1St Shoes & Sticker Shock

I never bought into the pre-walker shoe fad. Babies don't need shoes until they are actively walking, IMO. Even at that age, I wouldn't fork out that much money, because they outgrow them so fast. I would try Ebay, Ross, Craigslist for lightly used stuff.

I think its silly how much money people are persuaded to spend on kids shoes. Seriously, they wear them a few months. Young kids aren't even heavy enough to make an imprint in the sole of a shoe. My kids only wear shoes if we are going somewhwere and the youngest spends a lot of that time in a stroller. Personally, I think its a lot of nonsense, good advertising, and a symbol of status.

My kids and I like to wear Sketchers and I only buy them when:

1. They are on sale
2. They are on clearance
or
3. We are at the Sketchers outlet store

Kohls has good deals on shoes.

Look for the SmartFit shoes at Payless Shoe Source. They're made by Stride Rite.

Wow, I would NEVER pay that much for kids' shoes!! I buy all of my kids' shoes at Target, the Circo brand is great. My son is ROUGH on shoes (he's 5) and his shoes still last for 6+ months. They are under $20. At 9 months, your son definitely doesn't need anything fancy. I leave my kids barefoot at that age, unless they are outside, then I just get those leather Robeez ones at Target.

My husband has large feet (size 13 1/2) and when he was growing up his folks never kept up with his shoes.
As a result he has a problem with hammer toes (upward curled crunched up toes that are hard to flatten out when he stands on his feet) and eventually he's going to have to have surgery to deal with it.
Because my husbands feet were neglected, I tend to obsess over my son's feet/shoes.
I'm always checking to make sure he's got some room in the toes of the shoes and that they are wide enough.
I use to spend a lot on my own shoes, but now I spend the money on my son's shoes.
He's 12 now and already wearing size 11 and it looks like his feet will end up being as big or bigger than Dad's.
My son's feet are perfect - he's never had a bunion or a blister, his arches are fine, his toes are straight.
Skimping on shoes for him is something I'll never do.

At nine months and in summer, I wouldn't bother with shoes. Barefoot is best for kids until they are walking, and as early walkers. It helps there body learn how to walk when they can feel and grip and move freely.

For my 2 year old, we did buy the stride rites (now that she is older I don't think she needs them but my MIL insists so she buys them :)). I agree with everyone, no second hand for everyday use, but dress up or fancy is okay. Check outlets. I also have bought a few pairs on eBay. They have New in the box, with tags Stride Rites on there. I just took my daughter to the store, had her foot measured, wrote down a few styles we liked and then searched for them on eBay. When she was about 15 months I ordered 3 pairs (two tennies and a sandle) and paid $25 for the shoes and shipping all together. They were all new in the their origional boxes and from Stride Rite. My daughter has very small feet and doesn't grow to quickly so I have been lucky about not having to replace them too frequently.

Hello!
We had the same sticker shock when buying for our kids. However, the both started with very wide feet and it was about our only option! What I did find was that Stride Rite outlets are very affordable. I was able to get them both shoes in the $20 range. They may be the colors of the previous year but really who cares! You may want to look and see if there it an outlet around you!

i've always bought stride rite for my kids, but i recall them being in the $36-$40ish range. just looked online, and can't find any on the website for more than $39 in the stage 2 - not sure what you got, but wow - yeah, $50 is a lot. i am funny about shoes - shoes should be a proper fit, and not previously worn by another child - the soles "mold" to the feet after a few wears, and obviously no two people have the same exact size/shape feet and toes. that can affect foot/ankle/knee/hip/back development - i'd skimp in other areas(clothes/toys) if i needed to, but shoes are important. my kids are 2, 5, and 8 now - i typically stick with new balance for sneakers, stride rite or teva for sandals, stride rite for dressy girl shoes, sometimes skechers for the boys brown leather shoes. yeah, shoes are expensive!

Let him go barefoot as much as possible. Shoes do not do anything to prevent flat feet - actually if he is able to grip with his toes, that will help build his arches naturally. You can get Robeez shoes for him to wear whenever he'll be indoors (if and when it's necessary that he's not barefoot). Robeez are the closest to barefoot that you can get.

Other than that, if he'll be walking outdoors or on rough terrain, I really do like the Stride Rite shoes. Check and see if there's an outlet mall near you. Sometimes you can find a Stride Rite outlet where they'll sell the shoes at half price.

