My baby is moving from sitting up to crawling around, should we be looking for shoes?

Based on our 25 years in the children's shoe industry, we believe that it’s important to keep your baby barefoot as much as possible during their early crawling and cruising stages so they can grip the ground move freely. However, baby shoes become necessary when the terrain is uneven, too hot, or too cold. And socks, even though they will keep your baby's feet warm, don't give the proper support or are too slippery in some cases to be effective. Baby's footwear sould be soft and flexibe and imitate bare feet. Stride Rite has developed a line of Stride Rite infant shoes that many moms have utilized for baby's first steps. For more information on Stride Rite shoes, visit our web site by clicking on our store name, Tootsies Stride Rite.

Does My Stride Rite Baby Shoe Need Arch Supports?

NO! Infants do not need arch supports in their shoes. Why? Infants do not start developing arches until 2-3 years old, so arches in baby shoes are not necessary. That is why our Stride rite infant shoes, developed under our S.T.E.P. system has been developed. Infants need soft flexible footwear with properly placed support pads to assist them in developing the proper walking gait. This will reduce over time the probability that stress will develop in your child's ankles, knees, back and hip that will possibly result in injuries in your child's 20's or 40's, if not sooner.

For more information about Stride Rite shoes, visit our web site by clicking on our store name, Tootsies Stride Rite, or call us at 1-866-235-0626.

Stride Rite Q & A: Should my child be barefoot when learning to walk?

It’s really important that little feet are able to grip the ground with their toes as they begin to develop bone and muscle in the foot. Your baby can best accomplish this while barefoot but, being barefoot is not always practical. Foot coverings are important when the baby is outside and/or when the ground they are walking on is hot, cold or uneven. When infant shoes are required, flexibility and a soft and thin outsole are key.

Here at Stride Rite, we have developed a new walking technology called Sensory Response Technology. Please check out our line of shoes starting with our all white Stride Rite infant shoes, the SRT Grayson. Please check out our Stride Rite shoe lines at our online store, Tootsies Stride Rite

New Stride Rite Infant Walking Shoes

Stride Rite's classic first walking shoe in white leather. This traditional moc-toe baby shoe offers a wear-everywhere versatility - from his first dress-up party to an afternoon in the park. The Sensory Response Technology™ Grayson has moisture-wicking, eco-friendly linings and a self-molding footbed with contoured heel cradle to keep him comfortable. Plus, a lace tie closure allows for a secure fit. Available in sizes toddler 4 to toddler 8 in medium, wide and extra-wide widths.

This classic baby shoe will have him looking more handsome than ever. For special occassions or just a day at the park, the Sensory Response Technology™ Grayson is the ideal infant shoe for your everyday needs.

The SRT Grayson is available online at Tootsies Stride Rite and is currently sales prices at $31.95. For more information, either visit our web site by clicking on our name, Tootsies Stride Rite, or call us toll free at 1-866-235-0626.

Stride Rite Awards

Stride Rite was recently awarded 1st, 2nd and Editor's Choice awards on SheKnows.com, a global destination for women which features the latest news in parenting, entertainment and more. SheKnows 2010 Parents' Choice Awards are in recognition of parenting products and services most valued by the consumer. The awards are broken down into 100 different categories, ranging from gadgets and books, to baby feeding and toys. Stride Rite's awards were for their Robeez baby shoe line and their new SRT Stride rite infant shoe line.

For more information on Stride Rite shoes, visit our online web site by clicking on our name:

Tootsies Stride Rite

Stride Rite Shoes

Stride Rite shoes are not like any other children’s shoes you will every purchase. Stride Rite shoes inspires kids to run faster and jump higher, supports baby’s feet in taking that first step and helps moms feel confident that Stride Rite shoes are the healthy choice for their child. That is why stride rite is the leader in designing premium fashionable childrens shoes, from Stride Rite baby shoes that help your baby take their first steps, to premium Stride Rite girls shoes for back to school, to Stride Rite boy shoes for that active young toddler of yours. Stride Rite is a champion in research, using the latest technology, quality materials, and footwear engineers to develop kids shoes that lead to a lifetime of healthy walking.

