Shoe Recommendations

Updated on August 29, 2011
K.M. asks from Carol Stream, IL
18 answers

Hi, Mommas!

My sweet daughter is 21 months. I had her in Reef shoes all summer and she loved them! They were a little more expensive than others, but breathable, protected her toes, and dried super-fast.

I am looking for a recommendation for good sneakers or shoes for this fall. I've heard lots of people who like Stride Rite - are they worth it? What should I be looking for in a "everyday" shoe for the fall/winter? I'm okay with spending the $ on a quality shoe.

Thanks in advance!
K.

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T.C.

answers from Colorado Springs on

Stride Rite are definitely worth the money. They are excellent shoes. I can't think of any other brand that I would chose over them, as long as the budget allows for them.

2 moms found this helpful
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J.F.

answers from Chicago on

I do not like Stride Rite shoes for my daughter. The girly shoes ALWAYS wear out within a couple of weeks and the sporty/athletic shoes have super thick inflexible soles. I buy Morgan & Milo Mary janes and we like Merrell, Ecco and New Balance. Good luck.

More Answers

C.O.

answers from Washington DC on

Stride Rite - while they are expensive - it's a quality shoe...

you have to walk on them the rest of your life - so take care of them!! :)

Go to the store and get her foot measured...you can also find a Stride Rite Overstock or Outlet store...still quality - just not as expensive! :)

GOOD LUCK!!!

1 mom found this helpful
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T.H.

answers from Kansas City on

If you're okay spending the money, then yes Stride Rite is worth it! They are great shoes and great staff! Also, they sell their brand plus they sell Keds and Saucony so you know those are great shoes too that you may be able to find elsewhere, possibly on sale!

As far as an everyday shoe, I'd just make sure the color and style are versitle and it will hold up, at least a little bit, to water or other elements.

My daughter's favorite shoe was a Stride Rite boot we bought a year or so ago and it was so awesome! I scotch guarded the leather and they lasted all fall and winter. She didn't wear them actually in the snow to play but would wear them out and about even with snow on the ground.

1 mom found this helpful
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A.S.

answers from Dallas on

Stride Rite all the way. BUT, my suggestion to save a little money is to go to the store to have her sized. Pick out the shoe you want there and then go home and check shoebuy.com or shoemall.com. They often have the exact same shoe for $10 cheaper and free shipping/returns. The brand is high quality. I have been able to sell most of my DS's Stride Rite shoes, not because he didn't wear them like crazy (we usually only have one, MAYbe 2 pairs of shoes for each child at a time), but because they just last that long.

If you are lucky, you may have a Stride Rite outlet near you. I do, and I sometimes find good deals there too. But, more often than not, I am at the store for the measure and choosing and then online to order. BTW, those shoe stores that I mentioned online have coupons out all of the time. Just make sure that you google for them.

1 mom found this helpful
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N.P.

answers from Chicago on

honestly of all the shoes I have put on little feet the best are the cheap thin canvas ones with light weight soles. I used to be able to find these on clearance around this time of year for about $3 a pair at Babies R Us, Target or Toys R Us. WalMart probably carries them too, but I never shop there. I don't like heavy soles on kids' shoes as it makes them walk funny.

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N.T.

answers from Chicago on

Our kids seem to like Saucony sneakers. We get them at StrideRite and they run about the same price. Not too bad when they do the buy one get one, or if you are near an outlet. They do run narrow, but have very flexible soles.

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M.R.

answers from Chicago on

I highly recommend Pediped shoes! I love them. They are so easy for my daughter to put on and take off herself and comfortable with or without socks. And, they have super cute designs. I am usually able to find cheap ones on sale for about $21 with $6 shipping. They are durable, comfortable, and cute! www.pediped.com

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S.P.

answers from New York on

we've done stride rite, we also did Pediped flex. They were great because they had a second insole that we could take out when she started getting bigger. We ended up having her in them for a whole season! Not sure what we'll do next year. I've heard Pediped, stride rite and see kai run touted as really good for little feet. I would definitely spend the dollars on quality shoes. It can make a difference for their feet for the rest of their lives.

S.R.

answers from Kansas City on

Everyone pretty much said it already, Stride Rite all the way!

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E.P.

answers from Chicago on

There is a stride rite outlet at Gurnee Mills that has great prices. Most ofthe time cheaper than shoes you get elsewhere.

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R.C.

answers from Phoenix on

Converse Hi Tops are great for toddlers and preschoolers. Love the flexible sole for toddlers. They are also affordable, classic style, and washable. We have all 3 of our kids wearing them and they love them. Famous Footwear is a great place to buy them. My kids have been given multiple pairs of Stride Rite shoes and they won't keep them on.

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M.J.

answers from Sacramento on

Stride Rite are great shoes but, at 21 months, not worth the expense since she's in rapid growth. The Payless SmartFit shoes are made by Stride Rite and cost a fraction of the actual Stride Rite shoes.

We do Stride Rite now that our daughter is older because she has a wide foot and they're just about the only place carrying her size.

Have also had good luck with shoes from Lands End.

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M.S.

answers from Portland on

I like Stride Rite, but I also really like See Kai Run too. These are what we buy my daughter because she has fat feet that are really thick and they make shoes for her as well as another more "regular" style. You can get them online or at specialty baby stores or Nordstrom. They run about 42 a pair. I love them because they are softer than the stride rites, so when she kicks you they don't hurt as bad. Good Luck finding her perfect shoe!!

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K.N.

answers from Chicago on

I like keens too! You can find them discounted all the time. Just search the style you like (after you look on keenfootwear.com).

J.D.

answers from New York on

I would usually buy my son stride rite because he has a wide foot. I have purchased a few that have been absolutely horrible and end up lasting for a short amount of time. Pedi Ped is awesome, never had issues with their shoes and now that my son is older I buy ecco boots for the fall because they are excellent in the rain and snow. No need to buy rain boots & snow boats separately anymore! He loves his crocs in the summer and would wear them all day everyday if I let him. =)

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K.S.

answers from Detroit on

Keen makes a great shoe, especially if the feet are wide.

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S.H.

answers from Honolulu on

The brands:
Stride Rite
See Kai Run

they both have good shoes.
Just go to Amazon, to read the reviews of it.

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