Barefoot until he needs to be in shoes (outside and walking around). This is from our pediatrician who said that baby shoes are a complete rip-off until they actually NEED them!

Pedipeds are less expensive and more like slippers to keep their feet clean and dry. Once he's actually walking and "going places" then the shoes should be (again from our pediatrician):
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Sturdy for support on the sides
- Bendable soles for flexibility

Kohl's has a decent children's shoe section when you get to that point!

This is why I always check all the thrift/consignment stores in our area. I also have bought quality kid shoes on ebay. Sometimes a child outgrows shoes before they have worn them much. You can tell they are still in great shape by looking at them.

I never bought "baby shoes" or shopped at a children's shoe store. Stride Right is high end. When my kids were little, they didn't have shoes til a year, but I got theirs at JC Penney. You can buy shoes at Walmart, Target and Kmart. They won't have a person come and measure you, at Stride Right you pay for that service, at a cheaper store, you just keep trying shoes on him til you find what fits. Good luck

i dont see why 2nd hand shoes would be bad...I mean they hardly wear them, my daughters still look brand new years later...I J. found them while packing the other day

Don't waste your money on expensive shoes. Buy an inexpensive pair of sneakers. Even our doctor told us this. If you have nothing better to do with your money, then go ahead and buy the expensive ones, but they will do nothing special for helping your child walk or for their feet. All they do is show everyone that you have money to waste.

I didn't buy shoes until my daughter started walking seriously. Before they actually need them to protect their feet when walking outside they are simply a fashion accessory.
Unless the weather requires closed watertight shoes I would stick with barefoot inside the house and soft soled outside. Robeez are expensive, but Target makes an equivalent for $15 a pair.
Once you actually need shoes, I personally shell out the big bucks. I would never buy a $50 pair of shoes for myself, but for kids shoes, you really do get what you pay for.

What I buy cheap or used are dress shoes, that are not meant o be worn every day or for extended periods of time. As for used shoes those may be an option while your child is still little. I have found a few pairs that obviously had never been worn (maybe they were a present and the wrong size...) at the second hand store and I felt comfortable putting them on my daughter. I would not buy used shoes that show any sign of wear though.

Most foot problems in children and adults are caused by improper footwear... and it is now a common recommendation to let your children walk barefoot as much as possible to support a healthy development of their feet.

Nordstrom has their kids shoe sale right now.. Look online or go in.. They carry stride rite ect.. I bet u could return your other shoes and get some stride rites on sale around 20 30 dollars.

You are definitely silly to write of 2nd hand shoes, because at this age, their feet grow so quickly, that the 1st person to own those shoes probably barely even wore them in before their feet got too big for them.

Another option, though, are the Mini Star shoes that you can buy at Target. Very very similar to Robeez without the huge price tag (I think they're about $15)

We bought Robeez or Pedipeds when our daughter was that age. Perfect for new walkers w/ a soft sole. Afterward sold them on Ebay (also purchased some on Ebay) :)

See if there is a stride rite outlet close to you. That is where I buy most of the shoes for my sons. I can usually get shoes for about $20. Also look at fm add or marshalls because I have bought stride rite shoes there for about $14.

In child care classes we are taught to take the shoes off. They walk sooner and better if they learn with no shoes at all. Their toes grip the floor better and it helps develop the muscles quicker.

When they are going out, like going to church or to eat, they can wear any shoe. The podiatrist told us that if you can take the shoe, the toe in one hand and the heel in the other and twist it then it is not a good shoe for support. We bought our little guy hiking boots that are high tops. They support his ankles, he is WAY pigeon toed and bow legged.

Evidently anyone who knows the dad could pick our guy of a group by his feet and legs. That's why the visits to the podiatrist. The doc said any shoe would work. It's better to be barefoot as much as possible but when he is going somewhere that needs shoes make sure they support his foot very well.

Find a Stride Rite outlet store. They can measrue your child and their prices are generally better. Jackson Premium outlets is the one I know of in NJ>

Absolutely do NOT put used shoes on ANY child, ever. Shoes form to fit a foot, and are not designed to be worn by two children (or two adults). The only shoes I've ever saved to "hand down" to another child were dressy shoes that were only worn a few times.

However, you don't have to buy shoes for a baby for 50 dollars, either...you realized he's going to outgrow them in a few weeks! :) They go through shoes pretty quickly at this age, although my youngest, who is 15 months old, has been in the same shoes for about 3 months (yay!) but ready to outgrow.

