Help this Reader! How Much Do YOU Spend on Toddler Shoes? Anyone Have a Favorite Brand?
Check out this reader question from Kathryn…
My little one is starting to walk so we are looking at shoes but they seem so expensive! Does anyone have recommendations for buying toddler shoes, and what is considered a good price? Thanks!
I loved Stride-Rites for both my kids when they started walking. They are very comfortable and provide a very steady grip for toddlers.
I always bought them when they went on sale and got them around $20-25 per pair.
I agree! They run a $19.99 a few times a year and if you sign up for there free rewards program you get points for coupons and things to help out even more! Kohls also sales them now online and you can get pretty good prices for them if your a card holder! When my baby started walking my mom insisted on getting him some I’m glad she did! He always acted like they were so comfortable and we never had trouble with him not wanting to wear them!
Also I personally while they are growing so quickly like to invest in 1 or 2 nice pairs at a time and then after they have learned how to walk really well and stop growing so quickly start pairing them with some cheaper shoes to help the nice ones last a little longer!
I agree. Stride rite is the best for early walkers. Target actually sells stride rite too now!!
You can get some awesome deals if you time it right with Kohls. I have gotten Stride Write for my kids for $7 before (I got them in several sizes so they could grow with them)
I used to love Primigi, Livie & Luca, sun sans. They are a bit more expensive, but I found that they were cute, durable and comfortable. I preferred to spend more one or two pair as opposed to lots of cheap shoes that they did not enjoy wearing.
Walmart!!!!! Their toddler shoes are duplicates of name brand, ie crocs, at a fraction of the price!
I agree!! I hadn’t shopped Walmart in years because of its reputation of just being cheap. I’ve been going there this past year and really surprised at the quality of items in all categories especially shoes!
Yes! my daughter (age 3) has had the same pair of sneakers for a while now. Danskin brand and they were like $9.99. I went to look for the next size up for her and a pair for my 2 year old and they don’t have them anymore :(.
Go online and I believe they have them.
I’ve personally found that with Walmart they have some nice shoes but you have to look over hem, you can’t just grab and buy. I’ve bought a few different kind of shoes there for my kids, the sandals are like rocks and horrible, a couple different kinds of slip on shoes fell apart within a few weeks, but then tennis shoes and other sandals have been just fine.
Skiddeds shoes is what I used when my little one start to walk
I am quite frugal and love a deal.. but when it comes to my kids shoes I will spend whatever is necessary to ensure good support and quality. I buy Clarks brand (I order them from the UK as I like their sizing and styling better) so after shipping I typically spend 40-50 a pair. But they only need a few pair in each size!
Otherwise we have Sperry’s for mucking about, Hunter boots for rainy days, and I have Bobux (the New Zealand version of Robeez) for “slippers” or house shoes.
Good luck! This was the category of kid-dom I decided to invest the most in 🙂
Target carries Surprize by Stride Rite and they’re great! Very durable, cute, and about $20/pair!
My daughter mostly wears Stride Rite. We get them at an outlet store so I pay 15-20 a pair. We also get target clearance shoes (we like c9 sneakers), scour Amazon for deals (I paid $8 for her Kamik snow boots this winter), and have gotten good deals at Payless when they have their bogo sale. We got some nice sneakers (champion again, I believe) and cute dressy sandals for $3 each there the other day.
Puma or Nike. My toddler liked the feel and it is essential a toddler has good foot support. When I visited a pediatric podiatrist I asked him about the Nike’s my son had on – they were running type shoes and lightweight – and he highly recommended them.
I would recommend to buy 1 pair of shoes for a young baby, child because their feet grow to fast and they really don’t wear them much. Most of the time they will take it off and use it as a toy
Kids shoes are not cheap these days and since little ones outgrow shoes very quickly, my advice is to buy them as needed and expect to be replacing them fairly often. Designer brands/fancy dress shoes may look nice but your kids may only wear them a handful of times before they no longer fit…so if $ is a concern then perhaps wait until their shoe size is a bit more stable before investing in expensive shoes.
