What was recalled
In late November 2016, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a significant recall involving children’s footwear from the brand Skidders Footwear. This action was taken after it was determined that certain pairs of canvas tennis shoes posed a safety risk to young wearers. The specific items involved are children's canvas tennis shoes that were sold exclusively at Meijer stores across the United States. If you purchased these shoes from any other retailer, they are not part of this particular recall notice.
The recalled products come in three distinct size options: 12M, 18M, and 24M. These sizes are designed for young children, typically toddlers and early elementary-aged kids. The shoes feature white rubber bottoms and are available in three different color combinations. The first option is navy blue fabric with orange rivets and laces. The second option is gray fabric with green rivets and laces. The third option is denim colored fabric with pink rivets and laces. Each pair of shoes has rivets that attach various parts of the shoe together, and it is these specific metal components that have been identified as problematic.
The recall was officially announced on November 16, 2016. At the time of the announcement, the CPSC did not specify the exact number of units sold or recalled. However, because the shoes were sold exclusively at Meijer stores, the scope of the recall is limited to those who purchased the items from that specific retailer during the relevant sales period. It is important to note that the recall applies to all three color options and all three sizes mentioned above.
If you have these shoes in your home, it is crucial to identify them correctly. Look for the Skidders Footwear brand name on the packaging or the shoe itself. Check the size label to see if it matches one of the recalled sizes: 12M, 18M, or 24M. Also, verify the color combination and the presence of rivets. If your shoes match any of these descriptions, they should be removed from use immediately. The recall is specific to this brand and model, so other children's shoes with similar features but different brands are not affected.
The decision to recall these shoes was made after Skidders Footwear received three reports of the rivets scratching the feet of wearers. While no serious injuries were reported, the potential for laceration is a valid safety concern. The CPSC and the manufacturer worked together to ensure that consumers could return the shoes for a full refund. This recall highlights the importance of carefully inspecting children's footwear, especially items with metal components like rivets.
If you are unsure whether your shoes are part of the recall, it is best to err on the side of caution. Check the product details against the information provided in this article. If you have any doubts, contact Skidders Footwear directly for clarification. The toll-free number is 866-636-1221, and they are available between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. You can also visit www.skidders.com and click on "Safety Notice" at the bottom of the page for more information.
Remember, this recall is specific to Skidders Footwear children's canvas tennis shoes sold at Meijer stores. Other brands or retailers are not involved in this particular safety notice. By identifying and removing these shoes from your home, you can help ensure that your child remains safe from potential laceration hazards.
The hazard, explained
When we talk about a laceration hazard in footwear, we are specifically referring to the risk of cuts or scratches caused by sharp edges on the shoe itself, rather than tripping or falling. In this particular recall involving Skidders Footwear children's canvas tennis shoes, the physical mechanism of danger lies in the decorative rivets that adorn the upper part of the shoe. Rivets are small metal fasteners often used in fashion footwear to add style and structural reinforcement. While they may look smooth from a distance or when viewed as a finished product on a store shelf, manufacturing defects can leave these metal pieces with rough, jagged, or protruding edges.
The issue arises because the skin on a child’s feet is significantly thinner and more delicate than that of an adult. As a child wears these shoes, their feet naturally move, swell, and rub against the interior lining and any external hardware during walking, running, and playing. If a rivet has been installed with sharp edges facing inward or protruding outward in a way that catches the skin, it acts like a tiny, sharp tool every time the foot shifts inside the shoe. This is not a sudden impact injury; it is a repetitive friction hazard. Each step creates micro-movements that can cause the sharp metal edge to scrape against the soft tissue of the toes, heels, or instep.
This type of injury often manifests as abrasions, scratches, or superficial lacerations. Because children are active and may not immediately communicate minor discomfort, these cuts can sometimes be overlooked until they become irritated or infected. The CPSC report notes that the company has already received three specific reports of rivets scratching the feet of wearers. While no serious injuries have been reported at this time, the potential for pain, bleeding, and subsequent infection is real. A scratch on a child’s foot can be particularly bothersome because it interferes with their ability to walk comfortably and play without pain.
It is important to understand that this hazard is not always visible to the naked eye. The sharp edges may be hidden within the seam of the shoe or only become apparent when pressure is applied against them. This is why you should never assume a shoe is safe simply because it looks new or undamaged. The defect is in the finish and installation of the metal hardware, which can pose a risk even to children who do not have sensitive skin. By recognizing that the rivets are the source of the potential cut, parents can better assess the severity of the situation and take immediate action to prevent harm.
