Little Feet's Little Blog

After Snowboots but Before Sandals

Spring is less than 28 days away! The shoes that your kids got in September and August are probably getting snug. Not to mention that they can heavy and hot once the temperature starts going up. So what do you wear between snowboots and sandals? We have a few fresh ideas from our new spring stock:

Springy Mary Janes: A classic everyday shoe for girls is perfect for spring. Most have durable rubber bottoms kids can run in, but come in bright, fun colors for a spring wardrobe. Example: Naturino Hot Pink Mary Jane, $59.95-$64.95

 

Espadrilles: A new style for us this year. Espadrilles are a stylish compromise that's easy as a flip-flop but still covers the foot. Great for tweens. Example: Kenneth Cole SeaSwell, $39.95

 

Light Athletic Shoes: Streamlined, barefoot-inspired running shoes are the hot trend for kids. They're cool with breathable mesh, but tough enough to last until summer. Example: Saucony Grid Profile, $59.95 

 

Hybrid Sneakers: Even when spring comes we still have mud, rain, and slush to deal with. Hybrid footwear is comfortable and water resistant, and can be worn for nearly all occasions, from school to hikes to outings with friends. Example: Keen Ambler, $49.95-$59.95

 

Last but not least is the inevitable March snowstorm that still manages to take us by surprise. Our entire stock of snowboots is 50% off through February 29th, so you can be prepared!

Special shoes for your little Valentine

We usually don't think of Valentine's Day as a family holiday. Aside from candy there isn't much appeal for young children who can't appreciate the mushy stuff.

However, with just a bit of creativity Valentine's Day can be a rare chance to show the little girls in your life how special they truly are. This holds especially true for for fathers. While you're preparing for a daddy-daughter "date" don't forget the shoes that will make her feel like the most loved girl in the world.

We'll admit that we see way more moms than dads in our store. There are many men out there who don't know a mary jane from a ruched ballet flat! Here's a quick guide to few of our favorite shoes for your little lady:

For the Little Princess: Little girls love glitter and pink. Skechers "Punkie Rose" Mary Janes($51.95) have more pink glitter and beading than we thought possible. A princess shoe that works for everyday, not just dress-up.

 

For the Grade-School Fashionista: Naturino Ballet Flats($64.95-$69.95) have the best of everything: Soft quality leather, slick European design, durable rubber bottoms, and secure elastic straps to keep them on. We stock many styles from Naturino that girls love. 

 

For 13 going on 30: Trying to steer clear of stilleto heels? Kenneth Cole flats(prices vary by style) come in many cuts and colors including, black, gold, silver, and pink. All of their styles are fun, versitile, and age appropriate.

 

 

For the Star Athlete: Merrell's "Chamelion Arc" Mary Jane($49.95) is fast as a sneaker and holds up to running and climbing trees. They're still feminine without being too fancy for girls aren't the princess type.

 

For the Daddy-Daughter Dance: This is where you can get really fancy! Younger girls will love dancing in the sweet "Crush" from Nina($49.95) in red or black. Girls ready for heels will shine in the Nina "Kimmie"($49.95)

Check out these wonderful events and ideas for celebrating Valentine's Day with your little one. However you choose to mark the occasion, remember to let your daughter know how very loved she is, every day of the year.

 http://www.fatherdaughterdance.com/

http://www.greatdad.com/valentinesday/

http://kidshealth.org/kid/talk/kidssay/girls_boys_valentines.html

Dr. Weber's Tips for Keeping Little Feet Healthy

Today we're happy to feature a guest blog by Dr. Anna K Weber, DPM. Dr. Weber is a respected pediatric podiatrist, local mom, and one of our favorite people! Her suggestions match perfectly with our fitting philosophy. We could think of no one more qualified to give medically sound advice on children's foot and shoe needs. She will be at our store on February 4th from 10am-noon to give FREE pediatric foot screenings and advice. Until then, here's her take on kid's foot health and good fitting shoes.

 

There is some controversy regarding the role of shoes in the early development of foot function. When I was a kid in the 70s and early 80s, there was no debate. You just wore saddle shoes, a new pair every year. Now, with so many brands and styles to choose from, it can be confusing for a parent to know which shoes are best for their kids. Below are some helpful guidelines that shed some light on this often confusing topic.

