Baby Shoe Advice

kafunder

Gswan's post got me thinking--we don't own any shoes for the babies. They aren't walking yet--just cruising, and they didn't need shoes all summer b/c most of the places we went with them were the park, sprayground, picnics, etc. However, I think they'll need some for fall b/c hopefully they'll start walkign soon and b/c of the weather (and they are toddlers now and just look like they shoudl be wearing shoes in public).

Do I take them someplace like Stride Rite to be fitted? Should I wait until they start walking and just put them in socks/Robeez until then? Any advice?

OrangeSmoke

We just went to striderite last weekend!  Or was it the weekend before?  It was the Saturday of the hurricane... whenever that was.

Anyway, I digress.  We got them measured there (size 4s) and then bought two pairs of shoes for $35.  But then I went outlet shopping over the weekend and saw the cutest baby Merrills... so now they have a pair of shoes and a pair of sandles.

ETA:  MIne aren't really walking yet..mostly just stumbling around like drunken zombies.

MrsLnt

I'm one of those people that always puts shoes on babies so mine have had them since day 1.  For the summer, we took them and got them measured at a local store for some Saltwater Sandals.

This past weekend we took them to Stride Rite to get fitted for fall/winter shoes since it was buy one, get one half off.  I got the traditional white booties for each of them.   They have cruised around in them a few times and they are getting the hang of it with shoes on.  

klr210

I like robeez and pediped shoes for beginning to walk, and both brands have different shoe options for different stages. i'd get something with a sole though once they are at a point they will be walking on their own outdoors. I would be hesitant to spend the money now in case they go up a size before you have them walking on their own out of doors.

2shihtzus

My boys aren't really walking independently yet (they only take a few steps) and we also just went to Stride Rite last weekend and bought them shoes for the fall/winter.  I am usually pretty cheap but I went to Stride Rite because I didn't want to unknowingly buy a pair of shoes that could potentially hold them back from walking (because really, they are already 17 months old and not walking, I don't need anything else holding them back) so I wanted someone to tell me exactly what kind of shoes I should get for their "level" if you will.

I went to the Stride Rite outlet and like PP said, it was buy one get one 50% off which was awesome.  For me, it was worth the price (it ended up being a little over $50 for 2 pairs) because the sales lady really seemed to know what she was talking about (or I am just gullible) and really seemed to know what type of shoe was best for them right now.  I am definitely not always going to buy them expensive shoes but I feel like when they are learning to walk, it is a good time to splurge on good shoes. 

For indoors though, I still keep them barefoot because my boys' physical therapist says that is best for them right now.

mrs.cam

We just got our first pairs at stride rite about two weeks ago. It was nice to have them fitted (size 5.5 already!) but it was pricey. $32 each though one pair was half off that. Still i am glad we got a good quality pair from a reliable brand and thefitting was definitely necessary.

amanda31H

It's good for their feet to keep them bare inside the house, etc.

I used the soft soled Robeez for outside until they both became "official" walkers.  After that I got them fitted at Stride Rite. 

I think good shoes are important, but I have many friends who don't care!

E&RMommy

Mine are both walking like crazy (well DD runs).  So we bought Stride Rite shoes for buy one, get one half off.

We spent $80 but whatever.  And my kids are tiny.  Both wear 3.5W.

 

erinruns

Bare feet are best to learn how to walk.  I kept mine in Robeez when it was chilly and they needed something on their feet.  Once they were *really* walking, I took them to Stride Rite and had them fitted.