Do they NEED the most expensive shoes?

Ive had some family members tell me they want to get the boys shoes for Christmas and with everyone they have to buy for i know they wont be going top of the line like Stride Rite, etc. Does anyone have a recommendation on shoes that arent to expensive yet good quality, easy to walk in, comfortable for the baby, etc. Preferably ones you can find in stores and malls so they dont have to order them online. Thanks so much!

 

Ive had some family members tell me they want to get the boys shoes for Christmas and with everyone they have to buy for i know they wont be going top of the line like Stride Rite, etc. Does anyone have a recommendation on shoes that arent to expensive yet good quality, easy to walk in, comfortable for the baby, etc. Preferably ones you can find in stores and malls so they dont have to order them online. Thanks so much!

 

go to JcPenney....my mom bought my girls stride rite buy one get one for a penny!

Their prices are a lot more reasonable than the stride rite stores!

 

I started to say Munchkin, but I think they are made by Stride Rite.

You can get them at JCP I know for sure though.

 

With four kids, I have always bought our kids shoes at Target!

 

The boys 1st pair of shoes were Stride Rites. They hardly wore them and now they are too small. I went w/Vans at Kohl's this go around and they are walking great in them. I bought navy blue tennis shoes because the white get so scuffed up. I think I spent $20 or $25 for 2 pairs. I ended up w/little brown boots from Stride Rite on clearance (2 pairs for $20) because they will basically be wearing them for pics, holidays and nicer occasions and didn't want to spend anymore than that.

I have one boy that has regular width and one w/a wide width. Wide width shoes are harder to come by other than Stride Rites. The Vans run wide though.

HTH
Mendy

 

I always buy my kids Nike or New Balance (for the boys since they have wide sizes). They are flexible, and the store I buy them at has a buy 1 get 1 1/2 off. You don't need the most expensive shoes, just make sure they are flexible soles. So try bending them in the middle. If they are really hard, it makes it harder for a newer walker to walk in.

 

The most important thing for kids shoes is that they are flexible and they fit right. Go get your kids measured at a store so you can give them accurate sizing information (you are under no obligation to buy). Melissa is right about Munchkins. They are about half the cost of Stride Rites but are made by them (says so on their boxes). DD wore shoes from Target/Walmart/Payless and her feet are just fine. Just beat down anyone that suggests they need hard bottom high tops, which are horrible for little feet.

 

Nothing wrong with Payless shoes !! I got some real good deals in there. I love the BOGO sales. They have Airwalks which are a pretty good quality .. mine have been wearing thiers for a few months and they still look new. I did the Stride Rite thing too .. but my boys only wore them for a few months and they outgrew them. (They are only 2 and wear a size 9 already)

 

I just had this discussion with my pediatrician. He said that one of the main things is good arch support and from his findings some of the more expensive brands dont have good arch support. He said he buys from Target, Payless shoes as long as they have good arch support.