Pre-walkers, Early Walkers and Toddlers – The Importance of Fit and Function

One thing that’s important to remember is that children’s feet are in an important stage of growth and development. They do not yet have hard, solid bone, but rather a relatively soft cartilage that is the precursor to bone formation. Their feet are soft and pliable. For this reason, it is extremely important to avoid tight or ill-fitting shoes as they can actually cause the feet or toes to deform. Additionally, tight fitting shoes can cause ingrown toenails even in pre-walkers and beginning walkers. There should be plenty of room for the child to wiggle his or her toes within the shoes. Another good “rule of thumb” is that there should be a thumb’s-width space between the end of the toes and the tip of the shoe. At this stage of rapid growth, feet should be checked every 2-3 months.

Studies have shown that children’s feet actually develop best when they are barefoot; however, their delicate, tender skin needs to be protected from environmental elements. To resolve these conflicting requirements, good early walking shoes are intentionally designed to mimic barefoot walking. They should be flexible, soft and lightweight. They should not have any arch support or heel height. Unlike adults, growing children need a flat-soled shoe to allow their feet to strengthen and their arches to develop naturally. Severe or pathologic flatfoot is one exception to this rule and is discussed briefly below.

Pre-school and Beyond

Once children are up and running, and as their gait evolves into a more mature “heel-to-toe” pattern, their shoe requirements will gradually change. They can still safely use a lightweight and flexible shoe, but it is also now safe (and often preferred) to use a firmer shoe or an athletic style shoe. The same rules apply with regards to shoe fit. At this stage, foot size should be checked every 4-6 months, and there should still be ample room for growth at the end of the shoe.

During this stage, it is also important to keep an eye on the shape of the shoe, as children’s shoe trends tend to push towards more stylized shapes that are not as well suited for healthy development. The shape of the shoe is determined by the last which is the model from which the shoe is made. Straight-last shoes are desirable at this stage, as a curved last (one in which the fore part of the foot is angled inward with respect to the heel) can force the unformed foot into an in-toed position. The shoe should also have a rounded, roomy toe box, allowing the feet to develop in a natural and unrestricted fashion.

A Word about Flat Feet

Flat feet are absolutely normal in infants. During the first 1-2 years, the arch is immature and undeveloped, and there is also a normal fat pad which obscures the arch. As the child grows and develops, so too do the muscles, tendons, ligaments and bones, until by the age of five or six, an arch should be apparent. Moderately flat feet at this age still often develop proper arches as the child progresses through adolescence and into adulthood. Deciding which flat feet are severe enough to warrant further evaluation can be a difficult decision. If a child seems to have unusually flat arches, complains of pain, or limps during activities, they should be evaluated by a pediatric foot and ankle specialist. Depending on the severity of the flat feet, custom insoles (orthotics) may be recommended. This is also one instance in which a more rigid and supportive shoe with a more stable base of support may be indicated. Additionally, arch support within the shoe may be recommended for the painful or severe flat foot. A good foot and ankle specialist knows the importance of shoe gear in this patient population and will recommend that the child visit a specialty shoe store for assistance with shoe selection.

The Importance of Shoe Fitting

The importance of proper shoe fit cannot be overemphasized. Remember that pre-walkers through toddlers should have their foot size checked every 2-3 months. From about the age of three, foot size can be checked every 4-6 months. Once the foot is measured, there is still variability in sizing. Shoe fit should be checked for proper length and width. With the child standing, there should be a thumb’s-width of length between the end of the toes and the tip of the shoe. There should also be room to insert your little finger between the child’s heel and the counter of the shoe. This will ensure that there is room to grow, as the foot grows backward as well as forward. The widest part of the foot is across the ball of the foot. Shoes should be checked to make sure there is no bulging in this area, which would indicate tightness.

For all age groups, shopping at specialty stores goes a long way towards keeping feet healthy and preventing problems. A specialty store will carry a wider selection to accommodate different shapes and sizes. Experienced shoe-fitters can help guide you to the best fit for your child’s growing and developing foot.

