Toddler Shoes - Where to Buy?

Updated on May 11, 2010
V.N. asks from Plainfield, IL
14 answers

My son is 21 months and I have bought his shoes at Target and Stride rite previously. Any other places that one can recommend?
Thanks!

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Thank you so much for the information. I have some shopping to do!

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H.M.

answers from Cincinnati on

Shoe Carnival is where I get most of my kids' shoes - they usually have them buy one get one half off and there's frequently a $5 off coupon in the local paper. Their selection is decent, not huge, but decent.

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K.H.

answers from Washington DC on

I buy in payless shoe source , but I always get the feet measured in Stride Right , I was had my toddlers feet measured in payless (I already knew her size I just wanted to test them) , and they told me she needed a size 10 , bare in mind she was 21 months at the time and my 4 yr was wearing a size 10 aswell! , my toddler actually needed a 6 so they were pretty off!

H.S.

answers from Cincinnati on

pedipeds.com You'll never spend another dime on another pair of shoes elsewhere!

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S.H.

answers from Huntsville on

Are you looking for different styles? Or cheaper??

I always buy my daughter's shoes at a local consignment sale that is held twice a year. I can get gently worn shoes in great condition for just a few dollars! I've gotten Nike, Stride Rite, etc. shoes for $3 per pair. They outgrow them sooo fast, I can't afford to buy brand new name-brand shoes!

Look around your area for consignment sales or thrift stores.

T.L.

answers from St. Louis on

We like JcPenny because they will measure your feet like Stride Rite.

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I.G.

answers from Seattle on

I used to buy Stride Rite too, Nordstroms has a great kids shoe departments as well, but both are pricey.
I recently went to payless for Sandals and was surprised to find they actually had a few nice kids shoes (not the terrible cheap/flashy/sneaker kind).
I bought two pairs, and while I still like them, I can already tell the quality is just not there. After only two weeks the velcro is starting to wear out on one of them and I will probably end up buying another more expensive pair of shoes pretty soon.

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L.Z.

answers from Boston on

Marshall's carries a ton of brands - Stride Rite, Carter's, even some pricier brands like Clarks's or Nike for kids. It does depend when you go, since they are always getting new shipments. I have bought shoes for my girls at Stride Rite, Nordstrom, Target, Carter's, Gap, and been happy at all places, but it depends on the shoe and how long I think it will last, and what its purpose is. I spend more on shoes I want to make it through an entire season, or on good sneakers for running around in the summer at parks, than I do on sandals that only last 3 months. I do live in MA, though, so sometimes it isn't really even sandals weather until June! I think it also depends on how active your toddler is. Good luck and have fun!

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B.M.

answers from Dallas on

I buy my daughter's shoes at the carter's store. They always send coupons through my e-mail and they have great sales! We actually just bought her a pair of sandals and a pair of tennis shoes for $25 with the coupons and combined sales going on!

I've also bought shoes at Marshall's and Ross. They sometimes carry carter's brand and stride right brand and 1/3 of the price.

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M.J.

answers from Sacramento on

At that age, you don't need to spend a fortune. Payless has a line that I believe is called SureFit that's made by Stride Rite. You can also get good deals at the dept. stores like Kohl's and JC Penney. Feet grow very quickly at that age, so I wouldn't spend a lot. We'll always remember buying our son pricey Stride Rite shoes that he wore a handful of times before outgrowing in about a month.

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D.W.

answers from Indianapolis on

One of the best pieces of advice we received from our Pediatrician was that the only thing a child needs in terms of shoes is protection from environmental things like splinters, etc.

Stride Rite sells shoes (yes, we've purchased many for our kids there because they carry wides and our kids have Fred Flintstone feet) based upon the science of proper support and foot formation. Our pediatrician tends to believe it's a bunch of hype. He has 3 boys under the age of 5.

Our daughter is a double wide. Our son is now wide (previously double wide). So, selection for us is kind of minimal. Staples for us are Crocs and a pair of running shoes of some kind. Von Maur has a good selection of shoes and tends to have reasonable prices. I wish I could get my daughter's feet in shoes at Target, but it's not happening.

Kohl's carries the jumping beans brand which has been great for both of our kids (almost 4 & recently 2) at $12/pair. Children's Place usually carries a pretty good selection as well that are reasonably priced.

Depending on what you're looking for, any specifics (like wide or narrow) and how much you're willing to spend, there are SO many options out there.

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A.H.

answers from Dallas on

It depends a lot on your child's feet. My son (who is 4 now) always has to have Stride Rite. it's a waste of $ to buy anything else because he will cry that they hurt and by the time we tried 3 or 4 brands of cheap shoes I could have just gotten the Stride Rites. My daughter (18 months) can wear anything! We do Stride Rite, Payless & Target most often for her.

If cost is an issue, look for a Stride Rite outlet (they have great deals). I also saw people recommend consignment sales. Check if they have a just between friends (jbfsale.com) in your area. They have a huge selection. You can get top quality shoes for cheap.

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D.S.

answers from Tulsa on

I have a toddler shoes store if you are interested mail me

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L.C.

answers from Raleigh on

Flexable shoes are the best for little feet. I have found great deals on amazon (like a $60 pair for $17 with free shipping) They have many great brands that are very flexable, yet hold up very well (even on the boys who are usually tough on shoes)

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D.N.

answers from Chicago on

I go to Payless or Target. My d is pretty rough on her shoes so I do not want to pay a ton of money, and Stride Rite is out of my budget. I do measure her feet myself though since they have told me a size bigger than she actually wears. I just make sure she has plenty of room to wiggle her toes and grow.

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