Toddler Program - Slippers?

[happy*mama]

My ds (2) will be beginning a Montessori toddler program in two weeks.  One of the items on the list of "what to bring" is slippers (optional).  When I first visited the program the teachers mentioned this and pointed out that some of the children were wearing slip on crocs, others were wearing shoes, both were just for the classroom not outside, and one or two children were wearing slippers.  So, I am wondering what others have done in this situation.  My son needs help putting on his shoes and the one pair of slippers he had he has outgrown, but would not have worked as they were tough to pull on.  Any particular slip on shoes/slippers that you have experience with that the child can get on and off and will stay on while wearing?  BTY, I am an anit-croc.  Thanks. 

[linn7799]

Similar issue here - my 2 1/2 year old started at a Montessori daycare 2 weeks ago where indoor shoes/slippers are required. He's always just worn non-slip socks or bare feet inside, so this was a bit of a new thing for us. I'm in Europe, so the selection is probably a bit different but I ended up buying some simple velcro slippers similar to these, which seem relatively straight forward for him to put on.

http://www.jako-o.com/shop/School-Kiga-Basic-equipment-for-preschool-Practical-for-the-preschool-Lili-Rex-cord-house-shoes/group/5848/product/107196/Produktdetail.productdetail.0.html

I've also seen zippered ones like these:

http://www.polarnopyret.se/sv/Admin-Pages/Enova/Produktvisning/?productidentifier=60025803&colorid=2504596

which I considered but ended up going with the velcro ones because I figured there's a bit more flexibility in the fit (I could buy half a size up and they still fit comfortably but there was a bit more room in the toe to allow for his feet to grow a little).

Hope this gives you some ideas.

Cheers,

Linn

[Chloe'sMama]

I just got a pair of Tom's shoes online (still being shipped), but they seem slipper-like and could work for something like this.

http://www.toms.com/

[maeby]

Curious to know why you are anti croc? My son wears crocs in his montessori classroom. I have seen the other kids wear toms as well.

[Flor]

My son liked Nowalis.

www.nowali.com

[happy*mama]

Originally Posted by kristinekristine 

Curious to know why you are anti croc? My son wears crocs in his montessori classroom. I have seen the other kids wear toms as well.

Well, I don't like crocs for several reasons.  First, but least importantly, I do not like the way they look.  Secondly, I have seen quite of few slip off kids feet while playing so they don't seem to stay on well.  Most importantly though, they are made of plastic which comes from fossil fuels and is toxic.  I try to keep as much plastic out of our lives as possible.  I would not want to wear these shoes and I would not want my son to wear something I am uncomfortable wearing myself.  I know people do rave about the comfort factor and that they easy to slip on/off, but they are not for us.  Millions of crocs are produced each month, many in China (if not all, I have not research that data), but at least they can be recycled through a program with the crocs company and not all of them will sit in landfills when the users are done.
 

[ms sig]

Soft Star is a small company that makes some really cute shoes for toddlers and kids. Several models are meant to be easy to get on and off.  Made in the U.S.A. too!  They have a vegan option and they'll even make custom shoes for you. We love them!

http://www.softstarshoes.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=41

[lach]

We had a pair of slippers from Target.  The upper part was a nice fleece, and the soles were fairly thick rubber.  They worked perfectly, and DD could get them on and off herself.

[MadameFancyPants]

Originally Posted by ms sig 

Soft Star is a small company that makes some really cute shoes for toddlers and kids. Several models are meant to be easy to get on and off.  Made in the U.S.A. too!  They have a vegan option and they'll even make custom shoes for you. We love them!

http://www.softstarshoes.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=41

We've ordered SoftStar shoes for DS as well but they will be for everyday wear.  I sent him to school with a second pair of his everyday shoes (mini stars) and he ended up wearing them outside and such so it was a mute point. 

I asked his teacher about it and she said that the requirement was really for the older kids in a different building with really cold floors.  So now he has spare shoes and goes barefoot in his classroom which I like since I'm a mostly barefoot mama. 

Anyway, I'm excited to see the SS shoes when they arrive.  They look well made and super comfy.

