Kids can be rough on shoes. I was reminded of that fact when Amity, our editor, told me she had washed her son’s shoes – not once, but twice – in the last three days. It seems her oldest might have jumped / fallen / encouraged his buddy to push him into a swampy creek near the baseball field.
“He shuffled up the hill with murky, black pond scum all over the shoes that had been white and gray earlier that day. Luckily we had a grocery bag in the car to contain the ecosystems of bacteria multiplying by the second! We made it home to rinse them and then soak them in vinegar and essential oils, before washing and leaving them in the sun all the next day to dry,” she said.
And just for good measure, she made him wear the boat shoes he says make him look like “a 10-year old baby” to school the rest of the week.
All those trips through the washing machine can really wear down the life expectancy of a cheaply made shoe. That’s why we’re really excited about this giveaway.
One of the most common bits of praise you’ll hear about Umi Shoes is that they last not only through the time they still fit your child’s feet… but they stay in tact through more than a couple cycles of hand-me-downs!
Umi Shoes for kids has their new fall line out and it has comfy fits for kids and style and quality for moms.
At Umi, caring for little feet also means caring for the earth—which means setting their standards sky-high. Every shoe they make is tested for safety and durability and meets strict guidelines for child-safe materials.
They use only non-toxic drum-dyed leathers and other environmentally friendly components. Protected in recycled packaging, Umi’s a brand “sure to please parents and Mother Nature alike.”
Perfect for girls OR boys, we think the Shane Umi Shoes are a doable option for sibling’s hand-me-downs. Removable, machine washable anti-bacterial footbed keeps feet fresh:
Umi Shoes is giving away a $60 gift certificate to their website, where shipping & returns are always free.
Just tell us what you look for when buying shoes for your kids, and you’re entered for a chance to win. Bonus entries for “liking” Umi Shoes on Facebook or sharing about the giveaway on Twitter.












I consider price and comfort first!
durability and good looks
I consider comfort and flexibility.. I am not a fan of shoes that need to be broken in because they are so hard to bend, or that causes sores on my kiddos feet.. i also conisider the design not the exterior but the interior I want to make sure my kids feet are cushioned enough and well supported when they walk
I have 3 children, so price is a big factor, but also the quality of the shoe itself: how it’s made, how long I think it will last. Also, I like shoes for girls in colors other than pink and purple. Girls do like colors besides these!
Durability! Especially with 2 boys.
My son is super active so I look for something that’s flexible and durable– Something that he can run, run, run around in, but something that will keep his little feet safe if he steps on something! I liked Umi Shoes on FB and RT on Twitter.
a combo of comfort, support, and durability
Comfort, support, ease of getting on/off and price and then perhaps style.
I look for comfort and durability when looking for shoes for my kids.
Durability and natural materials
Durability and comfort!
I want it to fit properly and not be uncomfortable for my daughter. I know we’re good if she doesn’t yell to take them off right when we put them on. We’ve had awesome luck with Umi shoes!
I look for durability and also shoes that are healthy for growing feet. They need to be flexible too!
Comfort and fit.
Comfort and flexibility – my daughter has a sensitivity to seams, bumps, and “poky parts,” so comfort is number 1.
Supportive with arch support and built to last so they can make it through more than one child.
Comfort, style & price!
Shoes that are very comfy, durable, and afforable. Also something that the will like, so style as well.
they stand up to all my kid gives them- and are a good value.
They have to be comfortable or my daughter won’t wear them.
Durability, comfort, and a reasonable price.
Durability and flexibility!
I look for durability, natural materials and also EASY to put on!
Comfort and durability is first and foremost… Then the price.
I look for shoes with softer soles that my son can really learn to move in and be comfy. Price is important as well.
Comfort, support, & durability are what we look for in shoes.
Comfortable shoes that my son can be active in and environmentally friendly, non toxic materials used
Always comfort over everything else!
Comfort and price. And whether my daughter thinks they are cute!!
I make sure that their shoes encourage healthy foot development. A good fit is very important to me.
I consider comfort- then price.
I consider comfort and stability for my 19mo who LOVES running everywhere
I like for them to be attractive, comfortable, and preferably on the wide side. Prefer non-lace-ups!
definitely fit!
I look for something supportive and durable.
My daughter was born with hip dyslplasia & wore a body harness for the first year of her life to position her hips and create hip pockets. So when she started to walk I became very aware of the importance to buy shoes that supported her feet/hips/body weight. Luckily, we have never had to buy her true orthopaedic shoes, but we would never dare purchase a shoe that wasn’t given approval by podiatrists & orthopaedics. We love Umi!
The shoes must be comfortable, flexible and must have enough room for little toes.
The most important factor to me is proper fit. I don’t want cheap shoes that will cause foot problems later in life.
The most important factor is that it is comfortable for my kids, They are constantly growing and they have received blisters and sore feet in the past and it is important because kids are so active that their shoes are comfortable to wear
I consider durability, flexibility of the sole, and whether or not they allow my children to be active- are the bottoms “slippy” or do they have traction? Will they allow my kiddies to climb mountains?
FYI: For Back to school shoe shopping:The three rules of kid shoes:
1) shoes need to be completely flexible (be able to bend the shoe in half)
2) No heel – flat is best – a heel deforms the achilles tendron by tightening/or shortening it
3) wide toe box – the wider the better for toes to spread apart – will deform the toes and affect balance if you squeeze the toes together.
4) optimal, but hard to find: a thin sole, so they can feel the ground beneath their feet (grounding)
I recommend my hubby’s book: http://www.kevincneece.com/barefoot
comfort, durability, and style of course!
Comfort, cost, and style!
soft soles
Comfort and durability
Comfortable shoes that fit well are so important to developing feet!
Durability is important to me in kids shoes. I am not willing to spend a dime on shoes if they aren’t going to last. Thank you.
@AdamsFmReviews
Quality and if they can hold up to my wild child:)
In kid’s shoes, I look for flexibility if the sole, very small or no heel, and quality craftsmanship. The same is true for myself.