At the debut edition of INDX National Kids Footwear Show, we caught up with some of the exhibitors to get the latest industry updates, from brand launches and new ranges to collaborations and milestone anniversaries.
Kizik
Represented at INDX National Kids Footwear Show by Unify Brand Partnerships, Kizik (pictured above) creates innovative ‘hands-free’ shoes designed for frictionless motion. Thanks to built-in patented technology, the heels of the shoes compress when putting them on and then spring back into place to hug the heel for a secure fit. Backed by over 200 patents, every Kizik style undergoes 30,000 heel compressions to guarantee long-lasting durability and responsiveness.
Contact: letschat@unify-bp.com
ToeZone
Alongside an extensive school shoe collection, which includes brand-new Barbie and Minecraft ranges, ToeZone offers a range of children’s wellies and umbrellas. Combining stylish and durable wellies with playful umbrellas sees rainy days turn into exciting outdoor adventures. Designed for comfort and protection, ToeZone’s wellies keep little feet dry, while the colourful umbrellas add fun to every outing. A visual size guide features on the sole of each pair of wellies to ensure easy shoe size measuring and foot growth monitoring. Furthermore, all ToeZone wellies come with a free handy bag for easy storage.
Contact: info@toezone.co.uk
Start-Rite Shoes
The influx of new styles and contemporary colourways this spring marks yet another exciting s/s 25 collection for Start-Rite Shoes. However, this season, Start-Rite’s latest collection has gone above and beyond to demonstrate the brand’s ongoing commitment to quality fitted footwear for children, with the introduction of a new bespoke sole unit for toddlers and an entirely new line of machine washable first shoes. The updated sole unit has been fitted into a selection of styles new to Start-Rite’s First Steps collection, nurturing children’s foot development whilst still providing protection by offering a foot-shaped ‘nature form’ shoe with a higher, rounded toe and a balanced, rounded heel. Meanwhile, the new line of lightweight, washable first shoes – Wriggles by Start-Rite – are ideal for messy play. Practical and tested to the highest industry standards, these shoes retain their integrity and remain safe and comfortable, even after repeated cleaning. The removable cushioned footbed moulds to children’s feet for added comfort and support and is priced to capitalise on a fresh gap in market opportunity. With enhanced flexibility and a variety of fun designs, the new collection is sure to inspire those first steps.
Contact: customer.services@startriteshoes.com
Camper
Back in 1988, Camper challenged the notion that shoes must be identical by designing a mismatched pair, where the right shoe is different from the left, and vice versa. Today, this is celebrated as the iconic TWINS concept and is the inspiration behind a new collaboration with childrenswear brand Bobo Choses, comprising four new footwear options for kids. Camper x Bobo Choses embraces bold colours, contrasting materials and a mix of classic and contemporary styles, all in the playful spirit that characterises the two brands. Styles include a bold, multi-material summer trainer with a technical look, breathable materials and hook-and-loop straps; a fun twist on Camper’s technical Drift Trail trainer crafted from breathable recycled cotton; a fresh, playful take on the classic boat shoe featuring fringes in a contrasting colour; vibrant sandals made to enjoy the summer, with soft-feeling padded neoprene uppers; and strap-on, flexible sandals featuring a lasted construction.
