While we can always roll up our kids’ sleeves and pant legs if we buy too big, shoes are more problematic (our kid has literally run right out of a too-big pair of shoes). So when we heard OLLY shoes has an easy, reliable, and accurate solution to sizing up our little one’s feet, and three GTA locations, we ran right over.

OLLY shoes was founded by Katherine Chapman and partner Thomas Stemberg (founder of Staples), who were frustrated by what they saw as a lack of high quality, well-priced footwear for kids. One of the best things about shoe shopping at OLLY is that because it’s kids-only, they’re used to a) working with kids who are less than interested in trying on shoes, and b) they have plenty of experience with fitting little feet. They also have big brand names like Kamik, Crocs, GEOX, and Stride Rite, and carry footwear for all seasons and activities.

But what makes OLLY stand out is their patented OLLYSCAN® system, which gives a precise foot measurement with a simple scan. When we visited OLLY’s Sherway Gardens location, manager Derek took on the task of convincing our preschooler to have her feet scanned. He’s was very patient when our little tester wanted nothing to do with the scan (even though it’s housed in a fun train!), and obliged her by scanning our feet and hands, and finally her feet (with ours alongside). Ten minutes and one lollipop later, we had her measurement (in both North American and European sizing), and we were surprised to learn her current shoes were about a half size too small. Our preschooler’s foot scan info was recorded in the OLLY computer system, which will make future shopping trips a breeze. We also asked Katherine about scanning frequency for growing feet, and she recommended every three months up to age 6, and then every four months after that (now if they only hosted a shoe swap – that would be a nice touch!).

We left the store with properly sized winter boots, which our preschooler loved so much she decided to wear to school the next day, despite the unseasonable warmth. At least someone’s excited about winter!

OLLY shoes – GTA locations:

Yonge Street
2600 Yonge Street, Toronto
P: 416.487.3100
yongestreet@ollyshoes.com

Sherway Gardens Shopping Centre
25 The West Mall, Etobicoke
P: 416.622.6522
sherwaygardens@ollyshoes.com

BayMac Centre
1070 Major MacKenzie Drive, Richmond Hill
P: 905.884.9877
bayview@ollyshoes.com