Getting Ready for Fall with Umi Shoes {Review & $60 Gift Certificate Giveaway}

Although we still have a few more weeks of summer left, there is no doubt that the excitement over going back to school is heavy in the air. Meeting new friends! Reuniting with old ones! Learning! Playing! Schoooool!

So, while my kids rejoice in being able to return to school for educational as well as entertainment reasons, I have been focusing on ensuring that their closets are ready for the change in schedule.

Instead of throwing on any old t-shirt and shorts, both girls have all of their favorite outfits washed and ready to go. And, instead of the sandals that they have been putting through the ringer all summer long, it's time for stylish footwear that is durable, dependable, stylish and comfortable.

Which is why we know that to consistently find a wide selection of fashionable and top-of-the-line styles for kids, we need to turn to none other than Umi.

Founded in 2004, Umi doesn't just care about little feet, they care about the earth as well. While making sure that every shoe they produce is safe, durable and meets strict guidelines for child-safe materials, they also only use non-toxic, drum-dyed leathers and other environmentally-friendly components.

During manufacturing they even use a waste disposal system safe for the planet and then complete the process by protecting and sending your shoes in recycled packaging.

Is there anything else that they can do? Well, how about fact that their quality, comfortable and stylish footwear is simply adorable? Whether you are shopping for the rugged, outdoor look, something with glitz and glamour to dress up in or simple, stylish footwear for every day at daycare or school, Umi has boys' and girls' fashions to suit everyone's tastes.

Which works perfectly around here, as Big Sister E tends to lean more towards the sporty, comfortable designs, while Little Sister B opts for girly girl colors and embellishments. When the Glimmerz II and Estele shoes arrived, I had no doubt that they were going to be a big hit with both.

Beautifully constructed with leather and man-made uppers and leather linings, I could instantly tell that the Glimmerz II were going to be the perfect mix of sparkly and sporty for Big Sister E. The sturdy construction and the flexible sole give plenty of support, yet are just right for providing traction and, of course, comfort.

Add to that the hook-and-loop strap closure and there will never be any worry of my big girl needing to hurry to get her shoes tied in the morning or them coming undone in the middle of gym class.

Not to mention that the combination of the navy blue and brighter blue glitter gives these such a super cool twist that there's no way to not smile when you see them!

At the same time, I love that the Estele combine a standard mary jane styling with an elastic strap across the top and the athletic feel of a sneaker. As they are available with three eye-catching color combinations — black, brown and the red that we received (although they definitely look more pink than red to us) — each young girl can decide which bold option is her favorite.

As well as the pink of the leather uppers, Little Sister B was especially drawn to the silver, purple and yellow of the larger flower detailing on the sides. Each stitch is extremely well-done...

...and the overall result makes these completely and utterly adorable. Add that to the durable sole and rubber bottom and these can easily be worn with or without socks with jeans, shorts, pants, dresses, skirts and more.

As I had used Umi's convenient size chart and knew that their shoes are handcrafted to include room to grow and fit generously, I was pleased to see that these shoes were slightly large on both girls. That just means that they'll be able to wear them all throughout the fall and well into the winter!

With sky-high standards for quality and a mission to please parents and be good to the earth, Umi shoes are a great purchase for expectant parents, babies, toddlers and all the way through big kids. Designed with children's feet in mind, there are new styles added every season that can keep your little one fashionable for years to come.

Although there is no shortage of children's shoes on the market, having ones that are well-made and designed just for growing feet can make a huge difference in your child's comfort. Why risk sending them off to school with footwear that might pinch, rub or leave their arches sore? Just go with the best, Umi!

Plus, thanks to their generosity, one person will get to include this great footwear in their child's wardrobe this fall season as well, because...

One lucky person will win a $60 Umi gift certificate!

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A big thank you to Umi for providing two pairs of shoes for me to review as well as a $60 gift card for one lucky giveaway winner. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.