Stride Rite Appoints Mark J. Cocozza to Board of Directors

The Stride Rite Corporation (NYSE: SRR) today announced
the appointment of Mark J. Cocozza to the Company's Board of Directors
effective as of May 25, 2006 pursuant to an agreement with a group of
investors led by Barington Capital Group, L.P.
   Mr. Cocozza brings more than 30 years of footwear industry
experience to Stride Rite's Board. From 1998 to 2004, he served as
Chairman and CEO of Maxwell Shoe Company, Inc., a designer and
marketer of casual and dress shoes for men, women and children under
well-known labels including AK Anne Klein, Joan and David, Dockers and
Mootsies Tootsies. He also served as Maxwell's Chief Operating Officer
from 1994 to 1998 and Brand President from 1987 to 1994. Prior to
joining Maxwell, Mr. Cocozza spent 16 years at Stride Rite serving in
a number of managerial positions, including President of its Sperry
Top-Sider division.
   Mr. Cocozza currently serves as Chairman of Modern Shoe Co. and is
a trustee of Lawrence General Hospital. He holds a BA from Lowell
Technical Institute and an MBA from Suffolk University.
   David Chamberlain, Stride Rite's Chairman and CEO said, "We are
excited that Mark has agreed to serve on our Board of Directors. With
his broad industry background, experiences and insights, Mark will be
a superb addition to our Board."

   ABOUT STRIDE RITE

   The Stride Rite Corporation markets the leading brand of high
quality children's shoes in the United States. Other footwear products
for children and adults are marketed by the Company under well-known
brand names, including Keds, Sperry Top-Sider, Tommy Hilfiger,
Saucony, Grasshoppers, Munchkin, Spot-bilt and Hind. Apparel products
are marketed by the Company under the Saucony and Hind brand names.
Information about the Company is available on our website -
www.strideritecorp.com. Information about the Company's brands and
product lines is available at www.striderite.com, www.keds.com,
www.sperrytopsider.com and www.saucony.com.

   ABOUT BARINGTON

   Barington Capital Group, L.P. is an investment management firm
that primarily invests in undervalued, small and mid-capitalization
companies. Barington and its principals are experienced value-added
investors who have taken active roles in assisting companies in
creating or improving shareholder value.