Which Bobux Shoes should I get for my child?

Alot of our customers love Boboux shoes, but they often ask us which shoes they should be getting, depending on what stage their child is at. So here’s a quick overview of what each Bobux style is designed for and what the benefits are….

Difference between step up and i-walk…

All of the Bobux ranges feature very specific attributes which work together to create an anatomically correct shoe for your child at every stage of development.

Two key elements are ensuring the correct shape and flexibility for each child’s needs, as these both change a lot between the crawling and walking stage.

step up and i-walk shoes are made on lasts that are different shapes. This is to accommodate for the change in your child’s foot shape over this transition period.

The construction of a step up and i-walk are also different. The step up range is designed to move and flex to allow for crawling. The i-walk range are designed for confident walkers that spend all of their time on their feet, therefore do not require as much flex back.

The step up and i-walk ranges both include the sizes 20-22…why?

Not every child starts to walk at the same age or when they get to a certain foot size.

An early walker will need the benefits of an i-walk shoe at a size 20.

A later walker will need the benefits of a step up shoe up until a size 22, therefore a crossover in sizes is necessary.

step up: alternating between crawling and walking

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step up shoes are designed for pre-walkers that are alternating between crawling and walking.

Features include…

- A rounder, anatomical shape to reflect the natural shape of a crawler’s foot.

- Light-weight sole for extra flexibility for bend front and back.

- Full rubber sole with thin tread adds grip without adding extra rigidity.

- No use of stiffeners for full range of motion when crawling or walking.

i-walk: confident walkers on the go

i-walk are designed for those children that are walking 100% of the time.

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Features include…

- A narrower, anatomical shape to reflect the natural shape of an active walker’s foot.

- Thicker sole for extra durability for fulltime walkers.

- Multiple flex points and notches on the outside of the sole walls to add flexibility.

- Minimalistc stiffeners to support young feet from the everyday hustle and bustle.

KCMODE.com are official stockists of Bobux shoes. See our range of Bobux shoes at www.kcmode.com/bobux-88-c.asp. If you are wanting shoes that we currently aren’t showing in stock, just drop us an email at contact@kcmode.com and we should be able to get them for you!

Let us know what you think at www.twitter.com/kcmode and www.facebook.com/kcmode.com1!

What is so good about Fitflops?!

Alot of out customer is store have been going crazy of Fitflops, and alot of others have been asking us – “What are Fitflops and why are they so popular?”
So we got together with our good friends at Fitflop to tell you all the secrets!

HOW THEY WORK

TECHNOLOGY

FitFlop™ sandals were first created in 2007, after Dr David Cook and Darren James – both biomechanists at London South Bank University – collaborated with Marcia Kilgore (businesswoman and busy mum) to create the world’s first muscle-activating flip flop. Over twelve million pairs have been sold since, and now they’ve branched out into clogs, sneakers, shoes and boots too.

FitFlop footwear features a patent-pending Microwobbleboard™ midsole which can help increase the time that your muscles are engaged every single time you take a step:

 RESEARCH

London South Bank University

Case studies conducted by biomechanists at the Human Performance Centre, London South Bank University, show that wearing FitFlop™ footwear can:

• Increase bottom muscle activation (up to 30% longer)
• Increase hamstring muscle activation (up to 16% longer)
• Reduce knee joint stress (up to 20%)
• Reduce hip joint stress (up to 8%)
• Reduce ankle joint force (up to 11%)

Salford University

FitFlop’s Microwobbleboard technology was also tested independently in studies at Salford University by Dr Philip Graham Smith and Richard Jones, which showed that wearing FitFlop footwear reduces foot pressure concentration. Research is continuing with the university’s research team as part of an ongoing UK government-funded Knowledge Transfer Partnership to understand the biomechanical benefits of FitFlop footwear.

FOOT PRESSURE STUDIES
Results of a study conducted by Salford University – comparing a foot in a FitFlop sandal to a foot wearing a control shoe – showed average reductions in the overall pressure-loading rate* (-25%), pressure in the toes (-30%) and pressure in the heels (-15%). An average 8% increase in contact area between the foot and the midsole was observed in FitFlop wearers with the increase manifesting mainly under the arch area.

*The speed at which you apply forces to the body.

Data was collected on 20 healthy female subjects using the Medilogic in-shoe pressure system. Each subject walked wearing pressure insoles in FitFlop sandals and a high-street flat pump.

