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View Full Version : What kind of shoes do you buy???



lvp49
09-10-2003, 11:17 AM
We just came from playtime group at the library, where I was eavesdropping on a conversation between a few other mothers I vaguely know. They were discussing where to get shoes for their toddlers (all around two) The brands mentioned were Elefanten, Stride Rite, etc, and who had them for the best prices, Marshalls, independant local shoe stores. One mother said that she would not buy shoes at Marshalls because " the worst thing you can do is buy shoes that don't fit right", and she wants her child measured.

How important is this really? I asked my pediatrician about it, and he did not seem to think that I was harming her buy shopping at Payless. I am an educated person, and want to do whats best for her, and do not cheap out where it is important, however, I think its silly to pay $45 for one pair of shoes when I can get her three for the same price. But is this the worst thing that I can do???

Its hard to get a straight answer, I mean they are not going to tell you at the shoe store, right?

mom2kandj
09-10-2003, 12:02 PM
We usually buy Stride Rite, but never full retail and usually at the outlet! We DO get fitted at a full retail Stride Rite store or Nordstrom near us prior to our outlet trips. (Our closest outlet is 90 minutes away!) We also have them measured when we are at the outlet so that I can compare the two sizings. Stride Rite does make shoes under another label for stores like Target as well as selling the Stride Rite/Munchkin brands at department stores. As for European brands like Elefanten, we windowshop at Nordstrom and occasionally pick up a pair there on sale. I personally don't like spending more than $25 a pair! My kids get new shoes every 2-4 months. DS has BIG feet for a 17 month old! (6 1/2 M-W) I also like my kids to have 3 pairs (tennis, sandal, dressier) in their current size. We try not to buy ahead unless it is a shoe that will be going out of season, ie boys sandals.

I don't have a problem buying shoes elsewhere as long as the fit is right, the shoe quality is good, and they have a flexible sole. Other brand shoes are in their closets, but are just not worn as much as their Stride Rites. There have also been Stride Rite shoes that we hated and were sent to the back of the closet, too!

All kids feet are not the same and everyone will have their own favorites for their kids' feet. It takes some time to try on lots of different brands to find a good fit! Good luck!


Rose
mom 2 katie (33 months)
& Jack (16 months)

egoldber
09-10-2003, 01:05 PM
I agree. For me the most important things is a flexible sole. I am willing to pay more for a shoe that they will wear every day. But I also just got DD a pair of sneakers at babyGap for $12 to wear to preschool. I don't see any sense in paying $40 for a shoe that is going to get mud and fingerpaint on it and she will only wear 2 mornings a week.

I have never had good luck at a StrideRite outlet. They do have a lot of shoes, but I never seem to find what I'm looking for. And since its an hour away for me, I would personally rather buy a shoe for $40 that I know fits and is what I want, than drive an hour each way to MAYBE find a similar shoe for $25. I probably spend $20 in gas to get to the outlet.

I do like Elefanten, but I only buy them on sale at Nordstrom.

HTH,

Piglet
09-10-2003, 02:26 PM
We swear by Baby Gap/Gap Kids shoes. DS has fat feet (not wide, rather tall) and they fit great. The leather ones are all made in Brazil, and when they are on sale they go for as little as $10. I buy 3 pairs when they are on sale in all of the next sizes and keep my receipts. The Gap will take anything back with a receipt.

I have also had good luck with the KidSmart shoes at Target (or the Bay/Zellers in Canada). They are the ones "by the makers of Stride Rite".

Jeanmick
09-10-2003, 03:43 PM
It depends on how often my DD will use the shoe...I usually buy her a really good quality summer sandal (Stride Rite for 20.00 on sale) and a good quality play shoe (I usually get her Nikes from Mervyn's because her feet are WIDE like her parents :P). Those are shoes I know she'll be using a lot. I then shop places like Payless for dress shoes since I know that she won't be using it that often. Shoes at our children's ages cost too much to only use them a couple of times! I totally agree w/ Beth and Rose...the most important thing is that the soles are flexible and you CAN get that at Payless if you look.

Just my two cents worth,

atlbaby
09-10-2003, 04:11 PM
I've always had Arielle in Stride Rite shoes (from the outlet) and have gotten her the Target brand of Stride Rite shoes twice (for a dressy pair and a water sandal pair).

I would like to get her a cheap pair from Baby Gap or maybe Old Navy that she can wear to her playgroups so that she won't get paint etc on "good" sneakers. I just checked at the Gap and Old Navy websites and they only come in whole sizes though (like the Target brand).:( Arielle's in a size 6 now but will probably go to a 6.5 in a month or 6 weeks I'd say. Do those of you who buy Gap shoes think I should just get her the 6 or the 7? My gut says that the 7 will be way too big right now, but I feel silly getting pair of shoes--ableit cheap ones--for maybe only 4-6 weeks!

