Sizes vary depending on brand.
We’ve had good luck with Nike and Under Armour. UA has a lot of lace/Velcro options which I liked before DD could tie laces consistently. |
I like ASICS or New Balance. I also order from Zappos. They have great customer service—they’ve replaced shoes that have fallen apart prematurely. |
Salomons hold up really well. |
If she is six, it depends entirely on whether she can reliably tie her own shoes. The biggest mistake parents make is give their kids shoes that tie when the child isn't ready. |
We love merrell and they last. |
We just wear keen sneakers. They last about 1/2 a season for my kid. |
We buy New Balance. DS has wide feet and so we need a sneaker that has reliable wide sizes. |
At that age, I bought the cute adidas with velcro. Great quality! Regardless of the brand, be sure to read tons of reviews. Sometimes even the best shoe companies put out crappy shoes that don't last. |
Is stride rite still around? |
Try the Fit Right Kids shoe store if you’re in NOVA. It’s helpful to have your kid fitted in person and to learn what brands will work well for their foot shape.
One brand they carry that worked well for all my kids was Tsukihoshi. |
My kids like Nike for PE/recess. |
I’ve found New Balance 990s hold up the best, but they are expensive. Other models within NB haven’t been as durable. |
We buy New Balance in a grey colour from “Joe’s New Balance Outlet” online. They are mostly last year’s models, but are new and lower-cost. We actually buy 1 pr each of 3-4 consecutive sizes at a time and then switch to next size as feet grow. |
Do you find you can buy up a half size in these? I don't mind spending a bit more money if she can wear them for a year, but it means they need to have a little flexibility in terms of fit. |
Try Plae |