So thats the technology, what about the styles…..below we’ve given a sneak peak of some of the range we’ll be stocking for SS12…..

So couple this great technology with these fantastic designs, and then you know why this is one of the biggest and best brands around!

KCMODE.com are official stockists of Fitflop shoes. See our range of Fitflops shoes, sandals and sneakers at http://www.kcmode.com/fitflop-159-c.asp. If you are wanting some shoes that we currently aren’t showing in stock, just drop us an email at contact@kcmode.com and we should be able to get them for you!

Let us know what you think at www.twitter.com/kcmode and www.facebook.com/kcmode.com1!

Lelli Kelly Zoo Project

We’ve had a lot of customers through the doors asking about Lelli Kelly Zoo! So what is the Lelli Kelly Zoo Project?!

The Zoo collection lets your daughter choose the shoes she wants whilst teaching her the difference between her right and left foot. If she wants a Giraffe on the right shoe and a Zebra on the left shoe, then you can now keep her happy! If she (and you!) can’t decide between 2 styles, then you can now have them both…what could be simpler. As always, you can of course simply just buy a pair of the same Lelli Kelly Zoo shoes – if thats what you want!

The best thing is, that no matter which animal you choose for the front of the shoe, the other an animals are all over the shoe shoe anyway!

Please note – that for Lelli Kelly Zoo shoes at www.kcmode.com the shoes price individually for left and right, and you will need to add a left shoe and a right shoe to you basket in order to ensure your order will be processed.

KCMODE.com are official stockists of Lelli Kelly shoes. See our range of Lelli Kelly shoes, boots and sandals at http://www.kcmode.com/lelli-kelly-87-c.asp. If you are wanting some shoes that we currently aren’t showing in stock, just drop us an email at contact@kcmode.com and we should be able to get them for you!

Let us know what you think at www.twitter.com/kcmode and www.facebook.com/kcmode.com1!

Which Caterpillar Boots are right for you?

KCMODE.com are official stockists of Caterpillar boots, and we know that deciding which boots to get can be a real minefield! So we’ve taken the time with out friends from Caterpillar to give a summary of the best CAT boots for this winter and an idea of what they are all about!

CAT ANNA BOOTS – This great new boot is an update of an old Cat classic, the Mardy Fur. Part of the rugged collection the Anna with synthetic fur lining is not only warm for those wintery days – it’s tough, durable and ultra fashionable and you feel great in it! You can wear it with jeans or a vintage dress, pulled up or even rolled down to show off that snug fur detail.


CAT CARIBOU BOOTS – This is the ultimate winter boot. Tall shafted and faux fur lined for protection and warmth. The full length D-ring lacing system allows for an easy fit and looks great too, especially when worn over skinny jeans. Suede and felt upper materials offer a natural, casual look.

CAT CLARITY BOOTS – Clarity is a classic style from the iTECHNOLOGY range meaning all day comfort performance. It is ankle height and features a great knitted collar with leather tab detail. It also includes D-ring hardware detail for a secure lacing system Be sure that you can rely on Clarity when you’re navigating the city.

CAT MOLTEN BOOTS – The Molten is the perfect winter partner. It is a pull on style that is mid calf length in height and features a sleek outsole design, protective toecap feature and real shearling trim at the top of the boot for warmth. The upper utilizes rich waxy suedes and wool to complete this cold weather story.

CAT JANE FUR BOOTS – This is a calf length lace up boot with a side zip for easy entry. The leather is distressed and the style features a toecap detail. Faux fur lining provides insulation whilst looking great at the same time! Wear loose or even rolled down over denim or with a summer dress for the ultimate relaxed / casual look.

CAT JADE BOOTS – This rugged calf length boot is offered in a waxy leather. Further detail includes, biker style strap and buckle feature, mudguard toecap design and inside zip for easy foot entry. Check out the printed lining!

CAT NARCISSA BOOTS – The Narcissa is a 9 eyelet lace up boot. The discerning feature is the ability to fold down the collar to expose the contrast fleece lining. A great look that also provides thermal properties for the cold seasons ahead. Available in CAT’s most popular luxury full grain leather.

