SKEANIE Shoes for Kids | Our Story
After the birth of my first child in 2005, I went in search of high-quality, soft leather shoes and was shocked to find so little information and education on foot health and development. It sparked in me a need to do my own research. What began as an interest in podiatry, quickly turned into a passion for manufacturing shoes that were good for the development of little feet. As a result, my company, SKEANIE Baby and Toddler Shoes, was born.
With previous experience in running my own financial planning and mortgage broking business, as well as a background in IT project management, I set up an e-commerce website. Within 12 months I had my first trade show where I secured several retail outlets – we now sell in over 200 stores in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Europe, USA, South Korea and Singapore. From humble beginnings, we’ve grown into an international enterprise.
Since launching, I’ve been working tirelessly to ensure the babies of Australia get the best start possible with the correct footwear. I believe shoes carry you through your formative years, so it’s imperative to get them right. After all, they say you’re not born with back problems, they’re created from ill-fitting shoes early on, so I’m on a mission to help prevent this.
SKEANIE baby and toddler shoes are podiatry designed and approved in Australia and our Toddler and Pre walker leather baby shoes have been awarded the Seal of Acceptance by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). Podiatrists and paediatricians recommend soft, flexible-soled shoes for your baby and toddler. SKEANIE has footwear for little feet from newborn to size 36, ensuring that little feet get the best start in life.
I’m proud to say I’ve created a company that not only produces a high-quality product but is built on integrity and kindness – two values I hold in the highest regard. One of my favourite quotes is, “In a world where you can be anything, be kind.” If I could add a little twist to that, I’d say, “In a world where you can be anything, be kind to your feet.”
Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Natasha xo
For further information on Children's foot development, please look at our page on Foot Health and SKEANIE Shoes FAQs
[1] as the last bone doesn’t begin to form until children are about 3 years old
About SKEANIE
They say necessity is the mother of invention. And when new mother Natasha Barber had her first child in 2005 and couldn’t find the right kind of soft, quality shoes for her precious baby’s feet, she decided to do something about it – create her own. Her own company, that is. Natasha began to research tirelessly about foot health and development and was initially surprised to discover very little information or education available. It sparked in her the need to delve even deeper. What began as an interest in podiatry, turned into a passion for manufacturing shoes. It resulted in Natasha launching her own company, SKEANIE Shoes for Kids.
