Who:Zig & Star
What:A unisex shoe brand
Why:
This contemporary unisex brand really excited our judges who loved the mix of soft leather, fun prints and high grip soles on these easy to fasten sandals, boots and shoes that are robust enough to withstand the knocks and scrapes of the playground while still looking very cool indeed.
The brand’s “Good-To-Grow” design concept that allows their footwear to grow and adjust with the wearer, increasing the life of the shoe and reducing consumption was a major plus for the panel who loved the fact that these shoes address sustainability feet first. Top marks from everyone! Congratulations Zig & Star!
A fantastic brand that has refreshed the children’s shoe market, creating unisex shoes that push the barriers of what can be done to improve upon sustainability in footwear. Massive congratulations on receiving Platinum!
We're big Zig & Star fans. All three of my children (age 8, 6 and 1) wear them and they're the pair they always reach for first which I think proves how comfortable they are as well as looking very cool.
Really lovely collection.
Cool comfy and paving the way for the UK kids shoe brands. :)
Every angle has been considered so carefully here, resulting in shoes that are super comfortable, supportive, eco-conscious and gorgeous to look at
Who:Little Bird
What:The shoe collection from Jools Oliver’s Little Bird Collection available exclusively at NEXT
Why:
The attention to detail, the cool retro vibes and the excellent quality of these shoes really excited the panel. The breadth of the collection was really impressive and the judges felt there really was something to suit everyone and every occasion; sporty 80’s high-tops, classic rainbow embroidered T-bars and the cutest jelly shoes all drew loud coos and squeals.
The fact that there are adult shoes in the collection for the ultimate in mini-me twinning, also scored major points with the judges.
Sunshine (and rainbows) in shoe form. Absolutely love this collection.
Not just an add-on to the fabulous clothing range, these shoes are fantastic in their own right. Love all the styles and the quality feels fab.
Such a cute, fun collection. Nobody does rainbow brights better than Little Bird!
Colour, colour and more colour!! What more could you want?!! ????
Who:Start-Rite
What:A Heritage British Shoe Brand
Why:
As Start-Rite Shoes marks its 230th year they have released a special anniversary collection in partnership with the NSPCC to raise money for the charity. Our judges loved the classic styles on offer in beautiful heritage shades, as well as some more contemporary looking desert and Chelsea boots that would look fabulous on both boys and girls.
The panel was excited by the beautiful craftsmanship of these shoes and Start-Rite’s ongoing innovation that goes into ensuring that they are comfortable, supportive and flexible for growing feet.
Start-Rite shoes are just stunning and the centuries of expertise are clear to see in every stitch.
The birthday collection is just beautiful!
Classic and stylish.
Classic. The fact that they have not tried to overly modernise this brand is what keeps them as strong as they are. Nostalgic and wearable.
Start-Rite’s baby pink Mary-Janes and stunning Chelsea boots are two of my JDA highlights. Wonderful.
Who:Isla + Aiden
What:Classic Leather Sandals made in The Philippines
Why:
These shoes were extremely popular with our judges who loved the slightly retro feel of the design, the softer than soft leather, the lovely wide toe box for toes that can really wiggle and the padded insole and non-slip soles.
The panel agreed that these shoes were extremely cute in a pared back way and would be very versatile, working well for every day way or as a light and stylish shoe to wear with a party dress.
I absolutely love these sandals. They are stylish, chic and super comfy and I can see them becoming hugely popular in the UK.
A lovely, classic style!
Very cute, simple sandals - a staple for every young ladies wardrobe.
The sandals I would choose for my children. I love the pared-back, vintage inspired design of both the classic and the unisex version and the quality feels excellent.
Who:KEEN Footwear
What:Outdoor footwear brand
Why:
Our judges agreed that KEEN’s very cool looking Jasper Junior shoe would be the perfect choice for outdoor adventures. Designed with children’s specific needs in mind, details like a padded collar to keep ankles snug and supported, breathable mesh linings, an easy to adjust bungee cinch and simple hook and loop closures really impressed.
The fab choice of colourways with both neutrals and bright zingy options available was also a bonus. KEEN’s Detox the Planet initiative, which has seen all harmful chemicals in its supply chain being removed and an increased use of upcycled and recycles materials was much applauded.
Practical, comfy outdoor shoes that kids will never want to take off.
I think that this outdoor shoe is fab! And trendy also. Perfect for getting kids outside, scooting, climbing and looking cool at the same time.
Shoes you can rely on to keep little feet well protected and give kids the secure foundation for great outdoor adventures AND they look cool. Brilliant.
