The Ultimate Guide to Freshly Picked Moccasins: Quality, Comfort and Beyond
As a parent who is obsessed with both style and functionality when it comes to my daughter‘s shoes, I have tested my fair share of baby moccasins over the years. But none have compared to the quality and comfort of Freshly Picked.
Known for their handmade leather moccasins and whimsical patterns, Freshly Picked has earned quite the cult following among parents. And for good reason—their shoes manage to be breathable, durable and adorable all at once.
After going through three pairs of my daughter‘s Freshly Picked moccasins, I feel ready to provide an in-depth review about why they are worth the splurge. Keep reading to learn all about sizing, comfort, coordinating outfits and more!
Freshly Picked Moccasins: The Origins
Before we review the shoes themselves, let’s learn a bit about the origins of the Freshly Picked brand. The company was started in 2009 by Susan Petersen, a mother of six who was frustrated by the lack of quality leather shoe options for her infant son.
Petersen began designing and hand-stitching her own baby moccasins to sell locally in Utah. She focused on using soft sheepskin leather and quality materials that would be gentle for babies‘ feet.
The comfortable shoes soon gained a cult following, both for theirdesign and functionality. Petersen officially launched Freshly Picked in 2010—and the rest is history!
Today, all Freshly Picked moccasins and shoes are still handmade in Utah by skilled leather workers. The brand also prides itself on ethical manufacturing and production.
So while the price point is a little higher, you can feel good knowing that artisans made the shoes sustainably and ethically.
Okay, now let’s get into the details of what makes these baby moccasins so great!
Style and Design
Let‘s start by talking about style, because appearance was a huge factor that initially drew me to Freshly Picked. The moccasins come in over 30 colors and patterns, ranging from neutral solids to cheeky unicorns and dinosaurs.
Within their core line, you‘ll also find specialty collections like metallics (rose gold is my fave!), Americana-inspired prints and even NFL team moccasins. So you‘re guaranteed to find something that fits your little one‘s style.
We‘ve incorporated our Freshly Picked moccasins into all types of outfits, from floral dresses to jeans and a tee. They add a little dose of whimsy and color without being too over-the-top.
I also appreciate that the leather is high-quality, so the colors and patterns are vibrant. Even after months of wear, the moccasins still look great.
And if warm neutrals are more your speed, the classic suede tan and dark brown moccasins pair perfectly with fall and winter outfits.
When it comes to design, Freshly Picked moccasins check all my boxes. They are stylish, well-made and designed to handle whatever your active kiddo dishes out!
The Quality and Construction
As stylish as they may be, the moccasins also need to hold up well to be worth the investment. Freshly Picked only uses high-quality materials, including:
- Full-grain leather from reputable American tanners
- Durable vegan leather options
- Soft sheepskin lining
- Flexible rubber soles
The leather is specially treated to create a soft, flexible feel that doesn‘t require any breaking in. It molds perfectly to your baby‘s foot right away.
The artisan craftsmanship also shows through. The hand-stitched seams and finishing details are impeccable, with no loose strings or uneven edges.
We‘ve been impressed with how well-constructed the moccasins are, holding up incredibly after months of frequent wear. Between the materials and stitching methods used, it’s clear these are made to last.
There’s also a thin rubber sole on bottom that provides traction without being bulky. It’s grippy enough to wear indoors and out.
Overall, the quality and construction of Freshly Picked moccasins really shine. The premium materials and handmade process make them extra durable for active toddlers and babies.
Fit and Sizing
When it comes to baby shoes, getting the right fit is crucial for both comfort and development. Luckily, Freshly Picked moccasins are designed with adjustable elastic ankle openings for the perfect fit.
The company recommends sizing down at first for babies with standard or narrow feet. We tried their size charthere, and found our daughter‘s true size by matching her foot length.
With the back elastic, you want the moccasins to fit snugly around the ankles without constricting. There should be just a little give when stretched fully.
Also be sure to select the correct style based on your child’s stage:
- Baby moccasins: Size 0-18 months
- Toddler moccasins: Size 2T-4T
- Kids’ moccasin boots: Size 5-13
Getting the right ankle fit and size is key for allowing healthy development and foot movement. And the elastic openings grow with them!
We also suggest trying both the regular and wide width moccasins if you are between sizes. The regular width stretches more, while the wide is roomier through the toes.
With the right size Freshly Picked moccasins, the flexible soles help promote stability whileremaining comfortable for little feet. We’re glad they accomodate growing feet so well!
