So with the perfect dress and hat, you have to have the perfect shoes!!! Ella has gone from a size 6 to a size 9 in 4 months. She stayed at a 6 for a very long time and then they all of a sudden they grew like crazy. We weren't prepared for colder weather, so I started to do some research about children's shoes.
Did you know that 99% of the shoes purchased in the USA and Canada are imported from Asia or South America and are often made with unhealthy and polluting processes? 99% of the shoes are made with a formaldehyde tanning process, which is unhealthy for the environment and YOU! Formaldehyde (a classified probable human carcinogen) can be absorbed through your skin and it can be a skin irritant. Some people have developed hives, rashes and even burning sensations from the chemical. It also poisons ground water downstream from tanneries. But luckily there are some great Eco-friendly companies out there like Soft Star Shoes who want to make a difference for you and the environment!
Soft Star Shoes uses as little chemicals as possible in their shoes. They understand that infants like to put shoes in their mouths, and it's important to create something safe for everyone. The Soft Star elves make sure there is no formaldehyde in any shoe and that they meet the highest safety standards. Soft Star Shoes believes that barefoot is the best. Obviously you can't go around barefoot all of the time, so they have created shoes that emulate bare feet. Their soles have no heels, arch support or other "molding" features. They are slip resistant, shock absorbent and flexible. And their materials make it easy for your child's feet to breathe instead of getting all hot and sweaty. Soft Star Shoes carries sizes for babies, toddlers, youth and adults. They also have a vegan line!
Soft Star Shoes is a USA company. Many shoe companies use materials from other countries and are shipped over 11,000 miles to get to their destination. By purchasing USA made products you are helping reduce the carbon footprint, plus you are supporting US jobs. Soft Star Shoes is 100% powered by solar and wind power! That's impressive! They are part of the Blue Sky renewable energy program- which means they are paying more for power to reduce the carbon footprint and protecting our natural resources. Their production scraps are sorted and reused or recycled to local charities. They are a truly amazing Eco-friendly company in all aspects.
When I received our pair of Soft Star Shoes I was a little bit hesitant about there being no arch support. Ella's arches have just developed and I was worried she might twist her ankle. But, after our photoshoot and watching her run around for 3 hours all of my worries were put to rest. It was just as if she was running around with bare feet. She's had issues falling with lots of the shoes she's worn this summer and even while running on slippery floors, she didn't fall in her new shoes.These are the Mary Jane- Naomi Chocolate shoes available in sizes 4-13. They also come in wide, narrow or regular, which I loved because Ella has chubby little feet. The shoes have a Velcro feature, so it is great for her to put on or take off. They have a cute heart cutout below the toes. The leather is super soft and formed to Ella's feet. They were tough to get on at first, but after some wear, they were easier to get on. These are seriously my favorite shoes Ella has owned!
The Giveaway: Soft Star Shoes wants to give 1 lucky reader a $20 off coupon!
The Rules: You have until 11:59 p.m. EST October 7, 2009 to enter. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced after they respond to the winning email. The winner has 48 hours to respond to the winning email, or a new winner will be chosen. You must leave your email address! This contest is open to the US
How to Enter: Go to Soft Star Shoes and tell me which pair of shoes you'd get if you won. Make sure to leave your email address!! I cannot contact the winner without it!
EXTRA entries: You must complete the "How To Enter" before making any extra entries. Make sure you leave a comment for each extra entry and tell me which one.
2. Become a fan of Mkokopelli on FB, Mkokopelli on Twitter or Follow my blog
3. Subscribe to my blog by email (on the right sidebar) You must verify and be active at the time of the giveaway- those who are unverified will become disqualified
4. Blog, Tweet or send a message on FB and leave a link here (3 extra entries)
5. Enter another giveaway I have going on and tell me which one or leave a comment on a non-giveaway post6. Become a Fan of Soft Star Shoes on Facebook
7. Tell me something you learned on Soft Star Shoes that wasn't mentioned above
8. Grab Mkokopelli's Fall Week button and post on your blog or FB page
I would get a pair of shiny red mary janes for my daughter.
ReplyDeletedhghtwr@gmail.com
I am a fan of soft star shoes on facebook.
ReplyDeletedhghtwr@gmail.com
I am a fan of mkopelli on facebook.
ReplyDeletedhghtwr@gmail.com
I also entered the Hosono necklace giveaway.
ReplyDeletedhghtwr@gmail.com
I am a follower of this site.
ReplyDeletedhghtwr@gmail.com
I have the Eco-Friendly fall week button on my facebook page.
ReplyDeletedhghtwr@gmail.com
http://www.facebook.com/inbox/?ref=mb#/profile.php?id=704626872&ref=profile
Soft Star Shoes just celebrated it's 20th anniversary and offers you to call them if you have a foot issue and they will help you address it.
