Back to School Shoes with Stride Rite {Tips & Giveaway Closed}

Last year was Roc’s first full year of pre-school and at just about this time 12 months ago I was deliberating over what shoe (and what SIZE shoe) to get him for his school day. His school had some rules: Crocs weren’t permitted and rubber-soles were encouraged. And I had some rules: They had to be multi-functional (i.e. be stylish enough to pair with dressier clothes but also work well for outdoor/indoor play and school activities.)

Yes, fashion and function apply to even a pre-schooler in the mom a la mode household.

So off we went to Stride Rite and I received a pair for him from the Made 2 Play™ collection, which met ALL of the combined criteria for appropriate footwear. And we both were REALLY pleased with how they wore and how they looked.

Roc’s Made 2 Play™ shoes lasted us ALL school year last year. And when I had the chance to preview and sample shoes from Stride Rite’s Fall 2014 Collection, I was excited to share my positive feedback on the Made 2 Plays™ and also try out a few new styles for our school year ahead. This is what we selected:

 

Sperry Top-Siders: There is a special place in my heart for all things preppy. I’m certain it stems from growing up in the 80s. So naturally, a pair of Sperry Top-Siders seemed like an appropriate fit for our more formal occasions – a late summer party, my godson’s upcoming baptism, picture day at school.

 

Made 2 Play™ Knox: Rinse and repeat. I was so happy with the quality, style and fit of these shoes for Roc – who has a wide foot – that we pretty much got the same exact style as last year. I just love the pops of orange against the cobalt blue, grounded by neutral grey.

 

Spider-Man Sneakers: Roc was SO excited to see one of his favorite super heroes on his very feet.  We’ll switch out the Made 2 Plays with these sneakers on gym days or just for fun!

There are so many cute — and on-trend — styles to select from. Here are a few others from Stride Rite’s Fall 2014 Collection:

 

With just about a week or so away from the start of the School Year for most (I do know some pockets of the country who already have started), Stride Rite is giving away one (1) pair of shoes to a lucky mom a la mode reader! Enter via the Rafflecopter form and get ready to stride back to school in style!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Here are some helpful Kids Shoe Shopping Tips from the team at Stride Rite:

• Shoe shopping should always be done later in the afternoon or evening, since feet swell over the course of the day.
• It’s recommended to switch between at least 2 pair of shoes to avoid wear and tear and maintain support. Plus, they’ll last longer.
• Hand-me-downs may save money, but they aren’t good for the feet of the little ones. Old shoes lose support from wear and tear and sharing shoes can spread foot and nail fungus. It’s best to start off each season with a new pair of comfortable shoes in their new and right size.

So don’t forget to enter to win a free pair of Stride Rite shoes. As an added bonus, if you shop at Stride Rite before 9/2/14, they are offering a Buy One Get One 40% off.  And be sure to visit (and Like!) the mom a la mode Facebook page for additional images and Back to School fun.

 

oxox

-mom a la mode

 

 

{I received Stride Rite product samples for review purposes and was not monetarily compensated for this post. All opinions expressed here are solely mine. This raffle is not affiliated in any way with Facebook. Product images are courtesy of Stride Rite.}