I remember when I was a kid, I was constantly burning through pairs of shoes. Either from ruining the toes so the fronts would all be scuffed up, or from damaging the treads whilst using them as a break for my push bike. These days kids shoes seem to be even less durable, made from either high tech bouncy foam or have ultra thin tread on the soles that just doesn’t seem to last.
We have had to replace Elian’s school shoes several times throughout the school year and lets face it kids shoes are just as expensive as adult shoes. Elian seems to burn through school shoes at a scary rate, even when we buy him sports branded black trainers.
Recently Keen got in touch and asked us to collaborate on a post reviewing their new kids Newport style shoes. Given how much my own pair of Keen trainers have held up, and how well Elians last boots have lasted we were keen to try out their new winter shoes.
Elian got sent the Original Tie Dye style shoe and Effie had the Fruit Dove Ballet Slipper which has a furry trim.
The Shoes were gifted by Keen in exchange for this review, but all opinions are my own
As soon as they arrived we could tell they were built for active kids and able to take the daily abuse of a 6 year old, whether that would be kicking a ball, scrubbing them on the school playground or on muddy walks around the woodland by our home.
They both really enjoy wearing them. We usually allow them to chose their own shoes when going out and they will both reach for their Keen shoes. Elian really likes bright colours and bold patterns which are often missing from boys shoes now he is a bit bigger, so he really loves the rainbow fabric on these. And Effie is a proper girly girl so takes every opportunity to wear pink and adores that these are fluffy too
Effies Fruit Dove Ballet Slipper Newport Shoe
Effie is wearing the Toddler Newport Shoe
With Effie being so independent we love the she can easily put her Keen shoes on by herself. With a stretchy bungee cord in the place of a lace, and the velcro strap they are easy for little ones to get on by themselves, and fit super snug on her feet. Made of a mix of leather and breathable mesh they are durable and great for all weathers.
The toddler ones have a higher traction rubber sole so are great for keeping little ones steady on uneven terrain or slippy floors. Plus the trademark toe bumper is perfect when littles are heavy footed or enjoying climbing. Here most shoes would get scuffed up on the fronts, these are made to last and take the impact right on the toes.
Elians Original Tie Dye Newport Shoes
Elian is wearing the Younger Kids Newport Shoe
He is honestly a bit obsessed with these and they have now replaces his Nike Trainers as his school shoes so he can get as much wear out of them as possible. As with Effie’s pair these are made from leather and a breathable mesh (Environmentally preferred premium leather from LWG-certified tannery) meaning they are greta for all weathers and are easy to clean.
They fasten with a lace-lock bungee system with adjustable hook-and-loop strap and a velcro strap. Making it easy to adjust the size for smaller feet and are easy for kids to fit themselves. They can be taken on and off quickly and have an instant secure fit.
His also has the tradmark rubber toe bumper, which is needed with Elian as he is really bad for scuffing up his toes in school, either on the carpet in his class room or while playing in the playground. We usually have to change his school shoes every 4-6 months but these are looking to last us a lot longer (until he outgrows them anyway!)
Our final thoughts
Honestly we love these shoes and the kids have both been wearing them non stop since the arrived. Both say how comfortable the shoes are, no rubbing or sore feet even when they have been wearing them and walking for hours.
Im now looking at ordering them each a pair of the sandals ready for the summer time. I know they will be perfect for forest and mountain walking. Far sturdier than most of the sandals I would usually pick up in the super market or high street, so perfect for lost of outdoor fun and adventuring. And I won’t worry about them getting dirty as they are all machine washable!
IF YOU LIKED THIS POST YOU MIGHT WANT TO CHECK OUT ONE OF THESE TOO!
- Dressing Elian and Effie with Frugi Snuggle Suits
- Kids Fashion // Dressing Elian with Ogam Igam and Primigi Shoes
- Dressing Effie for Christmas Photos with Little Acorn Makes
- Wrapping up Warm for Winter with Very.co.uk
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