Perfect for Phys-Ed: New Balance Light-Up Robot Shoes

Heather Kuldell — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:51:00 GMT

Ever had the great kids’ sneaker debate? Once your toddler transforms into a kid, you begin to wonder whether you should spend your shoe budget on character-covered cheapies from your discount store of choice or buy “real” sneakers. The cheapies are obviously cheaper, but the tread and seams wear out quickly. Then again, if your kid grows out of them, it doesn’t sting as much as when you spring for some supportive sneakers. And as any kid will tell you, real sneakers are boring.

New Balance Kids may be able to compete with these robot-adorned kicks because pretty much all kids love robots, even if it’s not WALL-E. With a push of the button on the robot’s chest, the shoes’ heels and sides light up. On the practical side of things, the pair closes with a hook-and-loop to buy some time for kindergartners who haven’t mastered the art of tying yet.

Available in toddler sizes 10.5-12 and youth sizes 12.5-3 at Zappos.com for $56.

Lil' Monsters Take Note: Sesame Street Partners with New Balance

Heather Kuldell — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 16:10:00 GMT

Normally, I shy away from characters on clothing, but even I have to say admit that the Sesame Street New Balance collection are frickin’ cute shoes.

If Elmo isn’t your fave, Cookie Monster and Oscar versions are also available. In addition to the charaters on the toe, they feature character-related details on the tongue, heel and soles of each pair. Unlike most character-covered shoes, these bad boys are New Balance-made, which means they’ll actually support your lil' monsters' arches. You can find info about the shoes on the New Balance website, or play an interactive shoelace-tying game, but to pick up a pair you gotta go to a Kids Foot Locker.

droolicious : new balance

Perfect for Phys-Ed: New Balance Light-Up Robot Shoes

Lil' Monsters Take Note: Sesame Street Partners with New Balance