How is it May already?! It only seemed like five minutes ago that we were decorating the Christmas tree and yet here I am writing this post with the sun beaming down on my back as I research shoes for the Spring and Summer ahead for Hector. I feel as if this year has been on fast forward x 30.

I’m sure so many of you feel the same. And with balmier days approaching and Hector’s constantly growing feet, I’m already on the hunt to find some appropriate footwear that will replace his Bobux boots and see him through to Autumn at least. I’m not going to lie though…I really really struggle with finding shoes that firstly, fit properly (rather than off-the-shelf jobbies) and which secondly, I really like (read aren’t scrawled with superheroes or slogans or generally look a bit shapeless and clunky). Given previous footwear posts I’ve written here on Rock My Family I think many of you feel the same so I’m sharing my forays into the shoe shopping hunt with you on the blog today.

As I so often say…please don’t be put off by my choice of post title. Admittedly these have all been picked with Hector in mind but there’s no reason why the selection below couldn’t apply to girls too…

John Lewis

I hadn’t realised that good old John Lewis offered Clarks in their younger boy product range but lo and behold I came across these beach print canvas shoes from the brand yesterday.

We’ve tried on shoes from Clarks before but they’ve always come up a bit on the wide side despite being assured that Hector has pretty average feet (not too wide nor too narrow). Perhaps this Doodles range might fit a bit differently – can any of you share your own experiences? Regardless I like the pop of the bright blue and the velcro straps will get the nod of approval from Hector’s nursery teachers plus the seaside print is fun enough for Hector but stylish enough for me too. Win win!

Young Soles

Young Soles are one of our recommended suppliers on The Littles List (pop on over if you haven’t checked out the directory already!) and I adore their shoes particularly those aimed at little girls and wee babies. They have an old-fashioned vibe (think Victorian-esque style boots paired with pinafore frocks and tights but with a modern twist. If you want to find out more then it’s worth taking a look at their Spring/Summer Lookbook.

Hector’s first pair of shoes was a pair of navy blue suede brogues and he looked the absolute gentleman in them. There’s a part of me that can’t quite let go of that vision of him in brogues so the ‘Bobby‘ design (which incidentally is unisex) is right up my street. Ok so there’s a hefty price tag attached but the detailing, leather sole and contrast heel top piece all scream quality and would see you happily into Autumn too…providing your littles feet don’t grow too quickly.

Zara

I know! I know! Zara’s off the shelf shoes are not exactly made to measure but given that Hector’s favourite colour is currently orange slash pink I couldn’t pass over these reflective neon plimsolls without sharing them with you first. They’re neon, they’re reflective and I’m in love with their flecked soles…if only they did them in adult sizes too.

These white sandals are, yes well a nightmare waiting to happen if you’ve got littles that love jumping in muddy puddles. But imagine yourself on a beach instead and these would be just the ticket. Made from 100% cowhide leather, the sandals have an adjustable buckle detail across the top of the shoe and a strap with hook and loop ankle fastening at the back. I like the kind of 70s vibe they’ve got going on.

Start-rite

You can’t beat a bit of Start-rite; I think 90% of my childhood shoes were from the brand as were Hector’s first pair too. These sand-coloured pumps would be just the thing for summer adventures. They have velcro fastenings which Hector is learning to do up himself so I like the sense of autonomy they’ll give him.

Reassuringly the shoes have a padded ankle for comfort and support as well as a padded insole plus the shoes are machine washable at 30ºc. Bonus!

Camper Shoes

I spotted this amazing pair of Camper shoes during a recent perusal of Cooshoo’s website at the weekend and fell in love and I’m seriously considering purchasing them for Hector’s pair of summer shoes. They look deliciously soft and I like the contrast of the blue leather to the brown soles and laces. Whilst I know that they’ll hide the dirt perfectly I can’t help thinking that every single pair of Hector’s shoes to date has been blue and I’m becoming a bit of a broken record. Plus I just know he’ll love something brighter…

Bobux

Which brings me onto this chartreuse pair of Bobux trainers…which is currently his second favourite colour. In fact he’s even mentioned ‘lellow shoes mummy’ to me on several occasions which makes me think he’s spotted some on a friend of his at nursery and wants in on the action. Knowing how wonderfully Bobux cater for growing feet and taking into account the cool contrast racing stripe and subtle perforation detail on the toe I’m thinking this design is a serious contender.

These shoes are built on a custom I-Walk last designed specifically for toddlers and preschoolers whereas the Bobux Roamer Sandal which I also love has been designed on the new Kid + sole from Bobux which is a slightly wider fit than the i-walk range. Worth bearing in mind if your child has medium to wide feet.

Converse

Staying with the yellow theme, how about these classic Converse pumps. These All Star low tops have a soft and comfortable body but with the necessary rubber sole for energetic activities. Alternatively I like this red version with matching laces. Plus there’s always the option to play twinsies between mama and baby 😉

Have any of you started the hunt for Summer shoes yet? Are you frustrated by the lack of choice for boys out there or have you just decided to go with the flow and embrace the superhero/slogan vibe? Perhaps I’m being just a wee bit picky…either way share your recommendations in the comments box below as I’m keen to hear them!

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