weeks ago, he's been telling just about anyone who will listen that the bottoms of his shoes used to be tires.  Like, real tires.  That spun around on a real car.  On a real highway!  How cool is that? 

From recycled car tires to recycled water bottles to recycled inner tubes, Simple has already devoted itself to creating shoes for women and men that are 100% sustainable.  Recently the company applied that same eco-friendly approach to a new line of children's shoes. We were lucky enough to receive two sample pairs from Simple, and trust me, cool doesn't even begin to cover these shoes. 

Ricosta: Making shoes that last, and last, and last

Nothing peeves me more than having to trash a pair of (otherwise) perfectly good shoes that my kids haven't yet outgrown, simply because a sole is too worn, or because the velcro gave out.  It just seems so wasteful, both in terms of material and money. 

Speaking of the latter, as is the case with most things, when it comes to children's shoes all too often you get what you pay for.  Spend a little less, and prepare yourself to get less use over the long haul.  Spend a little more, and the shoe will pay off in spades.  It's definitely been the case for us with Ricosta.  A German company, Ricosta is Europe's largest manufacturer of children's shoes, producing more than 2 million pairs each year.  We were recently lucky enough to sample several different pairs of Ricosta's latest offerings for spring/summer 2008, and one thing is for certain:  My kids will outgrow these shoes long, long before these shoes quit on my kids.

Polliwalks: Leave a trail of fun

My kids are almost never as excited about a new pair of shoes as I am.  I might be ooh-ing and ah-ing over a grippy outsole or an innovative lacing system, while they're both totally unimpressed.  Shoes can be cute, shoes can be durable, and those things are important ... but it's rare that a shoe is actually fun for the little one who's wearing it.  The boys recently met their match, however, when we received and tested two pair of Polliwalks (MSRP $24.99) clogs.  If you're used to being met with eye-rolling ambivalence when you whip out a pair of new shoes for your toddler, brace yourself for a different reaction entirely. 

Bobux iWalk: Flexible shoes, healthy bodies

We're all well versed by now in the virtues of soft-soled shoes for babies and new walkers.  Podiatrists agree that a flexible shoe helps create a solid foundation for bone and muscle formation throughout the body, and thus the benefits of a soft-soled shoe extend far beyond the foot itself.  But it only stands to reason that the benefits of such a shoe would continue well into toddlerhood.  That's why Bobux -- which has been making soft-soled infant shoes since 1991 -- recently launched its new iWalk product line of super-flexible outdoor shoes for toddlers.  Available in sizes 3-8 and in a variety of boy and girl styles, iWalk is just what the doctor ordered. 

Lands End: The best on the beach

If you view spring as nothing more than an obstacle standing between you and your beloved summer, you've undoubtedly begun planning the big summer vacation.  And if that vacation involves sand and surf, you might want to think about visiting Lands End first.  We recently tested their mesh bucket bag, baby swim sandals and toddler trekker sandals -- and I wouldn't dream of setting foot (literally!) on the beach without them. 

We're no stranger to Lands End shoes, having been happy customers of the brand before -- both for ourselves, as well as for our kids.  So we were eager to try the baby swim sandal and toddler trekker sandal, both of which are new for spring/summer 2008.  The swim sandal ($16.50; shown at right) is not an everyday sandal, but it's absolutely perfect for baby's first trip to the beach or for a day at the pool. It's the baby equivalent of a flip-flop, only with a fully enclosed upper with velcro closure so that it actually stays put.  Sammy walked around the house and back yard in these sandals with ease.  And the animal accents are adorable!  The baby swim sandal comes in four sizes:  0-6 months, 6-12 months, 12-18 months and 18-24 months. 

The trekker sandal ($29.50; shown at intro of review) is phenomenal.  I love everything about it -- the look, the construction, the ease of use and the price.  It's simple, with the upper consisting entirely of a fabric strap, but sturdy, with a rugged outsole that offers surprisingly good traction.  The rip-grip strap allows for easy on/off, which is important to us, for our 4-year-old is beginning to exercise his independence and has been insisting lately on doing everything all by himself.  With the trekker sandal, he really can!  A back heel strap helps ensure a perfect fit, and an antimicrobial finish helps keep these sandals smelling fresh -- no matter how often they're worn.  The trekker sandal is available in toddler sizes 9-13 and youth sizes 1-7.  We tested the khaki stripe style, and loved it; The trekker sandal comes in seven other colors, including dark tangerine/bright fuchsia and surf aqua/dark azure.

