Every Child to Get the "ritefit" at Stride Rite Fit Events

LEXINGTON, Mass., Jan. 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Stride Rite Children's Group (SRCG), the number one choice of moms for baby shoes* and the number one footwear brand and retailer of shoes for children under four years old**, is inviting families to attend Stride Rite Fit Events at Stride Rite stores and select Dillard's locations nationwide Jan. 25-Feb. 21. During these special Fit Events parents will receive the always-available expert fittings by Stride Rite fit specialists, and will also learn more about the importance of the "ritefit" and the "rite" shoes for their child's foot development, receive measurement record card for their child, as well as get helpful shoe shopping tips developed with APMA podiatrists at www.striderite.com.

"At Stride Rite, we are committed to ensuring the "ritefit" and the "rite" shoes for every child every day. Fit matters because a child's foot is not fully formed until their teen years, and the most critical foot development occurs in the first seven years," said Sharon John, Stride Rite Children's Group President. "By hosting these events, we want to help parents understand more about the importance of foot measurement and about how quickly children's feet can grow and develop. At the Stride Rite Fit Events, parents will take home a measurement card in their child's name, including date measured and size and width of their feet."

Stride Rite is proud of its on-going partnership with APMA, the leading professional organization in the field of podiatric medicine and surgery, to share important information about children's foot health. Several models of Stride Rite footwear have also received the APMA's Seal of Acceptance. "Our organization is excited to support the Stride Rite Fit Events to help educate parents about foot development," said Michael King, DPM, president of APMA. "Starting at birth, parents should pay close attention to their child's feet, from proper grooming to gait. This will ensure a solid foundation to prevent bone, back, and muscle problems later in life."  

Stride Rite and the APMA would like to help ensure that parents are able to find the "ritefit" and the "rite" shoes for their child with some helpful tips below:

• Make sure to see a professional, such as a Stride Rite fit specialist, trained in fitting shoes for your infant, toddler or young child in grade school.   
• Have your child's feet measured every 2-3 months until toddler years, then every 3-4 months.  
• Don't buy shoes that need "breaking in." Shoes should be comfortable from the beginning. Since a small child won't be able to tell you if a shoe is comfortable, observe your child walking around in the shoes for longer than a few minutes. Then, check each foot to make certain there are no irritation marks.  
• Make sure the shoe isn't too heavy. A heavy shoe can make your child walk irregularly, preventing the development of a normal walking pattern.   
• Surprisingly, arch support is not important for the smallest children.  Infants and toddlers have flat feet, made of cartilage, so they do not start developing arches until their early preschool years.    
• If a child complains of foot pain or discomfort, schedule a check-up with your local pediatric podiatrist.

To learn more and to find a retail store near you, visit www.striderite.com/efit.  To learn more about APMA, visit http://www.apma.org.

* Source: NPD Consumer Market Research, July 2011.
** Source: NPD US Consumer Footwear Panel Data, Dollar Sales, 12 months ending April 2011.

About Stride Rite Children's Group
The Stride Rite Children's Group, part of the Performance + Lifestyle Group of Collective Brands, Inc. (NYSE: PSS), markets leading brands of premium children's footwear in the United States, including Stride Rite®, Robeez® by Stride Rite®, Saucony® Kids, Keds® Kids and Sperry Top-Sider® Kids, among others. For over 90 years, the company has designed and engineered footwear specifically to meet the needs of growing children. Through our sole commitment to "Kid-RITE" innovation, quality, health and style, Stride Rite Children's Group's mission is to be the first choice for premium authentic footwear brands that kids love and moms trust. Visit www.striderite.com to learn more.

About American Podiatric Medical Association
The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) is the nation's leading professional organization for today's podiatrists. Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (DPMs) are qualified by their education, training, and experience to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle, and structures of the leg. APMA has 53 state component locations across the United States and its territories, with a membership of nearly 12,000 podiatrists. All practicing APMA members are licensed by the state in which they practice podiatric medicine. For more information, visit www.apma.org.

Media Contacts:
Stride Rite: Malinda Freitas, [email protected], 617-824-6231
RF|Binder: Stephanie Robinson, [email protected], 212-994-7532
APMA: Mike Kulick, [email protected], 301-581-9220

SOURCE Stride Rite Children's Group; American Podiatric Medical Association