Who is most at risk
When we look at this specific recall issued by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on November 16, 2016, the primary group at risk is quite clearly defined: young children who wear Skidders Footwear canvas tennis shoes. Specifically, the hazard targets toddlers and early walkers in sizes 12M, 18M, and 24M. These are not just random statistics; they represent a developmental stage where a child’s feet are still growing rapidly and their skin is significantly more delicate than that of an adult or even an older child. The shoes in question feature decorative rivets on the exterior, which, while intended to add style, have sharp edges that pose a direct laceration hazard. For a toddler whose skin has not yet developed the thicker, tougher layers found in adults, even a minor scratch from these metal components can break the skin barrier easily.
Why are these particular ages most vulnerable? It comes down to a combination of anatomy and behavior. Children in the 12M to 24M size range are typically between one and two years old. During this period, they are learning to walk, run, and explore their environment with intense curiosity but limited physical coordination. Their movements are often jerky or unpredictable, meaning their feet may shift inside the shoe or rub against the interior lining more than an adult’s would. If the rivets on the outside of the shoe press inward due to friction or impact, or if a child picks at them with curious fingers, the sharp edges can cause immediate discomfort or injury. The recall notes that Skidders Footwear has already received three reports of these rivets scratching the feet of wearers. While no serious injuries have been reported yet, scratching is often the precursor to more significant issues like infection, especially in young children whose immune systems are still maturing.
Furthermore, parents and caregivers who purchased these shoes exclusively at Meijer stores need to be particularly vigilant. The risk here is not just about the product itself, but about the lack of awareness. Many parents buy shoes for their children based on fit, price, or aesthetic appeal without inspecting every small detail like hardware edges. The "M" in the size designation stands for "Toddler," indicating these are designed for little ones who may not be able to verbally communicate that a specific spot on their shoe is hurting them. They might simply refuse to wear the shoes, cry when putting them on, or develop blisters and abrasions that parents might initially mistake for general friction from new footwear rather than a defect in the product design.
It is also important to consider the broader context of safety for this age group. Toddlers are naturally tactile; they touch everything around them, including their own bodies. If a rivet is sharp enough to scratch a foot during normal wear, it is likely sharp enough to prick a finger if a child decides to pick at the decoration. This dual risk—both to the feet during movement and to the hands during exploration—makes this recall particularly urgent for households with children in the specified size range. The vulnerability lies not just in the potential for cuts, but in the inability of the wearer to anticipate or avoid the hazard themselves. They rely entirely on their caregivers to recognize the danger and remove the item from use immediately.
Ultimately, the group most at risk is anyone with a child who fits into the 12M, 18M, or 24M size brackets and has been wearing these specific canvas tennis shoes. The combination of soft skin, active movement, and curious hands creates a perfect storm for minor injuries that could have been easily prevented by removing the recalled product from their daily routine.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
Identifying whether your child’s footwear is part of this specific recall requires a careful, step-by-step inspection. Because the affected products were sold exclusively at Meijer stores, your first clue is likely where you made the purchase. If you bought children’s shoes from a different retailer or online marketplace outside of Meijer, they are not part of this particular Skidders Footwear recall. However, if you have old receipts or remember shopping at Meijer around late 2016, that is your starting point. The brand name "Skidders Footwear" should be clearly visible on the shoe itself, typically on a label inside the tongue or along the side of the upper part of the shoe.
Once you have confirmed the brand and retailer, you need to verify the specific model details. This recall applies strictly to children's canvas tennis shoes. Look closely at the material; the upper part of the shoe must be made of fabric (canvas), not leather or synthetic mesh. The soles are a critical identifier: they must be white rubber bottoms. If the sole is black, colored, or made of a different material, this specific recall does not apply to your pair.
The next step is to check the size and color combination, as only three specific sizes were included in this safety notice: 12M, 18M, and 24M. Please note that these size designations refer to toddler/children's sizing. If your shoes are labeled with a different size number, they are safe from this recall. Furthermore, the recalled items come in three distinct color and rivet combinations. You must match your shoes exactly to one of the following descriptions:
- Navy blue fabric with orange rivets and matching orange laces.
- Gray fabric with green rivets and matching green laces.
- Denim colored fabric with pink rivets and matching pink laces.
The most important physical feature to inspect is the hardware. These shoes are decorated with rivets, which are small metal studs or fasteners used for decoration and reinforcement. In this recall, the hazard comes from these rivets having sharp edges. Gently feel around the rivets on your shoes. If you have a pair that matches the size (12M, 18M, or 24M), has white rubber bottoms, and features one of the three color/rivet combinations listed above, you likely possess a recalled item.
