Hopfrög Kids Wins First Place at Kind & Jugend 2024 Innovation Awards with "KidzQuaRd" Children's Shoes
Hopfrög Kids is proud to announce that its “KidzQuaRd” barefoot children’s shoes, crafted from upcycled sailcloth and featuring a QR code child-tracking system, have been awarded first place at the prestigious Kind & Jugend 2024 Innovation Awards in Germany.
Award-Winning Innovation: "KidzQuaRd" Children's Shoes
Hopfrög Kids, a leading brand in the children's footwear industry, has achieved first place in the "Maternity and Kids Fashion" category at the Innovation Award 2024, held during the Kind & Jugend 2024 Fair in Germany. The award recognizes the innovative design and technology behind the “KidzQuaRd” shoes, which combine upcycled materials and a cutting-edge QR code tracking system. The award was decided by a panel of international trade magazine representatives, health and safety experts, and selected from 116 companies representing 22 countries.
The “KidzQuaRd” shoes were developed over a year of dedicated research and design at İstinye Garage Incubation Hub at Technology Zone İstanbul. Throughout the fair, they attracted significant attention for their unique design and technological features. This innovative product is set to transform the children's footwear market by integrating sustainable materials with smart technology.
Keeping Children Safe with Wearable QR Code Technology
The hallmark feature of the “KidzQuaRd” shoes is the wearable QR code child-tracking system, designed to prevent children from getting lost. In emergency situations, the QR code provides instant access to vital family information. Each shoe comes with a unique QR code, linked specifically to the child, which can be scanned to quickly contact parents if needed. This system is particularly valuable for children with special communication needs, helping to ensure their safety. In addition, the QR code allows access to a “Health Information Screen,” enabling emergency responders to view crucial medical details for appropriate care.
Coming to Market in 2025
Hopfrög Kids CEO, Yalgın, expressed excitement about the recognition, saying, “We are thrilled that our ‘KidzQuaRd’ children’s shoes have won first place in the Innovation Award 2024 competition at the Kind & Jugend 2024 Fair. We developed this product to enhance children’s safety, understanding the concerns of parents like ourselves. ‘KidzQuaRd’ shoes were created through simple yet functional solutions that reflect our years of industry experience. Using upcycled and recycled materials, we have produced an environmentally friendly, innovative shoe supporting children’s natural foot development.”
He added, “Our Hopfrög Kids brand is committed to creating healthy, comfortable, high-quality barefoot shoes promoting natural foot growth. We’re excited to launch the ‘KidzQuaRd’ along with our other innovative products by the end of 2025, making them available to families at affordable prices.”
Key Features of Hopfrög Kids "KidzQuaRd" Children's Shoes:
- • Upcycled Sailcloth Upper: Durable, stylish, and environmentally friendly.
- • Recycled Cotton Inner Lining: 100% recycled, moisture-wicking fabric.
- • KidzQuaRd QR System: Instant access to critical information in emergencies.
- • 3F (Feel, Fit & Flex) Barefoot Design: Supports natural foot development.
- • Smart Velcro System- Smart WingVelcros: Simple, one-motion opening for easy fastening.
- • Smart Tongue System- Hop-Click Tongue: Prevents the shoe tongue from slipping inward.
- • Easy to Wear- Grab and Go Ring: Enhances fine motor skills and STEM interest; also functions as a Montessori toy.
- • Climatizing, Wet-Sensing Inner Lining with Color Changing Indicator: Detects moisture and prevents foot diseases, extending the shoe’s lifespan.
- • Enhanced Sensory Integration- Textured Insole: With the positive tactile stimulus, potential walking, balance, and fall issues are prevented.
- • Ultra-thin, TP Rubber, Non-Slip, and Biodegradable Outsole: Made from TP rubber with natural rice husk, ensuring stability for children in various environments.
About Hopfrög Kids:
Founded in 2020, Hopfrög Kids is a forward-thinking company specializing in smart clothing and next-generation footwear technology for children. Focused on promoting healthy foot development, Hopfrög Kids designs innovative, sustainable, and barefoot footwear for children.