ReplyDeletedhghtwr@gmail.com
I'd choose the Classic Lined Shoe
ReplyDeleteBuster-Choco/Pink for my daughter.
jessicabrooke@gmail.com
I love the Classic Lined Shoe
ReplyDeleteBuster-Choco/Pink. amsbolda@hotmail.com
I follow u. amsbolda@hotmail.com
ReplyDeletefb fan. amy bolda pugmire. amsbolda@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteI follow u on twitter. 1amypugmire. amsbolda@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteemail subscriber. amsbolda@hotmail.com
ReplyDeletetweeted. amsbolda@hotmail.com
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/1amypugmire/status/4309423394
fb fan of soft star. amy bolda pugmire. amsbolda@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteI like these: Woolie
ReplyDeleteLoden Green
twitter follower- kgail11
ReplyDeletesubscriber
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI'm a subscriber!
Thanks,
Jen DOT s DOT chandler AT gmail DOT com
Hi,
ReplyDeleteSoft Star shoes has an add-on option to use vegetable-tanned leather from Europe on their shoes as well!
Thanks
Jen DOT s DOT chandler AT gmail DOT com
If we won, we'd choose the chocolate mary jane shoes for toddlers... they are fantastic!!
ReplyDeleteThanks
Jen DOT s DOT chandler AT gmail DOT com
I'm entering the zulugrass giveaway too!
ReplyDeleteThanks
Jen DOT s DOT chandler AT gmail DOT com
I like the Rainbow Padraig Wool Toddler Slippers.
ReplyDeleteI like the Chocolate Red Flower Swedish Moccasin Sock/Shoe.
ReplyDeletegourdsrmylife@yahoo.com
Marj M.
I am an email subscriber of your blog.
ReplyDeletegourdsrmylife@yahoo.com
Marj M.
I entered your Hosono Necklace Giveaway.
ReplyDeletegourdsrmylife@yahoo.com
Marj M.
i like the classic little dipper in pink
ReplyDeletetwitter follower
ReplyDeletesubscriber
ReplyDeletetweeted http://twitter.com/cneiding/status/4334259869 entry 1
ReplyDeletetweeted http://twitter.com/cneiding/status/4334259869 entry 2
ReplyDeletetweeted http://twitter.com/cneiding/status/4334259869 entry 3
ReplyDeleteentered Olive Barn
ReplyDeletesoft star facebook fan
ReplyDeletetheir shoes are recommended by waldorf and Montessori classrooms
ReplyDeleteI would definitely get the Phoenix boots!
ReplyDeleteI am a facebook fan of soft star
ReplyDeleteSoft Star will custom make shoes to fit over AFOs
ReplyDeleteI entered the zulugrass giveaway too
ReplyDeleteI now follow this blog.
ReplyDeleteI like the grippy suede roo in chocolate.
ReplyDeleteThe Pink Classic LIttle dipper is my fave. Thanks for the chance. mogrill@comcast.net
ReplyDeleteThe classic-lined shoe, Buster, in Black and Green is my first choice. Cute!
ReplyDeletefourvikings4victory AT gmail DOT com
I am a Fan of Mkokopelli on Facebook.
ReplyDeletefourvikings4victory AT gmail DOT com
I am a Fan of Soft Star Shoes on Facebook.
ReplyDeletefourvikings4victory AT gmail DOT com
There is a playroom at Soft Star Shoes where the elves' children and families who visit can play!
ReplyDeletefourvikings4victory AT gmail DOT com
I subscribed to your blog :-)
ReplyDeletefourvikings4victory AT gmail DOT com
I entered the LegHuggers giveaway.
ReplyDeletefourvikings4victory AT gmail DOT com
The MKokopelli Fall Week button is on my FB page.
ReplyDeletefourvikings4victory AT gmail DOT com
We love soft star and are about to order our 3rd pair! I also love the chocolate Naomi's they would look adorable with any outfit!
ReplyDeletedestmax1@gmail.com
button issue
ReplyDeletesign me upc
ReplyDeleteI'd get the Lace Boot / ShoeNorth Star-Brown boots if I won
ReplyDeletemerylmoonATgmailDOTcom
I subscribe via email
ReplyDeletemerylmoonATgmailDOTcom
I tweeted
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/Merlaur
merylmoonATgmailDOTcom
I'm a softstar fan on FB
ReplyDeletemerylmoonATgmailDOTcom
I learned that they are located in Oregon, like me!
ReplyDeletemerylmoonATgmailDOTcom
I entered the hazelaid giveaway
ReplyDeletemerylmoonATgmailDOTcom
I'll get the Design Your Own Rambler for kids in Hot Pink with a star cut out in red. They are my daughter's favorite shoes and we ge a new pair every 6 months for her.
