Starting next month, my daughters will be attending a new daycare. While the major draw is its programming, I think I’m almost excited to be leaving the tire chip mulch from our old daycare behind. We’ll likely need to celebrate with some new shoes. This Pinky Tessa pair by Morgan & Milo is just the ticket–absolutely adorable and in the light colors we’ve been avoiding for too long because of the blackening effects of the tire chips. I think these will look great with just about anything from casual dresses to shorts and tees. They are available in toddler sizes from 6.5-12. You can purchase a pair for $37 at MyPrincessCloset.com.

It’s a bone of contention in our house that I won’t let my girls wear flip flops. While I can appreciate some aspects of that summer favorite, I just don’t feel like my girls’ feet are safe in them. I like these sandals from bathing suit favorite Kate Mack because they incorporate the practical elements of flip flops–easy to get on and off, water proof, etc., with safety features such as an ankle strap. They are pretty darn cute, too. Whether they are paired with a coordinating Kate Mack bathing suit or with shorts and a tee shirt, these are sure to be a hit with moms and kids alike. You can purchase a pair for $26 at bestdressedkids.com.

For a flashy and trendy diva kinda day, the Airspeed Toddler Girls’ Diva Sneakers are just the ticket. Pair them with a snazzy outfit (something by Gwen Stefani perhaps?), like a cool tank, a fun hat, and jeans, and she’s ready to lavish in all the attention she’ll get.  A wide Velcro closure will help get them on and off (as we all know how difficult—infuriating!!—putting shoes on kids can be.) If you’ve got boys, they’ve got similar styles for them as well. Nobody in the household has to lack in style, especially when these Size 8-11 sneaks are only $15 at WalMart.com.

I’m always up for finding something I haven’t seen on babies previously. With these Organic Cotton Shoes, I think I’ve found just that. In sweet pink (but with tons of other color options, like chocolate with tan trim or sage green with tan trim) and sizes up to 12 months, these Mary Janes are the perfect accessory to go with baby’s prettiest dress, especially a knitted one, or with a cute tee, knitted cardigan, and jeans. It doesn’t really matter—dress ‘em up or down! Either way, I would slide these $16.99 shoes onto my baby’s feet in a heartbeat…if I had a girl! Lucky for me, they’ve got boy versions at OrganicallyHatched.com too.

Your Couture Kid is currently having a 75% off Step into Summer Sale. You can receive these savings on a number of unique items, like these Cool Cat infant slippers from Apple Creek for $4.88. To snap up this deal or view the many other products currently discounted on the site, visit YourCoutureKid.com.

My oldest daughter has had some great Umi shoes over the years, but we have yet to try their pre-walkers. I currently have my eye on this pair which is so, so sweet. If the weather weren’t so warm and my baby weren’t barefoot all the time, I think I would already have ordered them. The little embroidered “friends” are as cute as can be, and the elastic heel band and concealed velcro look like they would really keep them in place. My only worry is that I’d have trouble matching them to her clothes because the design is so eye-catching. We’ve had this problem with some of our Robeez. You can purchase a pair of these fun little shoes for $30 at tinysoles.com.

Know someone who is expecting a baby this fall or winter? This sweet little pair of elephant booties by Little Chums would make a very thoughtful and budget-friendly gift. This cute pair of footwear is crocheted for a great homemade look. Each pair comes packaged in a felt box perfect for gift-giving. You can buy a set for $19.99 at babytango.com.

While cold-weather comfort is probably the last thing on your mind as temperatures climb, now’s a great time to get great deals on high end winter gear. Right now these Swedish Moccasins from top-brand Nowali are on sale for less than half price. You can pick up a pair for next winter for just $12 at BeetlesAndButterflies.biz.

I swear by Trumpette’s adorable line of socks, which are one of the few to stay on my baby’s feet. I was shopping the site recently and spied these adorable My Little Maryjane slippers. Available in sizes from 4/5 to 10/11, they are designed for a slightly older child, who will no doubt feel extra special wearing them. You choose between a daisy or pearl accent. Purchase a pair for $15 at trumpette.com.

Here is an updated boys’ classic that will work with just about any outfit. Made by Aldabella Scarpa, these high-quality leather shoes have that slightly rounded European look that I love. The chocolate brown and white color scheme is attractive and versatile. They are available in sizes from 3-7, and can be purchased for $40 at aldabellascarpa.com. I have a pair of the company’s shoes for my littlest one, and the quality is amazing. You will not be disappointed.

Though I know a few people who would love cowboy boots for their babies, I think these are hideous. I’d cringe if I saw them on a baby, to be honest, because they’re funny shaped, very shiny, and a little too humorous (the “spurs” are quite the addition and the pink pair is a sad sight to behold.) If you’ve got your own little cowpoke, however, you can find them at psychobabyonline.com for $42. They’re made of black patent for that “just polished” sheen and can be purchased to fit babies 0-24 months. Perfect for an Old West themed party or wedding, I’m sure. Look around the site for a “Crawl the Line” onesie to match, add some jeans, and baby’ll be ready to wield a lasso and ride off into the sunset.

Since it’s summer and I like to keep something on my little one’s feet while we’re out and about, sitting him on blankets outside or hauling him around in the buggy or Mei Tai, I’ve been thinking about shoes. I like slip on shoes (easy on, easy off) that are as close to bare feet as possible (for baby’s comfort.) The Me in Mind Skull Slip On really caught my eye. Though it’s a little over my budget (I bought a super cute $3 pair of slip ons on sale at Wal-mart), if your budget’s got room for them, they’re $26 at PsychoBabyOnline.com.  Very boyish (though they’d really stand out on a girl in a pink dress), they’re ideal for matching to most outfits.

When it comes to water shoes, our family is divided. Half us us wear KEENS, the other half Tevas. Tevas became popular late in my high school days, but somehow I have never owned a pair (well, except for a pair of their hybrid sneakers). In general, I’m just not much of a sandal person, so I don’t tend to buy them for my kids. My partner, on the other hand, lives in them in the summer, and his kids have grown to love them too.

I have to say that they are growing on me because they are so practical (fast-drying, easy to clean). The appearance has grown on me a bit too, with the appearance of fun patterns like this bright red and yellow Daisy print. This particular pair comes in kids sizes and retails for $32.50. You can purchase them at tinysoles.com.

I was breaking out all of our Keen water shoes for our first swim outing of the season, and it reminded me that I haven’t checked out the company’s offerings in a while. I was delighted by this new Coronado shoe for infants. This is slightly unexpected for a KEEN shoe, but it works perfectly. I love the simple canvas look of the upper, and the appliques turtle gives it just the right finishing touch. It it also available in orange.

This shoe would look great with all kinds of casual looks this summer. It is available in several size ranges for both infants and kids. There is a size mislabeling issue with certain sizes, however, so be sure you read up before you buy. You can purchase a pair for $35 at tinysoles.com. If I thought they could stand up to the blackening force of the dreaded day care tire mulch, these would be ours in a heartbeat!

Zid Zid is famous for its high quality, fashion forward ballet flats. Here’s a chance to order a pair for a fraction of the price. These turquoise flats feature a sequined sunburst design and are handmade from 100% leather. A sturdy sole makes them perfect for indoor or outdoor wear. You can pick up a pair for $18 (down from $38) at milkshop.com. Sizes are limited, and they run small. To avoid getting a pair of shoes that don’t fit and can’t be returned, buy one size up.