If you are unsure about the size label or cannot find it, check the inside of the shoe for a tag. Retailers often place additional stickers on the outside of the box or the shoe itself that may list the style number or SKU, though the CPSC notice focuses primarily on the physical description and size. When in doubt, compare your shoes side-by-side with the descriptions above. If any detail does not match—such as different colored laces, a non-white sole, or a different size—you do not need to worry about this specific recall. However, if all the criteria align, please stop using the shoes immediately and proceed to the remedy steps outlined in the next section.
What to do — step by step
If you purchased Skidders Footwear children’s canvas tennis shoes from a Meijer store, your immediate priority is ensuring the safety of the child who would wear them. The recall notice issued by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on November 16, 2016, identifies a specific laceration hazard caused by sharp edges on the rivets used in the shoe construction. Because even minor cuts can become serious for young children, you should not wait to see if the issue worsens. Instead, please follow these concrete steps to resolve the situation safely and efficiently. First, immediately take the recalled shoes away from your child. Do not allow them to wear the shoes again under any circumstances, even for short periods or indoors. The hazard is physical and persistent; the sharp rivets can scratch or cut skin with every step. By removing the shoes from circulation in your home right now, you eliminate the risk of injury entirely. It is important to be thorough here: check all boxes in your closet, garage, or storage areas where these specific models might have been kept. If you gave them as a gift, please contact the recipient immediately to retrieve them. Second, prepare to return the item for a full refund. The company, Skidders Footwear, has committed to providing consumers with a complete reimbursement for the cost of the product. You do not need to keep the shoes, nor do you need to pay for return shipping if the company provides a prepaid label (though the recall facts provided do not specify shipping logistics, so check your contact confirmation). The goal is to get these unsafe items out of your possession so they cannot be accidentally worn by another child or sold secondhand. Third, contact Skidders Footwear to initiate the refund process. You have two convenient options for reaching them. You can call their toll-free customer service line at 866-636-1221. This line is open between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. Alternatively, you can visit their website at www.skidders.com. Once on the site, scroll to the very bottom of the page and click on the link labeled "Safety Notice." This section will provide specific instructions tailored to your purchase, including how to verify your model and process the refund. Having your receipt or proof of purchase from Meijer handy may help speed up this process, although the recall information does not explicitly state whether it is required. Finally, keep a record of your actions. Save any confirmation numbers from phone calls or online submissions. This documentation ensures that your refund is tracked and processed correctly. By following these steps, you are not only protecting your own child but also helping to keep other families safe by removing the product from the pool of potential users. If you have further questions about the hazard itself, remember that while no serious injuries have been reported so far, three incidents of skin scratching were documented, which is reason enough to act promptly.Your refund, repair, or replacement options
When you discover that your child’s shoes are part of a safety recall, the most immediate question is often, "What happens next?" In this specific case involving Skidders Footwear children's canvas tennis shoes, the remedy is straightforward and consumer-friendly: the company is offering a full refund. There is no requirement to exchange the product for a different pair or to pay for shipping back to the manufacturer. The goal here is simple—remove the hazard from your home and return your money so you can purchase safer footwear elsewhere. This approach prioritizes your peace of mind and ensures that the sharp rivets, which pose a laceration risk, are no longer in your possession.
To initiate this process, you will need to contact Skidders Footwear directly. The recall notice provides two convenient ways to reach them. You can call their toll-free number at 866-636-1221. It is important to note the hours of operation for this line: they are available between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. If you prefer to handle things online, you can visit their website at www.skidders.com. Once there, look for the "Safety Notice" link located at the bottom of the page. Clicking this will provide you with additional information and likely guide you through the refund request process digitally. Whether you choose to call or click, having your purchase receipt or proof of purchase handy may help speed up the transaction, although the recall terms guarantee a full refund regardless.
You might wonder why a refund is the chosen remedy rather than a repair or replacement. The hazard involves rivets on the shoes that have sharp edges. Repairing these rivets in a way that guarantees they are completely smooth and safe for active children to wear would be difficult and potentially unreliable. A full refund eliminates any possibility of accidental injury from the defective product. It also gives you the freedom to choose a different brand or style that does not carry this risk. This is a common practice in recalls involving physical hazards like cuts or lacerations, where the structural integrity of the safety feature cannot be easily restored.
Please remember that you should take the recalled shoes away from your children immediately. Do not wait for the refund to process before removing them from use. Once you have contacted Skidders Footwear and started the refund process, keep a record of your communication, such as confirmation emails or call reference numbers. This documentation can be helpful if there are any delays in processing your refund. By following these steps, you are not only protecting your child but also ensuring that you get your money back without hassle. The company has made this process accessible to ensure that consumers feel supported during what can be a stressful situation.
