Step It Up

These shoes are made for walking…and no better place to walk to these days than school. The new school year kind of snuck up on us (maybe it was the lack of heat), and while we normally avoid back-to-school shopping until at least the first day of autumn when crowds abate and prices come down, there are a few staples kids need for day one.

Aside from pencils and scribblers (thankfully supplied by primary schools), kids from preschool on up need a pair of sturdy indoor shoes right away. Keep in mind that these shoes will be worn for everything from carpet time to physical education all year long, so we like to go for quality (as well as style and fit, of course).

One children’s shoe shop stands apart when it comes to picking up this back-to-school essential. Little Footprints is located in the beautiful west end Aspen Landing Shopping Centre and caters to kids from birth through primary school (with a few adult shoes from Eco and Keen as well).

Little Footprints prides themselves on carrying developmentally sound footwear. Translation: if the shoe’s not supportive enough for baby’s feet, it’s not in store. With that in mind, we cooed at irresistible soft-soled crib shoes from Jack and Lily, Robeez and Pediped and aww-ed at first walkers (modern updates on the traditional baby booty) from Stride Rite, Bonnie Stuart and of course, Calgary based Little Soles.

Our older (kid) testers immediately gravitated toward school-savvy shoes like the Truckee from Keen, and Olensen from Umi (Umi’s fashion boots for girls are to-die-for as well). Geox, Ecco and New Balance are all stocked in infant, toddler and children’s sizes. However, the majority of children’s shoe manufacturers only size up to three, which roughly corresponds to age eight (and grade three).

Owner and savvy mom, Jasmine Surani is on the front lines sizing feet, checking out fit and educating parents before they invest. Not only is the service parent-friendly and kid-friendly, Surani knows her stuff making a trip out west worth the drive.

When it comes to shopping for your children, there’s a time to save and a time to spend. While those summer sandals may still look new after a season of wear, back-to-school shoes need to be cool enough, tough enough and comfy enough to get your kid through the school with two feet planted firmly on the ground.

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