It’s been a bit! We’ve been enjoying the great weather (especially since with it we are having great progress on the new store!) For this time around we got in early a bit of our kids options for the summer and the 6 letter S-word which most kids would rather not think about right now.

Here’s what came in:

Asics Contend 10 TS (Velcro, $69.95+GST at time of writing): The Contend (Toddlers) from Asics is our favourite Toddler shoe since it fits very well for kids that have either a high instead or a decently wide foot (most toddlers tend to.) They are nicely structured while being lightweight for everything a kid could throw at it.

Asics Contend 10 PS (Velcro, $74.95+GST at time of writing): Once past a toddlers size 9 the Asics jump up to the Pre-school sizing (which goes from a 10-3.) Like the Toddlers the Contend for the bigger kids has just been a great shoe both in fit and durability (I like that it does have a bit more material on the toe but even with it wouldn’t necessarily recommend using the shoes as brakes for a bike.)

New Balance 480 (Lace, $94.95+GST at time of writing): The 480 is really nice looking and comfortable sneaker. We brought it in this year in a really cool green leather and a black which we really liked last summer. It’s overall just a neat option for us since it gives us something cooler looking for kids that still has great comfort for everyday or as a great indoor/outdoor shoe.

New Balance 625 (Lace, $84.95+GST at time of writing): The 625 is a new shoe for us and serves as a replacement to the kids 880 which is in either case a great running shoe that would work great for kids running (like cross country or gym.) We did for this hit just get the more Girl specific colour but should have a blue coming in for Boys as we get closer to the end of July.

New Balance Fuelcell Play (Lace, 89.95+GST at time of writing): We got a great new option for active kids in the Fuelcell Play. What’s need about the Fuelcell is use a strong rubber sole and reinforce the upper with TPU which should protect the shoe and foot for all sorts of activities (doesn’t mean you should abuse them but they should take a good amount of abuse.)

New Balance Arishi (Velcro, $69.95): For those who like a bit of flair the Arishi has been a great option since it does come in colorful options. Aside for looks though the Arishi has been a great shoe for us, it comes with a neat Velcro that can either be used like a hook and loop (there is a tab in the tongue which the Velcro can be fed through to keep the tongue held up better) or like a straight across Velcro.

New Balance Reveal V4 BOA (BOA, Pre Size 3.5 – $94.95+GST and above $104.95+GST at time of writing): BOA is a really cool and practical option for kids that don’t want a Velcro shoe but aren’t yet ready for lace. BOA itself has been around since the early 2000’s and is used in all sorts of places (I have them on my golf shoes and have seen them on snowboarding boots.) The system itself for those who have never seen it uses a dial on the side or top of the shoe that spins to tighten a cable that feeds through the shoe (it is thin but can’t say I have heard of durability issues.) To tighten, press the dial in and turn until comfortable (which is great since you adjust as much as you like!) Then to loosen pull out the dial and the shoe opens up. Overall the Reveal is one of favourite shoes since it gives us a great option overall that has a really cool tightening system.

That is all for now, down below are pictures which are categorized by what we consider more boy and girl options but in either case the shoes are gender neutral in the sense that it would fit regardless.