The Ultimate Plae Shoes Review: Stylish, Eco-Friendly Kids & Adult Shoes

About Plae Shoes

Plae Shoes is an American footwear brand on a mission to bring healthy, sustainable shoes to families. Founded in 2013 by Ryan Ringholz and Jonathan Spier, the company designs brightly colored shoes for kids and adults using eco-friendly materials and construction methods.

What sets Plae apart is their commitment to foot health. Their shoes promote natural foot development in kids and comfortable wear for grownups thanks to their flexible soles, rounded edges, and breathable uppers. The brand partners with podiatrist Dr. Mark Weiss to ensure biomechanical correctness in every design.

Plae manufactures their shoes in a solar-powered factory in Vietnam. They utilize recycled and renewable materials like cork, rubber, and nylon in fabrication. The company has saved over 2 million plastic water bottles from landfills by incorporating recycled polyester into their shoes.

With a focus on quality over quantity, Plae aims to create durable shoes that hold up over months of play and activity. They‘ve become a favorite brand for eco-conscious families, kids who need extra foot support, and grownups who crave both style and comfort.

Plae Shoes Highlights

My Plae shoes review discovered many impressive highlights that set them apart in the kids and adult shoe market:

– Biomechanically Designed for Foot Health: Plae partners with Dr. Mark Weiss to ensure proper foot support and development in all their shoe designs

– Eco-Friendly Manufacturing & Materials: Their shoes utilize recycled polyester, rubber, and cork along with renewable resources like nylon and suede. Production takes place in a solar-powered factory with non-toxic glues and dyes.

– Machine Washable: Most Plae kids’ shoes stand up to tossing in the washing machine, making it easy to keep them fresh

– Removable Insoles: Customize the fit and cushioning by swapping out the removable footbed. Plae also offers orthotic inserts for extra support.

– Traction Outsoles: Ridged, grippy rubber soles prevent slips both in and out of water

– Generous Size Range: With sizes spanning from toddler 5 up to men’s 14.5, Plae has an option for every member of the family

– Free Shipping & Returns: Orders over $49 ship free in the contiguous US. Plae offers hassle-free returns within 30 days

Review of Top Plae Kids‘ Shoes

As parents themselves, Plae‘s founders understand the demand for shoes that support kids’ growing feet and active lifestyles. Their collection of slip-ons, sandals, water shoes, boots, and sneakers aims to meet this need in sustainable styles kids love wearing.

Here’s an in-depth review of 3 of Plae‘s top-rated shoes for boys and girls:

1. Plae Ty Sneakers

The versatile Ty sneaker remains one of Plae‘s best-selling shoes for school-aged kids. It‘s a laceless active shoe secured by two wide hook-and-loop straps for easy on and off abilities. A handy pull tab also helps kids slide their feet in and out swiftly.

The Ty features a mixed-media upper combining breathable mesh fabric and supple suede. Inside, a cushioned removable insole conforms to the feet. Its grippy rubber outsole flexes with kids‘ movements while providing stability with every step.

This sneaker comes in over two dozen color combinations sure to please kids. Best of all, the durable construction holds up well to playground sessions, PE class sprints, and bicycle rides.

Highlights:

• Laceless dual hook-and-loop straps
• Pull tab for easy entry
• Mesh and suede upper
• Removable cushioned insole
• Flexible rubber traction outsole
• Available in toddler, little kid, and big kid sizes

2. Plae Emme Mary Janes

For little girls who prefer the styling of a classic Mary Jane, Plae‘s Emme shoes shine with metallic colors and secured easy fit. Their strap extends across the midfoot and fastens with a large hook and loop patch for customizeable closure.

The Emme features a round toe silhouette made from synthetic metallic nylon. Tiny perforations dotted across the upper enhance airflow. Inside, a removable insole delivers cushioning that can be swapped out for orthotics if needed. The ridged rubber sole grips surfaces while remaining flexible.

These adorable shoes dazzle in an array of metallic and glitter colorways. The durable nylon fabric also makes them great play or party shoes.

