Wed. Nov 20th, 2024

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STYLE (EN) 6128277 boys’ sneakers
These trainer boots had my five-year-old at ‘flashing lights’. He was thrilled with his light-up shoes, which are activated by a side button or by jumping up and down on the soles. Bright yelllow laces on a blue background add to their appeal, and the laces themselves are great for when he wants to practise tying them. Luckily, there’s also a handy side zip for quick and easy putting on and taking off, and the soft leather upper makes it even easier for them to push their foot in.

Aside from their stylish appeal, the trainers also tick off a few practical points that mums are always looking out for when it comes to their little ones’ footwear. My son can get quite hot feet, so the removable, breathable and washable leather insoles are a godsend. There’s also supportive cushioning in the heel, acting as a shock absorber for when your mini superheroes are jumping off climbing frames and swinging from trees.

Durable and hardwearing but so soft, light and flexible to allow freedom during play, I was reassured by how well these trainers are made.

My active kids get through shoes incredibly quickly, so it’s important to me that I find shoes that last through the intensive physical wear and tear they are subject to. And they really do look great on – the blue contrasted strikingly against the bright yellow sole and laces, making them a stylish addition to my son’s wardrobe. He wasn’t taking them off in a hurry!

STYLE (EN) 6181000 girls’ sneakers

Glitter, shiny metal detailing and pink sparkles (offset against a muted grey background) meant these were an out and out win for my three-year-old daughter, whose feedback was ‘Wow!’.

The easy-wear Velcro straps made them a win for me too, as it meant she was more than capable of putting her shoes on without assistance – great for little ones learning to become independent.

The straps also give the fit across the top of the foot more flexibility, which I found useful as my daughter has a high instep, so it can often be hard to get her foot in a shoe, which will then inevitably dig in and leave a mark.

Lightweight and super-soft but made well from quality materials, they have a good grip and flexible sole, which made them perfect for a snazzy scoot to the shops. The breathable leather insole kept my daughter’s feet dry and comfortable even after a busy day’s play, and the glittery toes and sparkly stones decorating the Velcro straps make these eye-catching play shoes work as partywear, too.

Instead of going for the usual patent-leather party shoes, I would add these to a tutu or little dress for a cool, casual-smart twist that lets her run around and dance away at the disco without fear of rubbing or slipping.

by Lucy Parley, 37, mum to Reuben, five, and Lois, three, and co-founder and editor of fussybird.co.uk
www.primigi.com

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By Penny McCarthy

Penny McCarthy is a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Parents News UK, a pioneering publication launched in 1993 to serve the needs of busy parents in Southwest London. Alongside her husband, Fergus McCarthy, Penny played a crucial role in the rapid expansion of the printed edition, which grew from a local startup to a widely circulated monthly publication with a reach of 192,000 copies across Kent, South London, and beyond. Under Penny’s leadership, Parents News quickly became a trusted resource for families, providing valuable information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly events. Her vision helped the publication extend its influence with franchises in Northern Ireland and Cornwall, catering to a growing demand for accessible, family-oriented content. In 1997, recognising the importance of digital media, Penny spearheaded the launch of Parents News UK Online. The website initially mirrored the content of the printed editions and has since evolved into a comprehensive online resource for parents, achieving significant popularity with up to 700 daily hits. In 2017, the publication transitioned fully to an online platform, continuing to inform and engage families across the UK. Today, Penny remains deeply involved in the ongoing success of Parents News UK, focusing on innovative advertising opportunities and future growth plans. Her dedication to supporting families through accessible and practical content has made Parents News a cherished name in households across the country.

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