Sweet Feet: Just The Place For Weary ‘Soles’

By  Nancy K. Crevier

There was just one thing missing from an otherwise perfect town, Kelley DeLuca noticed when she moved to Newtown two years ago. “Newtown needed a shoe store. There was just not a lot of selection for women in town without going to big department stores at the mall, or heading down into Westport,” she said.

The mother of three young boys, she knew first-hand what shoe shopping at the mall was like for a lot of women with children in tow, and it is not a pretty picture. So in June, Ms DeLuca took matters into her own hands (or feet) and opened Sweet Feet, at 224 South Main Street, a shoe store catering to women, infants, young children, and older boys. “I haven’t put in a line of men’s shoes yet, but that may be coming,” said Ms DeLuca. To make the shopping experience a pleasure all around, Sweet Feet offers a play area with videos and lots of hands-on puzzles and toys for the little ones. “This way,” said Ms DeLuca, “moms can take their time looking around and trying on shoes without feeling rushed or trying to keep a toddler happy while she does so.”

Sweet Feet is not the first time Ms DeLuca has dabbled her toes in retail. Before having children, she worked at Saks Fifth Avenue as the administrator of personal shopping and in the designer sports section.

“I think I have the brands that people know and want,” she said. The store, located above Tumble Jungle with plenty of parking off of Bryan Lane, is stocked with a wide range of well-known manufacturers in a broad range of pricing, said Ms DeLuca. Ecco, Merrell, Sketchers, Converse, PediPed, and i-Walk present a variety of casual and school shoes for youngsters. Neatly arranged on shelves against the walls in the bright, open store, the colorful shoes march past displays of tights and socks, slippers, belts, and bags.

Women’s shoes and shoes that appeal to hard to fit ‘tweens include brands like Anne Klein, Blowfish, Roxy, Ecco, Emu, Matisse, French Sole, Bandolino, and Aquatalia. “These are pretty shoes that are comfortable for the foot. I think that’s important for Newtown women. I’m a mother of three boys and I need to be on the sports fields, but I want to be fashion conscious, too,” said Ms DeLuca.

While she presently has a few sandals at 70 percent off leftover from late summer and perfect for anyone planning a trip to the Caribbean this winter, a large part of the stock in Sweet Feet right now is dedicated to the Emu line of boots. “These are the Ugg-like boot,” said Ms DeLuca. “As a matter of fact, Ugg and Emu were one and the same 15 years ago. The great thing about Emu is that they are weather resistant and look so great that you don’t have to carry a change of shoes with you when you go out or go to school. Kids love to wear them all day long.”

From the tiniest pair of Velcro-closed toddler boots right up through women’s size 11, Sweet Feet carries a number of Emu styles. Low and tall classic boots, hip button boots for a more fashionable statement, and Emus with buckles, all in various shades of brown, pink, and tan, are available. Blowfish boots, a stylish ankle boot, is also sold at Sweet Feet, as are dress boots by other famous manufacturers.

Along with a wide selection of shoes, Ms DeLuca has also turned an eye to accessories for adding the finishing touch to an outfit, or as a great gift idea. From designer Eliza B., shoppers can choose fancy flip-flops, patterned cloth belts, or colorful handbags. Creations by Kim offers handcrafted belts, hair bows, and headbands, as well as gift baskets for baby, featuring supersoft baby blankets by Max Daniels.

Getting children to put on rain apparel is not a trick with the full line of crayon-colored raincoats, boots, and umbrellas sold at Sweet Feet, and cheery children’s slippers by Karamel Corn will have toddlers begging for bedtime.

The Bobux infant shoe is designed so that decorative characters and animal faces look up at the child, and create a pulled together look when matched up with one of the recently added outfits designed by Hipster Hugs, a Milford-based home business. The two-piece cotton outfits fit children sizes infant to 10. Each long-sleeved T-shirt is appliquéd with a whimsical design that is echoed on the pull-on pants.

Sweet Feet has had a good response from shoppers, so far, said Ms DeLuca, and she hopes that the holiday season will bring new shoppers to the store. Customers who want Santa to bring that perfect pair of boots or shoes can fill out a Wish List, or look for seasonal specials.

Ladies Shop Nights, with special hours and special pricing and “extra goodies for the hostess” can be scheduled by calling 364-9216.

Sweet Feet, at 224 South Main Street, is open Monday and Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 am to 5 pm; Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm; and Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm. The store is closed on Wednesday. For more information, call 364-9216.