Shoes for Spring: pediped footwear's 2011 Collection {Review}

One of the things that I consistently look forward to with the arrival of spring is sandals. Being able to pack away the winter boots and pull out easy-to-wear, comfortable, warm weather shoes just has a way of making me happy each year.

But it's not only my own feet that are excited about the change in footwear, my kids are also big fans of the comfort, style, and versatility that goes along with summer sandals... and when it comes to the children's shoes that we know and love, we always turn to pediped footwear.

The unparalleled quality, durability and distinctive fashionable styles - with new ones being added all the time - from pediped are perfect for everything from casual to dressy occasions. No matter what age or stage of development your child is in, from infant to age 7, pediped has a pair of shoes that will keep their feet safe, healthy and looking good at the same time.

We have long loved all three collections that pediped has to offer and have continued to be impressed time and again. The Originals line of soft-soled infant shoes that mimic barefoot walking for ages 0-24 months garnered compliments for both Big Sister E and Little Sister B when they showed them off in those early months and I couldn't have been happier knowing their developing little feet were protected.

Then there is the Grip ‘n’ Go line, featuring the same benefits as the Originals but with special G2 Technology for active toddlers that are transitioning to walking with a more confident stride. What perfect shoes for those increasingly faster and faster steps of children 9 months - 3 years.

Finally, the Flex collection is the ultimate shoe for confident walkers who have developed a solid, natural stride. Little Sister B was fortunate to be the star of a pediped review last fall for a pair of Flex shoes and she still adores and wears them to this day. And now, Big Sister E has had the opportunity to fall in love with a pair of the Flex as well when the Gillian - Light Pink arrived just in time for sandal weather.

These sandals are wonderful! The Memory Foam Technology gives them a custom insole and the all natural leather upper, lining and rubber sole makes them extremely comfortable. With the Velcro top and back strap, we have been able to adjust the Gillian for a personalized, perfect fit!

And, even though we were already clearly impressed with pediped before, the new Spring/Summer 2011 collection has now made its debut and it is nothing short of amazing. This collection is their largest and most innovative to date featuring more than 75 new styles across all three lines of their footwear in pediped's signature comfortable fit and with a broadened color palette of bright color combinations on trend for Spring and Summer.

Even more innovative, pediped has introduced the new Adventure Line, a unique collection of eco-friendly, machine washable, water-safe shoes. An expansion of the existing Flex footwear, the Adventure Line offers style, protection and comfort both in and out of the water.

These functional, yet stylish shoes includes a natural rubber sole, toe caps and Velcro straps. They are even machine washable and lighter weight and more flexible than other waterproof shoes available on the market. Offered in EU sizes 20-31, the collection features twelve bright colors in two adorable styles: the Nile, a Mary Jane style for girls, and the Amazon, an athletic sandal for both boys and girls.

In addition to the debut of the exciting Spring/Summer 2011 collection, this year pediped has launched the pediped foundation to support children's causes. Since the company’s inception, they have been committed to bettering the lives of children and to date nearly $1,000,000 in cash and product donations has been donated to children's charities.

The establishment of the pediped foundation has helped foster even more ways for pediped to give back to those in need and just has a way of making already-amazing and adorable shoes even a little cuter, doesn't it?

But wait! There's more! pediped is continuing their tradition of giving back this Memorial Day by honoring military families with a "Buy a Pair to Give a Pair" event to benefit Operation Homefront, a national nonprofit that provides emergency financial and other assistance to families of our service members and wounded warriors.

For each pair of shoes sold from their website from May 24 through midnight on May 31, pediped will donate a pair of shoes to Operation Homefront to distribute directly to those families in need. Not only do you end up with a fantastic pair of shoes, but so will another child - what a great way to celebrate Memorial Day!

pediped footwear and the adorable Spring/Summer 2011 collection is now available online and in select retail stores. Be sure to also connect with pediped on Twitter and Facebook for news of special promotions, new products, and more.

(Other than the information and Gillian shoes that I received from pediped footwear to facilitate my review, I was not provided with anything or enticed to do this review in any way. This review is solely my opinion of this company and their amazing footwear.)