Stride Rite

Overview

Stride Rite is a children's footwear company focused on shoes for infants, toddlers, and older kids. It operates as part of Wolverine Worldwide's portfolio and markets products globally through licensee Vida Shoes International. The brand emphasizes fit, comfort, and styles suited to childhood activities, with distribution via its website striderite.com and retail channels.

History

Founded in 1919 in Boston, Massachusetts, as Green Shoe Manufacturing Company by Thomas LaLonde, Jacob A. Slosberg, and Philip Green. It went public in 1960, adopted the Stride Rite name in 1966, and expanded through acquisitions including Keds and Sperry Top-Sider in 1979, Saucony in 2005, and Robeez in 2006. Acquired by Payless ShoeSource in 2007, later became part of Collective Brands, and now operates under Wolverine Worldwide.

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Products are manufactured through third-party suppliers, primarily overseas in Asia, as is standard in the footwear industry. No in-house manufacturing facilities are operated by Stride Rite or its parent Wolverine Worldwide.

Notable Products

• Soft Motion Shoes - Line designed with flexible soles and orthotic support for developing feet.
• Stride Rite SRT Sneakers - Tech-enhanced sneakers with scuff-resistant uppers and impact protection.
• Made 2 Play Shoes - Water-friendly shoes for active outdoor play.
• Ellie Shoes - Girls' dress shoes with cushioned insoles.

Reputation

Stride Rite is recognized among parents for reliable fit and comfort in children's shoes, with a heritage of quality construction. Professionals note its focus on pediatric-approved designs but criticize occasional durability issues in high-wear scenarios. The brand holds a solid mid-tier position in kids' footwear, valued for accessibility over premium performance.