Eleven & Tinysoles.com review...searching for the indistructable shoes...

Tiny Soles

I searched ALL OVER (the internet, that is) for shoes that Ella couldn't destroy in a matter of one recess (do they play in shoe-eating mulch or something??). I've tried cheap Target shoes, Pedi-peds, expensive European brands, Swiss made Vincents, and good-ol standby Stride Rite...and then I stumbled on Eleven, sister to See Kai Run.  The reviews promised me good things--cute shoes, great fit, indistructable.  So I ordered a pair for Ella and a pair for Keeton, who is equally tough on his shoes.  Keeton's are the Nolen style and Ella's are Cate.

Ordering from tinysoles.com was pretty easy.  They have a good selection of many quality kids' shoes and carry sizes up to youth.  After selecting the shoes I wanted I printed out their fit guide and had the kids stand on it while I traced their feet.  Of course, it appeared that their feet were just too big for one size (as in they would wear the shoes for oh, maybe a month).  The next size up seemed HUGE...it is really hard for me to tell with these European brands which ones I should get, so we went with the size conversion of what they are currently wearing instead.

They have free shipping over $20, so with that and a $10 off coupon code, I got a fairly good deal on these two pairs of shoes.  About 5 days later, the shoes arrived.  Eleven's packaging is really cute and the shoes didn't disappoint.  Tinysoles web images were right on as far as color and detail of the shoes.  Thankfully, both of the kids' shoes fit perfectly. In my opinion, that means that you'd be safe to order the converted US size your child normally wears.

Ok, Eleven brand, you look cute, the kids say you feel good...BUT...can you withstand the playground?  Off Ella went to school sporting her new shoes.  Off Keeton went to daycare, also wearing his new shoes.  Upon arriving home that day I checked the shoes out...so far, so good.  No scuffing or discoloration to be seen.

A month later...I am still fairly happy with the shoes.  Keeton's shoes are now somewhat scuffed at the toe, but in all fairness, he wears his shoes daily, unlike Ella.  My mom says he needs steel-toed boots, but for some reason, I can't find these in kid sizes.  Just kidding.

So, will I purchase Eleven brand again?  Probably, yes.  I can't say they are really any better than the other brands we've bought as far as how they withstand the kids' abuse, but they are darned cute and they are well made, so we will be back, I'm sure!