Mom and baby product reviews on The Mommy Insider

TOMS Shoes - Giving Back One Pair of Shoes at a Time

How can a single pair of TOM's shoes change the world? Well, according to TOMS shoes founder Blake Mycoskie, it can save lives - one shoe at a time. While traveling in Argentina in 2006 Blake found that many children had no shoes to protect their feet. In response Blake founded TOMS and returned later that year to give 10,000 pairs of shoes to deserving children all thanks to the purchases made by TOMS customers. So a single pair of shoes can change a life and perhaps the world.

 We took the time to chat with a member of the TOMS team to learn more about this innovative and socially conscious company.

1. What is the inspiration behind the new Wrap Boot?
The TOMS Wrap Boot is inspired by the colorful leg wraps worn by Argentine Polo horses. Blake authored a short story that tells the tale of a newly-wed young woman who, to win back the attention of her Polo champion husband, wrapped her legs with the brilliant elastic creating a sassy, flirtatious look. Read the full story and see the looks here!

2. Tell us what happens on a typical "Shoe Drop Tour".
An Argentina Shoe Drop Tour is a group experience where volunteers hand-place matched pairs of TOMS Shoes on children's feet and explore some of the country's most intriguing neighborhoods and activities.

3. How can our readers get involved in the TOMS movement?
- Buy TOMS and wear them daily - share the One for One movement with everyone you meet!
- Stay connected through our emails, Facebook, MySpace, or Twitter
- Share the documentary: YouTube.com/TOMSshoes
- Be part of the TOMS family by applying for an internship on your campus, at TOMS HQ, or on the road as a TOMS Vagabond
- Apply to go on a TOMS Shoe Drop Tour

4. What are the various ways an individual can make a difference?
Know that as a consumer you can choose products that offer sustainability, giving, and positivity at their core. TOMS guarantees that for every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of shoes to a child in need. One for One. In the end, "the more you give, the more you live!"

5. What can our readers look forward to in the upcoming collections for TOMS shoes?
TOMS remains true to the classic lines of the Argentine alpargata shoe, but you can look forward to fresh new variations this summer and laces this fall!

Coupon Code: TOMSbday valid for 5% off at www.TOMSshoes.com and expires 5/15/09.

Crocs - Madelyn's new favorite shoes

Madelyn has dozens of pairs of shoes.  Does she wear them all?  No.  She has her favorites.  She has favorites that she wears outside, in the car, and around the house.   One of her favorite pairs of shoes is her 'kids cayman' classic Crocs.  I love them because they are a breeze to wipe off, and Madelyn can get them on an off easily.. without a fuss.

It has been a little chilly outside lately so she slips on some socks, puts her crocs on and is on her way!  She's determined to wear her favorite shoes no matter which pair it might be on a given day.  I've learned to not even try to get her to wear a pair other than what she picks out.  I choose my battles.

Click the photograph to the right to enlarge the image.  These, like most Crocs, are available in over two dozen colors and eight sizes.

Available at: Crocs
Cost: $24.99

Robeez weekend & sandal collections

Shoes, shoes, shoes.  I think Madelyn has more shoes than I've had in my entire life.   She has pink shoes, red shoes, black shoes, striped shoes, shoes with flowers on them, shoes with x-bones on them, and so many more. 

In the photo to the right Madelyn is wearing a pair of shoes from Robeez's new Weekend Collection.  They are super easy to get on and off with the help of a tab on the heel, and the multi-colored striped elastic on the sides makes them wearable with almost any outfit.  There are five striped colors choices and four solid color choices in the Weekend Collection.

I also like the new line of Robeez sandals.   Madelyn has the classic style (to the left) which reminds me of sandals I'm wearing in photographs from the late 70's. 

They may look like the sandals we wore as children but they are not nearly the same.  They aren't stiff as thick wooden boards, but instead have soft leather soles and Velcro straps take the place of the buckles that were on the 1970's sandals.

I've always liked Robeez shoes.  They offer both classic and trendy styles and more importantly, they are made to be comfortable for little feet like Madelyn's.  Robeez shoes are available for babies up to 24 months but I have found that they run a little big. Madelyn will be 2 May 9th and I'm sure she will be able to wear the sandals through most of this year and she is not a smaller than average child.

WEBSITE:  Check these collections out at Robeez.