 Dr. Anna Weber is a podiatrist that treats pediatric foot and ankle conditions in Denver. She has volunteered on medical mission trips to El Salvador, where she and a team of surgeons treat children with severe foot and ankle deformities not commonly seen in the U.S. She has also trained with the late, renowned orthopedist Dr. Ignacio Ponseti and utilizes his casting technique for the treatment of pediatric clubfoot. She has recently relocated to Denver from Chicago and is happy to have found Little Feet for her patient’s (and her own children’s) shoe needs. Dr. Weber can be reached at annakweber@yahoo.com for any specific questions you may have concerning your child's foot health.

Easy Gifts, Easy Shopping, and Cookies For All

Not to sound like Scrooge, but holiday shopping wears pretty thin before the calendar even turns to December. Malls are crowded. Department stores are understaffed. Everyone is locked in desperate competition for a few precious consumer dollars. You probably need a break from the mall.

We have declared Little Feet a stress-free zone this holiday season. We invite you to come sit down, rest your shopping bags, and enjoy our full service. Please, let us do the work! To make it even easier we've listed some of our favorite gifts for each age group. Everything on the list -and everything in the store- is 15% off the marked price through December 31st.

 

Infants and prewalkers:

Tiny toes still need protection from the cold. We love Emu's Lil' Grubs crib shoe ($39.95) for their cozy shearling inside and cute designs outside.

 

Ages 1-3:

New walkers and toddlers get to have outdoor fun with their families.The Kamik Snowbug Boot ($46.95) is a warm, waterproof boot that is very easy to get off and on, over or under snow pants.

 

Ages 4-6:

School age kids like gaining some independence. Our shoe tying kits ($12.95) teach a new skill in a fun, interactive way perfectly tailored to little learners.

 

Ages 7 and up:

Uggs are popular with "sophisticated" girls discovering fashion. The Bailey Bow ($100 to $120 depending on size) is this season's new style, available in hot pink or cool black.

 

Of course you can always get a gift certificate for any amount you wish. Whatever you choose, we aim to make the experience as relaxing as we can. As a literal mom and pop shop we look forward to seeing our friends from the neighborhood and sharing warm holiday feelings. And cookies, can't forget the cookies... 

 

 

5 Reasons Why Small Business Saturday is Better for You

You've probably heard the buzz about Small Business Saturday on November 26th. It's also the start of our 15% off storewide sale. We're happy to participate for a variety of reasons, but honestly, those reasons might not be very interesting to our customers. You already know that you should support small business and your local economy. You're already familiar with Little Feet's story: second-generation family business, old-fashioned fitting service, Denver institution, et cetera. You're not too keen on holiday shopping overwhelming the family aspects of the season. You don't need every little boutique in town begging for your patronage when you frequent them year round, not to mention having other things to do. What's in it for you?

We get it. In honor of you, our savvy crew of shopping parents, we present five ways visiting your favorite independent Small Business Saturday is a better for you.

1. We sell shoes, not stress

Crowds, noise, parking, panic. Shopping  this time of can be a pretty miserable experience if you get stuck at the mall. We are full service, meaning you can take a seat while we fit your kids. They'll be happy, you'll be happy.

We are bringing in some delicious homemade treats for you to enjoy. We will also have awesome givaways for moms. Take home a little something like lotion or bath salts for yourself.

2. Save on something you actually need

It's easy for kids and adults alike to get swept up in a consumer frenzy. Who doesn't like a shiny toy or well-dressed department store window? Come January when the novelty of those impulse buys wears off, a trendy gadget holds no value collecting dust, no matter what the discount was when you bought it. Also, your child will still need those shoes you passed up. A 15% off pair of kid's Uggs will get used, and loved. Think back and remember your favorite shoes as a kid. Need we say more?

3. Big Box stores are boring for kids

This is obvious to anyone whose little daredevil has managed to flip a shopping cart or wreck a pyramid of display boxes. While you're combing through bargans your kids are bored silly. We are used to pickng up toppled shelves and pulverized Cheerios. As long as the kids leave with a smile we're happy to let them play while they shop. The chains might not be so tolerant.

4. We respect for family time - and Thanksgiving

There is no need for us to open at 11pm on Thanksgiving Day. We'll be here on Friday, but there's no need to rush in. We'll have our great deals and friendly faces ready on Saturday. Take some time to digest your meal. Enjoy the company of your loved ones. You can even plan your Saturday by making sure to hit all of your favorite small stores as well as your children's. You could make a great day of shopping small in Cherry Creek North all within a few square blocks!

