The Dudes are pretty simple to dress.
Shorts every day they can get away with it, hoodies every day I require them, tall socks, beanie caps, and a coat if I force it (and by force I mean yell and scream and threaten to take away all things they find precious).
They have their daily uniform so it’s no surprise that, where they’re concerned, there is little fun in the shopping experience. In fact, I think all of us can agree that shopping together is torture. They hate it and I hate doing it with them.
The Dude clothing acquiring process is best if I just do it via the Internet in my jammie pants from my warm and comfy couch cocoon. That way no one needs to cry. No one needs to complain. No one even needs to wear a bra.
Browse, click, buy, happy!
Except for when it comes to shoes.
They care about the shoes.
They want certain colors. And certain brands. And the Curry’s or the KD’s or the whoever’s.
I don’t care about those things. I care about important things like the price. When you have three Dudes to shop for, and two of them are in man sized kicks, you kinda just have to care about the price. But it’s not all about money, I have to worry about all of the practical things too, like the size, and the fit, and whether or not they’re going to be whining that they hurt in a week.
To make sure all of that falls into place Dude shoe buying requires their actual feet in an actual store trying on actual shoes in what always turns out to be an actually exhausting process. It usually ends with me vetoing everything they like because it’s over $100 and them moaning about the uncool factor of everything I say is well made and affordable.
It’s a brutal battle.
But, you know who wins the war (me, duh, always me).
I do so love it though when a product provides all of the practicalities I crave with some of the flare and fun they desire. Then I can compromise, so they think I’m the best mom ever win a little too.
Example? Reebok Zig Big N Fast EX.
Reebok says, “Reebok ZigTech powers the way you play, with a super-sized midsole to cushion your biggest movements. Make a Big Impact with Reebok ZigTech.”
What’s that mean in mom speak?
They’re a well made shoe that can handle sweet jumps and fast moves. They won’t fall apart two weeks after you buy them, you can rock them for hours without having to hobble about, and they won’t break the bank (check them out at Finish Line, free shipping if you’re nasty. Okay, I’m lying, you don’t have to be nasty, they have free shipping for all people.).
Bonus awesome because the kids dig them too. Obviously…
Side note, they designed this photo shoot themselves. I said, Dudes, I wanna take some pictures of your new shoes and they said okay. Boom…
And then…
And how about…
With a little bit of…
Enough of the crazy, now back to the facts.
Tips for Choosing a Good Athletic Shoe for Your Kids
1. Make sure it fits. Take them with you and make them try it on. Wear the same kind of socks they will wear when they use the shoes. Try on both the left one and the right. Stand up and walk around. Do a couple of jumps if you want.
2. Don’t go too big. I know, they’re expensive, they grow so fast, a little big won’t hurt. All true. They should have a bit of wiggle room, but buying your kids’ shoes a size or two too big is a no go. It makes walking, and especially running, all awkward and hard. Plus extra big feet will make them look crazy. And you have to tie them all tight so they look even crazier. Don’t do that to your kids.
3. Think about the special features. Of course all of the bells and whistles aren’t necessary, but things like a cushioned midsoles and nanobreeze (a lightweight mesh upper that provides superior breathability and comfort) that are found in the Reebok Kid Zigs are nice additions that make your child’s shoe more comfortable and functional for a breadth of activities.
This post was created in partnership with FitFluential on behalf of Reebok.