About Plae Shoes
Plae is an American footwear brand on a mission to make shoes that are as playful as they are practical. Founded by two dads, Ryan Ringholz and Jonathan Spier, Plae was born out of a desire to create high-quality, durable shoes for kids that could keep up with their active lifestyles.
Ringholz and Spier partnered with renowned podiatrist Dr. Mark Weiss to develop shoes that not only look good but are designed with the health of growing feet in mind. The result is a collection of sneakers, boots, sandals and more that are comfortable, supportive, and built to last.
But Plae isn‘t just for kids. The brand also offers a range of shoes for adults who want the same combination of style, comfort and quality. And they do it all with a commitment to sustainability, using eco-friendly materials and manufacturing processes whenever possible.
Plae has earned a devoted following and glowing reviews from publications like Vogue, Forbes, and People magazine. With over 300,000 followers on Facebook alone, it‘s clear this brand is striking a chord with fashion-forward families.
Plae Shoe Styles & Offerings
Plae has a wide range of shoe styles for both kids and adults. Their kids‘ collection includes:
- Sneakers
- Mary Janes
- Boots
- Sandals
- Water shoes
For women, Plae offers:
- Flats
- Sneakers
- Ankle boots
- Sandals
And for men:
- Sneakers
- Slip-ons
- Chukkas
Within each category, there are tons of fun colors and patterns to choose from. From shimmery metallics to neon hues to classic neutrals, Plae has options to suit every style.
Bestselling Plae Kids‘ Shoes
Some of Plae‘s most popular kids‘ shoes include:
Plae Ty Sneakers
The Ty is Plae‘s take on a classic sneaker. It features a stretchy knit upper, adjustable toggle closure, and the brand‘s signature durable rubber traction sole. The Ty comes in a huge assortment of colors, from basic black to metallic silver to fun hues like Lemon Drop and Blue Hawaii.
Plae Emme Mary Janes
For a dressier option, there‘s the Emme. These cute Mary Janes have a microsuede or metallic upper and a secure velcro closure. A padded heel collar and Plae‘s ergonomic, cushioned footbed keep little feet comfortable all day long. Choose from colors like Dusty Pink, Navy, and Silver Metallic.
Plae Mimo Water Shoes
The Mimo is Plae‘s answer to the perfect water shoe. Quick-drying and fast-draining, they‘re ideal for the beach, pool, or any splashy summer adventure. The Mimo has a lightweight, flexible EVA foam upper and an adjustable velcro strap for a secure fit. They come in toddler, little kid, and big kid sizes.
Plae Sam 2.0 Sandals
A sandal sneaker hybrid, the Sam 2.0 has a breathable mesh upper, adjustable straps, and a cushioned, contoured footbed. The durable rubber sole provides excellent traction. These versatile sandals come in toddler to big kid sizes and fun colors like Tango Mango and Royal Robot.
What Makes Plae Shoes Special
There are a few key things that set Plae shoes apart from other kids‘ footwear brands:
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Designed with doctors for healthy foot development. Plae partnered with a leading podiatrist to create shoes that promote natural foot motion and proper alignment. Features like a wide toe box, rounded edges, and flex grooves support healthy growth.
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Made with sustainable, eco-friendly materials. Plae uses recycled and natural materials like hemp, organic cotton, merino wool, chrome-free leather, water-based glue, and recycled rubber whenever possible. Even their packaging is made from recycled milk cartons!
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Machine washable for easy cleaning. Almost all of Plae‘s kids‘ shoes are machine washable, so they‘re easy to clean after muddy playground adventures or chocolate ice cream spills. Just toss them in the wash on a gentle cycle and let air dry.
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Interchangeable tabs for a custom look. Many of Plae‘s shoes have a tab at the heel that can be swapped out to change up the look. There are tons of fun design options, from emojis to superheroes to the brand‘s signature monsters.
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Innovative Grow With Me insole. Plae‘s removable, dual-density insole can be taken out as your child‘s feet grow, extending the life of the shoes by up to 2 sizes. No more buying new shoes every few months!
Plae Sizing & Fit
Plae offers shoes in toddler (4-9), little kid (10-13, 1-3) and big kid sizes (1-7). They provide detailed sizing information on their website, with printable size guides and instructions for measuring your child‘s feet at home.
Plae shoes tend to run true to size, but some parents find certain styles run a bit large. If your child is between sizes, the brand recommends sizing down in the Mimo and Ty sneakers.
The Emme and Sam 2.0 sandals tend to fit a bit more snugly, so you may want to size up if your child has wide or extra-wide feet. Plae also offers some styles in wide widths.
Plae Customer Reviews & Experiences
Plae has earned rave reviews from parents and kids alike. On the brand‘s website, most of their shoes have 4.5+ star ratings from hundreds of reviews. Here‘s what real customers have to say:
"These shoes are amazing! My son has sensory issues and is very particular about his shoes. The Ty sneakers are the only ones he will wear. They‘re lightweight, flexible and provide just the right amount of support. Plus, they‘re so easy to get on and off with the toggle closure." – Maria L.
"I love the Mimo water shoes for my kids. They dry so quickly and never seem to smell, even after a full day at the beach. The traction is great too – no slipping on wet pool decks. Well worth the price in my opinion." – Jennifer K.
