Shoe Guide | Dressing from the Feet Up

With lots of exciting adventures coming up, it’s likely your little one will be in the market for a new pair of trainers. One of our favourite footwear designers, VEJA, puts the fun in function with its latest collection for boys and girls. The brand’s signature Velcro V-10s are a popular choice with their grippy soles and padded footbeds, plus the large logo on the side will let everyone know they’ve got the coolest kicks in the playground. And that’s not all. VEJA works hard to reduce its impact on the planet: “The brand uses ChromeFree leather, which is smooth, durable and uses far less energy, chemicals and water to produce than traditional leather-tanning practices,” explains Liberty. “Plus, the cotton used across the range is 100% organic too.”

For kids who’ve mastered laces and want to put their newfound skills into practice, this pair of pink trainers by Monnalisa is sure to make their outfit pop. And for those still learning the ropes, Etro’s paisley-print slip-ons will be a welcome addition to their collection, minus the fiddly fastenings.

“VEJA’s ChromeFree leather uses less energy to produce than traditional leather-tanning practices.”

Liberty Jeffery, Buyer

Spring marks the start of occasionwear season, with events like Easter, Passover and Nowruz being celebrated around the world, and weddings and parties filling up their social calendar. These celebrations often call for something a little smarter on their feet, and where better to look than our classic shoes? “For boys, a pair of moccasins will provide the perfect finishing touch to their smart outfit,” suggests Liberty. “Your snappy little dressers will love these from Tod’s, thanks to their soft suede fabric and signature pebble grips”. And for older children? “We’d suggest the sturdy silhouette of a penny loafer from Children's Classics."

Bar shoes and ballerina pumps are a sophisticated choice for girls who like to match with Mum, and if she prefers her footwear with more of a heritage feel, look no further than the collection from Age of Innocence. “Each pair is handmade using the best-quality materials,” says Liberty, “and the brand’s design approach takes inspiration from a bygone era — it’s like stepping back in time.”

“Every pair of shoes by Age of Innocence is handmade using the best-quality materials.”

Liberty Jeffery, Buyer 

One of our favourite things about spring is the prospect of warmer weather and spending more time outdoors. On those particularly sunny days, only a pair of colourful sandals will do. We’re loving the floral notes of Dolce & Gabbana’s yellow rose-print flatforms. “Comfortable and stylish, she can create a perfectly put-together look by matching the print to the rest of Dolce’s kidswear collection,” says Liberty.

If they’re getting their springtime steps in, Liberty recommends opting for a supportive pair designed for kids on the go. “Birkenstock’s anatomically contoured cork footbeds offer superior comfort,” she says, “and these styles from Tip Toey Joey and Age of Innocence feature adjustable straps across the toes and around the ankle, allowing for a tailored fit.” We also love the fact that Tip Toey Joey’s sandals come with wider footbeds, which leave plenty of room for tiny toes to wiggle freely.

It’s a special moment in any parent’s life when your little one takes those first tentative steps. Before you know it, they’ll be toddling along happily without a care in the world. But at what point would they need their first pair of shoes? “Babies and toddlers should be barefoot as much as possible to let their feet develop without restrictions,” says Liberty, “and when they’re ready for shoes, we have lots of practical styles that are made with growing feet in mind.” 

When they’re still young, a pair of soft, flexible booties like these from Kenzo Kids is a great option to keep their toes covered when outdoors; the key is to make sure that there’s plenty of wiggle room, the fastenings are adjustable, and that there are no rigid soles. And when they graduate from all fours to two feet, New Zealand footwear designer Bobux will be on hand to make sure your toddler’s toes are well cared for. “Bobux is an expert in kids’ footwear,” says Liberty, “each pair of shoes is podiatrist approved, and the Step Up range is perfect for little ones taking their first steps thanks to the cushioned insole and flexible outsole, providing just the right balance of support and comfort."