Anyone who's raised a baby knows that although sleepless nights dominate the headlines, keeping little socks and shoes on little feet (and getting them there in the first place) makes for a major parenting challenge. Bowen Island musician, designer, writer and mom Mary Kastle faced the problem with creativity and innovation: she invented a knee-high sock-boot hybrid for her little boy.
"Getting the final design took months, and I created at least 10 different versions of the boots before I felt I had something that worked," says Kastle.
Kastle's husband, Leo, said her invention made him think of ninja socks, but then she started thinking of the magic required to make something stay on a baby's foot. So she named her product Wizard Boots.
Since that original design, she's come up with three sizes: 0-12 months, 9-18 months and 16-24 months. She's also got boots made of bamboo, and boots made of merino wool. Both have suede soles.
Mary's been working hard to build up her inventory of Wizard Boots for the upcoming BICS Craft Fair, where they'll be selling for $25 per pair.
