Review of Stride Rite Extinction shoes (toddler)

These shoes were chosen for my 3.5 year old son, as a pair of athletic shoes that could be used in an under 5 years old soccer program that prohibits cleats. The Extinctions have knobby soles, and offer excellent traction on natural turf. My son and purportedly his friends at school love the shoes. He'll show them off while we're picking up lunch. My son says they're very comfortable, and could (correctly) put them on by himself by the 4th wear. He calls them his fast shoes and loves that they have ooze colored accents. He wears his shoes hard, but it's been a month and the Extinctions are holding up extremely well (which has been our experience with Stride Rite shoes).


Review originally posted on Zappos.

Review of Keen Skyline WP shoes (toddler)

Originally submitted at REI

A tough, low-cut light hiker, the Keen Skyline WP kids' shoes deliver waterproof, breathable protection and plenty of support for little feet setting out on some of their first big trail adventures.

Keen Skyline WP Shoes - Kids' Size 1 - 6

Could have been great

By Daniel Rall from Oakland, CA on 4/26/2010

2out of 5

Gift: No
Sizing: Feels true to size
Width: True to size
Pros: Sturdy/Durable, Water Resistant, Comfortable, No Break-in, Great Traction
Cons: Lacing wears out quickly, Not Durable/ Wears Easily
Best Uses: Light Loads, Long-Distance Hiking, Day Hiking, Everyday, Wet Conditions
Describe Yourself: Avid Adventurer
Arch Type: High Arch

These shoes had the potential to be great. My son absolutely loves them, and wore them 5-7 days a week. The shoes are comfortable, provide great traction, and have sturdy soles. However, the design of the lacing system is flawed: too much friction is applied to the top loop, which is itself made of a strap which runs down towards the sole of the shoe. All 4 such loops on my son's shoes frayed and broke, and had to be cut off lest they dangle and create a tripping hazard. Furthermore, the laces themselves frayed. I had to remove the connector, trim down the laces, and tighten them up to deal with the fact that the top loops were missing.

I'm looking at the Hi-Tec Redondo EZ WP Jr. as a replacement; they use metal reinforcement for the top loop (a good choice for a high stress point).