Need Advice on Shoes for DD

[randomkid]

I took DD to Nordstrom's today and tried on a pair of Ecco oxford shoes - very cute and she seemed really comfortable in them. However, they tie and they are nubuck. How easy is it to clean nubuck? I think I would prefer velcro, but will try tie shoes if you have found that they work out ok. I just envision them coming untied all the time.

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/1291349/c/13758/g/kids/s/I_64/w/3.html

They also had a real cute pair of Jumping Jacks, but they started at size 5 (we need a 4). Are all Jumping Jacks pretty flexible? I found these online, but want a flexible sole. I know from looking at other shoes IRL (i.e. StrideRite), that some may be really flexible while others are very stiff. Anybody have these shoes or have you seen them IRL?

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/2987950/c/4280/g/kids/s/I_64/w/3.html

I'll gladly take other suggestions as well. Can't get SKRs as DD has a rather narrow foot and ankle.

Thanks,

[mamalia]

Hi, our DD has narrow ankles too and we are really happy with these velcro ECCO shoes/sandals:


http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/33222.jpg
They are the ECCO ´Hide and Seek´ Fisherman Sandal (Infant & Toddler).

I think velcro would be best. My DD will reach down and play with her shoes (particularly in her car seat) and so we do have to re-velcro them semi-frequently and I imagine that if they were lace ups this would be a real pain. Since our DC are about the same age you might have a similar experience.

ETA: these are nubuck too and it's been easy to just wipe clean with water.

Malia

[lenad]

We tie our dd's shoes twice, so she can't untie them. Velcro would certainly be easier, but apparently they figure out how to open them. On the other hand, I'd think velcro would be better for the summer, when shoes might be on and off more (it's a pain to undo twice tied shoes, at least for me).