Start-rite Shoes Review

A new school term and a new pair of shoes or three is usually the case in this house.  With twin boys, we find ourselves having to buy several pairs throughout the course of the school year.  

So it was a a huge boost when the quality shoe company Start-rite contacted us and offered us some school shoes to review.  See the first post HERE  One twin has a pair of Start-rite shoes and the other, a well known supermarket value brand.   As it is now half term and the boys have been wearing the shoes for about six weeks, I thought it would be a good time for an update.    I was planning to post pictures of both pairs of shoes showing wear and tear at this stage, unfortunately my lovely, helpful husband took it upon himself to commit blogging suicide and threw away the supermarket value pair of shoes last Friday when I was at work!  I did consider sending him off to the refuse collecting depot to shift through the rubbish to retrieve them, but as he is currently recovering from surgery I will have to let him off.  The value supermarket brand shoes, despite being worn by the twin who now walks to school and takes much better care of his footwear, did not wear well.  They came apart on one of the toes and the velcro fastening came away rendering them impossible to secure.

The Start-rite shoes have certainly been put to the test

          After a normal school day                  washing the worst off                     Back to clean & shiny

Meanwhile Milo who was given the Start-rite shoes (above) has certainly put them through their paces.  Riding his bike to school everyday,  through LOTS of puddles, remember all that rain ! Playing on the skate ramps before and after school and running around in the playground.  Despite all of this his shoes although dirty have stood up to the test, proving that quality over quantity wins every time.  

The leather uppers and linings of the shoes which absorb moisture certainly kept Milo's feet warm and dry during all the rain and puddle jumping providing a healthy environment for his feet and no wet soggy socks.  We are also really impressed with how the shoes haven't scuffed.  They are really hard wearing even through all "using my feet as brakes" when riding his bike.  This is usually a sure test in our house which leads to the toes of any shoes falling apart within weeks and although really sturdy the shoes are not heavy and "clumpy".  They look stylish but are also very hard wearing which has to be a massive bonus with style conscious boys.

Now for the science and the reason why although Start-rite shoes may cost more, they are worth every penny.

Whole and half sizes in up to five width fittings from D to H, to ensure best fit.

Rip tape fastenings to make putting shoes on quick and convenient for kids who are in a hurry to get going.

Soft and supple leather uppers to avoid rubbing, and dyed-through leather so that scuffs and scrapes will be easier to conceal with a good polish.

Breathable linings for maximum comfort, allowing perspiration to escape through the surface of the shoe.

Lightweight, flexible non-slip soles in different styles, although older childrens heels should not be too high

Built in growing room around the toes, to allow for growth.

Take a peak at the video below for more great facts and info on the quality of Start-rite shoes

Many thanks once again to Start-rite for this collaboration.