pediped shoes for little walkers.

I've teamed up with pediped for this review.

Whether your child is crawling, learning to take their first steps, or is a seasoned walker, pediped has a shoe for them! Started in 2004 by Angela and Brian Edgeworth, pediped has developed into a brand synonymous with comfort, quality and style. They offer three footwear lines for children, each specially designed to meet the needs of a particular walking stage. Using only the highest quality materials and craftsmanship, pediped was one of the first children’s shoe companies recognized by the American Podiatric Medical Association for promoting healthy foot development.

Just recently, pediped released their Spring/Summer Collection, debuting over 50 new styles and color combinations across their 3 signature lines: Originals®, Grip ‘n’ Go™ and Flex®. This collection has over 15 styles that contain Memory Foam Technology™. The water-safe, Adventure Line has been expanded to allow kids everywhere to enjoy the outdoors in splashy style! A trendsetting palette of warm pastels, cool blues, rocky browns, and neon brights is featured, and as always, the collection parallels the signature comfort of the pediped® fit. No matter the need, the vast variety of Mary Janes, sandals, sneakers and boat shoes, is sure to have every occasion covered.

I received a pair of Jake pediped Originals to review.

The Originals®, are a line of soft-soled, flexible infant shoes and are recommended by pediatricians and podiatrists since the shoe's design closely mimics barefoot walking. As children learn to walk, they tend to shuffle, so it's important for their feet to feel the floor. This is exactly why doctors recommend soft soled leather shoes. They mimic barefoot walking, letting children naturally develop this skill, without changing their natural stride.

pediped Originals® feature soft, flexible leather soles with detailed hand stitching. Some Originals® also feature a more slip resistant sole that has a diamond tread pattern. This sole is still made of all-natural leather, but it's super flexible and grips the floor for more traction. I happen to have a pair of pedipeds in size Small with the diamond tread pattern so I took a picture to show you the two side by side. In the photo below, the pair on the left are "Frederick" in size Small (6-12 months) with the diamond tread sole and they measure 5" from toe to heel. The pair on the right are "Jake" in size Medium  (12-18 months) with a soft leather sole and they measure just under 5 ½" from toe to heel.

The Originals® features a roomy toebox so your little one's feet can move, grip, and feel the floor, as if they were walking with their bare feet. This way their little toes can develop strength and the grasping action that helps propel them forward and keep their balance. These shoes closely resemble the natural shape of a baby's chunky, wide foot so they'll be comfortable and promote healthy foot growth. There is an ankle cushion for comfort and an easy velcro closure. This pair of navy Jake pedipeds features a nubuck leather upper that hides dirt well and are easy to wipe clean.

Overall, we LOVE our pedipeds. They truly are the best first shoes ever!

The pediped Originals® retail for $37 and available in sizes XS-L (for children 0-24 months). Eleven new styles have been added for the Spring/Summer 2013 collection! For girls, be sure to check out the Daphne and Betty for those pastel occasions, and the Daisy and Sadie for their signature style. For boys, the Aaron and Amazon have all the outdoor needs covered, while the Jones offers the classic sneaker.

Here are just a few of the new styles and colors for the Spring/Summer 2013 Originals® collection:

Buy it: You can purchase pediped footwear on their website or on Amazon.

Amazon links are affiliate links.