Moms of toddler boys, what do you get them for fall shoes?

[ourbabygirl]

I've heard a lot about Merrell Jungle Mocs here. Also NB tennis shoes. I'd like something rugged, waterproof if possible, and brown for DS (almost 2). He's got small feet- like size 7- and I'd like something that's kind of athletic (good rugged soles), but also plain and simple and nice enough looking for church and such. Slip on or velcro would be great. :)
Plus, is it realistic to just have one pair of shoes for fall/ winter, and a pair of heavier snow boots? I guess I should have a back-up pair of shoes in case his first pair gets too wet/ dirty/ lost? I'm not sure how dirty 2 year old boys get, and what I should expect to buy him for footwear from now on.

What would you suggest? I'd like to spend no more than about $45, but $30 or under (if I could find something on sale) would be even better.

I'm thinking something from Keens maybe? Couldn't find much when looking on REI's website, though, other than sandals, which he has from this summer.

TIA!

ETA Would you recommend sizing up on the Jungle Mocs? DS is still comfortably in his size 6 Keen Newports. I also have a size 7 left over from DD, and they're *way* too big on him. Not sure if I should get him a 6.5, 7, 7.5, or what. He'll be wearing them with socks, of course. I can get them for about $32 from shoebuy with a 20% off code; is that a good price? Nordstrom's is about $44. I could have him try them on there, but I'd feel bad if I didn't buy from them after making the salespeople go through the trouble. I could also try Stride Rite- I know some people who buy their kids' shoes from there... I'm so used to Pedipeds and Keen sandals (with a few Target shoes thrown in over the years) with DD, I'm not sure where to start with boys' shoes!

[jerigirl]

http://www.striderite.com/store/SiteController/striderite/productdetails?catId=cat1530402SR&subCatId=cat1530715SR&showDefaultOption=true&stockNumber=CB43152&skuId=***8********CB43152*M110&productId=8-133274&

I usuallly get something like this for DSs for fall. My oldest needed wides at age 2 so I usually shopped at SR. We have an outlet nearby so I could find things for around $30. Do you have at SR you can look at?

[crl]

At that age I focused on making sure the shoe was very flexible. I am not sure the jungle mocs and keens are really flexible.

Catherine

[lchang25000]

Love the stride rite SRT shoes. Very comfy and flexible!

[boltfam]

http://www.striderite.com/store/SiteController/striderite/productdetails?catId=cat1530402SR&subCatId=cat1530715SR&showDefaultOption=true&stockNumber=CB43152&skuId=***8********CB43152*M110&productId=8-133274&

I usuallly get something like this for DSs for fall. My oldest needed wides at age 2 so I usually shopped at SR. We have an outlet nearby so I could find things for around $30. Do you have at SR you can look at?

:yeahthat:I just bought that shoe for my DS. SR has bogo 50% off right now, too.

Now that DS is getting older, we need more than I pair of shoes (1 pr. solely dedicated to PE at PK) but as a toddler, we got away with just a brown pair like that and snow boots. We are in a cooold winter climate, though, so mainly snow boots get worn in the winter, which keeps the casual shoes looking nice.

[SnuggleBuggles]

There are some neat Keen styles out there. We have been loyal to the 1 strap NB suede sneakers though. They last all year, hold up great and look good with everything. We do only buy 1 pair unless we have had dressy things to attend. Then I do Merrell Jungle Mocs I have stopped buying extra shoes unless I truly see a need shake out. 1 shoe and 1 snow boot= enough for us.

[ourbabygirl]

DS' Keen Newports from this summer seemed flexible enough for him, but I haven't checked out Keen sneakers.

Are the NB sneaker soles flexible enough for a 2 year old? I've never seen or felt them in real life. I may see if our Nordstrom has them in stock to check out.
What color do you think goes best with a boy's wardrobe?

TIA!

[SnuggleBuggles]

The NB passed my flexibility test for a 2yo. I would want something more like a Pediped if younger but the NB is a lot less stiff than other sneakers (especially cheap ones) that we have tried. We buy gray. They look great with everything, imo. I did buy some navy ones this year but ds2 wanted the gray instead.

Tsukihoshis have really nice soles. I don't think they are worth the money though b/c they didn't hold up great, ime. They held up ok but just not great.

[♥ms.pacman♥]

i would also recommend StrideRite..my DS is 2 and has shoes very similar to the one jerigirl linked to...they're great. we have a StrideRite outlet near us, and since he was 12 months he has gotten shoes from StrideRite.

[Momit]

We usually do a pair of StrideRites, a pair of See Kai Run, and maybe one other plus Crocs and boots. This fall we're trying Geox.

I've always wanted to have more than one pair in case they get wet, lost or whatever.

[Mommy_Mea]

We had these last year for DS1:

http://www.striderite.com/store/SiteController/striderite/productdetails?catId=cat1530402SR&subCatId=cat1530715SR&showDefaultOption=true&stockNumber=CB39368&skuId=***8********CB39368*M095&productId=8-127404&

I have tended towards brown as his one and only sneaker during the fall/winter. I think I may go for grey this year though, I think these are really cute:

http://www.shoebuy.com/stride-rite-srt-ps-baxter/557258/1157542

[Kindra178]

Keen skyline are the best fall or winter shoes. We are going on our fifth winter wearing them. Waterproof, easy on and off, and super comfy (well, according to the boys).

[georgiegirl]

Keens! They are super rugged and great for any weather except deep snow. And DS things they are comfortable.

http://www.keenfootwear.com/product.aspx?ctry=us&lang=en&s=fw12&l=shoes&g=kids&c=toddler&name=alamosa%20wp&color=dark%20shadow!ochre&pc=19824

[lchang25000]

We had these last year for DS1:

http://www.striderite.com/store/SiteController/striderite/productdetails?catId=cat1530402SR&subCatId=cat1530715SR&showDefaultOption=true&stockNumber=CB39368&skuId=***8********CB39368*M095&productId=8-127404&

I have tended towards brown as his one and only sneaker during the fall/winter. I think I may go for grey this year though, I think these are really cute:

http://www.shoebuy.com/stride-rite-srt-ps-baxter/557258/1157542

DS had the brown pair over the winter, loved them! I like the gray pair too. Might get that for him this year, thanks!

[ourbabygirl]

I'll have to check out Stride Rite and see if we have an outlet nearby. Otherwise I'd probably be stabbing in the dark with what size he'll need for fall.

Are there any Keens you would recommend that come as small as a 7? A lot of what I'm finding is 8 is the minimum (for some Stride Rite shoes, as well).

Thanks! :)

[tmahanes]

Pediped just added an athletic shoe line. Since I loved their smaller shoes I am getting the sneakers for B for this winter.

http://www.pediped.com/boys-baby-toddler.aspx

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