Recall: Children's Sneakers Recalled by Payless ShoeSource

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 23, 1998 Release # 98-129

Company Phone Number: (800) 444-7463 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: Nychelle Fleming, (301) 504-7063

CPSC, Payless ShoeSource Announce Recall of Children's Sneakers

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Payless ShoeSource Inc., Topeka Kan., is recalling about 80,000 children's sneakers sold at its shoe stores. The teddy bear or heart metal clasps on the zippers of these shoes can come off, posing a choking hazard to young children.

Payless knows of two children ingesting the teddy bear metal clasps, and one of these children reportedly started to choke.

There are two types of sneakers involved in this recall. Both are COASTERS brand, and both have white rubber soles, canvas uppers, and middle zippers. The "Royal Zipper Low" is royal blue with a metal teddy bear clasp attached to the zipper. The "White Zipper Low" is white and has a metal heart clasp attached to the zipper. The sneakers were available in sizes toddlers 5 through 10. "COASTERS " is written both inside and on the bottom of the shoes.

Payless ShoeSource stores nationwide sold these sneakers from March 1998 through June 1998 for about $10.

Consumers should immediately take these sneakers away from children and return them to their local Payless ShoeSource store for a refund. Consumers also can mail the shoes to Payless ShoeSource Sneaker Recall, 3231 E Sixth St., Topeka, KS, 66601 with their return address enclosed for a full refund and postage reimbursement. For more information, consumers should call Payless ShoeSource at (800) 444-7463 between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. CDT Monday through Saturday.