The SKEANIE shoe review and competition

As a mother to a growing toddler I know the importance of obtaining a good fitting shoe for my little monsters developing feet

So, when the guys at SKEANIE shoes contacted me asking if I’d like to review a pair of their beautiful shoes and run a competition (which I’ll come to in a bit) I was very willing to uptake the offer and put these much talked about shoes to the test.

SKEANIE shoes & boots are beautifully hand-crafted in the softest of leather (eco-leather). They have been specially designed to nurture and protect your little ones feet

SKEANIE shoes understand how delicate and soft our little ones feet are and how this therefore makes them more prone to damage from abnormal pressure caused by ill-fitting shoes

I read some really interesting information and facts on the SKEANIE’s website as well as discovering some really beautifully crafted shoes and boots, such as these trendy little loafers that I had to have for my 2 year old toddler, ‘Harley’

Yes, these are the business and very affordable at £34.99. Plus having used the printable sizing chart that SKEANIE’s provide on its website, these fit him perfectly.

Here’s what SKEANIE’s state…

“As well as providing room for natural growth, SKEANIE’s soft soled shoes allow sensory feedback from the ground, which is especially important for little ones learning to walk and getting to know their surroundings. Research shows that young ones who wear flat, soft soled shoes have improved proprioception, balance and foot and ankle strength”

I can honestly say that these shoes are incredibly soft and I’ve not heard a complaint from the toddler while wearing these (no rubbing or friction whatsoever)!

The quality of the shoe is fabulous, plus they are incredibly trendy too. Since Harley has been wearing these beautiful shoes I’ve received such lovely comments from others stating how lovely and smart they look.

Excuse the mop of hair lol

One of my favourite features is how the back of the shoe is elasticated which allows them to expand throughout the day. This is a fantastic feature because as many of you will already know our feet expand as the day wears on.

I just wished I knew about SKEANIE shoes years ago. My son with Aspergers who is now 11 years old used to has a real issue with shoes and socks for sensory reasons! Given the choice my son would rather walk bare foot up the street if given the chance, either this or for support he ties his laces so tight they almost cut of the blood supply. He was also a tip toe walker for a while during his toddler days, which hasn’t done his toes any favours! I think SKEANIE shoes would have been perfect for his needs.

So, there you have it! It seems that SKEANIE shoes have thought of everything when it comes to designing the perfect shoe for the littlest feet!

I think they are truly awesome and would recommend them highly.

Fancy giving SKEANIE shoes a try? Then your in luck as SKEANIE are offering “A boy with Aspergers” readers the chance to WIN a pair of their choice.

How to enter!

Compulsory actions: Like the SKEANIE Facebook page.

Visit the SKEANIE online store & Leave a blog comment telling me that you liked the facebook page and which pair of shoes you would like to win.

NOTE: SKEANIE Infant range is designed for babies from birth up to three years, while the junior range can be worn by children from six months and older (up to a size 28) Refer to the SKEANIE Sizing Chart for exact measurements.

Extra entries: Remember to leave a separate comment for each action taken.

Tweet: “I want to win a pair of SKEANIE shoes with @clairelouise82”

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Please leave an email or twitter handle so I can contact you in the event that you win.

Competition will be open for just one week so I suggest u all hurry 🙂

Closing date: 31st May 2012 (midnight)

T&C: UK only, all rules must be abided for entry to be valid. Contact must be left when entering and winner must respond within one week to claim there prize. For more info on terms and conditions please refer to the “PR and Disclaimer” section of this blog.

Disclaimer: I was not paid to write the review but did receive a sample pair of shoes as to provide my honest opinion. All views are that of my own.

Davina for Next, working out in style

If any of you read my last post regarding New years resolutions you will know I’ve decided to keep them to myself! However, I did mention the fact that I would be participating in a number of keep fit programmes (whether I last the course is yet to be seen).

So, when I joined up to the Next bloggers network and discovered that Davina McCall had teamed up with Next to launch a new fitness range of clothing and footwear I was eager to learn all about it and hopefully get a sneaky peek of the range which is due to launch in spring 2012.

When I was pregnant with Harley now 2, It was the Davina Pre and post pregnancy DVD that I followed. I was actually as huge as a house with Harley, it didn’t help that he was such a big baby but I found the DVD really easy to follow although I did get lazy and slacked a bit during my third trimester.

Considering it’s now 2 years since he was born and I’m still struggling to zip up my jeans, I’ve decided something has to be done!

If I have to work out to get the body I desire, I at least wanna look hot in the process (and no, I don’t mean all flashed and sweaty, I mean smoking hot). Yet, when I think about fitness wear I have this horrid vision of tight unflattering Lycra and cycling shorts that show of some of my most undesirable areas, one’s I’d rather keep hidden.

Well, it would seem that both Davina and Next have made it their mission to create a range that resembles nothing of that above. The ‘Devina for Next’ range that will be launching in the Next Directory, online at next.co.uk and at selected stores, provides us with not only the ultimate workout range but also a great selection of post workout clothing along with a range of innovative everyday footwear featuring dual density technology to reduce stress on joints.

Here’s what Davina McCall had to say about the range

“My approach was to concentrate on what I would wear. I’ve thought very carefully about the details that matter to me, like a place for an MP3 player, or reflective strips on the bottoms – essential when you’re jogging in the early morning or at dusk. And I’ve ensured the workout tops are extremely solid and secure so your boobs won’t be bobbing around while you’re working out!”

I’m no flat chested Moma so this was like music to my ears, bobbing bobs isn’t the look I’m aiming for!

The range does sound delightful, the idea of having a place to pop my MP3 is fantastic, like many I’m motivated when listening to some of my favourite upbeat dance tracks and really couldn’t see myself jogging without earphones hanging from my ears.

There really is something for everyone, whether you prefer to go for a run, engage in some aerobics or maybe Pilates is more you’re thing? With modern shapes stunning colours and comfortable fabrics the Davina for Next range ensures that you can do it in both comfort and style.

Here’s a few key pieces that I myself fancy putting to the test.

As for footwear, most know I’m a bit of a shoe junkie so was pleased to discover that there were some lovely stylish everyday shoes on the menu. The fact that these are not only advertised to provide comfort but performance and muscle activation makes them so much more appealing (and there was me assuming such technology was restricted to trainers only)!

Cute round toe ballerina pumps in red and neon pink patent are just a few of the fabulous designs on offer. These sleek shoes designed to reduce stress on load bearing joints have been designed with NEXT’s dual density mid-sole technology which gives me an even bigger reasons to indulge my love for shoes.

I have to admit, the pretty ballerina pumps are my favourite.

For those of you looking for something that bit different, why not check out Davina’s ultra-feminine trainers, embellished with bands of shimmering bright candy colours that promise to exert 25% less pressure on the ball of the foot, or some floral print canvas pumps designed to decrease heel impact.

I’m pretty excited for the launch, whether I’ll look as great as the lady behind them, will depend on this mummy’s motivation.

Bring it on Davina 🙂

Related articles

• New Year, New You with Next and Davina McCall (fashion-mommy.com)
• Davina McCall’s Spring 2012 Collection for Next (lifeloveandlivingwithboys.wordpress.com)
• Davina McCall launches a new fitness range (heatworld.com)