KCMODE.com are official stockists of Caterpillar boots. See our range of CAT boots at www.kcmode.com/cat-footwear-127-c.asp. If you are wanting CAT boots that we currently aren’t showing in stock, just drop us an email at contact@kcmode.com and we should be able to get them for you!

Let us know what you think at www.twitter.com/kcmode and www.facebook.com/kcmode.com1!

EMU vs UGG Boots – Which are better!

EMU boots at KCMODE.comAs official stockists of EMU boots, we get alot of people emailing us and asking us “whats the difference between UGG boots and EMU boots”! We even get people asking “are EMU boots the same as UGG boots?”. The answer is no, but there are obvious similarities, such as the EMU stinger boots using sheepskin in a similar way to UGG boots.

In our view, EMUs have a sturdier heel, and seem to be thicker and more comfortable than UGGs. On the other hand, you will certainly see more people in the UK and Europe wearing UGG boots, but we expect that to change in the next few years as EMU boots become more and more popular in this part of the world.

Some of the feedback we have had is that EMUs are “chunkier” than UGG boots – but thats not necessarily a bad thing, in fact most seem to prefer it! EMU boots also seem to cheaper pound for pound, no matter where you look to shop…

One thing is for certain, more people have heard of UGG boots, which makes EMU boots a bit of a hidden gem. UGGs have been around on celebrity feet for a while now, but more and more celebs are now wearing EMU boots, even just in the last week we’ve seen Heidi Klum, Gwen Stefani and Denise Richards putting EMUs on their little girls’ feet!

For us, EMU boots just have the edge, on price and quality, but we can see why some people prefer UGGs. Alot of boot aficionados we know will only have one or the other though, and will firmly place themselves in either the UGG or the EMU camp, and will never stray to the other side!

KCMODE.com are official stockists of EMU Australia boots. See our range of EMU boots at www.kcmode.com/emu-australia-153-c.asp. If you are wanting EMU boots that we currently aren’t showing in stock, just drop us an email at contact@kcmode.com and we should be able to get them for you!

Let us know what you think at www.twitter.com/kcmode and www.facebook.com/kcmode.com1!

Abbey Dawn by Avril Lavigne at New York Fashion Week

Abbey Dawn the new fashion range by Avril Lavigne was on show at New York Fashion Week last week, and we got some our favourite photos from the show at http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.182964371779170.46433.120741658001442.

The range was a massive success and was modelled by Kim Kardashian’s young sister Kylie Jenner. Follow us at www.twitter.com/kcmode and like us at www.facebook.com/kcmode.com1 so stay in touch with range and when we expect it be arriving in SS12.

Make your kids’ shoes last longer and look better!

Our good friends at Bobux have given us some great advice on making your children’s shoes more durable and also to keep them looking good!

Leather is like our own skin and needs moisturising for best results. Bobux recommend using leather care products on all leather shoes, especially children’s. Children scuff their shoes easily – using them for brake pads when riding their bikes or just crawling on the concrete at kindy!

Here are a few tips and tricks we recommend to keep them looking top notch.

  1. Always leave wet shoes to dry naturally – never by artificial heat.
  2. Children’s feet sweat twice as much as adult which is why it is recommended to wear cotton socks with shoes. You can wear our leather shoes without socks but they need to be aired sufficiently before there next wear.
  3. Shoes will wear excessively especially around the toes due to kids activities – even more so if the shoes are too small. Children’s feet grow in stages so it is important to measure them regularly. It is recommended that children up until the age of 6 years need a foot check every 3 months.
  4. Beeswax polish is a great natural alternative that can be used on most nappa leather colours and it’s widely available.
  5. If the top layer of the nappa leather has been scratched off then a polish or wax with a high colour pigment will give colour and lustre back to the leather. A polish conditions and helps retain leathers natural oils. It masks scuffs and marks, enhances the colour and provides a protective layer from light rain and spills.
  6. Use a Waterproof Protector Spray for winter which can be sprayed on leather, nubuck and suede. You can use it on the whole family’s shoes (Woly Protector 3×3 Aerosol Waterproofing & Protector Spray utilises green technology and allows the leather to maintain its breathable membrane).
  7. Nubuck and suede are a different type of leather with a buffed surface. Cleaning Gum is a solid rubber block used just like an eraser and will easily remove most marks and scuffs on nubucks.
  8. Test polish on a small area of the shoe first and always follow the polish manufacturer’s application instructions.