Good Shoes

search for squeaky shoes on ebay, prices vary depending on what name brand gets on them, they don't go very big in sizes but they run a size or 2 big, you can take the squeaky thing out. Be extra careful that she isn't playing around loose nails though.

We are big fans of Stride Rite shoes. I know that they can seem a little pricey for toddler shoes but they last forever and are very comfortable and solid. REI also sells very good toddler shoes.

Stride Rite are great for toddlers. Very supportive and comfy. You can get them online. They come in widths too. Also, I just bought some Vincent shoes. They have a website too, and are having a great sale right now.

Rachel

2nding (or thirding) StrideRite, for ages 2-6ish....especially for wide feet. They provide great arch support & promote healthy foot growth for that age range. They bend in ways that adult shoes don't..and provide support for those same movements. All around best shoe for young one's on the planet.

If there is a Nordstroms in Alaska (boy do I feel ignorant with THAT statement), also seconding them as possibly the best place to buy kids shoes. They also have an online site...www.nordstroms.com.

For beyond age 6-ish (my six year old is the size of an average 8 year old), it's trial and error based on the way your kids' feet are shaped and what activities they do. We use mainly Vans & Adidas, & Teva's are great for warmer weather...but its going to be different for everyone.

How old is your little girl?

Z

My daughter also lived in See Kai Run, and we have struggled to find good quality shoes (fit/comfort,style, etc). I've looked at many stores and online, but I always end up at Nordstrom. One big reason is that I am not shy about returning shoes that don't work out well. As you know, the kid really has to wear them at least for a few hours out and about before there is a good sign that the shoe is not comfortable. When that happens, back it goes. That's where Nordstrom is GREAT. They fully accomodate returns like that. Fortunately I have not had to do it too often. So far, here are what I found to be my favorites (fit, support, softness/flexibility, styles, etc):

ECCO - great quality shoes; we have a few pair. They also make fabulous winter boots

NORDSTROM - Yes, their own brand. We have found some GREAT summer sandals - made in the quality of Primigi and other high-end brands. My daughter loves her current pair with the little starfish on the front. They were made with quality leather, soft/pliable rubber soles, padded heel area on strap for comfort. I was impressed!

CROQS - if she is not already in them, she will be. My daughter LOVES hers. They take the place of daily sandals in summer, but sand and dirt get in them and my daughter sometimes complains and takes them off to clean out her feet.

Hope that helps.

Soft Star Shoes (made in Oregon) are great. Our daughter recently received a pair as a gift.

Now that your daughter is outgrowing those types of shoes, she will need something that protects her feet a little bit better while still providing flexibility and support. Stride Rite shoes are great! They are real shoes that have flexible rubber soles on the bottom, unlike most todder shoes (Nike etc.) that dont even bend when a child is trying to learn to crawl or walk. Stride Rite shoes are the only thing that I let my toddler wear after outgrowing Robeez. They sell them at Nordstrom or online.

Stride Rite, Crocs, Merrells, Robeez (Tredz, a new style).. there are lots.

I love the Hanna Andersson Slippers. They have leather soles. I don't know how great they would be for outside, but I love them for around the house!!!

I think that Stride Rites are the best kids shoes!

A.,

I like Nordstrom for finding good brands http://shop.nordstrom.com/C/6007817/0~###-###-####~###-##...
Also, I love Stride rite outlet stores for shoes that are only 15-20 bucks! They are having a huge sale right now on shoes for the whole family. http://www.woodburncompanystores.com/events.cfm.

OPPPs! you don't live here, I thought it was all locals from Metro or oregon, guess not. UM Don't know your area good luck..

G.

I've been a big fan of Stride Rite for all 3 of my kiddos.

I would try Stride Rite. They have a lot of wide sizes and their soles are very flexible. There is a store at Alderwood and they have an excellent sale going on there right now. I just purchased two pairs for my son and daughter a couple weeks ago.

-Melinda, Mommy of 2

I always take my kids to Nordstrom at Washington Square. They have plenty of great brands and the salespeople really seem to know what they're doing. Plus my kids love the balloons!

Check out pedipeds or striderite.

Sadly, Nordstrom doesn't always have these in stock, but you can find "Elefanten" shoes on line. They last FOREVER, protect your child's feet (whether they are sandals or shoes) and are so cute and stylish-in all sorts of colors and style. VERY worth it!!

I have always put my kids in Stride Rite shoes, the quality and selection have always impressed me. Plus they make a variety of widths and you won't see that too many other places.

Stride Right and Nordstroms are great places to get fitted for shoes. Once your little one is sized you can make sure you get the right brand of shoe for them. It is just the same for you too. Just as each brand will fit a foot better than another. Once you find the brand(s) that fit best you can always look online for discount places to get shoes too.

