Shop Vincent Kids Shoes!
Circa 2006

This was the website for VincentShoeStore.us The content below is from the site's 2006 archived content. Unfortunately you can no longer purchase Vincent's shoe styles on this US site that was created to introduce the US to the delightful and stylish footwear.

The Vincent Shoe Store offered Swedish designed footwear and accessories for babies and children up to the age of 8, with an emphasis on fun and functional unisex shoes in quality leathers. Characterized by bold colors and sleek yet simple styling, Vincent offered high-end styles at a mid-range prices. The collections included slippers, wellies, snowboots, shoes for the beach, school, special occasions and everyday casual.

My wife loved Vincent shoes when our kids were young. She was really disappointed when this site disappeared. Recently I discovered that the domain for vincentshoestore.us was available, so I bought it with the goal of recreating some of its content from archived pages as an homage to these two brilliant Swedish designers Thomas Elbaum and Patrick Osterman and their shoe designs for the wee ones. While restoring the site, I came upon some information that might have influenced the closing, but I'll never know. A search for the store name yielded a first page Google result that included a story of an internet scam involving vincentsshoestore.us - a slightly different spelling. But having them both on the first page of Google could be a game changer, an existential burden. I remember reading about reputation management companies that offer to remove bad search results from Google for a fee. It's a super expensive proposition, but the best players actually do perform - the question is whether the cost is worth it. The search results have changed since my discovery and the scam story no longer holds rank, but I don't know if the site was under some kind of attack, or whether the previous owners paid for a search result removal, or whether what I found was extraneous. Anyway, on this site, my wife says the shoe designs were so fun and fashionable but also looked very sturdy and well made. She thought her sister would like them for her kids. Our kids are now grown and we're back in the states, but my wife still laments that other US parents will never get the chance to buy Vincent shoes here in the US.


 

Welcome

Thank you for visiting VincentShoeStore.us and checking out our fun and fashionable shoes for kids! Your complete satisfaction with Vincent Shoes and your web store shopping experience is very important to us.

To assist you, we below provide answers to frequently asked questions, including about exchanges & returns, shipping, shoe sizing & sizes, back orders, coupon codes, our privacy policy, and other useful information you might not even have thought about asking about!

If you have any further questions about your order or our service, please call our Customer Service department toll free at 1-877-816-2368. We will be happy to assist you.

Sincerely,

Your friends at Vincent Shoes

 

 

As a blogger passionate about search performance and software, I often reflect on the digital journeys of brands that left a lasting impression. VincentShoeStore.us is one such site that I fondly remember, not just because my kids wore their fantastic shoes, but also due to a fascinating encounter I had with their developers.

Back when my children were little, I stumbled upon Vincent's website while searching for durable yet stylish footwear. I loved their innovative designs that genuinely met the practical needs of active kids. A few years later, I had the pleasure of meeting the brilliant minds behind the site's development at an industry conference. Their presentation was incredibly impressive, showcasing a clear understanding of user experience and a genuine passion for their product.

During our conversation, they confided in me about the significant hurdles they faced due to what they described as "outdated software" that management had "hamstrung" them with. It turned out they were unfortunately still relying on FoxPro for their backend operations, a technology that was no longer supported and caused constant conflicts with more modern applications they desperately wanted to integrate. We chatted at length about the critical reasons for them to replace unsupported FoxPro with a modern solution to address everything from security vulnerabilities and scalability issues to the sheer inefficiency of manual workarounds. Of course, I was preaching to the choir; they were acutely aware of these challenges and the urgent need for a software upgrade.

Despite those internal struggles, the fact that they managed to build such a well-regarded and functional website, even with those limitations, is a testament to their skill and dedication. It's a prime example of how tenacious developers can create a positive user experience and a beloved brand, even when battling technical debt. VincentShoeStore.us truly understood its niche, and it's a shame that the site is no longer active. It serves as a powerful reminder in the software world: great design and a solid product can only go so far without robust, modern, and well-supported infrastructure. Doug Geganto

 

 

About Vincent Shoes LLC 

Vincent - a big step for small feet™ line of kids’ shoes and children’s shoes are fun, fashionable and functional. Based in Raleigh, NC, Vincent Shoes is the exclusive distributor for North America of the Vincent shoe brand, which is 100% focused on kids’ shoes and children’s shoes, including kids sneakers, kids dress shoes, kids dress-up shoes, prewalkers, kids indoor shoes, baby booties, kids leather boots, kids rain boots, kids snow boots, kids rubber boots, kids slippers, kids high tops and kids sandals.

about vincent

Vincent Elbaum. Born February 22, 1998, in Stockholm, Sweden. He’s the very reason you are visiting this site as he is the inspiration for the Vincent brand of kids’ shoes. Not bad for a kid his age, we think. How did all this come about, you may wonder?

