Noodad Product Test Drive: RileyRoos Baby Shoes

Kicks. Caps. T-shirts. Watches.  We’re not that complex.  I’m generalizing here but I feel pretty confident in saying that for those of us who care (read: obsess), these are the aspects of our wardrobe that we passionately care most about.

You know how hard you work to find that T-shirt or cap that you believe that no one else you’ll encounter in your daily life will have?  You do it because you value individuality.  You also have style.  Should your kid have it any differently?  You dress him or her…so it’s on you to be sure they represent.

That’s why we’re a big fan of RileyRoos baby shoes from a little company in Maryland of the same name.  RileyRoos are proof that shoes that stay on babies feet do not need to look like miniature surgical slippers.  They’re the anti-Robeez…and thank god for that!

That RileyRoos look like real footwear and the kind you’d want to wear…sneakers, boots, sandals and moccasins (if you’re into that look!)…is the big draw.  As you can see from the pictures, they’re badass. 

Actually styled for boys and girls (rather than being stamped out from one template and dyed blue or pink…wink), looks are what most obviously sets them apart from Robeez (and the Robeez knock-offs).  They’re real shoes at 1:30 scale. 

Beyond looks though, they’re designed intelligently with soft yet supportive foot-beds (which pediatricians recommend until they're really walking well - generally 12-18 months), most with rubber soles to help prevent slips and stumbles and aid walking development. 

These rubber soles are a key point of differentiation and should be something you look for and care about.  Robeez et al feature “skid-resistant textured suede soles” or worse, some kind of glued on printed texture…kinda like the daisy pattern in your bathtub.  If I were learning to walk, I’d take rubber over suede…especially on hardwood and tile floors like those in Noodad Test Labs.

The RileRoos we scrutinized in the Noodad Test Labs – the Sporties, Chessies, and Jakesters - were impressive in every facet.

They’re well made having more actual stitching and less glue.  Most shoes you see on the market have it the other way around.  RileyRoos are also designed down to the detail with functional elements that make you almost feel like shoes your kid will wear for 3-6 months are worth the current retail going rate (editor’s note – RileyRoos cost no more than most shoes in the category).  The Chessies, which are sandals, have functioning buckles and Velcro straps.  The Sporties have real laces (stitched tied).  Note to the fine folks at RileyRoos – I’ll take these in a men’s 9½ please.

Available in 12 styles/colors for boys and 12 for girls in sizes 0-6, 6-12 and 12-18 months, they’ll run you $28-32 a pair.

The fact that they’re no more expensive than most of the mass-marketed crap that’s out there is the deal closer.  RileyRoos are a no-brainer and guarantee that your kid will have the coolest kicks at child care!

Noodad Rating: 4 noos out of a possible 5