Stride Right for example carries Sketchers. So if that is one that works and fits you can look at that brand other places. It is nice to have them professionally fitted for shoes so that you know what size and width they are.

I have loved Nordstroms because they are great at recommendations and telling you why a shoe that is cute would or would not work for your little one. They can also streach out a shoe for you if it is bugging your little one in a certain area of the foot. Even after wearing it and streaching it if it still doesn't work they will take it back.

And of course they get a ballon from Nordstroms. But if it is their first fitting tell them. Usually they will take a picture of it for you and also they have the Nordy doll for them too. It is a memory to have with you forever. I still have my doll and now my kids have theirs too.

Hi A.,
We really like a brand called Preschoolians. I found them online. They are similar to Robeez, but have a rubber sole. They make the foot bed slip out so you can check the fit too. They have shoes for ages 0-school age I think. We have been very happy with the quality and they have a great return policy if the shoes don't fit when they arrive. Good luck!
L.

Hi,
I like stride rite and Geox avaible at nordstrom. Also Nordstrom carries all different sizes and wide or narrow shoes. Nordstrom is great at fitting kids shoes and if there is a problem with the shoes you can always take them back.. Also, I only buy the kids shoes on sale.. and their sale starts very soon i think next week and the shoes are 33 percent off. I even buy ahead when the shoes are on sale for the fall and leave the tags on them and they told me when fall rolls around if they don't fit I can return them.
Best of luck,
Lenci
mom of 2 girls

Hi A.,

If you want some good alternatives to Nordstrom, try Haggis McBaggis in Sellwood. I have purchased many shoes for my daughter there. They have experienced staff who know what brands are best for your child's feet. My daughter's foot was too wide for Aster, but she fit great in to Elefanten (now Umi). Many Euro brands that are made well and are good for your little girl's feet.

Another store to try is Clogs-N-More on SE Hawthorne. They specialize in kids shoes, too. I haven't personally tried them, but I've heard great things.

Best,

~P.
Portland Preschool Directory
http://www.portlandpreschooldirectory.com

We love See Kai Run so we're excited they have a new brand for older kids called Eleven:
http://www.elevencollection.com/
Our little girl is still in toddler sizes so we haven't tried the new collection yet. I can't wait to try the new styles. :-)

Well since Nordstroms is in Anchorage and not Fairbanks you should go online to there website. Stride rite is good

Shop ebay for European shoes - they tend to be very well made, flexible and stylish, and you can get some great deals on sometimes just gently used shoes, or get brand new shoes for below department store prices. Elefanten, Primigi, Naturino, Geox and Ecco are a few brands that I like. If you get your daughter's European shoe size that will make it easier to shop. For instance, a toddler 5 corresponds to about a Eur 21.

Another shoe brand that I really like, that I can only find on ebay, is Bear Feet - they are handmade in Texas and just darling. They're quite pricy new ($60-$75), but gently used on ebay you can often get a pair for around $30. They run a little small, so you usually have to buy one size larger than your child is wearing.

Have fun - shoe shopping on ebay can be addictive!!

Our Pediatric Podiatrist recommends New balance shoes for everyone. He says they are made for little kids wider feet and have all the support in all the right places. They help their feet and don't moosh them.

I had the same problem with my daughters' shoes. When she really started walking I realized she needed better support. I've been really pleased with Stride Rite. They measure the child's feet and have a great knowledge about which shoes are best for your child's feet. Also, they're not anymore expensive than Robeez. My daughter is 18 months old and loves her shoes! Hope this helps

See kai run just came out with a big kids line called eleven. Other than that I too love stride rite or born shoes, check nordstrom!

Hi A.,

I run a store in downtown Olympia called The Chifferobe. I have been carrying SeeKaiRun and Robeez. SeeKaiRun has ventured out with a sister company call Eleven. They run from size 9-1. They wear really well. If you have any questions, feel free to call us. ###-###-####

Thanks.

N.

Hi A.,
I agree with the other moms... the best place for good kids shoes is for sure Nordstrom. My girls wear mostly Stride Rite & Primigi shoes. I know that Pediped has a new rubber sole shoe called the "Flex".
Nordstrom has done a great job on their website for how to shop for kids shoes. Some syles you can actually pick up in a store instead of having them shipped. I usually check out their site before I go in to shop. Especially with little ones... it makes the trip to the mall way faster.
The BIG fall sale they do is coming up. I just got the catalog and they have the most DARLING shoes on sale for kids!!
Have fun shopping!!
MJ

Stride Rite is great for the next stage, though pricey if you buy them at the mall. You can find them in Nordstrom Rack, though, for half the price and also at any of the surrounding outlet malls for cheaper (Tulalip and North Bend outlets, for example). The soles are still very flexible, but thicker than the Robeez Treds for that next stage. Just saw that you're in Alaska, but maybe there are outlet malls there, too or a Nordstrom Rack?