Contact: letschat@unify-bp.com
Clarks
As well as presenting its children’s footwear collection at INDX National Kids Footwear Show, Clarks took the opportunity to highlight a major milestone: its 200th anniversary. For two centuries, Clarks has redefined shoemaking, evolving from a humble workshop in Street, Somerset, into a global cultural iconic brand. In 2025, Clarks is proudly commemorating this milestone with a series of celebrations that showcase its legacy of craftsmanship, innovation and impact globally. Kicking off this historic year, Clarks unveiled a documentary film in February, taking audiences on a journey through its 200-year evolution. Complementing the film is a limited-edition hardback book by Alexander Newman, which will be released later in 2025. In terms of children’s shoes, Clarks introduced its iconic kids’ range in 1836. By the 40s, it revolutionised kids’ shoe fitting with the launch of the Clarks kids’ foot gauge, a groundbreaking tool that prioritised foot health and proper shoe fit. Following World War II, Clarks Kids became a key driver of growth, evolving into one of the brand’s most significant business segments. The 50s marked another milestone when Clarks debuted its first-ever TV advertisement, focused on children’s products. These early campaigns educated parents on the importance of foot health, but the brand soon discovered the power of engaging children directly. Over the years, nostalgic collections like Clarks Commandos from the 60s, and Magic Steps and Hardware from the 80s, remain cherished in the hearts of many. Today, Clarks continues to captivate and entertain British children through imaginative collections and marketing initiatives. In 2023, it relaunched the Cica silhouette on Roblox, introducing The Cicaverse game, which engaged kids in the metaverse. The excitement continued in 2024 with two collaborative collections inspired by Netflix’s Stranger Things and a fresh iteration of the PlayPrints range, featuring playful Clarks characters.
Sole Purpose
Sole Purpose, a new brand in the children’s footwear sector, debuted at the INDX National Kids Footwear Show, bringing a fresh perspective on sustainable, high-quality children’s shoes. With over 15 years of experience in footwear manufacturing from its parent company, Sole Purpose is addressing the growing demand for eco-conscious, premium-quality footwear that doesn’t compromise on style or comfort. The collection, launching for a/w 25, offers timeless, multi seasonal designs for ages 2 to 12 years. As well as versatile casual styles there is a Back to School range featuring premium details, such as removable insoles for added comfort and longevity. The shoes are crafted using Leather Working Group (LWG)-certified leathers and GRS-certified recycled materials sourced from post-consumer waste. In addition to using certified materials, the brand is also exploring verified take-back schemes and recycling initiatives, such as Fast Feet Grinded. Sole Purpose has identified that while sustainability is a key focus, many retailers still have not fully embraced sustainability in children’s footwear, despite growing consumer demand. With forthcoming regulations like Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) reshaping product lifecycle management, Sole Purpose is positioning itself to create sustainable products that meet both current consumer needs and future sustainability standards. The brand is also committed to enhancing supply chain transparency, ensuring every stage aligns with ethical and environmental goals, offering customers clear and substantiated information. Sole Purpose is actively seeking retail, wholesale or online partners that share its commitment to sustainability and long-term growth.
Contact: info@sole-purpose.co.uk
Zig + Star
Award-winning footwear brand Zig + Star is launching a barefoot infant collection in autumn 2025. Combining its cool, unisex design and podiatrist-approved fit, the collection will also feature the brand’s removable Good-To-Grow midsole, which increases the fit for longer wear. The collection will be available in an array of colours, including Zig + Star’s signature animal print and standout colour combinations.
Contact: ali@zigandstar.com
Slipfree®
At INDX National Kids Footwear Show, Slipfree® UK & IRL unveiled a rebrand alongside the launch of its new s/s 25 collection, marking the next step in the company’s mission to keep children safe while they play, both in and out of the water. After seven successful years of growth in the UK and Ireland, the new look is all about embracing a brighter, more fun design that resonates with kids and parents alike while providing a modern, cohesive visual identity that translates across both online and offline platforms. “Safety is at the heart of everything we do, and our new branding reflects that,” said Jo Robinson, director of Slipfree UK. “We’re passionate about protecting little feet while giving them the freedom to play, which is why we’ve refreshed our look to reach even more parents and families.” In tandem with the rebrand, Slipfree® is launching a fully redesigned website to enhance the customer experience. Designed with parents in mind, the new website will help customers easily navigate the range of Slipfree® products and understand how they contribute to safety in the many environments they can be worn in.
Contact: wholesale@slipfree.co.uk
INDX National Kids Footwear Show runs alongside INDX National Kidswear Show and will return on 6-7 July 2025. For further information and visitor registration, please click here. For exhibitor and stand enquiries, contact Varsha Chohan at varsha.chohan@cranmorepark.co.uk.