Stride Rite to Add Another Independent Director

The Stride Rite Corporation (NYSE: SRR) today announced
it will add another independent director to its eight-member Board and
work with Barington Capital Group, L.P. to identify a mutually
acceptable independent director by April 30, 2006. Barington
represents a group of investors that are significant shareholders of
the Company.
   The new ninth director will be appointed to the Board as a Class
II director and would stand for reelection in 2007. Stride Rite's
Committee on the Board, which is responsible for identifying and
evaluating prospective directors, will review candidates including
three proposed by Barington.
   David Chamberlain, Chairman and CEO of Stride Rite, said, "We have
had a productive ongoing dialogue with Barington for several years. We
value input from our shareholders and look forward to working with
Barington to select an additional independent director with the right
mix of experience and expertise that will benefit our distinguished
Board of Directors."
   Stride Rite's Committee on the Board, which is made up entirely of
independent directors, has begun evaluating potential nominees in
accordance with the Committee's established criteria and processes.
   Stride Rite's 2006 Annual Meeting of shareholders will take place
as scheduled on April 6, 2006, and Barington has agreed to vote its
Stride Rite shares for reelection of the Company's three Board
nominees. Stride Rite's proxy materials, which will contain important
information about the Company, will be distributed shortly.

   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.