Natives vs Crocs

Remember back in February when I sang the praises of Native shoes, calling them the hipster alternative to Crocs? When I announced that Levi would wear a pair of sneaker-inspired Natives instead of slip-on Crocs as his Montessori indoor shoes?

Well, guess which mama bird has since changed her tune?

I still think Natives are better looking shoes; however, I simply could not slide Levi’s fat little feet into his pair of navy Native Jeffersons. His chubby footsies literally would not squeeze into the sneaker’s opening, and the rubber shoes were not stretchy enough for me to manipulate around his feet.

Desperate for a pair of easy-on, easy-off indoor shoes for school, I relented and bought Levi a pair of Crocs. Thankfully, I found a sleeker style more reminiscent of a sneaker than a clunky, bulbous-toed clog. And, if I’m being honest — I think they’re kind of adorable on him. Any shoe in a size 5.5 is adorable, right?

At first he was able to wear them with socks, but five months later, they only fit over his bare feet. There’s still plenty of room in the toe box, but the perforations leave faint circle impressions on the top of his feet after a day of play. It may be time to finally go up a size.

Would I rather have Levi wear a pair of Native shoes? Of course — they are way cooler. But sometimes being practical wins over being fashionable, especially when you’re dealing with little kids.

P.S. - Did you know that you can now buy copycat Native Jefferson shoes at Old Navy? I bought Levi a pair of the perforated slip-ons, but he doesn’t wear them anymore because the holes left major circle impressions on his bare feet when he wore them outside to play with his water table!