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D.C. Area Babies
Toddler shoes?
M is walking now, not perfectly, but definitely walking. The only shoes I have for him are Robeez, and he's barefoot indoors. How long can I keep him in these? And what is the next step up from Robeez? I've heard of Pedipeds, Keens, Stride Rite. I know these are different brand names, but do they also have different types of shoes? What type of shoes do you recommend? I am totally clueless about shoes.
Also, has anyone successfully measured their kid's feet at home and ordered shoes online?
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Re: Toddler shoes?
We like See Kai Run shoes, and we've gotten them cheap on Zulily (I can send you a membership if you don't have one).
Re: measuring, just keep in mind that sizes vary from brand to brand, so just because M is a certain size with one brand doesn't mean he is with all brands. I learned that the hard way (make sure to check the brand's size chart, too, not just the site's chart, if you're ordering off of Diapers.com or some other kid site).
TTC #2: BFP 12/17/11, m/c 1/7/12 and D&C 1/12/12
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I have been increadibly happy with Stride Rite. DS started out with the Step 2: Early Walkers line and we got the ones below, they are soft motion and DS did awesome in them. They are really flexible and he had no problem adjusting from robeez to these.
I had DS measured at the store, but I went early - like stood out side the store before opening one Saturday morning early - because they get super busy and a line forms almost instantly. They were really nice and helpful, this last time I actually just took him and got him measured in the regular store and then went on up to the SR outlet in Leesburg and bought him two pairs for what one in the regular store would cost.
We buy our Stride Rite shoes at the Stride Rite outlet in Potomac Mills. Marshalls, Ross, JC Penney, etc. also have that brand. The one nice thing about the outlet is it's set up like the store, in that they give you guidance about what shoes to work with what age kid. Plus there is this one guy I think anyone who goes there knows about - an older, heavy-set man who is the sweetest and most patient shoe-store-helper in the world. He'll even tell you with a wink that the pair of shoes you're about to buy is going to be on sale next week if you want to hold off.
When my first kid started walking I actually got her measured at a regular Stride Rite store (talk about sticker shock - $70 for a pair of kids shoes they'll wear for about 3 months?) and then bought the shoes at the outlet.
For the girls we always got one pair of sneaker for play and one pair of "dress" shoes - not dressy like formal, but shoes that are more like mary janes that have a buckle - to wear with dresses. You won't have to worry about that!
Now that we have three kids taking them to the shoe store is a 100% nightmare, so about a year ago we bought our own Brannock measuring device. We measure the kids at home, then I go by myself to the outlet to buy their shoes.
DD was a late walker and because of that, we had her see a physical therapist. The PT said that she recommends that all parents have their child measured at a specialty shoe store for their first pair of shoes because you want the first pair to fit correctly so that it promotes correct walking. I'm glad we did this because DD ended up being between a Wide and Doublewide. We went to Shoe Train in MD.
I have been very happy with the quality of Stride Rite. I had her measured at their store for the first few pairs of shoes but then I got tired of going to the shoe store so like Artlvr, I bought a Brannock device so that I could measure her feet at home. Now I plan to buy shoes online but I'll get them at a place that offers free return shipping so I can buy two pairs and see which fits better.
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DS 7/18/2010
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We do a combo of Stride Rite, crocs, and Target or Payless shoes.
The SR outlet is definintely worth a trip. We have found some great deals there in the clearance section (but have found better deals at outlet in MI)... when we go, we buy stuff in her size, but also a size or two bigger so we don't have to make a zillion trips. She has consistently had one "main" pair of shoes that are SR's (usually mary janes, in between dressy and casual), plus a couple pairs of "cute" shoes from Target/Payless that she wears less often.
I think she wore her Robeez (well, knock off Robeez - b/c I'm cheap!) until around 16-18 mo. or so. She was walking at 10 mo, so she definitely walked around a lot in them! In addition to the Robeez, we got her first pair of SR's around 1 yr.
There's a SR store in the Wheaton Mall. I've taken J there for measurements before. The girl did an OK job. I'd love to get a Brannock device like Artslvr and kendra have. But, I can't quite justify it... they're pretty expensive.
As a follow-up question--DD and DS aren't walking yet. I think DD might walk by 13 months, and DS will probably closer to 14 or 15 months, just based on past experience with milestones.
Do you recommend they just stay in Robeez until they start walking? Or, should we get them shoes too? Should I hold off on having them measured at Stride Rite until they are walking (do you need to get them measured for Robeez)?
Ditto this...DS had the same shoe and it held up so well I washed it and put it away for a future LO
Hi! My pediatric physical therapist friend told me that inside as they are learning to walk they should always have Robeez or be barefoot as that helps with muscle development and stabilization. Shoes should only be used outside to protect his little feet.
I would DEFINITELY recommend getting him professionally measured and assessed the first time. Ed at Shoe Train (Cabin John mall) is really, really good and worth the wait. He diagnosed my daughter with low tone (confirmed by a physical therapist and pediatrician) and we were able to get her some early therapy that made a huge difference. Feet are important - do it right, especially at the beginning. Now we are more relaxed about it.
TTC #1 Cycle 14 - IUI#1=BFN, IUI#2=BFP | TTC #2 Cycle 8=BFP!!
I can't deal with shoe shopping for myself unless it's at DSW. So I can't imagine doing it with - or for - little kids. I'm Zappos all the way. I'll buy like $500 worth of shoes for DS and DD in multiple styles and sizes and then just keep one or two pairs each (returning the rest within the same Visa billing cycle!). The free no-hassle returns has turned me into a customer forever. I find fitting kids shoes to be tough because sizing isn't consistant across brands, and some are styled so thtat it's a struggle to get little feet into them. I'd much rather deal with all that at home and really take my time to figure out what works best for them instead of being rushed by a salesperson in a mobbed store while working around kids' moods and meals and naps.
They have Robeez, which we've always liked. I think the next step up is the Mini Shoez. They have a real sole that's very flexible but holds up to outdoor use. Pediped Flex is also great, though more expensive. When your DS gets older, Tsukihoshi sneakers have been good to us....also pricey, but they're washable and last forever. All the shoes I've invested in for both DD and DS have survived until being outgrown and are being saved for #3, so I think they're worth the money. I look for sales and usually get them each one pair of shoes they can wreck on the playground or in everyday use and one that's a little nicer for school and such.
However, the only exception to that is DD's two pairs of Stride Rite shoes bought at the store. They looked ratty almost immediately and then fell apart - totally not impressed and wondering if I got lemons? Because everyone else raves about the brand.