Robeez and Pediped are great for infants/toddlers that are just learning to walk. Stride Rite and Crocs make nice shoes for kids as well, but definitely wait for sales. Otherwise, Target runs promotions on shoes pretty regularly, so it doesn’t hurt to wait for that. I save up gift cards and often score nice shoes even on sale/clearance at Target.
I agree w all the stride rite comments. I tend to buy shoes for $20 or less. Always name brand and I utilize Amazon for name brands. Also Burlington.
Although I am not a parent I am an Auntie and I always purchase Clark’s First shoes for my nieces and nephews from ages 1-6. Although they are not the cheapest they are durable which equals staying power.They always have sales on the website, sign up for coupons, and u can enter for gifts cards which I have won 1 for $100, you can even purchase them at TJ Maxx/ Ross, Amazon, etc. My sister and sister-n-laws have said these are the shoes that last the longest and are pass downable! I hope that helps.
Stride Rite all the way, they last long and sizing at the store is great to get the perfect shoe.
I only buy Stride Rite. Don’t pay full price. They are ridiculously expensive. Wait for a good online sale and stock up on several pair. My stock up price is under $20. I’ve found some good deals on them at Kohls as well by stacking sales and coupons.
My children are buying their own shoes, but frankly, I was taught by my mom to buy good shoes, regardless of the price because when they are that age, their feet are developing. The cheap shoes might look cute but they aren’t good for developing feet. I found that Stride Rites are best and as another reader said, one or two good – very good – pairs and they will hold up nicely and be good for your child’s feet as well. I paid a lot of money for my children’s shoes when they were young and I wouldn’t change a thing. And remember that the best thing for them when they are in the house learning / just starting to walk is to have bare feet, which also helps in the development of their feet. Ask any pediatrician.
I always buy a nicer pair of shoes like stride rites or nikes when I find them for $20-$25. I always had good luck at nordstroms and their sales for them. I also buy a cheaper character shoe that he can play outside in and destroy. I try to buy ahead a size or two because he seems to grow out of them overnight. I also love carters and gymboree shoes for fall boots.
Stride Rite used to be the best but I find I like Pediped better now. They have early walker and kids shoes and they have a system that lets your child wear them up to a whole size longer. They never seem to wear out. Worth a little extra money at 35$ a pair.
I love Pedipeds and Keens. I have 3 girls so I’m willing to spend more money in hopes that they last longer and can get passed on as a hand me down. Don’t always have that luck with shoes, but Keens (in the H2 specially for summer sandals) still look nearly new after a summer of wear. They are rugged, but still sandals, and offer toe protection.
I buy Keens for my girls every summer. They need closed toe shoes for camp and I love I can just toss them in the wash.
We a few pairs of Livie & Lucca. They’re cute/stylish, but sizing is complicated. They aren’t as soft, flexible & comfortable as advertised. My toddler’s go to have been her Uggs, soft furry inside & soles are flexible, also incredibly easy to put on. Recently I ordered a pair of Tip Toe Joey leather sneakers, theyre the best & softest shoes ever!!! Also so easy to put on/take off. I am also ordering a pair of summer sandals bc shoes are so nicely softly cushioned (L&L cannot even compare in quality). I know my LO is going to love them as well:-)
See kai run. They wear really well. They also come is super cute styles. I buy them on see kai run clearance sale, and Amazon. I usually pay between $15-$25 per pair. Normal price is up to $62. I also like the naturino brand they are super nice ,fit really well and are durable. Same price range as the other ones. I buy them on 6pm.
Stride Rite is what I used for my daughter. I used to live by outlets and always bought her shoes there.
See kai Run, Plae, are great starters good for support.
Stride Rite for my two youngest and my oldest prefers Skechers. The Stride Rite shoes held up so well that we’re passing down my oldests shoes to his baby brother.
I love Tsukihoshi shoes. They’re more expensive but hold up nice and machine wash very well! I also just got my son a pair of IFME last time and like those, too.
Stride rite.
