Umi Shoes- Fall 2011

Each year we go out and buy shoes for the new school year. Be it preschool or elementary school our needs are the same. They have to last, they need to be durable and oh yes, cute. I have girls after all. Umi Shoes never fails to hit the mark and that is why year after year we return to them. 2011 is no different.

This year Umi is offering up some adorable styles that are great for pre-walkers, walkers and school age kids. Boys and girls alike can stay active, comfortable and stylish in Umi's. I love how long these shoes last. I have a pair of boots that both my girls wore all winter. That is winter 2008 and 2010. Those boots still look good and could be worn by kid number three. That's how great these shoes are for kids. When I say durable, I mean it.

We love the Cassie's ($59), the Umi mary jane. It is great for dressy times and school days too. My three year old looks great in her new Bluet ($57) shoes for her first year of preschool. She is super excited to wear them and asks often.

MPR Rating: Four Stars.

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this post. Products received are for review purposes only. Opinions are MPR's only.

Image from shoes.com

Itzy Bitzy Shoes & Accessories

Those big flowers, knit headbands and giant bows. I laughed whenever I saw them on some little baby's head. Then Itzy Bitzy sent me a box of those very same bows, headbands and giant flowers for my own daughter's head and I fell in love.

I know. I can't quite believe it myself but it is hard to resist a baby with a big ol' pink flower on her head, or a yellow one, or purple or blue. We seem to have them all now. And not just for the baby either. Headbands, barrettes and shoes by Itzy Bitzy abound in our house now, decorating all three of my girls almost every day. When we are out and about or just playing in our neighborhood people stop me and squeal or express delight in how cute and adorable these accessories are on my kids. It's true. The entire Itzy Bitzy line of accessories is diverse and goes with anything.

y favorite is the frayed flower clips on my oldest daughter. She sports them in yellow or small purple checks quite often, while my two year old adores the feathery soft marabou clip. All three girls wear the ribbon and flower clips, the headbands and wraps too. It is the first time that they willingly choose things for their hair and get excited about them. What I like about them is how they stay put and can be used in a variety of ways. I can attach them just to their hair, on a band, hat or elastic.

The Itzy Bitzy shoes are pretty swell too. They have flip flops, squeaky shoes for boys and girls, sandals and mary jane style shoes. All of them come in many colors and styles and each is well made. Celebrity kids all over wear Itzy Bitzy shoes, from Coco Arquette and Seraphine Affleck and many others. It's form, function and style all in one little shoe.

Itzy Bitzy shoes and accessories were created by mom, Michelle Ruesch. After having twins Michelle wanted shoes that helped her not just keep tabs on her kids roaming but also assisted them in heel to toe walking. When kids step right the shoes squeak. They love it and continue to get the squeaking going. Soon they are walking and then running! Itzy Bitzy shoes and accessories donates a portion of their proceeds to The Treacher Collins Connection and Children's Craniofacial Association. It's a cause Michelle holds close to her own heart as one of her own daughters was born with Treacher Collins.

Itzy Bitzy shoes are available online.

MPR Rating: Four Stars.

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this post. All products received are for review purposes only. Opinions are MPR's only.

GIVEAWAY: I have 3 pairs of size 3 boys Itzy Bitzy shoes! That is a pair of flip flops (camo style), Austin style Brown lace ups and Easton boys sandals in light brown (Value of over $50!). Enter to win by commenting! I will choose a winner at random on July 1, 2011.

Top 3 Summer Shoes at Shoebuy.com

Summer is finally here once again! Get the best summer footwear for your entire family from Shoebuy.com! Shoebuy.com is a great place to shop online for shoes. This season, Shouebuy.com has hundreds of summer shoes for you to choose from! Browse through their top 3 categories of summer sandals to find the ones right for your favorite summer vacation activities at affordable process that fit into your budget!

Thinking of visiting the beach this summer? Be prepared with fashionable beach sandals! Shoebuy.com has sandals for everyone. Family favorites include the tiny Scott Hawaii Manini sandals for kids, Da Viccino Susan flip flops for women, and Havaianas Brazil flip flops for men. Find your favorite brands like Crocs, Skechers, Diesel, Hush Puppies and more! Shoebuy.com has many choices of durable beach sandals that you will love.



If you love being in the great outdoors during the summer, Shoebuy.com has the sandals for you! Get sturdy sandals made to withstand all the adventures of an active lifestyle. Browse through tons of strap on sandals that will give you the support you need for all of your summer expeditions. Get everything you need from lightweight walking sandals like the Spenco Yumi sandals or rugged active sandals such as the Nevados Kariba Leather sandals.



