Where to buy kids shoes - Not Stride Rite

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Get measured somewhere and then buy from zappos with free shipping and returns. Zappos even has a printable foot measure.

This. I usually order a couple sizes based on the most recent pair of shoes, and return whatever doesn't fit.

Which reminds me .. I have a pair waiting for me to return .. lol

Love Zappos.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Tsukokoshi or Keens

+1. Or both! We LOVE Tsukokoshi shoes. My DS is really hard on shoes and his definitely last him the entire size period (about 6-8 mos). Beware that they run about 1/2 to 1 size big, so either buy your first pair in a store or order online with easy returns (zappos).

[Anonymous]

We have two very active boys and have returned shoes at Stride Rite after having them fall apart after less than 1 month of wear. That being said, once they turned about 5 years old and we could predict their shoe sizes on our own, we moved on to Zappos and Nike outlet.

[Anonymous]

Ramers or Shoe train and let them guide you.

[Anonymous]

We like Keens especially in summer. Also we like her pedipeds. Love her Pumas they hold really well.

[Anonymous]

6 months is too long to expect shoes to last unless your child rotates 2-3 pairs during that 6 months. Shoes are made to last 2-3 months of daily wear.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We like Keens especially in summer. Also we like her pedipeds. Love her Pumas they hold really well.

None of these brands come in wide.

I agree OP, I've got a fat footed 2.5 yo and stride rite is one of the few that makes wide. So frustrating!

[Anonymous]

Keens do run wide, especially the Newport style.

Nordstrom is good for kids' shoes. I have had similar issues with shoes looking worn out in numerous brands, though, including New Balance, which are great for little wide feet. It is what it is. I clip the stitching and keep on keeping on until the shoes are outgrown or we're in a new season. I generally only buy new shoes twice a year for my 3.5 YO (obviously more frequently when he was a toddler). I do sometimes buy a pair of sneakers or play sandals in addition to a nicer looking lace-up or leather sandal that can be worn to church, restaurants, etc., so that saves our ugly shoes for day care and playing outside.

[Anonymous]

Yes will add that Keens do run wide! Our DS is a wide-footed 3 year old and we love Keens. I've also found that it's so hard to find wide shoes I just buy brands that tend to run wide.

Also, I have returned shoes to Stride Rite for wearing out - as long as you are willing to take the exact same size, they will switch them out no problem - it took all of 30 seconds, they didn't even ask for a receipt.

[Anonymous]

DSW off Old Georgetown Road is going to start selling kids shoes in July - I am really looking forward to seeing what they have to offer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My toddler just loves her Tsukihoshi sneakers. I've never had a problem with them wearing out before she outgrows them.

we have those too. My 3 year old has worn them almost daily for 8 months now and they are still holding up. But they are pricey, I feel like we paid at least 50 or $60 for them at shoe train.

[Anonymous]

has anyone ever tried those Plae shoes?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My toddler just loves her Tsukihoshi sneakers. I've never had a problem with them wearing out before she outgrows them.

Hmm. Ours wore out very quickly.

[Anonymous]

Avoid Saucony - I've not found them to last. If your daughter wears the same shoes nearly every day, 6 months is a long time. I only expect 3-4 months of use with shoes at that age.

[Anonymous]

6 months of wearing the same shoes every day on a 2.5 year old?? First, her feet must be so smushed by the time she gets new ones... and, second, of course they don't last that long.