So I really like Merrill brand shoes. I bought a pair for my son when he was like 3 and another two pairs once he outgrew them. He loves them and says they’re his most comfortable pair. He’s 5 now so he can tell me a little more now. They do tend to be more of a winter shoe and can be quite hot. They make sandals too though. We usually get croc sandals, Merrill’s for winter and New Balance for school/universal shoes. I agree with others though, don’t pay full price wait for a good sale!
My son has chubby feet, so I have to buy extra wide shoes. I have had a hard time finding them in stores, so I have been buying stride rite. When he was smaller, I found a pair that fit him at our local Aasics outlet. I just recently found that Reebok shoes (purchased from their website) fit his feet really well.
Buying any shoes at Kohls, Keep the original box and receipt. Return the shoes no matter the condition they’re in and get a full refund to them spend on the next pair of shoes.
Seriously? They have a great return policy but this is abusing the system! 🙁
I agree with Amy…you’re going to ruin it for everyone
Sorry, but I have to agree. That’s pretty crappy to do. I can understand if you have a legitimate reason to return worn shoes, such as a defect or caused blisters, etc but that is straight up abuse of the return policy.
There’s always one in every group.
For my 2 year old I bought name brand whenever I found on sale, all different sizes. He usually had a sperry, converse, Nike and about 3 others of each size. Since they were not cheapies they held up well and my 2nd son now gets to wear them. 🙂
We have a Nike Outlet store about 45 mins from Pittsburgh. For toddlers, sale prices are around $20 -$25 not bad for “high end shoes” with support for little ones. I usually buy 2 sizes bigger and stock up for my 2.5 yr old son. They also give out coupons off after taking their surveys from receipts. Win win 😉 good luck
I have 5 kiddos 8 and under and we honestly love StrideRite shoes or NewBalance. We are able to utilize sales and Amazon’s amazing savings to score some great shoes at an awesome price. I also just recently purchased some North Face shores on REI’s annual clearance for around $25. The idea is trying to be proactive as possible. We try to buy the next size up in shoes if we see a great sale. That way when the time comes we don’t pay full price.
For babies first learning to walk I like the leather with suede sole slippers like Robeez and then when they get better at walking and start walk more on their own and outside then I LOVE Old Soles brand. Old Soles babies and toddlers shoes are more structured/sturdy with a rubber sole but similar to the Robeez slippers in that they are also a leather shoe which make them durable, flexible and non-constricting. Like Robeez slippers they also have an elasticized ankle which makes it easy to put on and stay put on baby/toddler. I feel these type of first shoes help baby learn to walk better because they are not clunky. After my kids have mastered walking with Robeez and Old Soles shoes I buy them whatever shoe that they will wear. Good luck to you!
Reebok has really good black Friday sales. Last yr I got memory foam slip on shoes with cute girly designs all over them for only 13.00 Thanks to hip2save for posting the deal 🎉❤☺
Buy them second hand. I NEVER pay retail for kids shoes or clothes because they grow so fast. There are plenty of second hand retail stores along with Facebook groups for buying and selling kids stuff.
I agree SJ. I purchase at garage sales, resale shops and Goodwill outlet. I have purchased Keen sandals, Stride Rite, Nike, Converse, Timberland and more for $1 or less. Kiddos grow out of them so quickly the quality brands are still in great shape. Just place them in a zipper pillow case cover or netted laundry bag, throw in the washer, set outside in the sun to dry.
I buy various brands well ahead of time, when I have a coupon or they are on clearance. I personally like osh kosh, which you can often find at warehouse stores (we have BJ’s). I try to pay less than $15/pair as they grow out of them so fast. Also look at thrift stores like savers or kids consignment shops for barely worn shoes.
Watch Payless. During the winter season I purchased several sandals and flats for 5.00. Frozen and Minnie mouse. I typically even go a size bigger for shoes when I see that.
I buy shoes for my girls from stride rite, sperry, converse, reebok, target, and ugg. Their favorite shoes, or rather the shoes they grab the first to put on, our usually the reebok shoes. They say they are comfortable and they are starting to get more and more cute designs.
