Hi Mamas, I found a super cute pair of Sanuk loafers for my 5 year old little boy, and I'm just wondering if y'all have had any good or bad experiences with that type of shoe. I bought some Toms for my girls last year and I was not impressed. They totally shredded them. If Sanuk don't hold up, there are most definitely not worth the $45. I like them because they look easy for slipping on and off, and they are cute :)
I also found a pair of Vans that are cute. Thoughts?
Thanks!
can't say anything about Sanuk (never heard of them--thought you meant something for vacation:o) And my husband's niece has Toms but she is not rough with her shoes. However, my older son is totally horrible on shoes. He finds Vans to be the most comfortable and they last longer than others I have bought him. Watch for sales and you can get really good pricing.
Bless you for having a boy who would wear loafers. It would be a cold day in hell before I could get my sons into these, but they're awfully cute. I would just make sure he would actually wear that style before spending the money.
I have Sanuk flip flops and they are good but if I wear them too much I get pain in my heals so it's not like they are the best flip flops ever. I buy Stride Rite for my son (on sale) and they almost always hold up really well. The one time they got a hole in the leather after a few months I called the company and they sent me a brand new pair, no charge.
I'm with you on the Toms....Totally overpriced & poorly made. I'm not impressed with them, either! Although I have not purchased a pair of Sanuks for my daughter yet, I do plan to. I have 2 pairs of Sanuk sandals/flip flops (yoga mat sandals) myself, and I love them! So comfy, and so far they are holding up well. Like I said, we have not tried any of the kids' shoes/sandals yet....
I bought 2 pair of Sanuk loafers about three years ago and they still look great! They are completely machine washable and come out of the washer the same size as they went in. Very comfortable shoes because they are built on a sandal, they have vent holes (they are also water shoes). Love them and well worth the price. Vans are great for boys too. My son wears them a lot and is always asking for more.
Hi A.,
I have had experience with both brands for my young son.
Vans; although they are so darn cute, I was not impressed with their durability. The canvas fell apart after being washed (not dried) just once. I have had much better luck with Converse.
We have also had the Sanuk's and loved them. We haven't tried the loafers yet (but will). We had the flip flops. They lasted for over a year and my son loved the comfort.
Happy shoe shopping!
I can tell you a friend of mine has Sanuk flip flops and says they are to die for. She is a grown women so not too hard on her shoes, but after her first pair, went out and bought two more pair!
Vans are good though too and are meant to hold up to rough play a little more. I think Sanuk was the brand I saw on a little boy at the park and had to stop his mom to ask what they were b/c they were adorable and very functional. She said she loved them and found them on Zappos.
I don't have an answer to your Q, but I wanted to say that TOMS are not expensive because they are durable and will stand up to kid-style use for ages...
They cost more because TOMS will shoe a needy child with every pair you buy. It is a moral decision to make a difference in the world, with little effort on your part.