My suggestions would be to stay away from anything vinyl, plastic, etc, as shoes made from these materials are not good for feet. Leather is best, but you can find nice leather shoes for much cheaper than what stride rite charges, just be prepared to size them yourself or have "inadequate" help. I know everyone is so thrilled with stride rite (my mom swears by it, all my shoes came from it) but I, personally, am not super plussed by their shoes.

Once my oldest was walking well, we put her in what's basically known as a "skater" tennis shoe...wide, cushy sole, well padded ankles and heels. You can get nice leather ones, and they are very attractive, and can be thrown in the washing machine (yay!). I think in the early years we paid around 30-40 a pair, depending (brands include Etnies, DC, Adidas, AirWalk, K Swiss) and they've gotten a little more expensive now that she's in children's sizes (she wears a 1.) I don't know what shoes stores are available in your area, but try a Foot Locker (or something like that)...that's what always worked best for me.

My youngest, all summer, as been wearing a pair of Adidas sandals that are essential made out of foam. They have a heel strap and two top straps that velcro, so they are completely adjustable to fit her foot well and they are super comfy. She loves them. (However, she's walking/running, etc, and is 15 months old. She's been wearing them since 12 months.)

TAKE THEM BACK! What a waste. Kids learn to walk better barefoot, and shoes are just for looks right now. Stride rite will brainwash you into believing your child's feet will be deformed if you don't buy their ridiculously expensive shoes!

Go to Target or JCPenney, and find some shoes that are sturdy, etc. As he grows, you will learn what to look for. You won't want tying shoes until he can tie them himself. Some styles that are similar to converse have very stiff bottoms that do not flex when kids walk and they will trip a lot. Just get basic shoes. Target, WAlmart, etc. still have brands you have heard of, but it really doesn't matter. Try your best to make sure they fit well.

You can also get shoes 2nd hand in good shape. especially at these young ages. kids BARELY wear them, so they are not worn out.

Hi Fang,
Check out Bobux. They are a soft-soled shoe and all your baby should be wearing until about 2-3 years of age. I picked up a pair new for $30 (can find them on sale but best to find at yard sale or borrow/buy from a friend).

Soft soled shoes allow them to feel the floor and learn to walk more confidently, as well as being al the support they need at that tender age.

Better, unless you are going out somewhere, IT DOESN'T MATTER WHAT THEY LOOK LIKE! Some of the non-white pairs really age well and just look - distressed. As long as they aren't falling apart, they are worth the $.

You can check out Luvaboos.com - and she ships. There are other places but happy to support a work-at-home NEW Mama!

Good luck,
M.

2nd hand shoes is never a good idea - especially for babies. Unless of course, you absolutely can't afford new shoes.

Try Marshalls and TJ Maxx. They have a great selection of baby shoes for a discount.

Also, get your baby's feet measured at Stride Rite and then shop online for cheaper shoe (Zappos has free returns).

I get them from a boutique store that sells Pedipeds and similar brands -- some of them on sale. I have never paid more than $19 (usually the "full" price is $50). I just cannot afford it. And once they get a bit older (like age 3) I just get them from Target, and don't bother having them fitted at a fancy store. But even at a fancy store, they always have ones on sale!!

I have a thing about 2nd hand shoes - I just will not wear them. I know, I know, but I can't.

With that being confessed - all of my son's shoes came from Walmart or Payless when he was little. I mean, under age 13 "little". He outgrew them so fast, that I could not being myself to spend more a pair of shoes for him then I would for shoes for myself.

Now, being a "grown" boy of 15, he is much more particular about his shoes, and we shop at Shoe Carnival, or Shoe Station, type stores.
Oh, lord, the price increase when he went from boy's sizes to men's sizes was ridiculous - for the exact same shoe.

So, save the money now, you can find good quality, affordable shoes at a number of store.

the problem with buying the expensive shoes (for me) is that I never want them to ruin them so I never put them on. And then they don't fit. If you get them at target, walmart, payless, sure they might fall apart but when that happens they don't fit anyway. I would not do 2nd hand shoes for everyday shoes but for special occasion shoes I can't see them wearing them enough for it to cause problems.

I buy my sons shoes at payless. He is 2.5 and wears wide shoes. Hes been wearing smart fit in wide at payless. I just bought him a new pair recently and they were $17.

