Watching your toddler take the first steps is probably one of the most exciting moments as a parent.
Ensuring their little feet have the correct support and are comfortable becomes important for your busy toddler, who now wants to explore the world.
Lisa K, wife of South African pop star Danny K, has created her own shoe range Running Bear. Pic: Matthews Baloyi
When advocate and mother Lisa K, who’s married to local R&B singer Danny K, struggled to find shoes that were comfortable, functional and stylish and would benefit the development of their son, Jayden, she decided to design and create Running Bear Moccasins.
Designing these shoes proved to be the ideal marriage of her love for shoes and children.
Running Bear Moccasins are designed by K with love and care – and with the objective of always keeping in mind the growth and development of your little one’s precious feet.
The elasticised opening ensures the moccasins are not only easy to put on and take off but, most importantly, stay on.
These fashionable, soft leather moccasins imitate barefoot walking and help strengthen muscles and ligaments.
The name Running Bear was inspired by Jayden, who played a major part in deciding on the name.
“He has always been such an active, adventurous baby with an absolute love for animals. Together with those aspects of his personality and the American Indian undertone of the shoe, the name Running Bear felt so perfect,” said K.
The shoes she loves to wear formed a big part in the design of the shoes.
“I have always loved the bohemian style and classic moccasins. The Running Bear moccasin with fringes highlights exactly that. I always kept in mind functionality, comfort and versatility while still catering for the more funky and stylish baby.
“When deciding on the colours, I focused on what was practical, like the little black moccasin but also included colours that are fun and playful which will have your little one standing out in the crowd,” said K.
She has plans to extend the range. “I am constantly getting requests from clients to make the shoes in bigger sizes. I am designing new styles for the moccasins and I am working on a new silhouette for older kids.”
On their style for Jayden, she said comfort with an added touch of style was key.
K offers the following advice on dressing toddlers: “When dressing and styling your toddlers, comfort is key but also combining cool, funky outfits. They are just too adorable and you have to take advantage of this cute phase in their lives.”
Lisa K reads a copy of the Running Bear storybook. Pic: Matthews Baloyi
A lovely addition to every pair of Running Bear shoes purchased is a complimentary children’s storybook titled The Story of Running Bear.
The book was exclusively conceptualised and dreamed up by K herself, who wanted to add a special touch to the brand.
K and Danny are now expecting their second child – another tiny pair of feet to show off mom’s designs.