Choosing the right kid’s shoes as they go back to school is always a challenge. You want something sturdy and versatile that will work with most of their clothes, keep up with them no matter how hard they run and play and that will stand up to changing weather conditions.

My daughter starts kindergarten this year and I have to say I’ve been stumped! Do I go with fashion or straight up durability and practicality? Do I choose an athletic shoe or do I go with a sturdy Mary Jane? So I perused my options over at Planet Shoes and I came up with a number of cute styles that will please the parent of daughter or son, girly girl or tomboy, athlete or bookworm!

Keen Coronado: Let’s start with the Keen Coronado’s. This is a cute and durable option from Keen, a shoe maker known for quality and making a shoe that can stand up to just about anything. This sneaker, in particular, is also made with eco-friendly construction in mind, offering a recycled PU and cork footbed and using an eco-friendly vulcanized construction.

The natural canvas is both breathable and strong and the look is classic and works perfectly for boys or girls depending on the size you choose. If you decide to go with the classic Converse inspired sneaker, consider the Keen Coronado for this fall!

New Balance KV993 Running - Do you have a preschooler heading into the hallowed school halls for the first time? One of the best options for an athletic or super active tyke is a great New Balance sneaker, with a Velcro closure. These are made for running around, so they are well cushioned and have reflective detailing for additional safety.

They are made with a suede and mesh upper which keeps the shoe comfortable in any temperature. Easy to get on and off and super supportive and durable, these kid’s sneakers are a great option for little boys or girls on and off the playground.

Simple Macaroon - Do you have a little girl on your hands who is likely to turn her nose up at a pair of sneakers, no matter how cute? Well, I have the compromise for you! The Simple Macaroon is an adorable Mary Jane style kid’s shoe that has the benefit of a rubber outsole and comfortable footbed.

As with all Simple Shoes, these sweeties are also very eco-friendly, using Organic cotton for the lining and the EVA pedbed covering. The rubber outsole used to be a car tire and these shoes ship in recycled boxes. So basically, you’ll be helping your little darling look adorable in the most comfortable and eco-friendly way possible! No downside!

Merrell Jungle Moc - Last, but certainly not least is the Merrell Jungle Moc, the classic Merrell slip on that combines simple styling, extreme durability and water and stain resistant exteriors. These shoes have a ton of benefits for kids – they are slip on’s, which make them easy for all ages, but they also offer fantastic traction and a great, snug fit because of the elasticity.

These shoes are sure to see them through the winter – and maybe you’ll swing over to the grown up section and pick some up for yourself!

We love Keen Shoes.

They are an active lifestyle brand that supports people in getting out into the world and having all kinds of interesting experiences and adventures! Offering styles that run the gamut from hiking and trail shoes, to casual comfort, Keen always maintains its commitment to durability and quality along the way. Keen Shoes offer four basic style concepts; Trailhead for hiking and performance, Waterfront for your amphibious needs, BLVD for the urban jungle and Market St. for every day casual wear.

Apart from their well made shoes and versatile styles, Keen is also a company that has made a commitment to social and environmental causes worldwide. Recently, they introduced their 100% Hybrid Box which is made of biodegradable materials, soy based inks and even water based latex glue. Easily collapsible for recycling, the boxes also weigh less than their predecessors which means that Keen shoes is saving money on shipping and emissions as well!

Recently, we were over on the Keen Shoes website and they are offering a great contest. If you enter, you can win a Volunteer Vacation in South Africa! The winner will be flown from a major metropolitan location to Cape Town, South Africa and housed in a dormitory while they are able to volunteer with a local Animal Rescue Society.

This is the kind of personal activism we love to see encouraged! Sure, you can win something, but the best part is you win the opportunity to see an amazing place from an amazing perspective while doing good work.

Way to go Keen Shoes! Now, click and enter to win!!

Ever since Desperate Housewives debuted, we’ve seen dark comedy and outrageous story lines out of Wisteria Lane’s fabulous inhabitants.

It has been a great place to get style inspiration. In fact, I found one of my favorite sandals last year through Susan Mayer, played by Teri Hatcher on the show!

The episode aired in early 2007 and although they’re more earthy then trendy, they are super comfortable and perfect for the outdoor enthusiast. I’m also plenty clumsy, just like Susan, so I love these shoes for their stability – and especially for the toe protection! I don’t mind emulating my favorite TV characters for style tips so I took the plunge with Keen!

Spring is approaching and we have a lot of travel and outdoor activities planned so I decided I wanted to check out some other Keen styles for this Spring.

Keen began with trail shoes and moved into the amphibious ready market to improve their versatility for the hiker! Not only are they committed to a number of environmental causes, they also design their shoes for maximum comfort, durability and ergonomics.

The Keen Newport is the closest to the sandal I bought in inspiration of my favorite Desperate Housewife. These are serious – designed for durability in any condition, well ventilated, well fitted and eco-friendly. With a leather upper and incorporating specially designed anti-microbial materials, these shoes are easy to maintain and unlike other sandals of this type, there is no annoying odor mid-summer.

I used them for gardening, hiking with my family and for just pulling on to hit the grocery store. They are also super long lasting – so if you decide to invest you’ll have them for many years!

I have my eye on a real alternate from Keen’s casual shoe line for this spring and summer. These are a cute and earthy version of a traditional Mary Jane made with waterproof Nubuck and a really cool elastic instep strap that ensures a snug fit.

The outsole is made from natural rubber and cork and they are fully lined with moisture absorbent canvas. I’m totally tempted by the funky Sweet Pea color and I can see them with capris, shorts and a bunch of summer dresses.

I’m also considering Keen for my family. With hiking in the Adirondacks on the docket for the summer, the Keen Newport H2 Kids would be a great choice for my daughter.

I swear all she does is trip because shoes are too loose or too tight so the adjustable fit of these durable hiking sandals would probably help her find her feet whether on the trail or navigating the river bed. Available in an array of colors, I know the pink hook and loop straps will make her love these despite their rugged look.

I’m telling you – this is why I love the media. I get inspiration from a crazy woman on a hilarious show and I find a shoe that I totally love that’s also environmentally friendly. Does it get any better than this?