The Stride Rite Children’s Group launched a collection of baby shoes built around Sensory Response Technology, a patent-pending design intended to improve how a child learns to walk and to encourage a healthy lifelong walking pattern.
The design problem
A child learning to walk needs two things that pull against each other. They need to feel the ground, because balance is learned through sensory feedback from the foot. They also need protection and support, which is what a shoe normally provides by getting between the foot and the ground.
Every design decision in the SRT collection is an attempt to give both at once.
How the shoes are built
- A sensory feedback system. An ultra-flexible construction allowing freedom of movement in many directions, so the foot can respond to what it is standing on, including uneven surfaces.
- An hourglass midfoot. The distinctive narrowed construction through the middle of the sole provides more natural support and reduces stumbles and falls.
- A rounded sole-to-upper transition. A smooth, rounded edge where the outsole meets the upper prevents the shoe catching an edge, which is a frequent cause of trips at this stage.
- Moisture-wicking linings, keeping the foot dry.
- Eco-friendly materials, including EVA heel cups and a partially recycled outsole.
- A Fit Check system in the removable insole, which signals to parents when it is time to see a fit specialist.
That last feature addresses a real problem. Children outgrow shoes faster than parents notice, and a child cannot reliably report that a shoe has become too small. A built-in indicator turns guesswork into a check.
The collection
The fall SRT collection comprised four designs for boys and seven for girls, in sizes 3 to 8 across a range of widths. Finishes included suede fringe and metallic leathers, in bold and bright colors.
The width range matters more than the styling here. Children’s feet vary considerably in width at this age, and a shoe available in one width only will fit poorly for a large share of them.
Frequently asked questions
What is Sensory Response Technology?
A flexible construction that lets a child’s foot feel and respond to the ground while still being supported and protected.
Why is the midfoot hourglass shaped?
The narrowed midfoot gives more natural support through the arch, which reduces stumbles.
What does the Fit Check system do?
It sits in the removable insole and indicates when the shoe has been outgrown and a fitting is due.
This report dates from 2009.