See Kai Run baby & toddler shoes: a review

See Kai Run shoes are adorable shoes designed for pre and new walkers. Made from soft leather with a leather lining, See Kai Run shoes provide the ultimate in comfort for little feet.   Madelyn says so!  I love fun designs for both boys and girls like the April design Madelyn is wearing in the photo to the right.

See Kai Run shoes are sturdy with a thick but soft sole and great tread making them perfect for new walkers.

One of my personal favorite's is the Stella mary jane style which is pictured below.  The green suede, pink and cream shoe with faux-fur trim is sure to make any little girl look like a princess! 

See Kai Run has a lot of styles to choose from and are available for children up to 3 years old.  Their current selection includes sandals, boots and mary janes in a wide variety of colors and some have cute embellishments.

A few more details:

• Generous width and wide toe box for plenty of wiggle room!
• Padded collars for extra comfort
• Adjustable Velcro closures make shoes easy to get on and ensure a great fit
• Breathable leather insole and lining

See Kai Run baby and toddler shoes

Shoos Shoos: a shoe that will stay on baby's foot

I like to wear shoes all of the time and I prefer that my kids do the same.  I can remember at least three times when I stepped on something and regretted not having shoes on. When Madelyn started walking, I quickly learned that if I wanted her to wear shoes around the house and not just when we are out, the shoes must be comfortable.  Makes sense doesn't it?

A gentle elastic ankle, a no-slip suede sole, and the absence of laces is what makes shooshoos baby shoes special.  The gentle elastic ankle makes getting these shoes on Madelyn, a cinch and help keep her feet warm and cozy for hours at a time.  Madelyn wears the Pink Suede / Fleece Collar shoes shown to the right when there is a chill in the air and whenever she feels it is necessary.. she has a shoe fetish.

I love the flexibility of shooshoos and they offer both classic & unique styles for boys and girls.  Boys will impress daddy's golf buddies when wearing the brown golf shoes, while girls can be dainty in the ballet style shoes.

shooshoos offers a wide variety of soft leather baby shoes to fit babies from 0 - 24 months.  With shoes starting at $14.95 the pricing is impressive.   shooshoos make a perfect baby shower or new baby gift as well as a great addition to your own baby's shoe collection. Because they are so affordable, your baby can collect several pairs and have a shoe fetish like Madelyn!

shooshoos soft leather baby shoes

Pediped: a review of baby & toddler shoes

How cute are these?  pediped™ has expanded their offering with a new line called Flex for older walkers ages 2 - 5 years old. pediped™ is known for their stylish infant and baby leather-soled line which is recommended by the American Podiatric Medical Association.

pediped™ is courageous with their styles, being a bit fantastical but that is what makes them so appealing.  I received these three styles to review, but they are a tad too big on Madelyn's feet so I don't have photographs.  Because I love our readers, I am going to give these three pairs of pediped Flex™ shoes away to one lucky reader!  Continue reading to learn how to enter to win these 3 pairs of size 6 pediped Flex™ shoes.

pediped Flex™ shoes are easy for Madelyn to put on and take off.  She is very independent these days and wants to put her shoes, panties, and pants on all by herself. I give us at least 20 extra minutes before leaving the house now so dress herself.  Madelyn still wears pediped Originals (sometimes she puts them on at nap time) because her feet are a little small for the Flex™ shoes but I have no doubt that she will wear pediped's Flex™ shoes as soon as she can!

The pediped™ line of larger rubber-soled footwear, pediped Flex™, is available in designs for both boys and girls ages 2 to 5+ years. Available in children’s sizes 6 to 12, pediped Flex™ are perfect for the child that has outgrown pediped Originals™ and is ready for the next stage in footwear.

Enter to win these three pairs of pediped Flex on our contest entry page here.

  pediped footwear

Robeez Tredz + Giveaway!

Madelyn is 20 months now and like most toddlers, she is all over the place.  Climbing, jumping, dancing, running.  For the first year of her life she wore soft-soled baby shoes but now that she spends a lot of time playing outside her feet need the protection of a thicker soled shoe while still having the flexibility of the soft soled shoes.   Robeez's new outdoor toddler shoe line, Tredz, offers just what she needs.. a thick soled super flexible shoe. Beyond that, Tredz are lightweight, water-resistant and grippy so Madelyn's little feet have a good grip on smooth and wet surfaces.  A lot of  toddler shoes are either practical or cute/.  Rarely are toddler shoes both cute and have what a little toddler foot needs; flexibility and protection.  Robeez has done a great job with their new Tredz line, combining the best of both. 

