How bad would it be?

[lmintzer]

To put my boys in "pleather" Payless shoes for a formal party? I just hate to spend a fortune on black dress shoes that they'll wear once. I could buy something a little less formal in black suede, but even that--how much would they wear it. I'm willing to check Children's Place or Gymboree for some black shoes, but after that, I'm thinking Payless. They have them (on line, at least) for $12.99 a pair.

Has anyone used shoes like this? I always worry about their feet being uncomfortable. Maybe they aren't as bad as I'm imagining?

I hope I'm not sounding snobby. I'm really not. I have no problem with my kids wearing clothes from cheaper stores. I just take lots of care with their little feet since they are growing quickly.

[mommyoftwo]

I think it would be fine for a one time use kind of thing. Walmart often has cheap shoes as well and you could try target as well. It's not going to permanently damage their feet for one night and if they never wear dress shoes why pay a lot of money for them. That's my opinion anyway.

[schums]

My DC have always had dress shoes from Payless. They never complain about them (and trust me, they would if they were uncomfortable). I refuse to spend big $$ on shoes they'll be lucky to wear 3 times before they're outgrown. The nice thing about Payless is that they have a few lines that have Wide sizing, so they'll fit even my DC's feet!

Sarah
Mom to Alex (3/2002) and Catherine (8/2003)

[dules]

I'd do it for dress shoes that won't be worn often. Actually, though, one of our favorite pairs of shoes this year came from Target - they are flexible, comfortable, and cost $16.99. So you might be pleasantly surprised to find flexible, comfy, inexpensive dress shoes. :)

Good luck!

Mary

[Tondi G]

I think it would probably be fine just check the stiffness. I am almost positive that I saw Black suede shoes at the Childrens Place last week! I think they were around $15 or $16! They have pics online with the outfits but don't show them for sale... maybe it's only whats left in the stores???

Old Navy has these

http://www.oldnavy.com/browse/produc...scid=419681002

[sarahsthreads]

Well, I just bought DD a pair of black "pleather" mary janes from there. I figured she'd wear them with her Christmas dress a couple of times, and they were only $10.

I haven't been able to convince her to wear any other pair of shoes since. Seriously. Not even her beloved orange-flowered rain boots.

I'm 99% sure she'd tell me if they hurt her feet, and they have really flexible soles compared to all the dress shoes I saw in Target, K-mart, etc. (Plus, all the toddler-sized girls' black shoes in those other stores had *heels* on them. But that's a gripe for the b!tching post.)

So I guess I'd say go for it. Your boys are old enough to tell you if their feet really hurt, right?

Sarah :)

[Wife_and_mommy]

Not bad at all! I've done it and will again with not an ounce of shame.



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[mapg]

I don't see anything wrong with this. My kids have skinny feet, so Payless is never an option, but my teenage neice buys her shoes there, and they are cute. She wore a pair from there with her prom dress. The dress came from Neiman's (no will will admit to the price, but it was fabulous) and I assumed they bought the shoes that went with the dress, nope, Payless. Save your money for the stuff that will be on their feet everyday.

[lmintzer]

Thanks, Ladies. Again, I hope this didn't come off wrong. I don't care where they come from as long as they are comfortable.

They are definitely able to tell me their feet hurt--that's actually the problem! They (especially Jack, my older one) complain about EVERYTHING. Today, I gave up on pants for school for Jack (everything bothered his waist) and just sent him in sweat pants. Sweats are fine but I like to mix it up.

So, the issue is that they are super sensitive. It will be late for both to be up (party starts at 7), so I have to avoid any unnecessary discomfort that might set them off.

Part of me wishes they weren't making an appearance, but they might really like it (they love music and there will be a live band) and lots of people will want to see them.

[squimp]

I've been pleasantly surprised with the quality of some Payless stuff. We had a pair of tennis shoes from their SmartFit line last summer that held up better than many of her more expensive brands.

Have you tried Target? Sometimes their Cherokee shoes are not bad for inexpensive shoes. DD wore a pair of their sandals all last summer and they were great - looked better than her $50 Pasitos.