Stride Rite’s Baby Collection A Hit At Retail; Shipments Ahead of Schedule

Lexington, MA—Stride Rite tm, the #1 premium brand of children’s footwear in the United States, has an immediate success on their hands with the recent unveiling of the Stride Ritetm Baby Collection. “We’ve received calls from retailers who either want more product or who are asking for early shipment of their March orders, because the response to the shoes by Moms has been overwhelming,” said Jerry Silverman, President of The Stride Rite Children’s Group. “We’ve decided to ship all March 1, 2000, orders that can be filled in the next few days.”

Stride Rite’s combination of innovative shoe technology and fashion-right styling has resonated with consumers. Stride Ritetm Baby footwear features the Natural Motion Systemtm, which is designed to promote natural development and walking patterns for babies. The shoes mimic barefoot walking with features like a contoured landing pad for stability and balance, added toe spring to help baby “lift off,” and flex grooves that permit maximum flexibility. The collection, in sizes 3 to 8, has been available in Stride Rite Concept stores, and select licensed partners since February 15, 2000. Beginning March 1st , additional licensed partners, Nordstrom, and selected Dillards stores will be carrying the line.

Parents have learned about Stride Ritetm Baby via impactful marketing vehicles like print advertising in Parents, Parenting, and In Style magazines, as well as through a direct mail piece sent to homes nationwide. Stride Rite will also sponsor the “Baby’s First Steps” section of babycenter.com, due to launch on the world wide web in March 2000.

The Stride Rite Corporation markets the leading brand of high quality children’s shoes in the United States. Footwear products for children and adults are marketed by the Company under well-known brand names, including Keds, Sperry Top-Sider, Tommy Hilfiger, Nine West Kids, Grasshoppers, and Street Hot. Brand information is found at www.striderite.com, www.sperrytopsider.com, and www.keds.com. Information on The Stride Rite Corporation is found at www.strideritecorporation.com.

This announcement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934. The words "expect", "estimate", and other similar expressions which do not relate solely to historical matters identify forward-looking statements. Undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements because they involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties which may cause actual results to differ materially from anticipated, projected or implied future results. Factors that may cause such a difference include, among others: revenues from new product lines may fall below expectations; the launch of new product lines may be delayed; and additional factors discussed in the Company's reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the exhibits thereto. The Company disclaims any responsibility to update these statements.

Contact:

Linda M. Warner
The Stride Rite Corporation
Phone: 617-824-6077