Not lacking in selection, the Tredz line includes over one dozen designs featuring soothing and 'earthy' colored shoes decorated with cute flower, truck, and duck embellishments.

Tredz have a adjustable fasteners and elastic ankles to keep them on active toddlers and the cushioned insoles provide all day comfort for little one's on the go.

I found that Tredz run a little large. Madelyn is an average size 20 month old and the 20-24 month size is a little big on her.  You might want to try a size smaller than what you think your toddler would wear.

I am going to try to get a photograph of Madelyn in her Tredz but because they are a little big I don't know if they will stay on long enough.

We received two pairs of Tredz from our great friends at Robeez and because we are so nice we are going to give away one pair. It pains me to do so, but it is the right of all parents to have the opportunity to experience the super cuteness of Tredz just like Madelyn and I have.  Simply leave a comment on this post letting me know what you think of Robeez baby shoes and/or the looks of the new Tredz line and I will choose a winner at random to receive a pair of Robeez. They are all girl styles so please keep that in mind when entering. CONTEST RUNS UNTIL February 15th, 08.

Robeez Tredz outdoor toddler shoes

Lands' End Baby: $12.99 and up

Lands' End is known for making durable, comfortable clothes and they didn't leave the little one's out. Little did I know, they have a large line of girls and boys baby clothes and accessories to fit ages 0-24 months. The pictures to the left are just a small sampling of the Lands' End baby line.  Offering everything from 'footy pajamas' to knit sweaters their pieces are sure to give your baby a classic, timeless look all the while keeping them comfortable and cozy in the soft materials.

Pieces like the Woven Jumper Madelyn is wearing to the left can be worn alone for a casual look or with co-ordinating onesies, tights, and shoes for a more dressy look.

Machine washable, this Woven Dress quickly became one of my favorite pieces in Madelyn's wardrobe.  The Mary Janes are crafted with genuine suede leather uppers, breathable leather linings and soft suede outsoles and Madelyn is happy wearing them for hours. I was bummed when the shoes got dirty while we were at a park recently but low and behold, a little wiping got the dirt right off. Priced at just $14.50, Lands' End's Mary Janes are a steal.

Click here to visit Lands' End baby and browse their selection of baby, toddler, and kids clothing.

xbones Sweet Shoes

By 18 months old, Madelyn had been on her brother's skateboard many times which we've all gotten a kick out of.  Now she can not only play like a skateboarder, she can look like a skateboarder as well!

xbones soft soled, skateboarding-inspired shoes for babies, are casual shoes with a sporty style. Available in several colors, Sweet Shoes are not just for the girls.

Sweet Shoes are hand made of genuine suede leather and are developmentally appropriate for your child's growing foot. Sweet Shoes feature a foam layer in the sole for extra cushioning. Velcro straps make them easy to use. They are machine washable and can be worn indoors and outdoors.

Sweet Shoes was launched just recently by Mandi, a mother of three so she is well aware of the need for comfortable yet stylish baby shoes.

Where to buy: Urban Baby Runway

COUPON CODE: The Mommy Insider readers get FREE SHIPPING (only at Urban Baby Runway) with coupon code UBRINSIDER! 

The new 'Robeez Rocks' collection will be available October 1st!

You know you always wanted to be a rock star!  You can live vicariously through your baby or toddler now. Robeez is catering to the 'cool kids' on the block with their new Robeez Rocks collection featuring six bold, brightly colored designs.

In the photograph to the right, Madelyn (a cool kid on the block), is wearing the Robeez yellow-flamed Guitar soft soled shoes.
I will publish a photograph of the girly design soon.

For tiny trend setting boys, there is a studded-collared Dog, yellow-flamed Guitar, and smirking-faced Devil. For the mini fashionistas, there is white Rose Tattoo or fuchsia-flamed Guitar. And for boys or girls, a heart-shaped Mom Tattoo. All six designs are available for newborn to 24 months.

The Robeez Rocks collection will be available October 1.  Meanwhile you can visit the Robeez website to see their current collections.

Keep an eye out for our Robeez Rocks collection giveaway coming soon!