Back-to-Preschool Shoe-tacular Review and Giveaway - Puddle Jumper Shoes

Melissa and I both share a love of polka dots. Both of our daughters (who were born just a short six weeks apart) had polka dot first birthday cakes. We didn't discuss the idea ahead of time, it just happened. Since it's not all that acceptable for an adult to wear polka dots, unless you are a clown, I've had to settle to making my daughter wear them. It was the love of polka dots that originally drew me to Puddle Jumper Shoes. But, as you know from my previous posts, cuteness is an important, but not deciding factor when I buy shoes for my kids. If Puddle Jumper Shoes weren't comfortable, they wouldn't be on my children's feet.

The polka dot Puddle Jumper Shoes really are probably my favorite. I especially love the brown/green version as well as the pink/black ones. However, if polka dots aren't your thing, Puddle Jumper Shoes has other options as well. I really like the Burnt Orange Cutout Mary Janes, myself. The contrast stitching around the soles is a nice touch as well. For the little boys in your home, Puddle Jumper Shoes offers several timeless styles that would be extra cute with jeans and khakis. Isaac has a pair of black infant criss-cross stitch infant shoes that fit his style (OK, the style I've given him) perfectly. You can now accessorize even more by adding flowers and bugs to the straps which gives you even more options for personalization.

Since it has already been well-established that comfort is the deciding factor when I look for shoes for my kids, it's important to note that Puddle Jumper Shoes has taken this into consideration as well. Again, padded collars will help provide a secure fit and help prevent the heels from digging into little ankles. The toddler sizes feature flexible soles, soft leather and wide toe beds which help accommodate chubby little feet. The shoes in the older girls' collection are made with the same concern for comfort and the Polka Dots collection features flexible elastic trim. You'll definitely feel good knowing that your kids will be comfortable in their Puddle Jumper Shoes.

The official review (based on a four-star scale):

Design and Ease of Use ***- With the exception of a couple of pairs of the infant booties, you'll find no tricky buckles or frusting shoelaces that need to be tied over and over. Nadia can easily get her polka dot Puddle Jumpers on and off with no assistance. Isaac's booties are easy to put on as well because the velcro closure opens up very wide to help me get his fat feet in. They also stay on reasonably well because I can pull the velcro pretty tight. One point of note is that the sizes appear to be all over the place. Some run 1/2 size big, others a full-size small. The discrepancies are always noted, just make sure you read carefully.

Materials and Durability *** - The soles of these shoes are reasonably flexible and oveall seem pretty durable. They are equipped with adequate traction to help provide stability on the playground and slippery hard wood floors. The leather is soft and flexible as well, and the polka dots are hand-sewn on to ensure that you don't lose any.

Cost -
$ under $20
$$ $20-$30
$$$ $30-$40
$$$$ over $40

$ to $$$$ - There are many sizes on sale at Puddle Jumper Shoes right now for less than $20. You should definitely go check them out. There are some GREAT deals. The most expensive toddler shoes are on par with other shoes I've priced and the big girl versions aren't outrageously expensive either.

Puddle Jumper Shoes carries sizes from infancy all the way to size 2 for bigger girls. Boy sizes are only available through toddler size 8.

Overall Rating *** - I don't know that Nadia shares my love of polka dots, but I don't care. I'll force her to wear them as long as I can. Luckily, Puddle Jumper Shoes gives me that option for several more years. Polka dots aren't your only option and they do have some really cute boy versions as well which makes them definitely worth a look! You can purchase all of the styles online, and also at a handful of brick and mortar stores as well. Puddle Jumper Shoes offers an online search tool to help you find a store located near you.

Do you want to win this cute pair of brown/black weave infant shoes for your baby? Visit the Puddle Jumpers Shoes website and choose your favorite style and color, not including any styles mentioned in this post. Come back here and tell us which one you like best and you will be entered in our contest to win a pair of a pair of brown/black infant booties in size 13 or approximately 6-9 months. All entries must be received by midnight on Wednesday, September 17th. Please only one entry per household and you must be 18 or older to win. We will choose one winner using random.org. Feel free to leave your email so that we can contact you when you win, but also know that we will be submitting winner info to Prizey Winners. Thanks for reading and Good Luck!