My 14-month old son has been walking on his own for a few months now, and he's just about outgrown his knock-off Robeez from Target. (Which I'm not very fond of anyway--they leave elastic marks on his ankles!) I'm want to get him some new shoes, but I've seen so many contradictory statements about soft-soled shoes and harder-soled shoes. I know Robeez are better for learning to walk, and they make them for kids up to age 4. Obviously he can't wear them when the ground is wet, but I have no idea what to buy him. Any brands, stores, advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Moms!
Thanks for all the great suggestions. I almost went with the preschoolians--the see-through bottom is awesome!--but I was already heading up to Albertville today and found a pair of Stride Rites that fit really well. They're not as flexible as the ones Di mentioned, but they're designed for little walkers and they're affordable and I brought them home today. No shipping required! I might still look at getting something more flexible for more indoor stuff, but I'm pretty confident the Stride Rites will be able to handle the MN winter yuck much better. Thanks again for your help, Moms!
I have my son wear VANS they're alittle more money but he really likes them they're very light weight. other shoes make him cry I think its because they're too heavy. my son is two.
Check out:
www.seekairun.com
www.pedoodles.com
www.preschoolians.com
www.pedipeds.com
They are all kind of a compromise between Robeez and hard soled shoes. I LOVE the See Kai Run shoes - they are so cute!
S.-
My baby is young herself, so I'm not an expert in these matters! :-) Just wanted to let you know, though, that if you want to purchase some of the shoes mentioned by Di (the ones that can't be ordered off the websites, only from retailers), I've seen them for sale at Peapods in St. Paul. They are located on Snelling Ave, or they also have a website. I'm sure there are other retailers in the Cities, too, but Peapods is the only one I'm personally aware of...and they're good people. :-) Good luck!
Bare feet work the best. Outside, any shoe is good. I have raised 3 kids and have never bought those expensive shoes. Two of my kids were walking on their own by 9 mos. Remember this. Our ancestors didnt have those fancy shoes, and they walked fine.
Hello-
I also have a VERY busy 14 month old boy and I had trouble deciding about shoes. I love his Robeez, but now that he's walking around outside I wanted better protection for his feet. I had a hard time finding shoes to fit, so I did get some Stride Rites. I LOVE them. Not only do the staff help you get the right fit, but they have so many different widths and sizes to pick from. It is wonderful knowing he is in a good quality shoe that fits his foot right, and is meant for early walking. And they're cute too! To save big money off regular retail, definitely go to a Stride Rite outlet. When I knew his size I actually started looking on E-bay and at Once Upon A Child to get him a second pair he could really beat up.
For inside I have him go around either in socks with the rubber stuff on the bottem or his Robeez. It is supposed to be better for learning to walk without shoes. But thankfully the Stide Rites actually seem to help him walk, so I'm SO glad I got them despite the money. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
K.
Add me to the list of Stride Rite lovers. We never buy our son anything else since his feet are so wide and nothing else really fits him well. We go to the outlet mall as well and get them for much less than what you pay in a store. In fact, I just got 2 pairs of them for $14.99 each the other day!
K.
If you're willing to drive to the Albertville Premium Outlets in Albertville, there's a Stride Rite outlet store there that you can get new Stride Rite's for about half - 70% the regular retail price.
I had the same problem trying to find shoes for my son. Everything I looked at had no give to the sole. The Stride Rite's are very soft and flexible, yet give them support. The stff at Stride Rite is very helpful and will measure your child's foot to get the right fit.
Good Luck!
J.
Call me old school, but I've always gotten my new walkers stride rite shoes. I love the styles and the ankle support. I think now a days, you cant go wrong with most shoes out there, there's just a ton to choose from! Good luck-S.