[carmel23]

my big kids all wear crocs in the classroom.  and my little in children's house wears these: http://stores.ebay.com/Shoes-Zoo/4-5-years-old-/_i.html?_fsub=9 I would love to soft stars, but they are like 40 bucks.... and I don't have that left over after paying the tuition!

[carmel23]

Originally Posted by happy*mama 

Well, I don't like crocs for several reasons.  First, but least importantly, I do not like the way they look.  Secondly, I have seen quite of few slip off kids feet while playing so they don't seem to stay on well.  Most importantly though, they are made of plastic which comes from fossil fuels and is toxic.  I try to keep as much plastic out of our lives as possible.  I would not want to wear these shoes and I would not want my son to wear something I am uncomfortable wearing myself.  I know people do rave about the comfort factor and that they easy to slip on/off, but they are not for us.  Millions of crocs are produced each month, many in China (if not all, I have not research that data), but at least they can be recycled through a program with the crocs company and not all of them will sit in landfills when the users are done.
 

  I have 4 kids, and we had 2 pairs from Mexico, one from Italy, one from China. They're made from EVA.  I'm sure the impact of all the cattle used for leather shoes is not zero on the environment, as well...

[happy*mama]

Originally Posted by carmel23 

  I have 4 kids, and we had 2 pairs from Mexico, one from Italy, one from China. They're made from EVA.  I'm sure the impact of all the cattle used for leather shoes is not zero on the environment, as well...

You are right, leather shoes, and even canvas shoes, have environmental impacts.  I feel more comfortable with a material that is biodegradable though.

[carmel23]

Originally Posted by happy*mama 

You are right, leather shoes, and even canvas shoes, have environmental impacts.  I feel more comfortable with a material that is biodegradable though.

Totally.  I hear ya, mama. 

[sbarr_NY]

We're encouraged to send our kids in velcro-fastened sneakers.  Easy to put on, easy to close. 

My DD cubby has section for "indoor shoes" but I am going to continue with my own approach - sneakers for school, outside, shopping and barefoot or socks indoors at home.  I don't want the complication - she can be barefoot or socks at home, sneakers elsewhere.  It's easier for us.  I just don't want to bother with barefoot indoors at home, but special shoes for indoors at school.

[happy*mama]

Wow-I guess I'm taking this slipper thing seriously, probably too seriously!  Anyway...

I took ds out shoe/slipper shopping last Wed. and came close with one pair from Foamtreads, but they were too small.  At least I was able to determine what size slipper he needs because they did have the next size down and he was able to try them on.  The "Buggy" Foamtreads are made with wool and they slip on.  These have a great cushion sole and are hand washable.  He liked them a lot, but they were too tight, so i went home and ordered them online as well as a couple of other pairs that I thought may work so we could do our slipper shopping at home.  The other two pairs are the Giesswein Turnberg Slipper and the Satch & Sol Woolly Hitch Slipper.  All three pairs of slippers are made of wool, which I prefer because it is breathable and natural.

At first I was sold on the Foamtreads as they are easy for ds to get on and off, even though he is not into putting his shoes on or taking them off himself.  Plus these slippers fit him well and provided some support.  However, he was really into the Giesswiein slippers today and did not want to take them off.  These have a latex covered wool sole, so no real cushioning, but they are flexible unlike the foamtreads, yet the tread is not slippery.  The Satch & Sol slippers are my personal favorite because, in their words "Satch & Sol strives to support families and be eco-friendly through product selection and business practices. Satch & Sol partners with artisan cooperatives in Mongolia to bring a handmade children's collection to you. Satch & Sol celebrates the artist"  The slippers are beautifully hand felted with  hand stitched suede soles.  The pair I have here "Hitch" are high-top style with a notch on the side to allow room for the foot to enter the slipper and a toggle fastener at the notch on the side. .  My son did not have any trouble getting these on either.

