As Josh said in his review of Keen’s Whisper sandals for kids, Keen’s shoes for kids combines two of our favorite things—Keen, and our kids. The same things we love most about Keens are true for the kids’ versions too—they’re just smaller. Like I’ve said, no one makes shoes quite like Keen.
I had the chance for my kids to check out their Alamosa and their Amblers, and we all loved them. As a parent, I liked the fit and the construction—so many kids shoes are made cheaply, and it shows. These Keens have the same attention to detail and quality we’ve come to expect from Keen.
We’ve reviewed the big Alamosas, which Josh liked, and my daughter loved them too. The fit is good, and they’re breathable and yet durable. She can wear them anywhere, from the playground to a walk to almost anything. The rugged Alamosa is designed to handle the most rambunctious outdoor playtime—which she’s almost too big for.
My son, who is almost four, loves the Amblers as well, which I reviewed myself and wear frequently still. The little ones are a bit harder to get on than some out there, but I like how solidly they stay on once they’re on. They’re also wide for good footing once he’s in them, just like the big ones, and I like that. The abrasion-resistant mesh and leather upper will keep the Ambler looking sharp even after hundreds of laps around the playground.
Like the bigger versions, just gently brush them with a dry soft sponge or hand towel to remove loose dirt and restore nap of suede and nubuck shoes on a regular basis. Stains should be treated immediately with a solvent-based suede/leather cleaner—invest a little love in them, and they’ll have no trouble serving multiple generations.
If you need shoes for your kids and you want the very best for outdoors and recess, $55 for the Alamosas and Amblers at $45, we say go buy some Keens for kids!