Don’t forget to get shoes for a night out on the town! Find hundreds of beautiful evening sandals for women. Choose from many colors, brands, and styles starting at just $27.45! Get sexy high heels like the Michael Antonia Monaco shoes or cute wedges such as the Beston Flagship sandals. You’ll look fantastic at all of your favorite summer events!

Shoebuy.com is a great place to find all the shoes that you need for summer and beyond! Showbuy.com also offers millions of products that are able to be shipped worldwide, and shipping is absolutely free within the United States! Shoebuy.com charges no sales tax, so shopping here can save you tons of money, especially if you live somewhere with outrageously high sales tax. If you aren’t 100% satisfied with your product, Shoebuy.com will pay for the shipping to exchange your product and will refund you back all of your money if you just want to return the item. Be sure to visit today because they’re having a giveaway! Just open an account and you could win a $100 gift card! When you shop online, use Shoebuy.com coupons to save on your next purchase. Check out this $5 off any order of $50 or more Shoebuy coupon code.

Umi Shoes- Spring 2011

I am a huge fan of Umi Shoes for kids.  They are durable, adorable, stylish and wear well.  I don't normally get shoes for my oldest that end up still looking nice enough for my middle child to wear as well.  Umi Shoes are that way each and every time.  I love them!

Spring 2011 is no different.  We have a pair of Aspire sandals ($50) in white and a pair of Mina's ($55) in white as well.  However, both pairs have colorful little touches to them that make them sweet on my kids feet.  All Umi shoes have cute accent colors that play up the gorgeous style of the shoes. 

The Aspire style has an embellished with ribbon that laces through them and heart detailing with scalloped hook and loop closure.  The hook and loop works well with toddlers and preschool age kids. They can easily put these shoes on and latch them.   The Mina sandals are available in pink and offer a colored cushioned heel.  Our white ones have a purple heel that my daughter loves.  Also with a hook and loop closure they go on and off with ease. These big girl sandals are girly and possess a sweet ribbon detail and universally stylish shape that your kid will adore.

Umi makes shoes for babies, toddlers and big girls and boys.  The ability to print off a shoe size chart to measure your kids feet before ordering is genius!  It works every time too.  While they seem pricey, you get what you pay for with Umi.  They last, look great and have found a real place in our home for a long time.

Available for purchase on the Umi website and speciality shoe stores for kids nationwide. 

MPR Rating: Five Stars.

Disclaimer:  MPR was not paid for this post.  All items received are for review and test purposes only.  Opinions are MPR's only. 

Umi Shoes- Fall 2010

Back to school shopping has come and gone but sometimes you find the little ones still need things.  My kids seem to grow out of shoes faster than anything else.  As always Umi Shoes came to the rescue offering up cute, quirky and classic styles that I love (they last forever!) and my kids do too (lots of colors and styles for finicky preschoolers.). 

We tried the Orchid ($61.00) style in black this year. My daughter loves the purple metallic accents on the shoes.  They are built solid and cute!  The black suede is smart looking and easy to clean too.  These shoes work well for school and can be dressed up or down.  The only issue I have found with this style from Umi is that if the child has a high arch the shoe might be uncomfortable.  They run narrow, which works for us but not for everyone.  Umi shoes might seem expensive but I have bought look-alikes that were cheaper and my kids have complained they were not as comfortable and they didn't last.  Threads unraveled, fabric tore and that never happens with Umi shoes. 

For past Umi reviews read here and here.  Visit Umi's Facebook page too!

Get a Laurie Berkner CD FREE with your Umi Shoe purchase now!  Just enter code LBCD1 at checkout.

MPR Rating:  Four Stars.

Disclaimer:  MPR was not paid for this post.  Products received are for review and testing purposes only.  Opinions are MPR's only.

OKA b. Wishes You a Happy Mother's Day!

I love OKA b. sandals. The Samantha is a favorite of mine. OKA b. is pleased to offer my (YOU!) readers an exclusive Mother's Day Promotion.  Receive 20% off your entire online order between now and May 15th with coupon code INSIDER20.

Happy Mother's Day from OKA b.!  Don't forget free shipping for orders over $75!