So now I need to decide which pair he will keep for school.  I am tempted to keep a pair for home since he will need them in another month or so.  I do like them all and wish I had only found one pair to choose from.  I myself am a shoe hoarder, so how many pairs of slippers does a growing 2 year old need?  I know, only one (or two in the case of school & home).  My feeling after trying the Giesswiein and Satch & Sol slippers is that the Foamtreads sole may be too stiff for sitting comfortably on the floor, while the other two are soft soled.  I also feel the Satch & Sol suede sole could get slippery when wet and that it's high-top style may be bothersome to ds, plus he could not do the toggle before outgrowing them.  That leaves me with the Giesswiein which I like except the latex covered sole.  Just not sure if this safe toxicity-wise.  It has no smell, so maybe it is ok.  However, if the shoe store had had the right size Foamtreads slipper that would have be the one.  Has anyone had experience with the Foamtreads or the Satch & Sol slippers?

[sbarr_NY]

One advantage to latex soles is that your son won't slip.  Running around the halls, wouldn't want him to slip.  Also, the latex won't be as prone to soaking urine spills from the bathrooms.  My daughter's school has tiny toilets for the children, but little kids are still a bit clumsy and inaccurate.  Is your son potty-trained?  

Flexible is good - I remember reading early on that the best shoes for young children are soft-soled, which most closely resemble barefoot walking and allows the child to strengthen toes and other foot muscles to support.  I cringe at all of the Bobux shoes I bought her first couple of years (actually, that's something else you might want to consider for school slippers).  Bobux are awesome, leather with seude soles (they're from NZ, I think, and are similar to Robeez).  Very easy on and off.  I loved them - found some great deals on ebay.

Now as I'm thinking about it - with the approach for indoor slippers, I'm starting to reconsider - it's a good way to further reinforce routine.  Outside, change shoes.  Inside, take off shoes.  I'll wait a couple of weeks and see what the norm is for her class, do most kids wear indoor slippers.

Do the toddlers have a certain amount of time that they go outside to play?

[happy*mama]

I hadn't considered potty learning accidents, that is a good point.  Being able to clean the slippers will be a factor in my decision.  The Bobux shoes are nice and I may consider those as well.  I will probably have two pairs of indoor school slippers for my son so we can rotate for cleanings.

The children will be outside 2, maybe 3, times during the morning (dropoff playtime, mid-morning, and sometimes pickup time, so my son will need to wear his outdoor shoes and the slippers are indoors only.  He needs to be able to put both on and off himself, or at least at first try to put them on and off himself.  So, whatever pair of shoes and slippers I choose they need to be easy on/off to assist him in this task.

ETA:  My son wore Pedipeds before learning to walk, during, and shortly afterwards.  They are flexible soled, too, like the Bobux.  Maybe I should have been looking for a flex sole shoe rather than actual "slipper"?

[happy*mama]

Thanks to everyone for your suggestions!  I have checked them all out and am happy to have some resources for some great shoes/slippers.  The are so many options....maybe I have too many options!  The Nowali's are cute, but since my son will be usually be wearing socks at school they probably would be better suited for home use for us.

[happy*mama]

So dear hubby finally helped me out in making this decision since I seem to be paralyzed in the decision making department right now.  We have chosen the Giesswiein slippers as they have the flex sole with non-slip latex.  My husband thinks the blue Foamtreads look like granny slippers and that the black & grey Giesswein slippers look more "boyish".  I was leaning towards the Giesswein anyway. DS seemed to prefer them as well.  All three brands are well made with quality materials, with the Giesswiein made in Austria, the Foamtreads in Canada, and the Satch & Sol in Mongolia. I might keep the Satch & Sol for home use since our wood floors will be cold in another month or so.  Wow--too much thinking over this slipper thing. I tend to over analyze and sometimes that keeps me from making a decision.  As some would say (like my hubby) "they're just slippers!". 

Here are links to the three pairs of slippers I mulled over:

Foamtreads "Buggy"

Giesswein "Turnberg"

Satch & Sol "Hitch"

ETA:  I just finished handstitching my son's name on the in-sole of the Giesswein slippers since there was no where to write it and I had to cut the tag out of the inside because ds did not like it.  Now I need to do labeling of other shoes and clothes...

[carmel23]

yes, the nonslip sole is why our school prefers crocs, etc.  If they spill water they are not wet feeling, and if there is a fire drill (our school is a public MOntessori school) and the kids have to move quickly, they don't slip around...