Stride Rite Boys' SM Kellen Sneaker Review
The Stride Rite Boys' SM Kellen Sneakers are specially designed footwear that prioritize the needs of growing infants who are just finding their footing. With more than 85 years of experience in crafting children's shoes, Stride Rite combines innovative designs with high-quality materials to help your little one take confident steps.
This particular model stands out thanks to its leather construction and secure hook-and-loop strap closure, which ensures that even the most active toddlers can stay comfortable while they explore their surroundings. The sneakers feature Ortholite memory foam, providing enhanced cushioning that cradles tiny feet during wear.
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Features
- Leather construction for durability
- Secure hook and loop strap closure
- Ortholite memory foam for enhanced comfort
- Seamless construction that cradles the natural shape of the foot
- Oversized opening for easy on and off
- APMA approved for quality assurance
Pros
- Excellent support for wobbly walkers
- Stylish design suitable for various occasions
- Machine washable for easy care
- Made from quality materials ensuring longevity
Cons
- May take some time for children to adjust to the snug fit
- Limited color options available
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | Stride Rite Boys' SM Kellen Sneaker | Other Alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Leather | Mesh/Canvas |
| Cushioning | Ortholite Foam | Standard Foam |
| Closure Type | Hook and Loop | Lace-Up |
| APMA Approved | Yes | No |
Detailed Review
When it comes to footwear for infants and toddlers, stability and comfort are essential. The Stride Rite Boys' SM Kellen Sneaker excels in both areas, making it a go-to option for parents wanting to provide their child with the best start possible in their walking journey.
Design: The classic sneaker design coupled with durable leather material not only looks great but also holds up well against the rough and tumble lifestyle of little ones. The forgiving hook and loop closure allows for a snug fit that keeps the shoe securely on a child's foot, reducing the chances of slips and falls.
Comfort: One of the standout features is the Ortholite memory foam used in the insole, which offers plush comfort as your child takes their first adventurous steps. This type of cushioning is notably beneficial, as it adapts to the individual foot shape, providing targeted support where it's needed most.
Fit: The oversized opening is a thoughtful addition, allowing for quick and easy entry, making morning routines simpler for busy parents and curious toddlers. However, be aware that some children may require a short adjustment period to get used to the secure fit.
Care: As an added bonus, these sneakers are machine washable—an absolute necessity given how quickly young kids can make their shoes dirty. Cleaning them is as simple as tossing them in the washing machine.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 9/10 | Exceptional cushioning and support for growing feet. |
| Design | 8/10 | Stylish yet practical for everyday wear. |
| Durability | 9/10 | High-quality materials ensure long-lasting use. |
| Ease of Use | 8/10 | Simple on and off with the hook-and-loop closure. |
User Reviews
These shoes are fantastic. They have all the things you want in a hard soled shoe for a new walker! They are sturdy and structured, yet very flexible. The toe area is nice and round, so my son's toes won't get pinched.I love the velcro closure. It has 2 spots for the velcro to attach, so it allows for it to be secure on the foot. It also allows for slight adjustments, depending on how chubby your child's foot is. The way the shoe is designed, you can pull the tongue forward - farther than laced shoes, making for easy on/off access.These shoes are not only adorable - they are incredibly functional for toddlers! I am very pleased with the quality of this shoe and highly recommend them.
I was a bit skeptical to pay $41 for baby shoes but these Stride Rite Kellen Sneakers are amazing and well worth the price! They feel sturdy, have rounded edges along side the shoes (as described, which I love - less falling), good support with memory foam, and best of all they are velcro! lol My 2 year old son (size 6) currently wears Kobe's and they are laces so it's pretty annoying to tie and untie all the time. He wore these for a few hours the first time and never complained about his feet hurting during or afterwards. This shoe is just overall perfection - you will not be disappointed for your little one :)UPDATE:After wearing it for a month DAILY to school, parks, and Chuck E Cheese - I'm happy to say it still looks good as new and best of all, my son does NOT complain about his feet ever hurting!! I cannot stress this enough. When he used to wear his Nike Kobe's, he would complain 90% of the time at night about his feet hurting and I would have to rub poor feet til he fell asleep. Since the 1st day of wearing Stride Rite sneakers, he's not once complained. What a heaven sent shoes. Very much worth the $40-50!!NOTE TO STRIDE RITE:Please make these rounded edge sneakers in toddler size 7+!! PLEASE!!
So many shoe stores discontinued sizing shoes because of Covid, so I opted to order a number of Stride Rite shoes and physically try them on in the comfort of my home. These fit great, they open so wide and it’s easy to me to put on while the Velcro keeps them securely in place. Perfect first shoe!
I bought these shoes a size and a half too big (6 wide at 13 months) on purpose so my son's wide feet would have plenty of room to spread out like they naturally would if he was barefoot. They have little to no arch support but my son's pedi said that was a good thing because at this age they need to develop the muscles to support their own arch naturally, which is why these shoes are highly recommended by podiatrists. The rounded edges mean that he can walk well in them with little to no stumbles (less than he has when barefoot, in fact) despite the fact that they are quite large on him. I would say don't be afraid to order a larger size because they are made to be easy to walk in and likely won't cause your little one to stumble and the larger size means they will have plenty of wiggle room and the shoes will last longer, as well. I highly recommend these shoes and this brand is the ONLY brand I trust to put on my child's developing feet.
The most comfiest, easy to use and toddler friendly shoes ever. Comfortable because the size is well developed, specifically for babies that has different size and features of their feet. Before you order they will provide a sizing guide and as a buyer you'll be able to check and see what size is appropriate for your child. Easy to use because we got the velcro strap type since toddlers are wiggly so putting it on is not that difficult. Toddler friendly because it has memory foam which is really good experience for first time walkers. It looks really cute on any outfit too!
Bought it for my 1 year old. He outgrew them and I bought the same shoe again. Easy for him to walk in and easy to put on. The tongue opens up almost the entire top of the shoe. We found out the hard way that you cannot get them wet or it will ruin the fabric. My son is now 17 months old and they are getting small. I'm going to buy a different shoe from the same company with hopefully the same fit to try to solve the problem with them getting wet. Good shoe for babies learning to walk just make sure they don't get wet
I said this shoe fits as expected because I read everyone’s reviews and decided to order them in extra wide because my son has some pretty fat feet right now. And sure enough, they fit him perfectly. If I had tried the wide, I think they would’ve been too tight.We love this shoe though. It’s been pretty durable and easy to put on and clean. They are perfect for our one year old who is just starting to walk. And he actually keeps them on! Which is not usually the case with him and shoes... 🤦🏼♀️ Now if only I could find a pair of soft motion sandals for him for the summer, that aren’t for girls, that’d be spectacular!
Love the style and fit of these shoes! They are for my 16-month old that is just beginning to walk. He’s outgrowing a pair of See Kai Run so we wanted to get him a new pair of shoes a size up. Stumbled upon these stride rite ones and the first day or two he had them on he didn’t walk as much, perhaps he needed to get used to them. Then after that, all he wants to do is walk when these shoes are on! It’s nice knowing these shoes are approved by pediatricians and good for their little growing feet. He doesn’t get stinky feet like the See Kai Run pair does. These shoes also looks nice, not too clunky and chunky. Best of all, the gray/blue color really hides the dirtiness! With it being on sale for $20, is a steal. My husband wanted to order an extra pair a size up just so the LO can keep wearing them for a while.