There's nothing I dislike more at the end of a long day at the beach than being stuck with the thankless job of packing up the sandy toys, clothes, towels and sippy cups for transport back to the house. This year, however, the job is looking much more do-able with the advent of Lands End's mesh bucket bag ($39.50; shown at left). Offering storage galore, the mesh bucket bag can fit just about everything you need -- from flip-flops and beach toys to a towel, a change of clothes and more. There's even a small zipper pocket for valuables like keys and money. The main compartment is enormous, and it cinches closed so you don't drop anything on your way back to the car. Speaking of, no worries about making a mess there, either -- grommets on the bottom let you shake out excess sand. The mesh bucket bag is made of durable 600-denier polyester, and comes in six color combinations including island lime/vivid yellow and rich red/admiral blue.

To purchase the baby swim sandals, trekker sandals or mesh bucket bag -- or any of Lands Ends' hundreds of other products -- click here.   

Teva: A pioneering shoe for little pioneers

Where I grew up, it wasn't uncommon to spend entire days outside.  From sunrise to sunset, my friends and I would play in the woods -- splashing our way upstream and building forts in the roots of upturned trees.  My own two sons are growing up in a decidedly more urban environment, and I regret that I haven't been able to give them some of that outdoor freedom that I myself enjoyed as a child.  To help make up for it we often go camping and hiking, where we try to foster in Owen and Sam a love of adventure and exploring.  When it came time to get the boys shoes worthy of their toddler adventures, our thoughts immediately turned to Teva. 

Founded in the 1980s by a Colorado River guide, Teva has been protecting the feet of outdoor enthusiasts for more than two decades and is considered a pioneer in the sport sandal market.  But did you know that that same level of protection is available to your own tiny pioneers?  We recently tested two of Teva's newest styles, and suffice it to say, the adventure has begun!

Jumping Jacks: Go the extra mile

When a company has been doing something, the same something, for more than 60 years -- successfully -- you know that they must be doing that 'something' right.  In the case of Jumping Jacks, which began selling children's shoes in 1947, the adage is true.  With a company philosophy of always going the "extra mile," Jumping Jacks makes shoes of such high quality that your little one can log some serious miles of their own over the course of their shoes' lifetime.  We recently tested two new styles from Jumping Jacks, and were thrilled with the results.

Click 'continue reading' for the full Jumping Jacks review.

Little Soles Shoes: Release your inner sole child

My daughter has worn a lot of shoes, and I've probably only really disliked one or two pairs. My reasons for disliking them were simple, they didn't allow her foot to grow or breath and they were heavy and hard. I was delighted when I was introduced to Little Soles, a Calgary-based shoe company for little feet.

Their shoes are nothing short of fantastic, from the excellent materials they use to the care they put into crafting a shoe that looks stylish and comforts my daughter's growing feet. The Little Soles Urban Infant Shoes line is so fashionable that it knocked my socks off, I really wanted a pair for myself. 1234 Cream & Burgundy is one of my favorite pairs and was recently gifted to Halle Berry's little girl, Nahla Aubry! Little Soles' unique, flexible outsole affords superior durability, traction and  surface feel, and they use only exceptionally soft leather, in and out, to  provide the ultimate in comfort and breathability. Jessica Jacobs, Owner and Designer of Little Soles, hand chooses all the materials and leathers and the designs are exclusive to Little Soles.

To find where you can buy Little Soles Shoes, check out their store locator

Umi Shoes: Classic design, timeless appeal

Sandals, for me, have always signified summer and now that I'm a mom there's not much I enjoy more than liberating my kids' feet from their stuffy sneakers and snow boots at the first sign of warm weather.  While I didn't think it was physically possible for me be more excited about summer than I am this year, Umi Shoes has gone and made the impossible, possible.  The brand that's loved by celebrity babies like Joaquin Consuelos, 5, Harry Letterman, 4 1/2, and Violet Affleck, 2 1/2, recently unveiled its new styles for spring/summer 2008 and if they don't make you desperate for a little sunshine -- nothing will.

Click 'continue reading' for the complete review.   

Tsukihoshi: Fun, functional and full of features

When I was a kid, a sneaker was ... well ... a sneaker.  But as well all know, those days are long gone.  It has only taken me four years of motherhood to figure out that not all children's sneakers are created equally; Technology has advanced to such a degree that sneakers are now full of features my own feet could have only dreamed of 30 years ago.  And if it's feature you desire, then features you shall receive, because it's my pleasure to introduce you to Tsukihoshi. 

With fun, but fully functional, selling points like a green-tea based deodorizer, its no surprise that Tsukihoshi would be the sneaker of choice for celebrity babies like Liv Freundlich, 6, and Sam, 4, and Lola Sheen, 2 1/2. 

Click 'continue reading' for the full Tsukihoshi review. 