Umi's Spring Shoes 2010

They have done it again! Umi Shoes has unleashed a bumper crop of cute, fashionable and incredibly durable kids shoes again this spring. I have loved Umi Shoes since I first saw them. When my oldest daughter was just learning to walk we reviewed a pair of Umi boots. They lasted all fall, winter and into the spring. I still have them. That's how sturdy and wear-resistant these shoes are. They are worth every dime. They are flexible, offer great support and quite simply, they last.

Made from high quality nappa and nubuck leather each shoe is carefully constructed and built to last. There are over twenty quality control checks on every pair of shoes too. Umi doesn't just protect your kids feet but also the earth. The shoes are all made from non-toxic materials while the packaging for the shoes is made from recycled materials. Waste is managed by using environmentally sound practices as well.

Did I mention that the shoes are stylish and your kids will love them? It's true. My daughter is just waiting for warmer weather to strap on her Lauren's in lavender and her sister is sportin' the Pearl style baby shoes in yellow. Just looking at the shoes and then feeling them you can tell they are not flimsy shoes. The girls find them comfortable and each pair has been worn until they no longer fit.

I can't say enough about Umi Shoes and how spectacular they are each time we have a pair. They are by far my favorite kids shoes. Find a store near you! Check out their Facebook page too.

MPR Rating: Five Stars.

Disclaimer:  I was not paid for this post. Products received were for review purposes only.  Opinions are my own.

Umi Shoes- Fall Review

Umi Shoes are back! I've reviewed Umi Shoes for kids before but in boot and pram form. This time we are in full-on little girl mode. Now that my daughter has gotten older and developed a sense of style on her own she chose the Flora pair ($69) in Fuchsia/Pink.

Styled in the classic European sense this pair of Umi's fits true to size just like all the others. There is always a little room to grow, which is how they are designed and that works so well with kids. The Flora style is an open-vamp shoe with an adjustable strap and a cute flower design that comes in a variety of colors. Having tried many types of kids shoes in the past few years I have really come to love Umi for their style and quality. These shoes last! They are so durable and comfortable for my daughter to wear. Umi is the only shoe company that she consistently wears again and again. Not only that but she wants to wear her Umi shoes. All the time. No matter what the style or season. I have even had to pry the boots off her in the hot summer months.

Needless to say she loved the Flora pair at first sight. She just scooped them up out of the box and took them to her room to try on. From there she wanted to wear them over and over again. While you may balk at the price tag of a pair of Umi's you really shouldn't. I have yet to find another brand of kid's shoes that is as long-lasting, kid-tough, comfortable as well as stylish that my kid genuinely adores. The selection is large and colorful for both girls, boys and infants too.

Umi shoes can be purchased at online at their website or via Piperlime too.

MPR Rating: Five Stars.

Merrell Shoes for the Whole Family

When I think of Merrell shoes I think about the outdoors, ski boots and one rugged pair of shoes. However, times have changed and Merrell now offers shoes for the whole family. We tested out three pairs- men, women and a kids pair.



The women's Barrado Sport ($80) is sleek and simple. It comes in the colors Off-white and Canteen and features a zip-up front. The retro look on this canvas and mesh shoe is so sweet! I love the floral design and how it is sporty, casual and versatile. It looks great with khaki's, jeans and some athletic wear. This show is low-riding and has Merrell's Air Cushion and Q-Form stride alignment technology. It runs slightly large and has a narrow fit. I liked the Sticky Rubber sole and found this shoe quite comfortable. It looks good too. I recommend going a half-size smaller than you normally would wear for a good fit.




The men's Veer ($100) style shoe comes in Brown or Black. It's a basic slip on leather shoe that a guy could wear on casual Friday's at the office and on the weekends. This is a heel-hugging, stable shoe. It consists of an anatomical footbed and a full-grain leather on the outside. A TPU molded backstrap covers the heels while the In-Board™ EVA Footframe is great for walking. What is so great about this shoe is not just the quality construction but the cushioned mid-sole arch makes it comfortable to wear and the pigskin with Aegis™ Antimicrobial Treatment inside keeps odors at bay. This shoe also runs large. It seems that perhaps the whole Merrell shoe line runs large so one should keep that in mind when buying a pair of their shoes. My husband loved the look of this shoe and thought it was comfortable to wear but realized right away he needed another half-size down.



The kid's Chameleon Arc Stretch ($55) comes in Elephant/Pink and Tan/Grape is a great little shoe for both boys and girls. It's breathable, light and it has an easy do-it-yourself closure. Made of breathable mesh and suede leather this is one tough shoe! It can withstand a lot of kid wear and tear and still looks good. It comes in sizes 8-4 and has a nonmarking sole. My eldest daughter loved these shoes instantly as soon as they came out of the box. She was so pleased with out simple it was to put them on and that she could do it all by herself. That right there was worth it.



