Moon Shoes by Character Options are mini trampolines for your feet. The idea is that by having mini trampolines attached to their feet kids can have fun jumping & running. Or with imaginary play, pretend to be an astronaut and Space Walk here on earth!
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If you like this review then you may also like our review of these other toys to keep kids active Shake Off, Messi Training System, and the Jump It Lap Counter
Page Contents
What’s In The Box
Just like Jump It, the Stay Active Moon Shoes come with everything you need in the box.
Inside the box, you’ll find
- 2x Moon Shoes with straps
- 2 x Moon Shoe Plastforms
- 40 strong rubber bands (36 for use if required and 4 spares)
The rubber bands are very strong with lots of elasticity and coated in a thin layer of grease.
How To Set Up Moon Shoes
To Set Up the Moon Shoes you need to thread rubber bands through the underneath of the shoe platform and attach them to the holding posts on the shoe base.
Start with the toe and heel bands first, to center the shoe platform. And then add the two middle sections followed by the last two bands.
The instruction leaflet gives clear instructions on how to do this.
The number of rubber bands used depends on the weight of your child. But you want to have enough bands so that the bands stretch fully without the shoe platform hitting the floor.
It’s very easy to add and take away the rubber bands.
Although there is a bodyweight chart it’s a good idea to get your child to try the Moon Shoes on every now during construction. This will help you fine-tune them.
How Do Moon Shoes Work
It’s actually pretty easy to use the Moon Shoes although it takes a bit of practice not to fall over. Because of the rubber band placement the shoe platform self-centers. And this helps add to the stability of the shoe.
But it is important to use them sensibly so no accidents happen. For example
- always wear sensible shoes
- always check the rubber bands before use
- make sure the heel of your shoe touches the back of the shoe platform
- always do up the velcro straps securely
- don’t jump off things wearing the Moon SHoes
- don’t jump underneath objects like trees
Each shoe platform has two velcro straps that keep the shoe in place and once on kids can gently bounce up and down to get a feel for the rubber band spring and resistance. It’s this bounce that helps work on building their core strength and balance whilst building up their stamina.
Once ready it’s lift-off! And kids can have fun walking, jumping and running around the garden with an extra spring in their step!
What DiD we THink Of The Moon Shoes?
The Moon Shoes give kids a fun sensory experience as they walk, run and jump around the garden.
They’re easy to get on and off but there is a skill required to get used to balancing on them. Although the ground is solid, the rubber bands around the shoe platform mean the kid’s feet are on a moving/unstable base… which is the fun part!
The jump/spring isn’t massive but that’s not really what they’re about. It’s more the springy sensation of walking/jumping on a trampoline surface that’s fun. And they’d be perfect for kids who like to move a lot as even standing still they can bounce up and down.
I noticed that my teen’s posture tended to lean back if they weren’t paying attention, as they positioned their weight on their heels. And this of course resulted in them losing their balance and falling on their bums! And the same when running forward but that’s part of the fun. And it’s that balance that gets the core strength and leg muscles in shape!
I wouldn’t advocate using them on irregular surfaces such as pavements as the base of the Moon Shoe is large and inflexible. If it hits a lump in the ground could sprain an ankle… if you’ve ever worn platform shoes you’ll know what I mean! And depending on your indoor floors you might not want them jumping indoors as it could be noisy.
The Stay Active Range
Moon Shoes are part of a range of “Stay Active” family-inclusive toys by Character Options.
They’re a great way to keep kids active and help minimise screen time. Physical activities like this are great for building up strength, stamina, balance and coordination. But they also help to build up confidence, self-esteem and mental health, as kids can track their improvement! And it gets them outside and away from screens which is what you want when the sun comes out!
Moon Shoes are available at Argos!