"I bought the Emme Mary Janes for my daughter to wear as her school uniform shoes. She says they‘re super comfortable and never give her blisters. They still look great after a full school year of heavy wear. I‘ll definitely be buying them again next year!" – Emily T.
"I‘m so happy with the quality and durability of Plae shoes. My kids are really hard on their shoes – they‘re constantly climbing, running, and jumping. But their Plae sneakers have held up incredibly well. No scuffs, holes or separated soles. They‘re the only kids‘ shoes I buy now." – Adam W.
Plae Pros & Cons
To summarize, here are the key pros and cons of Plae shoes:
Pros
- High-quality, durable construction
- Thoughtful, kid-friendly design
- Eco-friendly & sustainable materials
- Machine washable for easy care
- Podiatrist-approved for healthy foot development
- Fun colors & patterns kids love
- Interchangeable tabs for a custom look
- Removable Grow-With-Me insole extends shoe life
- Free shipping & returns
Cons
- Pricier than some other kids‘ shoe brands
- Some styles may run large or small
- Not all adult shoes are available in half sizes
- Limited brick-and-mortar stores (mostly online)
Are Plae Shoes Worth It?
After thoroughly reviewing Plae‘s offerings, reading customer feedback, and testing out the shoes myself, I believe Plae shoes are absolutely worth the investment for most families.
Yes, they‘re more expensive than what you‘d pay at a big box store. But the quality, durability, and thoughtful design are unmatched. These shoes are made to last and can be passed down from one child to the next.
I love that Plae doesn‘t sacrifice style for the sake of function. Their shoes look just as good as they feel and perform. And with so many fun colors and patterns to choose from, kids can express their unique personalities.
Most importantly, I appreciate Plae‘s commitment to sustainability and foot health. It‘s rare to find a kids‘ shoe brand that prioritizes eco-friendly materials and consults with medical experts to promote proper development.
For parents looking for high-quality, long-lasting shoes their kids will actually want to wear, Plae is the way to go. And with their growing collection of adult shoes, parents can get in on the comfort and style too!
Plae Discounts & Promotions
As a more premium brand, Plae doesn‘t offer a ton of sales or discounts. But there are still ways to save on their shoes:
- Save 20% on your first order when you sign up for their email list
- Enjoy free shipping on orders over $50
- Shop their sale section for deals of up to 40% off
- Get early access to Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales
- Refer a friend and get $20 off when they make a purchase
Where to Buy Plae Shoes
The best place to buy Plae shoes is directly from their website, goplae.com. You‘ll find the widest selection of styles and colors there. Plae offers free shipping on orders over $50 and free returns within 30 days.
You can also find Plae at select retailers, including:
- Nordstrom
- Zappos
- Amazon
- Independent children‘s boutiques
Plae FAQs
Where are Plae shoes made?
Plae shoes are responsibly made in China, Vietnam, and Cambodia in factories that prioritize worker wellbeing and environmental responsibility. Many shoes feature recycled and natural materials.
Are Plae shoes vegan?
Not all Plae shoes are vegan, but they do offer a variety of vegan styles made without any animal products. Look for their "Vegan Friendly" badge when shopping.
What is Plae‘s return policy?
Plae accepts returns of unworn shoes within 30 days of purchase. Domestic returns are free. Sale items are final sale.
How do I clean Plae shoes?
Most of Plae‘s kids‘ shoes are machine washable. Remove the insoles, place the shoes in a mesh garment bag, and wash on a gentle cycle with cold water. Stuff the shoes with paper towels and allow to air dry. For non-washable shoes, Plae recommends spot cleaning with a gentle detergent.
Are Plae shoes good for wide feet?
Yes, Plae offers some styles in wide widths and many of their shoes feature an extra-wide toe box. The brand provides detailed sizing information to help you find the best fit.
Does Plae offer half sizes?
Yes, most of Plae‘s kids‘ shoes are offered in half sizes. However, some of their adult shoes are only available in whole sizes.
Can Plae shoes be resoled?
No, Plae shoes cannot be resoled. But their durable construction and Grow-With-Me insole system help extend the life of the shoes, so resoling isn‘t necessary.
The Final Verdict on Plae Shoes
For parents looking for high-quality, stylish, and eco-friendly shoes for their kids (and themselves!), Plae is a brand worth investing in. With a focus on comfort, durability, and sustainability, Plae shoes are designed to withstand all the wear and tear active kids can dish out.
From playground-ready sneakers to water-friendly sandals to school-uniform-approved Mary Janes, Plae has a shoe for every occasion. And with their innovative Grow-With-Me technology and machine washable materials, Plae shoes provide long-lasting value.
But Plae isn‘t just for kids. The brand‘s adult collection delivers the same quality, comfort, and style busy parents need to keep up with their little ones.
While Plae shoes do come at a premium price point, I believe they‘re a worthwhile investment for families who value quality, sustainability, and foot health. And with free shipping, free returns, and occasional sales, there are ways to make Plae shoes more budget-friendly.
Overall, I highly recommend Plae to any parent or individual looking for shoes that are as playful and unique as they are practical and well-made. With Plae, you can feel good about what you‘re putting on your family‘s feet – and have fun doing it!