What can happen if you ignore it
It is completely understandable why a parent or caregiver might hesitate to stop using these shoes immediately. Perhaps they are nearly brand new, or maybe the child has grown into them and they fit perfectly. The instinct is often to give products their full wear cycle, especially when dealing with children’s gear that goes through sizes quickly. However, with the Skidders Footwear recall, ignoring the hazard is not a matter of waiting for a defect to manifest; it is about accepting an active, physical risk that is built into the very structure of the shoe.
The core issue here is mechanical and immediate. The rivets on these canvas tennis shoes have sharp edges that are not smooth or rounded off as they should be in safe children’s footwear. When a child runs, jumps, or simply shifts their weight while walking, those sharp edges press directly against the skin of their feet. Unlike a broken strap or a loose sole, which might cause tripping or discomfort over time, this hazard is constant and pervasive. Every step taken in these shoes carries the potential for the rivet to catch on the skin or the lining of the sock, creating a tear in the surface tissue.
We know from the three reports received by the firm that lacerations have already occurred. While no serious injuries requiring hospitalization have been reported as of this recall date, a scratch is not a minor inconvenience when it happens to a child’s delicate skin. The feet are sensitive areas, and repeated exposure to sharp metal edges can lead to more than just surface-level scratches. There is a significant risk of deeper cuts that may require medical attention, such as stitches, or secondary complications like infection if the open wound is not cleaned and treated properly. Children’s skin heals faster than adults’, but it is also more prone to irritation and infection from foreign objects like metal fragments or dirt entering a fresh cut.
Beyond the physical pain, there is the disruption to your child’s daily life. A laceration on the foot can make walking painful, leading to limping, refusal to wear shoes, or even avoiding play altogether. This can affect their participation in school activities, sports, or simple outdoor play. Furthermore, if you continue to use the shoes, you are normalizing a safety failure. You might inadvertently teach your child that it is acceptable to ignore pain or discomfort caused by their footwear, which is an important lesson in body awareness and safety.
Finally, consider the unpredictability of children’s movements. They do not walk with the deliberate care of adults. A sudden twist, a slip on a smooth floor, or a stumble during play can increase the pressure of the shoe against the foot, turning a minor scratch into a significant injury in an instant. The hazard is not conditional; it is present every single time the shoes are worn. By ignoring this recall, you are essentially leaving your child’s safety to chance, gambling that the sharp rivet will miss their skin by luck alone. Given that injuries have already been documented, there is no reason to take that gamble when a simple refund is available.
Staying safe: broader tips
While this specific recall addresses a manufacturing defect in children’s footwear, the underlying lesson applies to all consumer goods: proactive vigilance is your best defense against preventable accidents. Children are naturally curious and active, often exploring their environment with little regard for potential hazards. This makes it essential for caregivers to adopt a routine of regular safety checks, not just when a news alert catches your eye, but as a standard part of household maintenance. One of the most effective ways to stay informed is to register your products whenever you purchase new items. Many manufacturers offer online registration forms that allow them to contact you directly if a defect is discovered later, ensuring you don’t miss critical safety updates buried in the fine print.
Beyond registration, consider establishing a periodic "safety sweep" of your home. This involves inspecting toys for broken parts, checking cords and wires for fraying, and examining shoes for loose stitching, sharp edges, or worn-out soles that could cause trips or cuts. Small components like rivets, buttons, or beads should be checked regularly to ensure they remain securely attached. If you notice any wear and tear that compromises the structural integrity of a product, it is wise to remove it from use immediately rather than waiting for it to fail completely. Regular maintenance extends the life of your items and, more importantly, keeps your family safe.
Another crucial aspect of consumer safety is understanding where you bought your products. Items sold exclusively through specific retailers or during limited-time promotions may not appear in general search results if you forget the brand name. Keeping a simple digital or physical list of recent purchases, including store receipts and order confirmations, can save you significant time when verifying product details. Additionally, familiarize yourself with official recall databases such as those maintained by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) or other relevant government agencies. These resources provide comprehensive lists of recalled items across various categories, from electronics to furniture, helping you stay ahead of potential dangers before they impact your household.
- Register Your Products: Always complete manufacturer registration cards or online forms to receive direct notifications about safety issues.
- Inspect Regularly: Make it a habit to check toys, shoes, and appliances for signs of wear, loose parts, or damage during routine cleaning or seasonal changes.
- Keep Records: Save receipts and warranties in an accessible location to quickly identify model numbers and purchase history if a recall occurs.
- Monitor Official Sources: Subscribe to alerts from the CPSC or other relevant safety agencies to stay informed about new recalls across all product categories.