Yes, while other bloggers post about important controversial topics such as vaccinations and nursing, I am stuck on shoes.
So I read and read about all these ways to be the best mommy ever, trying to do my best while using some good judgement. I admit that my instincts are pretty good when it comes to Emma, but my confidence is not so good. Therefore, books offer me the reassurance I need. Information is my mommy mo-jo.
Anyway, I read early on about how soft-soled shoes are the best for kids (besides bare feet) until they are about 2 years old. And after my good friend turned me on to Robeez, I was sold.
However, as Emma and her wardrobe grew, I came to realize that Robeez do not match every outfit unless I plan on buying a million pairs. That plan might work if that darn money tree wouldn’t have stopped growing, but it has, and so we are left with two pairs of shoes. Cute shoes, yes, but versatile, no.
So the search was on for soft-soled shoes that would be more versatile. I found a few online, but after a bad experience with a pair of soft sandals over the summer, I was afraid the shoes won’t be the right size. And I HATE paying for shipping, let alone re-shipping for exchange. Plus, with rain and snow in the forecast, soft-soled didn’t quite seem worth the investment.
I then started to entertain the idea of Stride Rites. Just a pair of gym shoes and a pair of dress shoes would do. No harm done, right? Other kids walk around with hard-soled shoes all the time. Heck, we survived without Robeez. But the guilt remained as I feared Emma’s feet would turn into some sort of deformed paws. So still no shoes.
Then Emma received some cute hand-me-down hard-soled shoes from one of my friends. A brown pair and a black pair. They are cute, but certainly not Stride Rites. But they are free. And cute. And free. Emma also walks in them great and LOVES to wear them around the house. But these are on “borrow,” so I don’t want to scuff them all up.
So now I am asking you for your opinion. Your HONEST opinion on this oh-so controversial topic:
And be brutal. I may not agree with you — or take your advice — but this mommy needs her mo-jo and baby needs a new pair of shoes. Help!