5. Support a local mom living her dream
Saturday's main event is a special trunk show from Monkey Toes. Everything about these classic sneakers and mary janes is cute beyond belief, from the friendly animal characters on the toes to the adorable packaging. More than cute, this line is inspiring. Jenny Ford started her business by painting her crafty canvas sneakers in her kitchen. Now she's a creative maven with an in-demand product. With all her success she's stayed true to her roots as a small business owner and a mom. We've loved watching her business grow over the years.

In all seriousness, here's what small businesses do for you: When you come in on Small Business Saturday you'll directy support our family. You'll support Monkey Toes and the family of Jenny Ford. You'll support the local companies that source our signage, bags, and lighting. You willl help keep Cherry Creek North a viable community instead of Mall II: The Revenge, and support everyone who works in the neighborhood. You'll support the school auctions and children's charities we donate to all through the year. You know someone, or are someone, who will directly benefit from the dollars spent on Small Business Saturday. What better reason do you need?

Ask the Shoe Specialists: Winter Shoes and Boots

It's been a while since our last blog, but with the busy back to school season and winter nipping at our heels we've been away from the computer helping customers! We thought we'd take a moment to answer some FAQs about winter footwear.

Q: We just moved to Denver from California. I have no idea how when or how much it snows, or what kind of shoes to wear. Help!

A: Welcome to Colorado. Our weather can be unpredictable, but we can usually count on the first “real” snow sometime at the end of October. It's totally possible to have 8 inches of snow one day and blue skies the next. To cover all weather possibilities we recommend at least two shoes for the season: a warm, rugged winter shoe like Keens or Merrells, and a waterproof snowboot. Many parents like to add an in-between pair of casual boots like a cozy Ugg.

For more info and some style suggestions, check out our recent guest blog at Stapleton Moms. The contest is closed, but the information is still helpful.

Q: What's the difference between waterproof and water resistant?

A: We get this question a lot. A shoe cannot be sold as waterproof unless it has a layer of impermeable material sewn all the way through the shoe and sealed into the sole. Gore-Tex is the most familiar brand, but most shoe companies have their own trademarks that do the job just as well. Most waterproof boots have a double or triple stiched seam to make sure nothing gets in.

Water resistant is a looser definition. It usually indicates that the shoes outer material has been treated to repel water, but there is a possibility that water could soak through the seams. A water resistant label can be applied to materials that naturally resist getting wet, such as patent leathers, neoprene, or rubber rainboots. We find that water resistant shoes work fine for everyday wear and waterproof is best for snowboots and heavy hikers.

Don't forget that no matter how waterproof a shoe or boot is, if snow gets into the top of the shoe your child's feet can still get wet. Make sure boots are fit securely and take care in deep snow.

Q: My 12-month-old just started walking. Snowboots look so big and chunky, is she going to be comfortable?

A: We are used to seeing little ones stomp around like Frankenstein, but we understand your concern. Any snowboot is going to take some getting used to for new walkers. We find that if your child is walking comfortably across the room more than crawling, they can handle some of our lighter boots specially designed for toddlers. The Kamik Snowbug pictured above is a great example: it's lightweight, easy to take on and off, and fits over or under snow pants to keep your little one warm and dry.

There are alternatives for babies who aren’t as steady on their feet. A cute little lined bootie like these koala boots from Emu are easy to walk in thanks to a flexible sole, and oh so warm. Robeez makes a “snowboot” as well that has fuzzy lining. With these you sacrifice a bit of water protection, but keep in mind that your baby won't play as much in the snow as a six-year-old will. There's a difference between bundling up for protection and making your baby look like the Michelin man when they aren't even walking yet!     

                                                         

Have questions for the Little Feet Shoe Specialists? Leave a comment here or email us at info@littlefeetandmore.com

Fun Runs and Foot Fitness: Running Shoes for Kids

This is the season for charity races and runs for many worthy causes. A family 5k is a perfect opportunity to introduce your little one to the healthy benefits of exercise. For many families, this can be their children’s first race. Once their bodies are in condition you can take a look at their equipment. Before the starting gun sounds, you’ll want to examine your child’s running shoes to ensure they are up to the challenge.