Target has Surprise by stride rite.
The highest amount I would spend for my kids are 20 bucks. I use Stride Ride and Robeez. Robeez is mostly recommended by Pediatrician for early walkers. I would check TJ Max for Robeez because you can really snag them cheap.
I got robeez Brand and other robeez style brands super cheap, Brand new, at goodwill and Once upon a child. You just have to look for ones that are new. I also got a pair on threadup (Brand new!) for $3. My daughter preferred her pink shiny dressy shoes, which I didn’t think would be terribly comfortable, but at a yr old she was opinionated already. I think they were Walmart ones and held up well and I guess they were super comfy. My son loved skidders, too, they were breathable for hot weather, no socks needed.
I got a pair of see kai run sandals at goodwill for my daughter. Wish I could find another pair because she got lots of compliments on them. I also found a pair of Nike tennis shoes with snow leopard print and they were still at the Nike website for 65.00 but I only paid 3.00 at goodwill. Score! I love goodwill deals lol
I also found a pair of crocs boots but I put them up for when she gets a couple sizes bigger for like a dollar fifty at goodwill. 😉
We liked the Stride Rite shoes too. My daughter has wide feet and the Stride Rite shoes fit her well. I’m so disappointed they don’t have the stores anymore for measuring feet and providing recommendations. I’ve found good deals on Stride Rite shoes at Nordstrom Rack, especially in the smaller early walker sizes. Once you know your kids size, I’ve ordered Stride Rite on Amazon for a much cheaper price.
I can’t afford to spend money for nice shoes for my kids, no matter how much I would like to. I get them shoes at yard sales, wal mart or use hand me downs!!
I love Nike and Skechers because they are lightweight, flexible sneakers. Kids do a lot of running and climbing and my kids wear the sneakers every day. They are a bit pricier but you get what you pay for. I find them at Nike Outlet, Kohl’s, JCPenney for $25-$30. I’ve never liked Stride Rite or Keens – they feel stiff and heavy.
I love the go plae shoes they are sold at nordstrom and they last!
I went to a Red Shoe Barn store (NH)to get him measured properly and found some great deals in the clearance. But even if you have no luck finding clearance deals at whatever show store you go to, atleast you know what size you’re looking for. I’ve gotten some good deals on Amazon and Wal-Mart, Marshalls, or TjMaxx, also has afforable options (if they have the size you need). Baby and toddler shoes are so expensive… especially when they grow out of them so fast! And, it never made sense to me why baby clothes and shoes are just as much as ours and they use so much less materials!! Doesn’t seem fair! Honestly, I rarely spend that amount of money on something for myself or my husband. It’s always clearance or sales! Good Luck!
I LOVE DSW!
They have brick and mortar stores that sell toddler shoes and a website. You can also sign up for they’re rewards with a mailing address and get coupons off purchases (like $10 off $40) that can be used online or in store.
I then save my gently used kids shoes and sell them back to a child re-sale store nearby called Once Upon A Child.
I’ve gotten shoes for my 2 year old at DSW for $20 and sold them back to the re-sale store for $6 cash making my oop just $14 (for Nike).
When my daugter’s were younger Payless,Target,Marshalls. As they are older mow they get 1-2 pairs of nice athletic shoes and summer sandals and winter boots at Payless.
I also like Stride Rite- partly because I could always order the next size and know they would fit! 6pm.com generally had good deals back when I was shopping for them. My kids had small feet, and I could always score a good deal in the little sizes, but it has been harder as they get larger. Shoes are one thing I don’t like to buy too far in advance, as size and season can be tricky. Since kids outgrow shoes so fast, I also had decent luck at picking up gently used yard sale shoes, and often took a chance that they would fit when appropriate. At a $1 a pair, it was worth it as long as some of the ones I got worked out.
EBay Or consignment sales. You can find new or almost new name brands for cheap. I am a huge Stride Rite fan for early walkers thru school age. My son has a fat foot and Crocs have worked well for him also. I also always always check clearance racks.