Explore and play with fun kicks made for kids

By Jane Kingsu-Cheng

Summer fun means lots of outdoor play, and the right pair of comfortable shoes can make special moments even more memorable.

“Play is important for kids, and play can happen whenever, be it at home, party, park and the mall. Anywhere can be a playground, but we can’t be barefoot in all these places, so we want kids to have access to quality footwear,” shares Joanna Co, Marketing Director of Instila Companhia Inc.

From the company’s humble yet brave beginnings of bringing in the now-cult favorite Melissa jelly shoes, the three ladies behind this shoe brand are now all mothers. Which is why it was only but apt that they decided to expand their shoe line. “We know how important it is to look for quality shoes for our children,” explains Vida Chua, Managing Director.

With over a decade of bringing in reliable and trustworthy shoe brands, they now carry three labels: Mini Melissa, Bibi, and Saltwater. “We realized, it would be nice to have a one-stop shop for parents to see all these brands in one store,” reveals Vanessa Sy, Managing Director. After months of searching for the perfect spot, the ladies decided on The Playground store in Robinsons Magnolia. How to choose the right pair? Here’s a quick guide,  as shared by Joanna Co:

• Mini-Melissa is for the kid and tween who is into fashion, and loves to dress up like Mom. Some styles have twinning pairs with the Melissa (adult) line.
• Saltwater is for the little one who loves summer! They love swimming, and of course, the beach! This pair is also perfect for the city.
• Bibi is for the adventurous and curious child who tells their parents, “I want comfy shoes” so they can explore without worry.

The Playground invited selected moms and their children to a sneak preview of what’s in store, and it opens to the public this weekend with fun activities such as bubble and magic shows and workshops for the family. Get a chance to win your very own pair, too!