When Vincent was born, Vincent’s uncle Thomas and partner Patrick went to buy a baby gift for him. They thought shoes would be a good gift – something fun, a little functional, too. These two Swedes, who have been in various areas of the fashion world, Patrick at H&M and Thomas as an international model, couldn’t find anything to suit their tastes. Soon, they were designing a collection of kids’ shoes.

It became even more of a family affair as Vincent’s parents joined as managers of this budding business. Just over a year after Vincent’s birth, a store in Stockholm opened, in August 1999, called Vincent Shoe Store, exclusively selling the full range of their children’s shoe designs – all of them fashionably styled and done in high quality materials and construction.

Baby Vincent certainly received a gift that keeps on giving. There have been a Spring/Summer and a Fall/Winter collection every year since the debut. Patrick and Thomas derive their inspiration from global trends and the runway fashions of Paris, Milan, London and New York, though the shoes are 100 percent focused on kids.

Fall/winter and spring/summer collections both range from soft pre-walkers and comfortable indoor shoes to day and dress shoes as well as boots for girls and boys up to about age 8.

meet patrick & thomas

Swedish designers Patrick Österman and Thomas Elbaum are the creative forces behind the Vincent™ shoe brand. The birth of Thomas' nephew, Vincent, in 1998 and their subsequent disappointment with a lack of high quality, stylish children's shoes, sparked their desire and initiative to design a fun, fashionable and functional shoe brand.

Patrick and Thomas derive their inspiration for Vincent kids shoes from global fashion trends and what's seen on the runways of Paris, Milan, London and New York, though the result of their efforts is Vincent shoes 100 percent focused on kids.

Prior to the start of the Vincent brand in 1999, Patrick spent 15 years with H&M as a store decorator, staff training coordinator and apparel purchaser working throughout Germany, Holland, Sweden and the rest of Scandinavia.

In the early 1980's, Thomas lived abroad in France, Spain and Greece working as a model. He returned to his native Sweden, where he worked at a pre-school. The experience of working with kids provided him first-hand insight into the needs and wants of his future target market. Thomas later worked in interior design and was also a successful Stockholm restaurateur before the Vincent opportunity beckoned.

Patrick and Thomas always had an inherent interest and passion for design, but it was the launch of Vincent that afforded them the prime opportunity to develop and design a completely new, exciting brand that's all about the kids.

Exchanges & Returns Vincent Shoes is committed to your highest satisfaction and if your Vincent purchase for any reason, including sizing, does not meet your expectations, we will be happy to exchange the item(s) or accept your return.

Please note that for your exchange/return to be accepted and credited, you will first need to obtain a Return Authorization (RMA#) from us buy calling our Customer Service toll-free at 1-877-816-2368. Our Customer Service representative will also explain the procedure for how and where to send your item(s) back.

 

 

More Background on VincentShoeStore.us

VincentShoeStore.us was once the official American online destination for Vincent Shoes, a Swedish children's footwear brand that earned a loyal following among parents seeking stylish, durable, and functional shoes for babies and young children. While the website is no longer active as an e-commerce store, it remains an interesting example of a niche international brand that successfully introduced Scandinavian design principles to the North American children's footwear market.

The story of Vincent Shoes combines entrepreneurship, family inspiration, fashion design, children's product innovation, and international expansion. Although the American website eventually disappeared, the brand left a lasting impression on parents who appreciated its colorful designs, quality materials, and child-focused approach.

The Origins of Vincent Shoes

The Vincent brand was born in Stockholm, Sweden, in the late 1990s. Its creation was inspired by a child named Vincent Elbaum, whose birth in 1998 set an unexpected business venture into motion.

When Vincent was born, his uncle Thomas Elbaum and business partner Patrick Österman searched for a suitable baby gift. They considered purchasing shoes but were disappointed by the selection available in stores. The footwear they found lacked the combination of style, quality, and functionality they believed parents wanted for their children.

Instead of settling for existing products, they decided to design their own children's shoe collection.

This decision would ultimately lead to the creation of the Vincent brand, which launched officially in 1999.

The company's philosophy was straightforward:

  • Design shoes specifically for children.
  • Use quality materials and construction.
  • Incorporate contemporary fashion influences.
  • Maintain comfort and practicality.
  • Offer products at attainable prices.

These principles became the foundation of the Vincent identity.

The Founders Behind the Brand

Patrick Österman

Before co-founding Vincent, Patrick Österman spent many years working with Swedish fashion retailer H&M. His experience included merchandising, purchasing, visual presentation, and staff training across Scandinavia and other European markets.

This background provided valuable insight into fashion trends, consumer preferences, and retail operations.

Thomas Elbaum

Thomas Elbaum followed a less conventional path.