DLL Rainwear: Stompin' in the rain

Raindrops keep falling on your or your child's head? Now that April's showers are here, DLL Rainwear is great source for raingear for adults and children. Formerly called Diane's Little Lambs and Raingear, this online boutique carries adult rain boots and raincoats, kid's rain boots and raincoats, cold weather gear, rain and garden clogs, and umbrellas. Some of the many, many brands stocked are Western Chief, DKNY, Hunter, and Chooka, as well as their own DLL Rainwear brand.

Click Continue Reading for the rest of the DLL Rainwear review and coupon code.

ECCO: Standing apart from the crowd

While I've always been happy to be a mom of boys, I have to admit, there is a small part of me (okay ... a big part) that is consistently disappointed when it comes time to choose clothes for our sons.  I get so tired of the dearth of choices -- something blue with stripes, or something blue with footballs? -- that I do find myself gazing longingly across the aisle at the little girl section, where the options appear to be aplenty. 

But shoes have always been the great equalizer -- a quick and easy way for us to help the boys express their individuality each and every day.  We recently tested two new sneaker styles from ECCO, and any fears I may have been secretly harboring about Owen and Sam blending in with the crowd quickly went out the window.  When your kids are walking around in ECCO, there's no chance of that happening.  Just ask Violet Affleck, 2 1/2.  Sure, she's followed everywhere she goes by a swarm of paparazzi ... but is it her famous parents they're after, or is it her shoes? 

Click 'continue reading' for the full Ecco Shoes review.

Crocs: Alice all the way

I'm a HUGE Crocs fan, for one simple reason, how simple they are! You slip them on and off without any effort and they don't overheat feet in the middle of the summer. I also love how light they are, you barely notice they're on your feet. And while I first loved my Cayman, I found the Mary Jane worked better for my feminine style. It's based on a more narrow foot silhouette and really looks cute with capris!

My daughter's teeny-tiny feet looked oh-so-cute in her Caymans last year. That was until I found the Kids Alice! You've never seen a Croc like it, it's not clunky, it's not big, it's not masculine, everything about is dainty and sweet! And on my child's little feet it's even sweeter! I got more compliments when she wore those shoes then with any other. And she LOVES them, she can take them off easily and put them on as well. She likes how they feel on her feet and tried to wear them in the middle of a snow storm back in January! The Croc Kids Alice only comes in four colors right now, and the Grape (a beautiful purple) is my favorite, but if they ever expanded the color options, my daughter would have them all!

Kenneth Cole Reaction Kids: A guaranteed reaction, every time!

When I used to think of Kenneth Cole Reaction, images of womens accessories were conjured up in my mind ... sunglasses, handbags and -- of course -- dress shoes.  Recently, however, that mental association was forever changed when we received several samples of Kenneth Cole Reaction Kids' shoes from the company's new spring/summer 2008 product line.  Now when I think of Kenneth Cole Reaction I think not of how hip I would be in a new pair of Kenneth Cole shoes ... I think of how hip my 4-year-old and 1-year-old look in theirs. 

Click 'continue reading' for the full Kenneth Cole Reaction review.

Keen shoes: Is it summer yet?

Our boys love the outdoors. If there is a tree in the yard, Owen is going to climb it.  If there are puddles nearby, Sammy is going to jump in them.  Finding shoes that have staying power is often tough for us, since the boys are so tough on their shoes.  But this summer's backyard adventures for Owen and Sam will be taking place in shoes that are the perfect combination of durability and style, shoes that are sure to stand up to the task at hand.  We recently received two pairs of shoes from the spring/summer 2008 collection by Keen -- the Newport H2 and the Tremont -- and the boys have been climbing and jumping ever since.

Click continue reading for the full Keen shoes review.

Eleven Shoes: Dessert for tiny feet

Our 4-year-old Owen is wary of new shoes, to say the least.  It takes a lot of finessing by us to convince him to try on a new pair, let alone take a step.  Imagine a cat with a ribbon around its neck ... frozen in fear, afraid to move.  This is our Owen in a new pair of shoes.  Needless to say, as new shoes are an inescapable fact of life, my husband and I have had to become cheerleaders of sorts whenever the time comes to move our son up a size.  We sell it.  But recently we had the most pleasant of surprises when we received two pairs of shoes from Eleven Collection.  Because these shoes sell themselves!

If there is anything that Owen likes with as much enthusiasm as he dislikes new shoes, it is dessert.  So we were somewhat taken aback as he ripped the box of Rio sneakers ($54, shown above left) out of our hands and whispered  -- more to himself than to anyone else -- 'they look like cupcakes.'  Because...well...they do.  And with that, he put his cupcake shoes on and took off for parts unknown.  The sweet smell of success!

Click 'continue reading' for the full review.