Highlights:

• Mary Jane strap with hook & loop closure
• Breathable metallic nylon upper
• Removable cushioned insole
• Textured rubber traction outsole
• Toddler & little kid sizes available

3. Plae Mimo Water Shoes

When heading poolside or seaside, Plae‘s Mimo water shoe keeps kids’ feet protected and comfortable. Its clog-style design incorporates ventilation ports throughout the upper to facilitate drainage.

The Mimo features a synthetic upper made from durable foam materials. Two wide straps fasten across the midfoot with hook and loop closures for a secure fit. Inside, a cushioned footbed delivers comfort whether wet or dry. The textured rubber outsole provides reliable traction on slippery surfaces.

Available in bold brights and ocean-inspired hues, the Mimo works great as an aquatic shoe or a casual style for wearing post-pool and beyond. It‘s easy to clean by hosing off or tossing in the wash.

Highlights:

• Clog silhouette with drainage ports
• Durable foam synthetic upper
• Padded removable insole
• Hook & loop midfoot straps
• Textured rubber traction outsole
• Machine washable convenience
• Toddler, little kid & big kid sizes

Review of Top Plae Adult Shoes

Alongside their popular kids’ options, Plae also crafts eco-conscious footwear for grownups who care about style, versatility, and comfort. Below I review 3 of their best-selling mens and womens shoe styles.

1. Plae Lace Sneakers

Channeling retro sporty vibes, the Lace style from Plae delivers laidback appeal and easy wear comfort. A mixed-material upper combines breathable mesh fabric with durable suede and nylon. Traditional laces allow you to fine-tune the fit.

Inside, a removable OrthoLite insole wicks moisture and provides cushioning. The Lace also features Plae’s Anatomical Arch Support system built into the contoured footbed for stability. Underfoot, the grippy rubber outsole ensures steady strides.

This sneaker is available in low and high top versions as well as over a dozen colorways to match any casual outfit. The mix of eco-conscious materials strikes the perfect balance of comfort and durability.

Highlights:

• Mixed suede, nylon, mesh upper
• Traditional lace-up closure
• Removable moisture-wicking insole
• Anatomical Arch Support system
• Textured rubber traction outsole
• Low top or high top styling

2. Plae Olivia Flats

Pretty enough for the office yet comfy enough for all-day wear, Plae‘s Olivia ballet flats promise versatility with eco-conscious construction. The stylish silhouette features crisscrossing straps made from soft elastic that move with your feet.

The upper combines breathable linen fabric made from renewable resources with premium leather inside. Underneath, layers of cushioning surround feet in plush comfort. The flexible rubber outsole includes traction lugs that grip floors while allowing natural foot flexibility.

Beyond classic black and tan, the Olivia Flat comes in modern metallic and blush colorways to complement your work and weekend outfits. Slip them on when want fashionable yet functional flats.

Highlights:

• Crisscrossing elastic straps
• Breathable linen & leather upper
• Generous cushioning
• Flexible traction outsole
• Premium leather heel backing
• Modern colors including metallic

3. Plae Nash Chukka Boots

Bringing eco-minded craftsmanship to casual cool, the Nash Chukka Boot incorporates Plae’s comfort technologies into a modern lace-up ankle boot. The sleek silhouette pairs perfectly with jeans, trousers, skirts, and dresses.

Nash features premium suede uppers from environmentally responsible tanneries. Customize the fit with flat laces threaded through metal eyelets. Inside, a cushioned insole provides supportive comfort, or swap it out for your own orthotics. The high traction rubber outsole includes a stabilizing heel wrap.

This ankle boot comes in classic hues like Grey Slate and Chestnut Brown along with eye-catching Metallic Copper. Sustainable construction makes the Nash suitable for all-year wear.

Highlights:

• Premium suede upper
• Lace-up closure with metal eyelets
• Removable cushioned insole
• High traction rubber outsole
• Heel stabilizing wrap
• Available in mens and womens sizes

Additional Plae Shoes Reviews

Beyond my own thorough assessment, I wanted to share what other customers had to say about Plae‘s shoes.

