[Angel99]

It is quite possible that I am just in denial here but..... What are some good quality shoes for children that don't cost an arm and a leg?!?! Jessica has wide feet so I've always put her in Stride rite shoes but we're feeling a bit of a financial crunch here so spending 50.00 for a pair of shoes seems expensive.

You can tell me if I'm being naive (sp?) here. What does everyone else put their children in? I would feel more comfortable buying shoes anywhere for her if she didn't have wide feet.

thanks for any input!

[angieandstever]

My daughter has wide feet too. I have found that only Stride Rite fit her well. So I buck up and spend $50 on her shoes usually getting her 2-3 pair at a time. Luckily we have only had to do 2 rounds in 9 months because her feet haven't grown too much.

I will say to look on ebay as I have spent $30 including shipping on brand new Stride Rite shoes which is a lot cheaper than in the store. Also they run clearances online and sometimes free shipping! Good luck! I know it is expensive!!!

[amyfk]

Hi,

We have consistently bought my dd shoes from Stride Rite because I have only heard good things about them from other parents(more experienced than me).
One time earlier this summer my dd saw a pair of cookie monster sneakers put out by New Balance(sold at children's foot locker). She wore them briefly. The first pair we had to return. The second pair she developed blisters on the back of her feet. So basically we stopped using them.
I know times are hard financially, but you may want to cut back in other areas and not on the shoes.
I do admit though I am not familiar with other children's shoe lines because since that incident we have stood with Stride Rite.
Good luck,
Amy K, NJ

[amyfk]

Also Stride Rite has outlets. Someone told me about one in my area. You may want to go online and see if there are any in your area. Perhaps you can save a few $ there.
Amy K, NJ

[mommamarci]

Look for a Stride Rite outlet! We got our son a pair of extra wide shoes from the outlet for $20! All of the shoes in his size at the regular store were at least $40. The outlets carry last season's styles, but he doesn't know or care!

[guatparents2be]

we found a brand we liked then got shoes on ebay. just about new puma sneakers for $12, and we got a pair of run kai run sandles, slightly worn at a used store for $15. if they're battered or you can see a part of the sole worn down, don't get them but otherwise, it's a great option. green too!

[connorsmommy1999]

I'm going to put another plug in for finding quality shoes on ebay.

We put cheaper (but not "cheap") shoes on our oldest and he's had all kinds of knee/angle isues as a teenager that the Dr said is probably from improper shoes.

With our youngest we've just always bought the better quality shoes on ebay. in the end they usually are about the same price.

[MamaS]

My grandson is extra-wide and the only brand he can wear without blisters is Stride Rite. Luckily, we have a Tanger Mall Outlet with a Stride Rite store so the shoes are cheaper (about 1/2 normal retail). You could try buying larger sizes at the season end sale and keeping them for him to grow into.

[annaguat]

Walmart. We live in an area with a large Hispanic population and they often shop there too. Now Guatemalan wide feet is nothing compared to Pacific Islander wide feet. My poor 10 yr old Pacific Islander DD doesn't fit in anything! Anna

[bbeard72]

My son only wears stride rite and we either get the shoes at the outlet (they have a lot for $19.95) or I buy them used on ebay (which are about $10). I don't feel bad getting him used shoes b/c he only wears shoes a month or two and they are in almost brand new condition when I get them off ebay b/c the child beore only wore them a few times.

[gwenrenee007]

Payless has wide shoes. I have bought a pair for dd and they fit her, but we have LOTS (too many) shoes for her so she only wore them a few time. Our dd is starting to be able to fit into "normal" shoes now - thank goodness!

[mildredjohn]

Payless Shoes has a line called Smart Fit which is fantastic and inexpensive. Target also has a great line too.

[dac_cincy]

Also, Payless now owns Stride-Rite according to the stride rite associate, last month whenI bought Bug 2 pairs of shoes. She said that you can find the stride rite brands at Payless- not all the brands, but some of them. So check out the stride rite website and then head over to payless to see what they have in stock.

love to you,
Deb

[mommamarci]

Here is a link to look for a Stride Rite outlet near you:
STRIDERITEOUTLET.COM

[kimy]

Look for a Stride Rite outlet .. We were lucky enough to have one ... He would only fit in the extra wide that they had..
We moved on too New Balance wide.. They are cheaper .
Good Luck,
Kim