Children's shoes recalled over lace eyelet that can come off and pose choking risk

Wednesday, June 2nd 2004, 11:08 am

By: News On 6

WASHINGTON (AP) _ Payless ShoeSource Inc., of Topeka, Kan., has recalled two types of prewalk and toddler-size athletic shoes because the metal eyelet lace holder can come off and pose a choking hazard to young children.

About 441,000 Smart Fit and Teeny Toes shoes are being recalled in cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the commission said Wednesday. Payless has received one report of a child who started to choke on an eyelet that had come off a shoe. No injuries have been reported.

The shoes, sold at Payless ShoeSource stores and on the company's Web site from December 2003 through April 2004, cost about $10. They were manufactured in China in sizes 0 to 10 and are white with trims in various colors. The name Smart Fit or Teeny Toes is written on the sole and insole. On the underside of the shoe's tongue is a five-digit number: 31056, 31057, 31219, 32264, 32265, 33060 or 33061.

Consumers should take the shoes away from children immediately and return them to a Payless store for a cash refund or exchange.

Consumers with questions about the recall should call the company at 800-654-0697 between 7:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and between 9:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Sunday.