Stride Rite New Sensory Response Technology

Stride Rite recently introduced a new line of Stride Rite toddler shoes that feature their new sensory response technology based on the most extensive research on how footwear can assist your toddler in learning to walk correctly.

These latest innovations in Stride Rite baby shoes reduce the number of stumbles and falls for new walkers while promoting a healthy lifelong walking pattern. These innovations include the following features:

1. Sensory pads to assist in developing a good walking gait.

2. Midfoot support

3. Moisture wicking linings to keep baby's feet dryer.

4. Multi-directional flexibility

5. Contoured sensory cushioned footbed

6. Eco-friendly materials

For more information about Stride Rite's New sensory response shoes, call us at 1-866-235-0626 or visit us online at Tootsies Stride Rite

Interesting Shoe Facts by Tootsies Stride Rite

Interesting facts brought to you by Stride Rite, one of the most recognized kids shoe manufacturers

1. Children's feet should be measured at least every 2-3 months until the age of 3 because their feet grow so fast.

2. Shoes that do not fit properly in childhood can contribute to poor foot development which can lead to bone, muscle an back problems later in life.

3. The heel is the one bone in the foot that help's to balance baby's entire body.

Do Babies Need Stride Rite Shoes? If Yes, When?

Babies learn best to walk bare feet, BUT they must be in a protective environment to walk barefoot. What do we mean by protective environment?

We mean inside a home on a warm floor where there are no obstructions with which they can injure their feet. If you baby is going to a sitter's home or a day care, or if you baby is going outside on a cement patio, deck or on the ground, or if it is winter time and your floors inside your home are cold, then a baby shoe, preferably a Stride Rite baby shoe which has been constructed for early walking stages, is required.

Many mom's ask, 'Well, what about my baby just wearing a sock when its cold?' The problem is that socks offer no protection or support when a baby is beginning to walk, so an infant shoe that has been properly constructed for early stages of walking is again best.

For more information on Stride Rite shoes and assistance in fitting your child's feet, please visit us online by clicking on our name, Tootsies Stride Rite, or calling us at 1-866-235-0626

The Stride Rite S.T.E.P. System - Part 2

Stride Rite's new infant walking shoe product line has been given the accronim S.T.E.P. System meeting Scientifically Tested, Everyday Proven. The S.T.E.P. system is a collection of Stride Rite shoes based on the lastest research breakthroughs and technology.

The Stride Rite shoes based on our SRT (Sensory Response Technology) will give your child greater feel of the terrain. Sensory pods on the outsole offer multiple reaction points, increasing your toddlers feel of the ground beneath them. More natural support of the midfoot based on the soles hourglass construction give your toddler's foot support of bones and muscles not fully developed. Untra-flexible design allow your toddler movve to move in many directions so your toddler learns how to adapt to uneven surfaces.

Star Wars by Stride Rite

The Capt Rex Star War light up boys sneaker is the number 1 selling sneaker in the Star Wars line by Stride Rite.

These Star Wars sneakers are at the top of boys property in the market place. This sneaker features our lighted technology that boys love, an adjustable hook and loop closure for easy on and off, and a lightweight, flexible outsole for comfortable all day wear. Available in medium width from a child 10 1/2 to an older child 3 and online at Tootsies Stride Rite.

Stride Rite Slingshot Sneakers

Stride Rite Children's Group said it is unveiling a new collection of kids sneakers aimed at back-to-school shoppers and their children.

The collection is called Slingshot, and these Stride Rite sneakers are "designed with an actual spring and elastic that mimics the mechanics of a slingshot -- all engineered to start a child's day in 'Superhero' style," Lexington-based Stride Rite Children's Group said in a press release.
These children shoe line is comprised of two boy sneaker styles, a double hook and loop closure and a slip on boy sneaker, and one girl sneaker style.