Comfort and Breathability
Now for the big question: Are Freshly Picked moccasins actually comfortable for babies to wear and play in?
In our experience, the answer is a huge YES! Both of my kids took to wearing their moccasins instantly without any break-in period.
The buttery soft sheepskin lining feels great against sensitive skin. And the full-grain leather is supple enough to allow natural foot movement.
According to Freshly Picked, their leather is also breathable to help tiny feet stay cool. This has held true for us, even with the fleece lining during summer months.
Between the elastic ankle bands and molded footbeds, the moccasins offer a sock-like fit without constricting growing feet.
We’ve also been impressed with the non-slip rubber soles, which provide traction for beginning walkers. The barefoot-style design still allows the flexibility babies need to grasp and feel the ground beneath them as they learn to walk.
While structured hard-soled shoes have their place, the pliable leather and sole of the moccasins promotes healthy foot strength and development.
Both my son and daughter have worn their Freshly Picked moccasins for hours without any discomfort or skin irritation. The quality comfort-focused design allows them to play freely and naturally.
And not having to constantly remove uncomfortable shoes? That’s a serious win in my book too!
Durability and Wear
Between playground time, messy mealtimes and hours of play, kids can really put their shoes through the wringer. And like any parent, I need them to hold up!
Here’s what I’ve found about Freshly Picked moccasin durability after prolonged use:
The high-quality leather remains scuff and stain-resistant even after the normal wear and tear kids dish out. I’ve been able to rub out dirt marks and minor crumbs.
For deeper cleaning, I follow the Freshly Picked care instructions to spot treat stains before tossing them in the wash. Good as new!
The molded rubber soles also show minimal signs of wear down, despite being worn for nature walks and playground time. No cracking or peeling.
Plus, the stitching and construction remains perfectly intact without any loosening or holes developing. Both pairs have lasted over a year and counting!
Between the soft sheepskin lining and flexible soles, the moccasins almost move like a second skin, forming to your child’s feet. My kids have gotten years of extended wear out of them.
And thanks to the elastic ankle bands, the moccasins continue fitting comfortably as their feet grow! Getting that expandable room to grow makes the investment even more valuable.
Overall, Freshly Picked lives up to their reputation for well-crafted durability while still being comfortable. We’re fans for the long run!
Cost and Value
Let’s talk price—Freshly Picked moccasins range from $50-$80. There’s no doubt that is quite an investment for baby shoes.
However, given the reputable brand, handmade quality construction, and extreme comfort factor, we certainly feel it’s worth it.
The value also comes with their expandable lifetime. Properly caring for the leather allows it to last through multiple kids. And the timeless patterns never truly go out of style.
Another perk is that the company frequently offers 10-15% discounts for bundling and sales on older seasonal designs.
Compared to the cost per wear over months and years, along with being able to pass them down, these are some of the best value baby shoes out there.
At the end of the day, the extra cost brings you exceptional comfort and durability that are tough to beat. We always recommend splurging on Freshly Picked as a long-term investment.
Care and Maintenance
To help any pair of FreshlyPicked moccasins stand the test of time, here is my best care advice:
- Check the soles and stitching periodically for wear
- Spot clean stains immediately with soap and water
- Remove laces to wash when dirty or every 2-3 months
- Air dry away from direct heat to avoid cracking
- Stuff with tissue paper between wears to retain shape
- Use leather conditioning cream every 4-6 months
I recommend checking out the full Freshly Picked moccasin cleaning guide here for more tips!
With occasional maintenance and TLC, your moccasins can look fabulous for years of baby to toddler wears and beyond!
Final Verdict: Are Freshly Picked Moccasins Worth It?
Without a doubt, we enthusiastically recommend Freshly Picked moccasins to any parent looking for comfortable, durable baby shoes.
What truly sets them apart from other brands is the meticulous construction and premium materials that can withstand everything your active child dishes out.
While the Freshly Picked price tag is steep, the quality, comfort and long-lasting durability make them worth every penny for babies, toddlers and kids.
Between the special design details and thoughtful sizing options, you‘ll also have stylish shoes that grow comfortably with your little one’s feet for years to come.
We can’t get enough of the unique patterns and vibrant colors that complement any outfit. And their kids’ sneaker lines are just as cute for older tots!
At the end of the day, investingin well-made Freshly Picked moccasinsor sneakers will give your child unbeatable comfort while staying on trend. We‘ll be fans for life!