His professional experience included:

  • International fashion modeling
  • Interior design
  • Restaurant ownership
  • Early childhood education

His time working with children gave him firsthand exposure to the practical needs of young children and their parents. This perspective proved invaluable when designing products that needed to satisfy both fashion-conscious adults and active children.

Together, Österman and Elbaum brought fashion expertise and practical knowledge to the children's footwear category.

The First Vincent Shoe Store

The first Vincent Shoe Store opened in Stockholm in August 1999.

The store was dedicated entirely to children's footwear, offering the complete Vincent collection. The concept quickly attracted attention because it focused exclusively on children while presenting products with a level of design sophistication more commonly associated with adult fashion brands.

The store's success helped establish Vincent as a recognized name within Sweden's children's fashion market.

Over time, the company expanded its distribution beyond Sweden and into international markets.

Vincent's Scandinavian Design Philosophy

One of the brand's defining characteristics was its distinctly Scandinavian design approach.

Scandinavian design has long been associated with:

  • Simplicity
  • Functionality
  • Quality craftsmanship
  • Clean aesthetics
  • Practicality

Vincent applied these principles to children's footwear.

Unlike many children's shoe brands that relied heavily on cartoon characters, flashy graphics, or gimmicks, Vincent emphasized:

  • Bold but tasteful colors
  • Streamlined silhouettes
  • Premium materials
  • Practical construction
  • Unisex styling

The result was footwear that appealed to parents seeking a more sophisticated look while still meeting the needs of active children.

Influence from International Fashion

Although Vincent focused entirely on children, its design inspiration often came from the broader fashion world.

The founders frequently cited trends emerging from major fashion capitals including:

  • Paris
  • Milan
  • London
  • New York

Rather than directly copying adult footwear, they adapted contemporary design ideas for younger wearers.

This approach allowed Vincent shoes to feel modern and fashionable without sacrificing comfort or practicality.

Parents appreciated that the shoes looked stylish while still functioning as genuine children's footwear.

Expansion Into North America

As the brand gained recognition in Europe, Vincent expanded internationally.

Vincent Shoes LLC, based in Raleigh, North Carolina, became the exclusive North American distributor for the brand.

The establishment of VincentShoeStore.us provided American families with direct access to the Swedish-designed collections.

The website represented an important step in the company's international growth strategy.

Rather than relying solely on traditional retail partnerships, Vincent embraced direct-to-consumer online sales during a period when e-commerce was still evolving.

This helped the brand reach customers throughout the United States.

Product Categories Offered

One reason Vincent attracted loyal customers was the breadth of its product line.

The company focused on children from infancy through approximately eight years of age.

Its offerings included:

Pre-Walkers

Designed for babies taking their first steps, these shoes emphasized flexibility, comfort, and support.

Indoor Shoes

Soft, lightweight footwear suitable for daycare, preschool, and home environments.

Everyday Shoes

Casual styles intended for daily wear.

Dress Shoes

More formal footwear for special occasions, holidays, and family events.

Sandals

Warm-weather styles designed for comfort and breathability.

Rain Boots

Waterproof footwear suitable for wet weather.

Snow Boots

Insulated designs intended for colder climates.

Slippers

Comfortable indoor footwear for young children.

High Tops

Fashionable athletic-inspired styles.

This variety allowed parents to purchase multiple types of footwear from a single trusted brand.

Materials and Construction

Vincent developed a reputation for quality construction.

Parents frequently praised the use of:

  • Quality leather
  • Durable rubber soles
  • Comfortable linings
  • Reinforced stitching
  • Child-friendly fastening systems

Many products balanced durability with flexibility, an important consideration for developing feet.

The company positioned itself above low-cost mass-market footwear while remaining more affordable than luxury children's shoe brands.

This middle-market positioning proved attractive to many families.

Why Parents Liked Vincent Shoes

Several characteristics repeatedly appeared in customer discussions about Vincent products.

Durability

Children can be hard on footwear. Parents often appreciated that Vincent shoes survived extended use.

Comfort

Many designs prioritized flexibility and proper fit.

Style

The distinctive Scandinavian aesthetic helped Vincent stand out.

Practicality

The products were designed for real-world use rather than simply looking attractive in marketing materials.

Seasonal Variety

The brand offered solutions for virtually every weather condition and occasion.

This combination helped build strong customer loyalty.

The VincentShoeStore.us Shopping Experience

During its operational years, VincentShoeStore.us sought to create a straightforward shopping experience.

The website featured:

  • Product categories by age and style
  • Sizing information
  • Customer service support
  • Return and exchange policies
  • Shipping details
  • Seasonal collections

For many American customers, the website served as their introduction to the Vincent brand.

The site emphasized customer satisfaction and offered assistance through its customer service department.