I don't think your son needs shoes at all! The best way to get them walking is to skip shoes all together. If you are going to be outside walking, look for some soft sole shoes like Robeez or Momo (they sell at Target for like $16!)
Shoes can impede walking so until they really get the hang of it, I say skip it!

And don't write off 2nd hand! I have bought both my kids shoes second hand and most have never even been used!

I say take them back, too! I NEVER got any of my four kids shoes until they have been walking for a awhile, and when they started walking in public (it isn't good for their development), sure, in cold weather I got the what I call "foot covers"... Stride rite DOES have nice shoes, but, get them when they are ON SALE:)

First of all, you don't really need shoes for a non-walker. In fact, it's recommended to let kids go barefoot as much as possible -- always when they're at home. If you need to wear shoes, the very soft soled ones are best (like Robeez); I believe Target makes a knock off of Robeez. Once he's walking well, you can get more solid shoes, but there's no need to buy fancy ones. Payless, Target, etc. all make fine shoes. But, barefoot is really best. Lots of runners have even started wearing those Vibrams because it turns out running barefoot (or as close to it as possible) is best for health, so feel free to let him run around barefoot as much as possible!

I will also use second hand shoes for LO -- when they're Robeez type, you don't have to worry about conforming to the foot because they're just leather soled. When they're real shoes ... well, LO just doesn't wear them very long at this age.

I will spend $50 on shoes for me, but not for a baby who will grow out of them in a few months!

I'd get 2nd hand shoes for special occasion/dress up shoes, but stick with new if you are worried about problem feet. The 9 month old really doesn't need shoes though - you can wait a long time and let him go barefoot (they say it's best anyway). Check around for a Stride Rite outlet. They have an awesome clearance section.

Well I bought regular store brand shoes for my son when he started walking. The soles were so hard , I wondered if it is even comfortable for my son. I then got stride rite shoes for him, they are so good. They were having a sale last month when I got it, so I got them less than 30 dollars. It's very important children wear good shoes when they just start to walk. These shoes are recommended by pediatric orthos. I am planning to buy these shoes for my son next couple years atleast and after that buy him regular shoes. Yes, hard to imagine shoes for my little one cost more than what I generally buy for myself. But if it's the best for him, and I am all for it. Look for sales though, I got 3 shoes for little less than $100 instead of 2 and I need not buy anymore until next year since I got bigger sizes.

target has these great little floppy (like robeez) shoes for only 12 bucks. i bought them for all my kids when they are learning to walk then as they grow i just get the regular big kid shoes from target as well and they haven't had feet problems yet (foot issues also run in my family)
good luck!
i know its your first kid, soon you'll learn that kids are durable! and as long as you arent neglecting or abusing them, they will turn out great!

Your baby does not need shoes until he is walking...especially since its summer. Stride Rite are the best shoes but seriously, did you not see the sale rack? I always go to SR but never spend more than 30 dollars. We don't have an outlet near us but you can get for even less. Plus with a boy, you only need to get 1 pair of new shoes every 3-6 months. Second hand shoes are fine as long as they are a good brand. Take them back and get some knock-off Robeez or the real thing at a Marshalls or TJ Maxx.

My sister gets stride rite for her son because he has fat feet she always shops the outlet she also finds them at marshalls for a lower price.
I always let my kids go barefoot at home and when we were out they were robeez that I found on clearance at an outlet because they were last season.

You spent $50! Are you kidding??

Next time try Payless Shoes. They are just as good and about $20.

I just went to Target this week and saw that they are now making shoes that look just like the Stride Rite stage 2's. I have a 1.5 year old, and they definitely did not have them when he was learning, and we paid the $50 price tag too! I would give those a try, they have a very bendable rubble sole just like the Stride Rite ones. We also always go to the Stride Rite outlet, it's a little bit of a drive for us, but most shoes are around $20-$30 so worth the drive. (They say they do not get many stage 2 shoes, so we had to buy them at full price) But they do have a ton of stage 3's for when he's ready. I also don't think you are silly for writing off 2nd hand shoes, and this comes from someone whose kids only have garage sale clothing. Shoes are different, each kid molds them to their own foot so it's really best for them to have new ones.

I have read that secondhand shoes ars not a good idea for kids, because all shoes form to the foot. We buy our kids' shoes at Payless.