Kids' Shoe Stores

Updated on June 15, 2008
L.R. asks from Vienna, VA
9 answers

Greetings, Mamas. Does anyone out there know of a good kids' shoe store in the Va/Md/DC area that isn't Stride Rite? My daughter, 7, is a size one and a half and it seems that all Stride Rite can offer in her size is very glitzy, overdecorated shoes that she can't wear with everything. I'm seeking simple but strong sneakers and basic dress shoes, rather than glitter-crusted, flowered stuff or trendy Crocs. (Yep, I'm a bit frustrated, having just come from Stride Rite, so sorry to vent!) I do want good quality shoes, which is why we've always gone to Stride Rite. So I'm seeking someplace else, maybe some mom-and-pop local store, that sells plain shoes that are well made. I don't want to turn to discount chains and get cheap and badly made stuff with stiff soles -- been there, done that, wasn't worth the supposed savings. Anyone out there know a place? Thanks very much!

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So What Happened?

Thanks, folks. I hit Nordstrom today and got a pair of almost--not quite!--plain white sneakers for my daughter. No huge flowers, no glitter, no brand names snaking all over the shoe! The return policy is terrific, and the price was about the same as most sneakers at Stride Rite. (The brand I bought was another brand, not Stride Rite; interestingly, I noticed that Nordstrom does mark up the Stride Rite brand shoes by what looked like $6-8 per pair over the price in a Stride Rite store! But hey, it's Nordstrom!)I'm sure I'll be back next time we need sturdy sneakers. Thanks, everyone.

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V.C.

answers from Washington DC on

I go to Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack at Potomac Mills Mall, Marshalls, and most recently discovered Famous Footwear has a great kid shoe selection at lower prices. You can view what they have online. There is a new store in Tyson's Station, but they are all over the area.

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R.B.

answers from Washington DC on

Shoe Train, in Potomac, MD, is the BEST. It's at 11325 Seven Locks Rd., Potomac, MD, 20854. Their number is ###-###-####. They do sell Stride Rite, but they have an amazing selection of other shoes. Not terribly cheap, but definitely great quality.

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A.R.

answers from Houston on

Payless, Kohl's, Kmart, Target and Walmart

Annie R
mother of 4

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L.C.

answers from Washington DC on

Hello:) I know you already got the shoes but for the future check out PRESCHOOLIANS.COM....they make the best shoes:)

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M.D.

answers from Washington DC on

I second Nordstrom. I Have a son so I don't have the glitzy shoes problem, but I have had trouble with shoes for him. I used to only shop at stride rite and had a bad expeirence there. Then I went to Nordstrom! They have a huge selection and will take anything back even if it has been worn. we went through three pairs of sandals for my little guy before we found a pair that worked. He wore all three pairs and we returned all three pairs no questions asked. I will never buy him shoes anywhere else frorm here on out. Good Luck.

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S.M.

answers from Washington DC on

In Potomac, MD there is a family-owned shoe store in Cabin John Mall (strip mall on Seven Locks Road) called The Shoe Train. They are fantastic and carry a multitude of brands, including Stride Rite, but also many others (some of which can be quite expensive so be warned). When you go there they will start an index card on your child and will write down the size and brand of every shoe you buy. Everyone that works there has been there for a LONG time and knows kids and shoes.
Avoid Saturdays there---VERY crowded.
Good luck!
S.
PS. I see ads regularly for a shoestore in DC called Raemer's but have never been there.

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J.H.

answers from Washington DC on

Take a look at Marshalls, they have some good brands there and some classic shoes. Sizing can be spotty thought. Personally, I've never been tied personally to getting expensive, name brands, (target works ok) but sometimes with wide, or hard to fit feet it is necessary. Try Rack Room or Nordstrom Rack too - they are in the same strip mall near Lowe's in Sterling. Good Luck!

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C.C.

answers from Washington DC on

No suggestions, just wanted to jump in on your vent! Whatever happened to classic shoe styles for girls?

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S.M.

answers from Washington DC on

Nordstrom sells Stride Rite shoes and other brands and have a pretty big selection, so you might find some quality with a little more simplicity. But I haven't bought shoes their in a long time. Also consider looking on-line iwth Stride Rite and asking them to order you something. I was frustrated with them recently when I went in to their Dulles store and they only had one style of sandles in my daughter's size in ther whole store.

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