Anonymous wrote:I'm looking to buy shoes for DC who will be walking soon. Stride Rite seems to be super popular but I'm on the fence about spending $40 on a pair of shoes that DC will likely grow out of very soon. Worth the splurge? Different brand suggestions?

We used Stride Rites a lot until age 4 and felt they offered great support, comfort and sizes for toddlers. They have 50% off promotions a few times a year plus you earn $10 off with each one or two pair you buy so you keep coming back and then are buying ahead for $15-25 each pair.

Unfortunately SR is going online only and shuttering stores across the country, even the Montgomery Mall one.

In general getting a good pair of kids' sneakers or comfy shoes will retail $40 a pair, and go on sale or on eBay for $20. We used stride rite from size 4 (walking at 11 mos) onward with a mix of sneakers from zappos, sales at nordstroms, etc. By age 3+ the older kid played so hard outside and sat in W that she'd wear out whatever shoe she was wearing - Nike, Saucony, SR, boots, etc.

Enjoy those little shoes and feet!

No it is not worth it. People talk about stride rite like it's some miracle shoe fitting place. It is not. It's your regular mall employee, no one special. They measure your child and that is it. You can do that at rack room shoes.

All of the independent shoe stores closed which is a shame because those people were helpful!

We did Freshly Picked mocassins and then a pair of Target stride rite shoes. Strangely enough we had a great shoe fitting experience at the New Balance outlet.

We buy stride rite on amazin, usually can find pairs for around $20

Just give to TJ Max and get some shoes.

You need to provide good shoes and eye exams too- two things every parent should be told!

Definitely get them measured in person. I also get hand me down clothes and spend $40-55 on shoes for my one year old. Good quality shoes are really important for growing feet. Every Step by Carters is good and you can get Stride Rite on sale and other good brands on 6pm.com and other sites. Especially if you're not super picky with the style, you can easily find the $55 shoes for $25-30 if you hunt online. (Agree that you also should buy from the brick and mortar stores if you can afford it, or they'll all go out of business.)

Target carries a cheaper version of Stride Rite...we live those! stride Ez or something? Also, Carters now carries Stride Rite so you can use a carters coupon!

Yes. I miss a cheap on things like these and I bought a pair for my DD. Her therapist recommended that we get a good pair for her and she's not walking yet at 16 months. I see a difference in the quality of the shoes compared to other cheaper brands.

Anonymous wrote:We've had good luck with Stride Rite shoes but once you have your child's size you can shop around online for better prices.

You can, if you want all the independent Brick & Mortar stores that measured your kids' feet ok the first place to go out of business.

We use striderite & feel good shoes are super important. But my kids typical have only one pair of shoes at a time (excluding rain/snow boots).

OP here, I tried measuring myself using the Stride Rite sizing guide online. Should I just go have him measured somewhere or has anyone had luck with that being accurate?

We've had good luck with Stride Rite shoes but once you have your child's size you can shop around online for better prices.

Anonymous wrote:I only go there to get measurements. They are POS shoes.

And your recommendation would be?

Why do you feel this way?

Definitely get some, they are well made and perfect for little feet, but maybe not for first shoes.

For first shoes, try Robeez or Bobux or other soft shoes.

DS has been walking for a month, and we have a pair of Freshly Picked Mocassins for everyday / daycare wear and a pair of Stride Rite sandals for "dressing up."

Shoes are worth spending $$ on, because they can really affect development.

On the other hand, most of DS's wardrobe is hand me downs.

FWIW, I got the Stride Rites on sale for about $20.

I only go there to get measurements. They are POS shoes.

I'm looking to buy shoes for DC who will be walking soon. Stride Rite seems to be super popular but I'm on the fence about spending $40 on a pair of shoes that DC will likely grow out of very soon. Worth the splurge? Different brand suggestions?