We're often asked what makes kids running shoes different from adults. A good running shoe has support in the footbed, arch and heel. The sole and upper must be flexible enough to move with the foot as it rolls from heel to toe. They must be breathable to keep heat and moisture away from delicate skin. The best running shoes have extra shock absorption to protect the foot when it strikes the ground. If anything, kids need even more of this cushioning because their developing feet go through much more strain in a short period of time. For every stride you take on a simple 5K, your child hits the pavement an additional two to three times! Durability and support is key to keep feet happy during high impact running.

So what kind of shoes should you get? The good news is that shoe companies are savvier than ever when it comes kids’ specific needs. Tsukihoshi and Jumping Jacks offer wonderful runners in kids-only sizes. Favorite brands like Nike, Saucony, and New Balance make small versions of their popular adult styles. K-Swiss makes a very light and slim shoe inspired by barefoot running. There are lace and Velcro closures, and sizes from toddlers to a youth 6. The most important factor, more than make and model, is fit.

The goal is to fit with a bit of wiggle room without being sloppy on the foot. As with every shoe we sell, we generally fit running shoes with a half size of growing room from the child's actual measurement. This not only to make the shoe last, but for comfort. A child's toe is likely to bump into a too-small shoe with every step. This can cause pain and blisters; at worst it can hinder the natural growth of the foot. There are also wide and narrow feet to consider. Fortunately, kid's runners come in a variety of widths. New Balance in particular is famous for wider styles.

There are a couple of tricks to getting the best fit possible. Bring the socks your child intends to run in, because sock thickness can make a difference. Keep an open mind as far as brands go - don't count out a Tsukihoshi just because there's no swoosh. And finally, and of most interest to those participating in weekend runs, try to buy shoes 2-3 days before a big race or event. Let your child "break in" the shoe through normal play and they'll be ready to run alongside the entire family.

Why Online Shoe Sales Aren’t a Fit for Little Feet

 

Our established position as expert shoe fitters means answering many questions. We are always happy to educate our customers on anything that concerns them, no matter how trivial or obscure. We can tell what length of shoe laces go in kids Converse (36" for low tops, 45" for high) or how to keep Uggs looking nice(two coats of shield spray and a wire suede brush). There is one question that takes a bit more explanation: do we sell shoes online? The short answer is no, but we would like the chance to explain why.

 

Ensuring a Proper Fit

Our top priority has always been fit. It's easy to fall in love with a shoe presented on a website; it's nearly impossible to tell how that shoe will fit on your child's foot. There is no industry standard sizing, period. One brand's size two fits like another brand's thirteen in a very similar-looking style. Like any woman shopping for jeans can tell you, it's common to checkout with three different sizes that all fit the same. Add half sizes and European size scales to the mix and you have a recipe for confusion. A website drop-down menu just can't tell you how a particular size will fit on your child's foot.

 

All shoes run differently, and all feet run differently as well! We specialize in fitting in three dimensions. That means not only length and width, but volume. A high instep on a narrow foot is something we'd accommodate differently than a high instep on a wide one. There are flat feet and high arches, and every variation in-between. About half of our customers have size differences between their feet. Kids are unique, and their individual feet require the attention of an expert.

 

Customization for our Customers

One of the secrets of our trade is customization. Have you ever ordered two pair of the same shoe online only to find neither works? Your child may be between sizes. Rather than shipping both pair back and spending more money and time, we know how to adjust a shoe to fit. A "too small" pair may require just a bit of stretching or softening, or just need to be laced looser. "Too big" can mean a tiny foam pad to keep heels from slipping. Most of these tricks can be done in-store at no additional charge.

 

If you still aren't convinced, keep in mind that what a child measures is rarely the size we fit them in. To keep feet growing naturally we usually adjust for a half size to full size of growing room. The amount of space depends on the child's age, the make and style of shoe, and what thickness of sock will be worn with it. This means the enterprising mom who sneaks a peek at the number on our measuring device - and takes that information to the Internet- usually ends up ordering shoes way too small. 

 

Old-Fashioned Customer Service

There are attractive aspects of online shopping. It is generally convenient, economically reasonable, and most shops have nice return policies. These positives can often be met by your local store. The average visit takes about 15 minutes per child. That sure beats waiting for ground shipping. Some large websites might have slightly lower retail prices, but you often end up making up for it at checkout through shipping fees, hidden taxes, and that extra impulse pair you so do not need. We try to facilitate easy returns in all cases. We may ask a few questions if you try to bring back sneakers the day after field day, but we want to keep everyone satisfied. We love to pass your feedback on to our vendors.

