SKEANIE - Our Story

After the birth of my first child in 2005, I went in search of high-quality, soft leather shoes for my baby — and was shocked to find so little information or 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 making shoes that are good for the development of little feet. And so SKEANIE Shoes for Kids was born.

With experience running my own financial planning and mortgage broking business, and a background in IT project management, I set up an e-commerce website. Within twelve months I had my first trade show and my first retail stockists — today SKEANIE is sold in over 200 stores across Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Europe, the USA, South Korea and Singapore. From humble beginnings, we've grown into an international family.

The reason has never changed: feet are born perfect, and my job is to keep them that way. Babies' feet are mostly cartilage at birth, gradually forming bone through the early years — so the shoes they wear in that window really matter. Podiatrists and paediatricians recommend soft, flexible-soled shoes for babies and toddlers, and that's exactly what we make.

SKEANIE shoes are podiatry designed and approved in Australia, and our leather shoes have been awarded the Seal of Acceptance by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). With footwear from newborn size, we make sure little feet get the best start in life.

More than two decades on, we're still honouring that first promise — and stepping lighter on the Earth while we do it: natural materials, thoughtful design, and shoes that let young feet move exactly as nature intended.

I'm proud to have built a company 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 it: "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 more on children's foot development, visit our Foot Health page and SKEANIE Shoes FAQs.