**CONTEST CLOSED. CONGRATS TO JULIE ANDERSON!**

Back-to-school time is upon us (as always, sooner than expected!)

For many families, back-to-school is an exciting time celebrating a new beginning. Part of the fun is going shopping for school supplies, a special outfit for the 1st day of school, and of course, the perfect pair of shoes to see you through miles of hallways, hours of gym, and up, over, and around every imaginable piece of playground equipment! The fitting and fashion experts at Little Feet have some suggestions to help you through this busy time of year. Although it is hard to think about fall shoes when we are still enjoying summer weather, Little Feet (one of Denver’s top children’s shoe stores) has solutions for back-to-school and beyond that will keep your child in season and in fashion!

Starting back to school during August and September always presents challenges for our Colorado kids in regards to footwear. We usually have such warm weather in early fall, but by late fall, we could have snow on the ground! The question is, what shoes to buy that will keep the kids comfortable through all the weather changes? Many kids start school in more lightweight shoes and then move into heavier shoes as the weather cools off. Here’s some categories you may want to keep in mind as you are shopping:

Sneakers, sneakers, sneakers!
Many kids start school in a canvas or mesh sneaker, that is light and breathable. Our hottest style tip this season is ‘the brighter the better!’ Colors like lime green, neon yellow and blazing blue that your kid will love are popping all over the place! Aside from being very stylish this year, most kids need some type of sneaker style shoe for P.E. as well. There are options available, like non-marking soles that are especially important if they will be used for gym. Velcro and elastic laces make it easy for younger kids to “do it themselves.” For girls, a sneaker/maryj ane hybrid style might satisfy her need for a little fancier style, while the athletic sole will be supportive and stand up to playground wear.

Boots
As weather gets wetter and colder in fall, you will want to be prepared with water-resistant or waterproof shoes or boots. Just because they are built to be rugged and durable, it doesn’t mean they have to look rugged! Lots of cute colors and prints are the highlight in this category this season. For girls, many fashion boots can be sprayed with a suede or Nubuck protectant spray to also make them water-resistant. In fashion boots, the trend this season is details and texture! Some of the looks we are seeing feature nifty touches like buttons, bows, and flower appliques, and textures like smooth patent leathers and fuzzy sweater fabrics.

When that inevitable 1st snowstorm comes in late October, you are going to want snowboots to keep the kids warm and dry. Boots from companies like Kamik and Sorel are tried and true in this category. A couple tips on snowboots: Look for the temperature rating if your family goes skiing or snowshoeing often. You don’t want to have little frostbitten toes from a boot that looks cute, but doesn’t keep feet warm! If you are looking more for something to wear on snowy days in the city, some of our favorite styles can be worn as an all day boot, or you can even consider an Ugg or Bearpaw boot as an alternative.


Slippers
Finally, don’t forget the slippers! Although these are typically considered a winter gift favorite, they are also frequently used in preschool and daycare classrooms. With easy Velcro closures to promote a child’s independence, they make parents life easy at home as well!

Fashion paired with function is our biggest tip for back-to-school this year! As always, all of us at Little Feet are happy to help with any measuring and fitting needs you might have, and can help you find the right shoe in each category for your child’s lifestyle.

Contest
Mile High Mamas is giving away a $50 gift card to Little Feet. Please go here to enter. Contest deadline is August 24, 2012.

Little Feet is Denver’s premiere children’s shoe store. As a family-owned and operated business, fitting expertise and footwear knowledge have been passed down from one generation to the next. When they say they believe in personalized service, they mean it! You may recall going to a store such as theirs when you were growing up, a store that still measures both feet for proper sizing, and gets to know you and your kids on a first-name basis. They are conveniently located in the Cherry Creek North shopping district at 201 University Blvd.