Merrell shoes can be purchased online at the Merrell website.



MPR Rating: Four Stars.

Fun Find- Zappo's Walking Shoes

When you need a walking shoe you want to find not just the best fit but also something durable, comfortable and one that offers the support you need. Zappo's has just what you are looking for in a walking shoe.

Zappo's, the online shoe store, has divided its walking shoe section into two parts- casual and athletic. By figuring out just what your walking requirements might be Zappo's has easily eliminated the guess work in choosing your perfect walking shoe.

Zappo's is truly a one stop shop for both men and women who are looking for affordability, great style and comfort all in one.

Fun Find- Umi Shoes

I know that I have talked about the wonderfulness that is Umi Shoes before. It's Fall and with the temps dropping I have to say it again. These shoes are simply the best for kids. I fell in love with them immediately and then the sheer fact that they lasted a whole Fall and Winter last year just cemented it.

Like any good company they have new styles for this season and we tested out the Wallflower boots ($58) and the Pram style Bumpershoot ($38) shoes, which are new this year. These shoes are high quality and innovative in design. They are breathable, well-padded and super comfortable. My daughter loved them last year and was very excited to see a new pair in her closet this time. I love how the Pram style has an actual sole on the shoe which is wonderful for the transition to shoes from booties and for the colder months. The breathable leather used on all the shoes keeps kids and babies feet from sweating too.

An added bonus and big plus in my book is that the packaging from Umi is minimal. It is environmentally friendly and the company as a whole really cares about what customers think about their product. The detail on all the shoe styles is so well-done with fine stitching and high end materials used to create a very nice pair of shoes, boots or sandals. You cannot go wrong when buying a pair of Umi's.

Arch Angels- Win a Lifetime Supply of Shoes For Your Kid!

When was the last time you took pictures of your child’s feet? Yes, feet! Those ten little piggies can sometimes be the cutest things ever, and maybe, could get you $500 for them!

Arch Angels, comfort insoles for kids ages 2-8, is sponsoring the “Cutest Kids’ Feet Photo Contest,” with a grand prize of $500 and a lifetime supply of Arch Angels. Visit www.myarchangels.com for complete details and official rules.

More about Arch Angels-

Arch Angels™ are the first children’s comfort shoe insole that give parents an
affordable solution to common foot-related complaints. With a progressive arch
design system that reflects normal development, and a contoured heel cup that
gently supports the foot, Arch Angels conform to give the child a custom fit
even the best shoes can’t offer. Plus, they don’t slip around in enclosed shoes.
Inspired by a mom and developed by two doctors, they’re 100% made in the USA.
Arch Angels are sold at specialty stores nationwide and online at www.myarchangels.com

Robeez Tredz- the latest in Toddler Togs

"One small step for toddlers. One giant step for little shoes."

This spring the popular infant shoe (soft soles) company decided to launch a new flex sole toddler line, Tredz. Typically known for their soft leather shoes for babies and toddlers that are flexible, lightweight and as close to a barefoot as you can get when wearing shoes, Robeez has made a name for themselves in the children's shoe market. When my daughter grew out of the adorable styles in the infant line I was really dismayed. I wanted her to keep wearing comfortable, high-quality shoes. The introduction of Tredz was just in time.

Tredz ($42) are designed with non-slip, water-resistant TPR soles. They have cushioned insoles and the leather is completely breathable. Which is wonderful because toddlers toes? They can get very sweaty. There are over twenty-two styles of Tredz already so you are sure to find one that appeals to you and your toddler too. Sized by months (12-16, 16-20 and 20-24) and great for outdoors I was really excited about the Tredz.


When the Blossom Mary Jane's arrived in time for spring I could not wait to try them on my daughter. Then I realized that they run very large. Here we are at 25 months and the size 20-24 months is about two sizes too big. My daughter wears a size 6 shoe. These look more like an 8! Still I played around with them and my daughter loves to try them on despite being too big. They have a great a stay-on elastic ankle that hugs your child and adjustable fasteners which make it easy for them to put the Tredz on themselves. The sole is incredibly flexible and the leather is soft and pliable. I was not not let down in any aspect but in the sizing.

Tredz are not only precious, cute and stylish they are safe, secure and comfortable shoes. In a variety of styles for both boys and girls you cannot go wrong with Tredz. Just make sure you know if your child's foot runs small or large before you buy. There is free shipping too for any order over $75.