The sizes go from toddler shoe size 8.5 to youth size 3, and the suggested retail price range is $54 to $56, said Stride Rite Children's Group, now a division of Collective Brands Inc.

You can find Stride Rite Slingshot sneakers online at Tootsies Stride Rite. Simply click on our store name to go to our online site, or call us at 1-866-235-0626.

Stride Rite Glitzy Pets

Stride Rite Children's Group, a Lexington-based children's shoe brand, is highlighting its Glitzy Pets by stride rite collection for girls as the first day of the new school year draws near.

"With cool and quirky collectible charms and bright colored prints, every fashionista will sparkle and shine turning school hallways into fashion runways," the company said in a press release.

The sizes range from toddler 7 to youth 3, and the shoes have suggested retail at $38 to $48, the release said.

Stride Rite Glitzy Pets sneakers are available online at Tootsies Stride Rite. To go to our web site, simply click on our store name.

Stride Rite Slingshot

Accelerate your sons or daughters fun with new Slingshot sneakers by stride rite! They will run faster and jump higher with energy return Slingshot technology in the heel and enhanced cushioning in the footbed to keep active feet comfortable.

The Stride Rite Slingshot sneaker is available in a boy's slip-on style that has a hook-and-loop strap for easy on/off and adjustability so nothing will slow him down! Available in medium and wide widths from a Child 10 to an older Child 3.

The Stride Rite Slingshot sneaker is also available in both a boys and girls lace up shoe. All 3 styles of Slingshot sneakers are on sale this week at 20% off Stride Rite's list price and are available by either clicking on our store name, Tootsies Stride Rite, or calling us at 1-866-235-0626.

When Do Babies Need Stride Rite shoes?

Babies learn best to walk bare feet, BUT they must be in a protective environment to walk barefoot. What do we mean by protective environment?

We mean inside a home on a warm floor where there are no obstructions with which they can injure their feet. If you baby is going to a sitter's home or a day care, or if you baby is going outside on a cement patio, deck or on the ground, or if it is winter time and your floors inside your home are cold, then a baby shoe, preferably a Stride Rite baby shoe which has been constructed for early walking stages, is required.

Many mom's ask, 'Well, what about my baby just wearing a sock when its cold?' The problem is that socks offer no protection or support when a baby is beginning to walk, so an infant shoe that has been properly constructed for early stages of walking is again best.

For more information on Stride Rite shoes and assistance in fitting your child's feet, please visit us online by clicking on our name, Tootsies Stride Rite, or calling us at 1-866-235-0626

Did You Know? by Stride Rite

The following is an interesting fact that is brought to you by Stride Rite:

Did you know that children's feet should be measured every 2 to 3 months until at least the age of 3 and every 4 to 6 months from age 3 to age 10. From birth until age 10, children's feet grow about 6 inches.

That is why having you child measured by a Stride Rite trained fitting is extremely cricital to maintain proper fitting kids shoes. During these years, expecially ages 1 to 5, your child will not inform you that their shoes need to be replaced, so you as the parent have to be pro-active.

For more information on Stride Rite shoes and assistance in properly fitting your child, please visit our web site by clicking on the following: Tootsies Stride Rite or call us toll free at 1-866-235-0626.

Did you Know? by Tootsies Stride Rite

The following excerpts are some interesting facts brought to you by Stride Rite:

Did you know that an individual's walking pattern, or gait, is established during the beginning walking stages and that same gait will be with that person for the rest of their lifetime!

That is why proper fitted infant shoes during the first stages of walking that assist an infant in developing the proper walking pattern is so critical. This proper gait will help reduce the amount of bone, back and muscle issues that an individual will face in later life.

For more information on Stride Rite infant shoes and assitance in proper styles and fittings, please visit on web site by clicking on the following: Tootsies Stride Rite or call us toll free at 1-866-235-0626.