Stride Rite Children`s Group Launches Sensory Response Technology

Footwear Designed Especially for New Walkers Developed in Collaboration with
Hospital for Special Surgery`s Esteemed Leon Root, M.D. Motion Analysis Lab

LEXINGTON, Mass.--(Business Wire)--
The Stride Rite Children`s Group, the leading provider of premier children`s
footwear, recently announced the launch of a new collection of baby shoes with
patent-pending Sensory Response Technology (SRT). Representatives from Stride
Rite will be at the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) National Conference &
Exhibition in Washington, D.C. Oct. 17-20, to discuss the many benefits of the
SRT Collection. This revolutionary children's footwear technology, developed in
conjunction with the Leon Root, M.D. Motion Analysis Laboratory at Hospital for
Special Surgery in New York, improves the way a child learns to walk via a
sensory feedback system, an ultra-flexible design that allows for more freedom
of movement, and a unique construction that reduces the number of stumbles and
falls.

Stride Rite continuously conducts testing and research to improve its products
and is dedicated to developing the best technology in children`s footwear. The
company learned that babies` first steps help shape their walking gait into
adulthood. Stride Rite commissioned a multiphase biomechanics study at the Leon
Root, M.D. Motion Analysis Laboratory at Hospital for Special Surgery to better
understand the effects of footwear at the important learning-to-walk stage of a
child's development. This study is the most in-depth research conducted on
children`s footwear by Stride Rite and within the industry to date.

The first phase of the study analyzed qualitative and quantitative measurements
of babies` gait, plantar pressure and the ability to negotiate different
obstacles. Early findings indicate that in order to develop a healthy walking
pattern, first walkers need shoes that allow them to feel and grip the surface
beneath them, as well as distribute their weight properly to keep their balance.

"Stride Rite`s investment in the continual pursuit of enhanced knowledge about
growing feet is unparalleled in the industry. We are excited to be the only
children's footwear company to commission a study to analyze children's movement
patterns and stability on a variety of terrains," said Pamela Salkovitz,
President of Stride Rite Children`s Group. "Key learnings of the study have
enabled us to develop the SRT collection. Its technology, comfort and style make
it the ideal shoe for new walkers."

SRT`s features promote a healthy lifelong walking pattern and improve baby's
ability to respond to their environment. Highlights include:

* Greater feel of terrain: Sensory pods in the forefoot of the outsole move
independently of each other offering multiple reaction points, increasing a
baby`s feel of the ground beneath them. This allows a baby to stabilize their
gait and better respond to their environment.
* More natural support: Unique "hourglass" construction in the midfoot mirrors a
baby`s foot structure to help supporting bones and muscles that are not yet
fully developed. A smooth, rounded transition from outsole to upper prevents
catching an edge, reducing the number of stumbles and falls.
* Freedom of movement: Ultra-flexible design allows the foot to move in many
directions to help baby learn how to adapt to uneven surfaces.

"Many people do not realize how important it is for a baby to wear proper shoes
while learning to walk," said Dr. Tanya Altmann, a pediatrician and best-selling
author of Mommy Calls: Dr. Tanya Answers Parents` Top 101 Questions About Babies
and Toddlers. "A baby's foot can provide a rich array of sensory information
from which a reliable walking program may be developed if their shoes are
flexible enough to permit such feedback."

Shoes in the SRT collection are also designed to make baby comfortable. They
feature moisture-wicking linings, which help keep babies` feet drier longer, and
eco-friendly materials such as a recycled EVA heel cup and a partially recycled
outsole to protect baby and baby`s future environment. A great feature for mom
and dad is a removable insole containing a Fit Check system that easily let`s
them know when it is time to see a fit specialist. Mom or dad just removes the
insole and places baby`s foot on it. If baby`s toes pass the Fit Check line,
then it`s time to visit Stride Rite and see a fit specialist.

The fall SRT collection is comprised of four boys` styles and seven girls`
styles in baby sizes 3 to 8 in various widths, and features fun fashion touches
such as suede fringe, metallic leathers and bright hints of color. Additional
styles will be released in spring 2010. The collection is available at Stride
Rite stores, striderite.com, better department stores and independent retailers.
Visit striderite.com to find a local retailer.

About The Stride Rite Children`s Group, LLC. and Collective Brands, Inc.

Stride Rite Children's Group, part of the Stride Rite unit of Collective Brands,
Inc., markets the leading brand of premium children's footwear in the United
States under such brands as Stride Rite, Saucony Kids, Sperry Top-Sider Kids,
Keds Kids, Robeez and among others. For 90 years, the company`s passion for
excellence in design has been focused on ensuring the proper development of
children`s feet with a commitment to innovation, research and technology.

Collective Brands, Inc. (NYSE: PSS) is a leader in bringing compelling
lifestyle, fashion and performance brands for footwear and related accessories
to consumers worldwide. The company operates three strategic units covering a
powerful brand portfolio, as well as multiple price points and selling channels
including retail, wholesale, ecommerce and licensing. Collective Brands, Inc.
includes Payless ShoeSource, focused on democratizing fashion and design in
footwear and accessories through its more than 4,500-store retail chain, with
its brands Airwalk, Dexter, Champion, Zoe & Zac, the first-ever affordable green
footwear brand, and designer collections Abaeté for Payless, Lela Rose for
Payless, Unforgettable Moments by Lela Rose, alice + olivia for Payless,
Christian Siriano for Payless and STLPxAirwalk, among others; Stride Rite,
focused on lifestyle and performance branded footwear and high-quality
children`s footwear sold primarily through wholesaling, with its brands
including Stride Rite, Keds, Sperry Top-Sider, Robeez, and Saucony, among
others; and Collective Licensing International, the brand development,
management and global licensing unit, with such youth lifestyle brands as
Airwalk, Vision Street Wear, Sims, Lamar and LTD. Information about, and links
for shopping on, each of the Collective Brand`s units can be found at
www.collectivebrands.com.

Duffy & Shanley, Inc.
Kelly O`Shea, 401-274-0001, ext. 484
koshea@duffyshanley.com
or
Stride Rite children`s group
Malinda Freitas, 617-824-6231
malinda_freitas@striderite.com

Copyright Business Wire 2009