Thursday’s Child: Hi-Tec Launches Adjustable Fit System

Growing Gains

Kids, it seems, grow an inch an hour during their formidable years, quickly causing sleeve openings to creep toward elbows, pants to reveal ankles and shoes to encroach on the personal space of little toes. Privy to this, Hi-Tec Sports USA has created a solution for the most painful—and not to mention expensive—of the problems: the shoes.

As part of its Fall ’11 line, Hi-Tec will introduce its Big-Fit System, a two-piece contoured insole and volume adjuster that allows shoe size to expand by up to two-thirds of a size. With the life of kids’ shoes averaging around 5 to 6 months, the Modesto, CA-based company estimates its Big-Fit System will increase the length of wear by nearly 3 months. “In an economy where prices keep rising, retailers are very eager to pass along a unique, money-saving technology to their consumers,” says Dayna Panales, company spokesperson.

Approved by the Shoe and Allied Trade Research Association (SATRA), the technology ventures into new market territory for the brand. “Hi-Tec kids shoes are built to last and offer an unbeatable value,” Panales says. “Our kids styles are designed with high-quality components to outlast several hand-me-down uses through the years.”

The Big-Fit System will be available in the TT Mid WP Jr. (SRP: $55) and the TT EZ Jr. ($50) The Mid has a waterproof suede and mesh upper, carbon rubber outsole and comes in two different color combinations (black/chartreuse, brown/orange). The EZ (stands for “easy entry”) is laceless trail runner. —Meagan Walker