I must admit that I love Stride Rite shoes, but I only purchase them from the outlets for the seasonal clearances. You can't beat the prices!
Also, at the semi annual Kids R Us sales (one in February and the other in July), I stock up on very cheap shoes. Don't miss these sales! Items are already on clearance and are half off the clearance price!!!! At the last sale, I got baby sleepers on hangers for $1.50 each, sandals for $2 and Osk Kosh shirts for $2.50!! The sale is usually about 4-5 days long and occurs President's Day weekend and July 4th weekend, starting on Friday morning.