Robeez are approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association.

Umi Shoes

Recently Umi Shoes sent me a pair of terrific little boots for my daughter and I to review. Umi is very conscientious of what mothers think and like about their shoes and what they don't like. They are a company that really wants feedback on their product so I was more than happy to oblige.

Umi shoes are handcrafted in a European styling which I find very appealing. I'm not one for a cookie cutter look for my child so I love their unique designs and flourishes that adorn their shoes, boots and sandals. Umi wants you to know that "they are devoted to the happiness of your child's feet. Their shoes are colorful, fanciful and playful. Just like the children who wear them."



Honestly? After opening the box and checking out these boots I have to agree with them. They really put a lot of detail and care into their product. The stitching is finely done and the leather of a high quality. The detailing is incredibly cute but it is also not just some glued on applique, but stitched on very well. The soles are remarkably sturdy too. The insole is cushioned and lined with a beautiful and colorful fabric. These boots wear well! My daughter took to them immediately throwing aside her Pumas and Pedipeds for these boots ($55). They are great for the fall and winter with their thick soles and high tops. While the price is steep they have worn so well and remain nice looking despite being highly tested over the last three months. My kid wears these boots almost every day and they still look and feel new and she is tough on her shoes. Many past pairs wear out in a month but these Umi boots have not. They are sized nicely too. I can easily hand these shoes down to another child they keep so well. Because they are real leather and not synthetic you can polish them up too. I can't say it enough that Umi shoes are solid and great shoes.


As an added aside, we lost one of the boots one day in the jungle of a big box store while Christmas shopping. I was at my wits end seeing as both my daughter and I love the shoes so much. I was heartbroken at the thought of losing such a great pair of boots. I had given up all hope of finding that lone lost boot, I had backtracked all over the store three times, when I spotted it. The lime green circle on the sole of the boot gave it away under a rack of men's flannel shirts. If Umi hadn't put that bright green logo on their boot I would have never seen it. I was so thankful to find the boot and for that green circle with the logo on it!

Umi shoes are imaginative and fun. They are also of an incredibly high quality. They are a company that cares what we mothers think and to me that is priceless. Check out more styles and selections of Umi shoes here.

Ryka- MC2 Walking Shoes

I am a walker. There is no doubt about it. I have completed numerous walk-a-thons as well as having three Avon Walk’s under my belt (that’s 39.3 miles) and A LOT of shoes. I’ve become a bit of a connoisseur when it comes to sneakers. I know what works for me and what does not. I’m also pretty brand loyal. When it’s time for a new set of kicks I simply queue up to my local running shoe store and purchase a pair just like the last. I threw caution to the wind when I signed on to review Ryka’s new MC2 Walk shoe. They are good shoes after all as they have sponsored the Avon Walk every year and they are designed for woman.

When I first opened the box I screamed. And not in a good way. The sheer whiteness of the shoe made me cringe. How was I going to wear these in public? They looked like something the retired women who haunt my gym wear or worse something my mother would buy. The only other color to drown out the white glare is beige. A beige dot or two and I am not a beige girl. I have HUGE feet too. I like a bit of subtle color and gray to camouflage my feet. So it was with a heavy heart that I slipped my feet into these new walking shoes. I felt like a world class dork as I built up my pace on my first outing.



The fit on the MC2’s is surprisingly nice though. They are ultra cushy without being too soft. I really loved the way the MC2’s hugged my heels and ankles adding extra stability and support. The middle of the shoe is quite narrow for a sneaker that has so much “motion control” which is great for those of us who have to buy such large togs. I’ve clocked in quite a few hours of walking with these new shoes and no matter the terrain, be it street or gym, they have held up quite well. There is a spring in my step (thanks Nitracel!) and the sizing is accurate. The price of $79.99 can’t be beat either as I normally shell out about $110 even with a walker’s discount. Still I have been made fun of for wearing such “old lady” shoes and people have actually gasped at them in horror which doesn’t make me want to buy them again. If these shoes were really made for women they would have a bit more style and color added in to balance the durability, pronation prevention and quality of this shoe. Then again, maybe look and style just doesn’t matter to some folks.


The MC2 Walking Shoe by Ryka can be purchased at various locations or online here. For more reviews on this shoe and other Ryka shoes visit PBN and read what other bloggers are saying. Visit RYKA they are giving away 50 shoes a day through October! You can enter (for more free shoes) and every time someone you recommend signs up, you get another entry!