Bizstartup.ie - NewsMum sets up online shoe store

The company provides soft-leather baby shoes in fun and funky designs for babies aged 0-18 months.

“My son had received a lovely pair of red soft-soled leather shoes when he was born, which were great. Not only did they allow his little feet to grip and keep balance, they protected him from slipping due to the suede sole and so helped him to have the courage to move around more easily and safely. When I went in search of a new pair for him, I was astonished at the price, which, for a growing baby, seemed totally uneconomical especially in a recession!”

Pearce Hogan adds that pediatricians have recommended soft-soled shoes for babies up to two years of age to promote healthy foot and muscle development.

Affordable but safe

“I felt I had a responsibility to do something about this for all those other parents and their babies, who, like me, wanted the best for their children too. I needed to provide a soft-leather baby shoe that was affordable without compromising on quality or safety. This is when the idea of Shoobees was conceived.”

Shoobees are made from eco-friendly soft leather, says Pearce Hogan, and have a non-slip soft sole: “This allows your baby to feel the ground beneath them maintaining their balance, promoting the healthy development of the leg and foot muscles and bones.” They are also elasticated, have a wide fit, and are made from non-toxic, eco-friendly materials.

One clever feature of the site is that delivery is free to anywhere in the world. As well as this, the €15.95 price tag for most of the designs is substantially cheaper than rival soft-leather shoes for children.

Pearce Hogan’s next move is to get her shoes out to a wider audience.

“We will have a stand at the pregnancy and baby fair in the RDS on 9 and 10 October which we are really excited about,” she says.

Photo: Shoes on sale on www.shoobees.ie