Shoe shopping is a number one priority for us as we gear up for back-to-school season! I know it isn’t just my girls that are growing like weeds and they need some cute and comfy shoes to be ready for all that playground time that is coming their way. I’ve partnered with Jenzy to share with you my favorite shoe styles that we shop year after year. You can use code GRACEHAMLIN to get 15% off.
When they first reached out to tell me about their site, my very first step was to see what brands they offered. Once I saw tried and true styles from Keds, Cientas, Footmates, and tested out their unique fit finding process, I knew I’d be able to fully speak to the Jenzy experience as a whole.
The gist of it is that co-founders Carolyn Horner and Eve Ackerly knew there had to be a better way to shop for kids shoes so they developed their patent-pending questionnaire that uses predictive technology to take the guesswork out of getting the right fit, which is so helpful when a size 6 in one brand doesn’t always mean a size 6 in another! Plus we can more easily shop from home, even via their app right on your phone, which is more important than ever. They provide free shipping and since they guarantee a perfect fit, they also provide free returns and exchanges.
I first shared about Jenzy in February of this year and time and time again I heard from moms who went through the predictive fit process and had great success! Not to mention experienced a quick turnaround! Now that so many of us are getting ready for back-to-school, and many are in person for the first time in over a year, I’m going to share the shoes that have worked for us since Margaret’s very first day of preschool almost 5 years ago.
First and foremost, are Cientas. Mostly our girls have worn the Mary Jane style but, the T-Strap is also precious and perfect for little boys and girls. They have that traditional style I’m drawn to, and the rubber outsole is non-slip which makes it safe and practical. They are machine washable and highly durable. I even had some pairs saved from Margaret that Catherine has been able to wear. Plus kids love the signature fruity smell! They wear them with and without socks and can go from the school yard to Sunday school. Easily our favorites!
Footmates are as classic as it gets and saddle shoes are made for the classroom! I know some schools require this style for their uniform, but I say whether they’re a uniform requirement or not, nothing says back-to-school quite like a saddle shoe. Footmates, like these other brands I am recommending, all made it in our “keep for little sister” boxes. Their quality is exceptional.
Saucony’s are a great option for a bit of a sportier fit. Margaret has had a pair as both a newer walker and a big kid who runs and jumps everywhere! This is another brand that after she wore I was able to keep and then Catherine used as well. The velcro strap makes it easy for them to independently get their shoes on and off from an early age which is key until they can tie their own shoes!
Keds are a brand we have had at every size – literally! When I was pregnant with Catherine, Margaret saw the tiniest size 0 Keds T-Strap that matched her pairs and she insisted on getting them for her baby sister to match. How could I refuse? While the size 0 didn’t get much wear as you can imagine, once they were off walking and running, these were on repeat. Not all of the pairs have been kempt enough to save for Catherine because they are worn so much, but a lot of them are in surprisingly good shape because I use my handy Magic Eraser trick to keep them clean(ish). They’re classic and comfortable, and we’ll be buying them until they size out.
Rainboots are a must each year, and I know it isn’t just Florida that needs some puddle protection! Hunter rainboots are high quality and absolutely a brand that can be passed down because they hold up that well! When we lived in Dallas and had colder wet days, the fuzzy inserts made for warm feet that could play outside, despite the weather forecast.
Some honorable mentions include Footmates and Saltwater sandals. While they may not be on your school’s dress code list, down here where it is warm, we buy and wear sandals year round. These two brands of sandals have been in their closets since day one. Not only can I speak to their quality and durability, but the safety factor with sandals is a big one for me. The soles of both of these brands are thoughtfully constructed which makes it easier for newer walkers to rock sandals in ways that some of the cheaper, trendier “fast fashion” sandals can’t offer.