 

We like living in the age of technology, but we love our old-fashioned customer service more. We will continue to do business this way as long as there are little feet to measure.

Beyond Shoes: A Few Items to Ease Your Family Back to School

As we revel in the delightful and delicious dog days of summer – hopefully relaxing a bit by the pool, taking a family road trip or two, and attending a season’s fill of barbeques – it’s hard to believe that in a few short weeks kids will be starting back to school. Whether your little one is a seasoned academic pro with backpack, lunch box and new pens and crayons at the ready, or just starting preschool, Little Feet has a ton of items that will make the transition from fun in the sun to back to school that much easier.

For the new-to-school ones, try our fun shoe tying kits that can make an often frustrating experience fun and easy. This teaching system was designed by a liscenced occupational therapist to be easy to adapt to any learning style. The mp3 download of the "teaching song" adds to the fun. The end result is empowered kids and happy teachers who don't have to spend classroom time on shoes!

For your older kid who wants to be extra fashionable, we carry a lne of super cute and hip backpacks that they can write on and wipe off. Made by Graffeeti, these backpacks are equipped with dry erase surfaces that come with fun colored dry erase mini markers. Perfect for your student’s artistic creations, but mom and dad can also use them to write reminder notes… and notes of encouragement and support!

Once school does start, schedules become crazy after the more carefree days of summer. Especially for moms of multiple kids, Little Feet also carries Sock Dots. These clever markers were invented by a local mom. They make the hectic chore of getting the laundry sorted a breeze by snapping on and going through the wash with no fuss. They are also are inconspicous enough to work well with uniforms and team gear.

For the families of children with sensitivity and tactile issues, we carry seamless socks to make shoe wearing much easier. A breathable cotton sock is most reccomended by physical therapists and those in the know. Conditions such as excema or topical allergies respond well to a natural sock in a well-fitting shoe. Even kids without sensory issues love the seamless socks because they are so comfy and colorful.

 

Summer is a glorious time! Enjoy it all... But be sure to visit Little Feet to put your best foot forward into fall.

Back to School Shoes that Put the Fun in Functional

Back to school shopping can have all the fun and excitement of a new school year. It can also bring about a bit of conflict between parents and kids about their school shoes. Parents focus on fit, durability, and value for their money. Younger kids are all about shoes that go on easily, and older kids like fashion and want to "look cool." Whether your child always likes to dress up or just wants to run the fastest at recess, we can help satisfy the entire family.

For girls, a Mary Jane style is pretty and practical. StrideRite and Nina both excel in sparkly, colorful shoes on a durable rubber bottom for comfort and support. Merrell makes a sporty Mary Jane that is still cute with dresses and skirts. Twig is an independent designer exclusive to Little Feet; they have fashions as cool and unique as your daughter is.

Boys - and many girls - turn to athletic shoes for everyday wear. Yes, sneakers can be good for a child's feet! Favorite brands like New Balance, Nike, Saucony and Adidas back up their reputations by creating kid's shoes that perform as well as their adult lines. Kid-specific brands such as Jumping Jacks and Tsukihoshi make great styles with unique features, including being machine washable. Of course, all these brands have Velcro and lace-up options for kids of all sizes and stages.

We often have parents request little versions of their favorite comfort brands such as Merrell and Keen. Many brands do "takedowns" of their most popular styles. The Merrell slip-on has been our best-selling school shoe for several seasons, thanks to versatility and a wide color selection. Sanita makes clogs starting at a little size 7 in cute colors like candy apple red. Ugg and Emu boots are all over the kid's market as well.

Don't forget the littlest family members! They may not be walking to class, but preschool and daycare tots have shoe needs, too. Montessori programs often request "indoor shoes" the kids can take on and off by themselves. Ragg slippers are ideal, with one easy Velcro strap and a protective rubber bottom. See Kai Run and Riley Roos are great for that time between crawling and walking. Even infants can slip on some Robeez to stay warm on wood or vinyl floors.

Fun and practical footwear is the key for fall. Once you find the style you and your child love, we'll take care of proper fitting and growing room. Your trip to Little Feet can be the easiest stop on your shopping list.