"I love the details that Stride Rite includes with its shoes. The toe-protector on these is stitched to the front of the shoe for extra durability, and the "laces" in front are just elastics that you don't have to mess with. The velcro opens up nicely and the shoe is washable. I wish they were a *little* easier to get my son into, they don't open up as wide as I would like, but overall a good purchase."