The brand earns overwhelmingly positive reviews across retail sites, social media, and third-party review platforms. Multiple parents describe their styles as the most comfortable, supportive kids shoes they’ve found.

Here’s a sampling of recent rave reviews:

"We love Plae shoes and now own 4 pairs for our kids. They are well-made with removable insoles and machine washable. I will continue buying as long as they fit my kids’ growing feet!" – Lauren D. on Amazon

"I bought my first pair of Plae flats last year and loved them so much I bought a second pair in a different color. The most comfortable flats I‘ve ever worn!" – Anne S. on Facebook

"My son has worn nothing but Plae shoes for the past 3 years. They’re perfect for his high arches and active lifestyle. So lightweight and breathable too." – James R. on Plae.com

The company also holds impressive 4+ star average ratings on both Amazon and popular reviews site SiteJabber. Multiple parents praise both the stylish designs and focus on foot support.

How Plae Compares to Similar Brands

As eco-conscious shoppers ourselves, my family owns shoes from brands similar to Plae including Keen, Vivobarefoot, and Wildlings. Here‘s how Plae stacks up against two top competitors specifically in kids‘ shoes:

Keen: Both Keen and Plae emphasize foot health in kids shoes with removable footbeds and flexible materials. However, Plae offers far more variety in bright colors and sparkly styles compared to Keen’s focus on sensible hues. For machine washable convenience,Plae also has the advantage.

Wildlings: This European brand sells beautiful handmade-in-Europe kids shoes aligned with foot development. However, their shoes cost over 50% more than Plae on average. For families seeking both foot-friendly affordable shoes, Plae delivers excellent quality without the luxury markup. They also have a much wider size range as kids grow.

Overall Plae provides an unmatched combination of biomechanical design, breathable eco materials, and variety of affordable kids shoes compared to competitors. Their adult options deliver stylish comfort at reasonable prices too.

Plae Shoes Pros & Cons

Based on my extensive evaluation, here are the major pros and cons of Plae kids‘ and adult shoes:

Pros:

• Biomechanically designed for proper foot support
• Manufactured sustainably with eco-friendly materials
• Machine washable convenience extends wear
• Fun bright colors/patterns kids love
• Traction outsoles for steady grip
• Affordable pricing compared to competitors
• Generous sizing options in kids & adult
• Excellent customer ratings

Cons:

• Limited wide width options
• Rare discounts or promotional sales
• Only ships within U.S. and Australia

Where to Buy Plae Shoes

Plae sells their full range of eco-friendly kids and adult shoes direct through Plae.com with free shipping over $49. I suggest buying directly from them to take advantage of their hassle-free returns.

In addition to their official website, many parents discover the brand through popular retailers:

Nordstrom: Find select kids Plae styles at Nordstrom stores and Nordstrom.com. Sign up for Nordy Club rewards to earn points on purchases.

Zappos: Known for exceptional customer service, Zappos.com carries many of Plae’s most popular styles for boys, girls, women and men. Benefit from their VIP Loyalty Program perks.

For the largest selection of colors, prints and sizes, I recommend visiting Plae.com. But Nordstrom and Zappos are handy when you want quick shipping or have a gift card balance to use up.

Is Plae Shoes Worth It?

For parents struggling to find comfortable, supportive shoes that growing kids actually want to wear, Plae shoes deliver. Reviewers say they hold up impressively well to repeated wear, washing, and outdoor use. Many share they’ve lasted through multiple kids!

Adults tired of choosing between style and comfort or wanting to consciously shop green brands will appreciate Plae’s offerings too.

Sure, you can likely find cheaper plastic-y shoes at big box stores. But those often lack proper structure for developing feet or use synthetic materials that deteriorate quickly. Investing in Plae’s durable designs pays off through long-term wear and foot health.

For stylish, eco-friendly comfort-meets-function shoes suitable for adventures both big and small, Plae earns a resounding thumbs up. This thoughtful brand proves kids and adults shoes can be responsibly crafted for people AND the planet.