ReplyDeleteI forgot to leave my email address....
ReplyDeleteIt's harmonychristopher@yahoo.com
red mary janes
ReplyDeleteI would get a pair of all ocean ramblers with sheepskin soles for my five-year-old son!
ReplyDeleteblaproductions@yahoo.com
I became a fan on facebook for my extra entry!
ReplyDeleteI would get a pair of all ocean ramblers with sheepskin soles for my five-year-old son!
blaproductions@yahoo.com
I would love these Vegan Phoenix
ReplyDeleteBoot if I won!
Fan of yours on facebook and following on twitter
ReplyDeleteI subscribe to your blog via email
ReplyDeletebecame a fan of soft star shoes on facebook. shelly henley
ReplyDeleteI learned you can customize your pair of shoes!
ReplyDeleteI entered the zulugrass giveaway
ReplyDeleteshiny red mary janes for my coworkers daughter! yay!
ReplyDeleteI am an email subscriber of your blog.
ReplyDeleteTweet #1
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/lilshuga2001/status/4660572397
Tweet #2
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/lilshuga2001/status/4660572397
Tweet #3
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/lilshuga2001/status/4660572397
I learned that they are located in Oregon! :)
ReplyDeleteI entered the Collar giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI entered and WON the Dog Treats giveaway! :)
ReplyDeleteI entered the Zulugrass Bracelets and Strands
ReplyDeleteI might get the Roo Moc Choco / Turquoise
ReplyDeletedigicat{AT}sbcglobal{DOT}net
I follow you on Twitter @cezovski
ReplyDeletedigicat{AT}sbcglobal{DOT}net
Hi I"ll foolow all of you on twitter. So meet you there.
ReplyDeleteSize 13 shoes
I would get the Pink Flower Mocs in size 2 years.
ReplyDeletenoggysnotes[at]yahoo[dot]com
I am a follower of the MKOKOPELLI blog.
ReplyDeletenoggysnotes[at]yahoo[dot]com
I would get the pink confetti mocassin
ReplyDeleteI like the Navy MultiStripes Swedish moccasins
ReplyDeleteHi! I'd get my youngest daughter a pair of shiny purple Mary janes :)
ReplyDeletemlgaston@gmail.com
I became a fan of Soft Star shoes on facebook.
ReplyDeleteMlgaston@gmail.com
I learned that Soft Star shoes has a fantastic return policy, even on custom "design your own" shoes!
ReplyDeleteI became a fan of mkokopelli on facebook!
ReplyDeleteMlgaston@gmail.com
I would choose the Ocean Ramblers
ReplyDeleteI'm following you on Twitter. (My Twitter name is @ThriftyJinxy)
ReplyDeletemy fav classic shoe lil dipper in pink my little neice would be adorable in them.
ReplyDeletethanks for the contest
carlie08@gmail.com
I love the Suede Roo
ReplyDeleteNavy/Lavender :)
I would get the Youth Suede Roo Red/Choco. garrettsambo@aol.com
ReplyDeleteI would get the Youth Suede Roo Red/Choco.
ReplyDeleteentered Rudbeckia.giveaway
ReplyDeletefollower
ReplyDeletesubscriber
ReplyDeleteBecome a Fan of Soft Star Shoes on Facebook
ReplyDeletetweeted @momsfocus
ReplyDeleterajee@momsfocusonline.com
tweeted @momsfocus 2
ReplyDeletetweeted @momsfocus 3
ReplyDeleteBecome a Fan of Soft Star Shoes on Facebook
ReplyDeletegrab fall button
ReplyDeleteI'd get the Classic Lined Shoe
ReplyDeleteBuster-Choco/Pink
learned that The best shoes are ones that simply act as a protective second skin for the feet while they develop naturally.
ReplyDeleteread more
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Parents Magazine
AS FEATURED IN
February 2009 Kiwi Magazine. read more
ECO-FRIENDLY
shoes, people and processes.
read more
Soft Soled Moccasins, Leather Shoes,
Slippers & Boots for children and adults
Soft Star sandals, shoes, boots and sheepskin soled moccasin slippers for the entire family! The ultimate in high quality soft soled leather shoes -- the next best thing to bare feet!
We hand stitch colorful and durable shoes for you and your families as we have for the past 23 years. Not only do we make healthy shoes for babies and children, we also make great shoes for those barefoot-loving adults, too! All shoes are made in our Oregon, USA workshop and ship within 1-2 days. Extra wide feet? Narrow Feet? Because we custom make each pair, we have great shoes even for the most challenging feet -
I like the Smooth Viley Brown/Chocolate.
ReplyDeletedonna444444@yahoo.com
subscriber
ReplyDeletedonna444444@yahoo.com
Button on my blog.
ReplyDeletedonna444444@yahoo.com