Thanks,
-Rachel
Mom to Arielle Jill, 10/30/01
#2 EDD 10/24/03:)

lukkykatt
09-10-2003, 09:00 PM
Our ped told me that she gets her kids' feet measured at the mall and then takes them to Payless! She did say to look for flexible soles though.

I've gotten DS' feet measured at the shoe store and then at the Stride Rite Outlet a few times, and there has never been any difference between the 2. I've also asked the people at the outlet to check how a particular shoe fit on their feet, and they are always very helpful. So depending on where you go, you can get good service and also save money.

I think the most important things to look for are: someone who really knows how to measure, and flexible soles. And if you have just had your child's foot measured, there is no reason why you can't buy another pair of shoes at Marshall's or somewhere else.

Karenn
09-10-2003, 10:05 PM
So is there any place besides Nordstrom and Striderite that will measure your child's feet? I like the idea of having him measured at the mall and then buying the shoes elsewhere, but one stop shopping would be even better! :)

I do feel like a good fit is important. That's the main reason I splurged on the Striderites at Nordstrom- because they would measure his feet. I'm REALLY glad I did because I was all set to buy him size 3 shoes, and he was a 4 1/2 wide! But still, I'd rather not shell out $40 every three months if I can get a good fit somewhere else.

mom2kandj
09-10-2003, 11:43 PM
In our area, Nordstrom and Stride Rite do the best fittings because that is all their salespeople do and they know how to distract little people long enough to try on a couple pairs. I've been to a Dillard's that had a good variety of shoes, but no salespeople who had a clue! The only reason I get my kids measured at the mall and then at the outlet is that I might have a differing opinion than the fitter. I swear that Jack has a wide foot, but most fitters say that he has a medium. When we try on shoes for him, we lean toward shoes that run roomy. Whenever we go with a true medium width, he ends up with red marks across his instep until the shoes are broken in! Just my two cents!


Rose
mom 2 katie (33 months)
& Jack (16 months)

SeekerMage
09-11-2003, 01:19 AM
I think that shopping at payless etc is fine if you know what to look for in a shoe and the proper fit. When you have her measured if you can have them put on a pair of shoes that they say is good for her and check the shoe out...how it fits her foot etc and then go else where. I used to work at Stride Rite so I can give you a few tips.

First...there should be a thumbs width space between their toes and the tip of the shoe...this will give you just enough growing room without them tripping over their feet.

Next check the top of the shoe from side to side....across the laces etc. This should not be too tight fitting, you should be able to squeeze the shoe a little around the foot...if the shoe is too wide you will squeeze a lot...too tight and it will feel like a tight glove...just right it will feel comfortable, you can feel foot with out it being squished or moving too freely.

Also check the heel. the shoe should not easily pull off or have too much space at the heel, it will cause blisters and improper balance etc. You dont want their foot to fall out of the shoe when walking but dont want it squished either.

Finally flexibility is important too. PErsonally I dont like a lot of kids shoes because of how heavy some of the character shoes are and how unflexible they are. You should be able to bend the shoe without much resistance as they would bend their foot etc. Especially if she is little you want a shoe which will move with her not make her trip over her own feet!

I hope this helps some.....I just got Angela some cute shoes at PAyless and am probably heading back to get some gym shoes as she has outgrown hers. I always said I wanted to get her some good Stride Rite shoes....I might one of these days but with the prices good and the shoes lasting so well even with all the play I just might not!

BTW....Payless has a great return policy...I had her last pair of mary janes for about a month and part of the velcro closure was coming undone...when I was there buying her a new pair of sandals...I mentioned it to the clerk and immediatly they told me to go and get a new pair, no questions asked! Gotta love that!

cara1
09-12-2003, 07:50 PM
Last time I checked payless, they didn't have Wides. Am I remembering correctly? I also thought the Target SR knock-offs didn't have Wides. Anyone know where to find cheap wides?

jadamom
09-13-2003, 12:12 AM
I just went to Payless and saw a very small selection of wides available. I got a pair of 5 1/2 wide white sandals for about $10. They had adjustable velcro straps and seemed pretty flexible. The brand was called SmartFit. They had promotion going on where the 2nd pair is 1/2 off, but I didn't find anything else I needed. Sale ends Wed 9/17. You can go online to www.payless.com and click on shoe finder. Enter your size and width, and it will display what they have available online. The selection in the stores will vary.

luvbeinmama
09-13-2003, 12:59 AM
I just go the the Stride Rite outlet as my son needs wides, too. Since I have found it hard to find wides elsewhere, and the outlet is only about 15-20 minutes from home, and the shoes are usually only about $20-$25, I have stuck with that option.

raynjen
09-14-2003, 07:43 AM
Thanks for the fitting information! We live in Japan and I think the nearest Stride Rite or Nordstroms is about 6,000 miles away (give or take a 100). At the BX (base exchange, sort of like a military Wal-Mart only a LOT smaller) you are lucky if the sales staff can even find a shoe on the shelf much less fit it! So I really appreciate 'professional' help.

