An alternative to Crocs

Levi starts his part-time Montessori program today! Monday was actually supposed to be his first day, but I ended up taking him to the pediatrician’s office instead of school because I was convinced he had RSV — again. Turns out he actually had an ear infection.

Note to self: Do not use the internet as a diagnostic tool.

At Montessori, the children (even the toddlers) switch from outdoor shoes to indoor shoes when they arrive. I believe that back in the day slippers were actually worn because Maria Montessori was trying to create a home-like environment for her students. Nowadays, changing shoes probably has more to do with creating a routine for the kids and keeping the floor clean of outside dirt and mud.

I noticed during our visit that the toddlers in Levi’s class were mostly wearing Crocs. His teacher also recommended them because they’re easy to clean (especially during, ahem, potty training). However, I’ve never been a huge fan of Crocs — and not just from a fashion perspective. Putting a toddler who only recently learned how to walk into a pair of mules doesn’t seem like the safest option. Yes, I know they have an optional heel strap, but they still don’t seem very secure to me. (Wouldn’t the strap dig into the heel?) Plus, aren’t Crocs meant to be loose-fitting?

Instead, I’m getting Levi a pair of Native shoes. They appear to be just as easy to clean as Crocs, but I prefer that they’re designed like slip-on sneakers and boat shoes (omg, boat shoes!) instead of mules. Form and function! Now I just have to choose a style and a color…

Which Native shoes do you prefer: Miller, Howard, or Jefferson?

Available online at Zappos and Nordstrom.