Community› The Bump Local Boards› Maryland Babies
Maryland Babies
New Discussion

Let's talk toddler shoes...

anonsouthernbellanonsouthernbell member
in Maryland Babies
So ladies I am wondering what you do for toddler shoes.  In the past, I have  bought ds the "recommended" shoe brands (Pedipeds and Robeez to be precise) but I am debating what to do for his next size.  My son, like most kids, grows like a weed and well I really don't want to fork out the money for Stride Rites, See Kai Run, etc if it isn't worth it.  So my question is do you think that Stride Rites with their level 3 shoes are worth it or that it is a marketing ploy?  I bought M Target brand shoes in the next size but I am starting to think maybe I should fork out the money for Stride Rites (or a similar brand).
Warning No formatter is installed for the format bbhtml
Report Reply to Post

Re: Let's talk toddler shoes...

  • KathrynMDKathrynMD member
    We get Stride Rites for DD's "every day" shoes - they cost about $45 and since last October, she's on her 3rd pair.  I know you can get discounts, etc. if you shop around, but I'm lazy and always forget, etc.  I buy cheaper shoes for dress up or other casual shoes from Target, Kohls, Sears, etc. 
    Lilypie Third Birthday tickers
    Report Reply
  • Loading the player...
  • daisyterpdaisyterp member

    Is your DS walking yet? 

    I am a big believer in the soft-soled shoes until they are well-established walkers.  Sometimes DD still wears robeez (I have some huge ones!) for inside play because they are better off in less shoe than more for the most part.  DD basically went from the very soft-soled shoes to crocs once she was walking really well- she did have one pair of the Robeez Tredz which we really liked.  I would buy those again for DS.  I know that sometimes they turn up on clearance, @ outlets, etc.

    I bought her a pair of stride rites over the summer and she did not like them and said they hurt her feet- they were our first venture into "real" shoes. 

    I googled the level 3 thing and I  think that the shoes look nice- but kids are going to trip and fall.  Yes, they are less likely to not trip and fall in shoes that aren't huge and clunky, which those shoes appear to be, but does seem silly to market it that way to me. My issue with stride rite is that not all of the shoes they sell are "good" shoes- KWIM?  It's kinda like Gerber- I feel like both brands have this reputation as knowing what's best/most healthy, but really they are just about selling as much as possible. 

    AlternaTickers - Cool, free Web tickers
    Report Reply
  • cbaummer2becbaummer2be member

    I like See Kai Run for my son. They are well made and pretty cute. My son has two pairs and they have held up pretty well.

    I like Pediped and Keen for my daughter. They are also well made and cute. I also have gotten a couple pairs of sparkle flats from Target for dressing up. I do think it's important to buy a pair of high quality shoes for every day use. 

    Report Reply
  • jnealetjnealet member

    I bought a pair of Keds from Stride Rite and they were eh - I think I would have liked them more if they were velcro, its tough to tie a toddler's shoelaces and keep them tied.

     For her everyday shoes this fall, I got them from Payless.  I believe Payless toddler shoes are Stride Rite's lower cost brand - think Old Navy to Banana Republic.  I can't think of the name of the "brand" but its close to Stride Rite - like Walk Rite or Stride Smart.

    Warning No formatter is installed for the format bbhtml
    Report Reply
  • mrs. remymrs. remy
    I have always read that its very important to have the foot well-supported when they start to walk so I fork over the extra $ for stride rites. The  stride rites I have bought for him are really well-constructed and have lots or arch support and he loves putting them on and wearing them. Besides, he is an extra-wide and I really don't know any other brands that come in extra wide.
    Lilypie Third Birthday tickersLilypie First Birthday tickers
    Report Reply
  • daisyterpdaisyterp member

    imagemrs. remy <3:
    I have always read that its very important to have the foot well-supported when they start to walk


    Actually it's best for them to be barefoot or closest to barefoot when learning/starting walking.  You want each toe to be able to stretch out and feel on it's own, etc, hence why totally soft-soled shoes are all that's recc'd for basically the first 2 yrs of life.  

    AlternaTickers - Cool, free Web tickers
    Report Reply
  • KathrynMDKathrynMD member
    imagedaisyterp:

    imagemrs. remy <3:
    I have always read that its very important to have the foot well-supported when they start to walk


    Actually it's best for them to be barefoot or closest to barefoot when learning/starting walking.  You want each toe to be able to stretch out and feel on it's own, etc, hence why totally soft-soled shoes are all that's recc'd for basically the first 2 yrs of life.  

    C - what's the difference between soft-soled shoes vs. just socks?  Ella was in socks or barefoot until she was 10 months and started really walking outside.  Now she's mostly barefoot at home (even in winter!), she pulls off her socks.  I tried getting some sock slippers for her, but she pulls those off too. 

    Lilypie Third Birthday tickers
    Report Reply
  • daisyterpdaisyterp member

    socks are equal to barefoot- it's just a matter of finding socks that have the little grippies on them, and that stay on. 

     

    AlternaTickers - Cool, free Web tickers
    Report Reply
  • anonsouthernbellanonsouthernbell member

    Thanks ladies for your input!

    imagedaisyterp:

    Is your DS walking yet? 

    I am a big believer in the soft-soled shoes until they are well-established walkers.  Sometimes DD still wears robeez (I have some huge ones!) for inside play because they are better off in less shoe than more for the most part.  DD basically went from the very soft-soled shoes to crocs once she was walking really well- she did have one pair of the Robeez Tredz which we really liked.  I would buy those again for DS.  I know that sometimes they turn up on clearance, @ outlets, etc.

    I bought her a pair of stride rites over the summer and she did not like them and said they hurt her feet- they were our first venture into "real" shoes. 

    I googled the level 3 thing and I  think that the shoes look nice- but kids are going to trip and fall.  Yes, they are less likely to not trip and fall in shoes that aren't huge and clunky, which those shoes appear to be, but does seem silly to market it that way to me. My issue with stride rite is that not all of the shoes they sell are "good" shoes- KWIM?  It's kinda like Gerber- I feel like both brands have this reputation as knowing what's best/most healthy, but really they are just about selling as much as possible. 

    Matthew is 16 months and running :)  And that is a great point about the brand!

    Warning No formatter is installed for the format bbhtml
    Report Reply
This discussion has been closed.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards
"
"