Kiddie kicks
A few months ago, Liz and Isabel (hereinafter referred to as "Lizabel") and I took our children to an event at one of those daycare imaginariums, whereby New Balance launched its new line of Sesame Street-themed sneakers. I don't normally respond to stuff like this, but I was intrigued by this brand marriage because 1) I am a consumer of each, and 2) the shoes retail for about $50 each. So off did we merrily go, to see what creature this corporate coitus had wrought.
When we arrived, Jenny Nametag cordially invited the boys to have their feet measured and to choose from three designs -- Elmo, Cookie Monster, or Oscar the Grouch. TwoBert instantly chose Oscar, with whom he has always had a special rapport, and went off to tackle the guy in the Elmo costume.
Robert was a bit more circumspect, since he left the land of Enchanting Children's Programming a long time ago. And in true, insouciant-six-year-old fashion, he proudly assured Ms. Nametag that when he got the shoes he was going to sell them on eBay, and use the funds to buy Yankee tickets.
Six to eight weeks later, the boxes arrived. And TwoBert demanded to be outfitted immediately. The shoes fit perfectly, and he was rarely out of them for the next several weeks--effectively abandoning the sandals that took about a tenth of the time to put on. Here's a shot of the boy, rocking his new kicks on the subway:
Robert was largely indifferent to his new treads (shown below, with patriotic hosiery), because Cookie Monster is neither a super hero nor associated with any tentpole movie franchise:
He boxed them up lovingly and put them away, lest the product be damaged and reduce the resale price online. But one day, as we prepared for a baseball playdate, he asked if he could wear them (as seen below, in the middle of his pitching windup). I was surprised by this, and when I asked Robert about it, he said he wanted to show off his new "baby shoes."
So in summary: the Sesame Sneakers are durable, yet flexibly-soled enough for a three-year-old to get a strong running start before he head-butts you in the crotch. They are laced, which might be a little burdensome. And they are an excellent medium for a six-year-old to convey to his startled parents that he has discovered irony.
They make those puppies in a size 11, homeboy? I'm thinking we could start a new trend.
Posted by: MetroDad | September 09, 2008 at 14:13
I know this is mostly about the 6-year-old discovering irony, but "get a strong running start before (the 3-year-old) head-butts you in the crotch" was too hilarious! I think I have a side-ache. I think I'll be laughing all day.
So what about those Yankees tickets?
Posted by: Louise | September 09, 2008 at 14:14
When my 3-year-old sees the TV commercials for those shoes, he asks us to rewind so he can watch it over and over. That's between head-butts.
Posted by: Pamela | September 09, 2008 at 15:05
ha, those shoes are so awesome! But I agree; velcro is practically a necessity for the under-five set.
Posted by: De in D.C. | September 09, 2008 at 15:36
i'm pretty sure my husband would wear a pair of cookie monsters.
Posted by: megachick | September 09, 2008 at 16:23
I would totally rock the Oscar shoes if they made them in adult sizes.
Posted by: Sherry | September 09, 2008 at 17:23
Both are stylin'! I wonder what "Ulysees" will be into when it comes time to buy him some happenin footwear. I am starting the fund now.
Posted by: E | September 09, 2008 at 17:25
I love the shoes...where can they be purchased? The boys look adorable! You did good dad...I don't know if I could take the whoe Ms. Nametag and Seame Street all in one day!
Posted by: dot | September 09, 2008 at 17:27
I have small feet so I am pretty sure I can go and score a pair of these for myself - in Oscar the Grouch of course.
Posted by: Sleepynita | September 09, 2008 at 18:12
I would so rock a pair of those Oscar shoes, they're very cool.
Posted by: Anissa@Hope4Peyton | September 09, 2008 at 19:33
Two-Bert has good taste. I have always had an affinity for Oscar myself, Celtics color scheme notwithstanding.
Posted by: anna | September 09, 2008 at 20:06
I gotta say they look precious on Two-Bert's little 3YO feet but I can understand Robert's hesitancy. It's hard to look tough with cookie monster on your feet - what are you really saying with your brand selection? I like cookies? When around sugary treats I freak out and am unable to speak in complete sentences? I get the impression that Robert is far too sophisticated for that kind of simple brand statement. Perhaps a slick pair of Vans for him? straight up Converse high-tops?
Posted by: Beth | September 09, 2008 at 22:28
Those are the cutest ever!
Posted by: Jacque Ruch | September 10, 2008 at 07:43
Those shoes are tastefully done for character-themed shoes. I love the Oscar pair - his eyes peeking out above the laces!
And thank god they have Cookie Monster actually eating cookies!! Not fruits and vegetables. The PC-ification of Cookie Monster really irks me. sorry for the mini-rant...
Posted by: elfini (Dawn) | September 10, 2008 at 13:54
I want some Oscar shoes! Those are awesome! (I might even settle for NB's that color!) But then I also want shoes that light up when I walk. Whatcha gonna do?
Posted by: Carrie | September 10, 2008 at 13:56
What a great marketing idea - but $50 for growing kid sneaks is a little pricey.
Posted by: Alli | September 10, 2008 at 14:28
LOVE them. Seriously going to buy a pair for Benjamin.
Thanks for sharing. Lucky you!
Posted by: Ms. Single Mama | September 11, 2008 at 14:12
Oh, those have got to be the best shoes ever!
Posted by: Lis Garrett | September 16, 2008 at 16:02
Ok, I totally love these shoes!!! They need to make them in adult sizes and in Elmo because he is my favorite character!!!!!
Although I would go with Cookie Monster if they won't do Elmo.....
I know, I'm lame!!
Posted by: Becky | September 25, 2008 at 18:58