At a time when online shopping was still gaining consumer trust, these service-oriented policies helped reassure buyers.

The Target Audience

Vincent's primary audience consisted of parents and caregivers who valued both design and practicality.

Typical customers included:

  • Young families
  • Design-conscious parents
  • Professionals seeking quality children's products
  • Parents looking for European brands
  • Gift purchasers

The brand appealed particularly to consumers who wanted alternatives to mass-market children's footwear.

Rather than chasing the lowest price point, Vincent focused on delivering value through quality and design.

Competition Within the Children's Footwear Market

The children's footwear market has always been highly competitive.

Vincent competed against:

  • Major athletic brands
  • Department store private labels
  • Traditional children's shoe companies
  • European specialty brands
  • Boutique children's retailers

What differentiated Vincent was its specific combination of Scandinavian styling, quality materials, and child-focused design.

This niche positioning helped the brand develop a distinct identity.

Brand Identity and Marketing

Vincent's marketing often emphasized three concepts:

Fun

Children's products should be enjoyable and colorful.

Fashionable

Children's footwear could be stylish without becoming impractical.

Functional

Design should never compromise usability.

The phrase "A Big Step for Small Feet" became closely associated with the brand and captured its emphasis on helping children grow and explore comfortably.

Cultural Significance

Vincent emerged during a period when children's fashion was becoming increasingly sophisticated.

Historically, children's products often prioritized utility over design.

By the late 1990s and early 2000s, however, parents increasingly sought products that reflected broader fashion trends.

Vincent helped represent this shift.

The company demonstrated that children's footwear could:

  • Follow contemporary design trends
  • Maintain quality standards
  • Remain practical for everyday use

This approach influenced how many parents thought about children's fashion.

The Role of Swedish Design

Sweden has produced numerous internationally recognized consumer brands known for combining style and functionality.

Vincent fit comfortably within this tradition.

Like many successful Scandinavian products, Vincent shoes balanced:

  • Simplicity
  • Innovation
  • Practicality
  • Visual appeal

The company's Swedish roots remained an important part of its identity throughout its existence.

Reviews and Customer Sentiment

Although extensive professional reviews are difficult to locate today, archived customer commentary reveals generally positive impressions.

Former customers often highlighted:

  • Attractive styling
  • High-quality materials
  • Comfortable fit
  • Long-lasting construction
  • Unique color combinations

Many parents remembered the brand fondly years after their children had outgrown the shoes.

This lingering nostalgia suggests that Vincent successfully established an emotional connection with customers.

Challenges Facing the Brand

Like many specialty retailers, Vincent faced significant challenges.

Increasing Competition

The children's footwear market became increasingly crowded with both premium and budget competitors.

E-Commerce Evolution

Consumer expectations for online shopping changed dramatically during the 2000s and 2010s.

International Logistics

Maintaining distribution across multiple markets can be expensive and complex.

Brand Visibility

Smaller specialty brands often struggle to compete with the marketing budgets of major global footwear companies.

These challenges likely contributed to the eventual disappearance of VincentShoeStore.us as a retail operation.

The Closure of the U.S. Website

At some point, VincentShoeStore.us ceased operating as an active online store.

The exact circumstances surrounding the closure are not extensively documented.

However, archived material suggests that the website eventually disappeared despite having developed a loyal customer base.

As with many niche online retailers, a combination of market forces, operational challenges, and changing consumer behavior may have played a role.

Regardless of the specific reasons, the closure disappointed many former customers who appreciated the brand's unique offerings.

Legacy of VincentShoeStore.us

Although the website no longer functions as a commercial retailer, its legacy remains noteworthy.

Vincent Shoes demonstrated that a children's footwear company could successfully combine:

  • Fashion-forward design
  • High-quality materials
  • Child-focused functionality
  • International appeal

The brand introduced many American families to Scandinavian children's design and helped establish a market for premium yet practical children's footwear.

Former customers often remember the shoes as products that successfully balanced appearance and durability—an achievement not always easy to accomplish in children's apparel and footwear.

Why Vincent Still Matters

Looking back, VincentShoeStore.us represents more than a defunct online store.

It reflects an era when independent specialty brands could build devoted followings through thoughtful product design and strong brand identity.

The story also highlights the enduring appeal of products created with a clear purpose. Rather than attempting to serve every possible market segment, Vincent focused exclusively on children's footwear and sought to do it exceptionally well.

That commitment to a specific vision helped the brand stand out in a crowded marketplace.

Even years after the website's disappearance, parents who purchased Vincent shoes continue to remember the company for its colorful designs, quality construction, and Scandinavian sensibility. In that respect, Vincent Shoes achieved something many brands never accomplish: it created products memorable enough that customers still talk about them long after the final pair left the store.

VincentShoeStore.us