BTW...We run our home Japanese style, that is we leave our shoes at the door, is there any problem with DD going barefoot 75% of the time?

Jen in Okinawa
Mom to Noelle (10/25/01)

momathome
09-15-2003, 08:27 AM
It's actually recomended that babies and toddlers go barefoot as much as possible. Shoes are needed to protect their feet outside but, inside, let her run free! If she is anything like my girls, she will love to throw her shoes off with reckless abandon!
-Lauren

raynjen
09-15-2003, 05:58 PM
Oh yeah, I know what you mean. DH calls her "our little hippie" because the second the car starts up (and we are safely belted in out of arm's reach) we hear the rrriiippp of velcro as she gleefully rids herself of shoes and socks:).

Jen in Okinawa
Mom to Noelle (10/25/01)

AdoptChina
09-21-2003, 09:59 AM
As babies they all wore Stride Rite. All 3 of my kids have needed wide shoes (oldest needed extra wide as a baby). I also will only put leather on them since they have sweaty feet and the fake leather makes it worse. Once I found a really cute pair of suede sneakers for my son at payless. My daughter gets sketcher sneakers and the boys now wear vans,etnies etc

lesliehagan
09-22-2003, 09:58 AM
I'm super picky about shoes. I have somewhat hard to fit feet (high arches) and I remember all the torture I went through as a small child wearing cheap, poorly fitting shoes (I've got scars to prove it). I only buy flexible, all leather or breathable fabric shoes for myself, and that's all I'll buy for my daughter. Personally, expensive shoes improved the quality of my life, so I'm willing to spend more on that area of my daughter's wardrobe.

I usually shop at Nordstrom or Stride Rite, but if I see a nice pair of leather shoes at Marshall's, I'll buy them. Also after I'm sure of her size, I look for good deals on expensive brands on Ebay.

elf
09-23-2003, 07:06 PM
I've tried the Target and the other bargain strategies, and I've never found a shoe I liked in DD's size. So now I suck it up and just go to the kid's store (actually not Stride Rite but two smaller chains that have a large kid's section) and buy Stride Rites there - saving the time and frustration is worth the money I might theoretically save. But, I also only buy one pair for every day, plus a pair of sandals from Land's End.

But I have to say, I wouldn't feel right about going to a "mall store" to be measured, not buy anything, then go to a discount store. Their prices reflect the price of the shoe AND the service. If you want that service, IMHO, you should make a good faith effort to find a shoe that works at that store. Because if everyone does that, when you go back in 3 months for the next pair, the mall store will be gone. :(

egoldber
09-23-2003, 07:35 PM
Consider that the mall stores have factored this in to the price of their shoes. And by offering the measuring service, they are drawing you into their store and increasing their potential customer base and sales. Its a win win for everyone. I don't feel bad at all having DD measured and buying at Target. Afterall, StrideRite has a whole line of shoes available at Target and other discount stores too.

HTH,

mom2kandj
09-23-2003, 10:11 PM
Do you go to Nordstrom and try on shoes and if nothing works still buy a pair of shoes?

We do have our feet measured at the local mall store and usually end up at the outlet. In our case, we keep our name current on the mailing list and our local mall store sends us coupons every few months. We DO NOT ask for a fitting when the store is full of other shoppers and everyone is busy. When they send us a coupon or a fitting reminder, we go in. If there are any shoes that fit their feet and our price point, we buy. The Stride Rite in our area is very accommodating as far as fitting goes and I believe that they are just doing their best to uphold the brand whether we buy there or not. In an ideal world, I would love to be able to get their feet fitted and get a great deal, too. Alas, with my kids(3 pairs every 3 months), we continue to support Stride Rite, but need to stick to our budget also.


Rose
mom 2 katie (33 months)
& Jack (16 months)

cara1
09-24-2003, 12:15 PM
Will they measure you at the Stride Rite outlet?

lvp49
09-24-2003, 01:15 PM
YES!!

We were measured there just the other day.

momathome
09-26-2003, 09:44 AM
I usually get their feet measured at Stride Rite and get them one pair of shoes there. Then, with that valuable sizing info in mind, I buy the rest of their shoes at discout places like Norstrom Rack, Marshalls, and the like. I have a shoe obsession where the girls are concerned!
-Lauren

webma
09-26-2003, 02:26 PM
I bought the brannock device for children that they use in shoe stores.
It cost about $60 from Store Supply Warehouse Inc. catalog (1-800-823-8887)and measures kids feet until they are about 10 years old. I didn't like forking out the money for it but with 2 kids I couldn't see paying $40 bucks a pair primarily because it's hard to get their feet measured at cheaper stores. Now, I measure their feet at home when it's convienient and I also know when it's time to buy new shoes. You do need to watch out with cheaper shoes since just like clothes they may not run true to the labeled size.