Need Help in Finding Shoes That Fit

Stride Rite was great for our eldest daughter, who needed the XX Wide sizes. Our youngest, though, HATED shoes and refused to wear anything we tried, Stride Rite included. We finally just stopped trying to make her wear them. If we went somewhere, she's wear those slip resistant socks.

We were at Walmart one day when she was nearly 2 & for some reason only she knows, Meara wanted to try on some Sponge Bob shoes (she didn't even know who Sponge Bob was). She loved them & wore them all over the store. They're just cheap rubbery things put out for the summer. I didn't think they'd last long, but I didn't mind trying since they were only about $5.00.

Turns out, I had to go back & buy several sizes because she actually wore them! And wanted to wear them! And didn't even try to take them off! So I've got a mini stockpile of these horrible yellow Sponge Bob shoes that don't match anything, but my baby will wear them & that's what matters. :)

Just keep trying things; you never know what will work for your kiddo!

1 mom found this helpful

Geox at Nordstroms or online at zappos.com

I had the same issue with one of my girls. She needed a wide width. At the time I could not afford to keep her in expensive shoes. Payless carries a wide width for children and are much more affordable if you are on a budget. Both of my children wore shoes from Payless and at 5 years old they are both fine. They grow out of them so fast anyhow.
Hope this helps.

I absoulutely love Stride Rite and they also will measure her foot at the store. Also if she needs a wide width they have a large selection. Hope this helps

I agree with previous posts on Stride Rite. I highly recommend the one in Southlake. They are good at measuring their feet and ensuring a good fit. The outlet has many of the same/similar styles at lower prices, but I'm not sure if they are as adept at measuring the feet. Also, we had bad luck buying Stride Rite brand at Nordstrom's. The girl didn't measure properly and my son got blisters. (It was probably just a new clerk or something.)

If you decide to go to a Stride Rite, I have a 15% off coupon I would be happy to share with you. (It isn't good at the outlet though).

I would try Srtide Rite. They have professionals there to fit the right shoe to your childs feet

I agree Stride Rite is the place to go. We always go to the one in Southlake, but I am sure there is one closer to you. They will measure her foot and also the width. My daughter has very narrow heal so they are the only shoes she can wear. My son has a wide foot (higher on top)and they are the only store I have found that sell extra wide shoes.

Take her to Striderite. They will measure her feet and make sure you get the exact size for her. Also their shoes are not as heavy. Many shoes that you buy in the local stores (walmart, payless, target) are too heavy for little ones to drag around on their feet and they get into the habit of "dragging" their feet instead of actually picking them up when they walk.

Just my two cents,

D.
(SAHM of two: 18 and 5)

My daughter's been wearing the knock off crocs at wal-mart since she was 10 months old. They fit great and they are really cheap. My daughter had a fat foot on top as well. I bought her some tennis shoes the other day and some boots for this winter at Target. We haven't tried them on yet but she is used to wearing shoes now so I don't think they will be a problem.

I'm probably going to tell you the same thing you've already heard but my son has extra wide feet. He is 2 and a half and we are still struggling to find shoes that fit. Stride Rite is about all he has ever been able to wear. Yes, you will pay more but it's worth it. There is a Stride Rite Outlet at Grapevine Mills. Also, there is a brand at Kohl's called Munchkins that is made by Stride Rite. I hope this helps.

I had my nine month old daughter measured at a Stride Rite store. I am so glad I did as she was a size 2 1/2 and I had a size 1 on her the weekend before. I bought a size 3 to let her grow a bit.

Stride Rite is a good way to go. If you need athletic looking shoes for any reason, I've had success with New Balance. My son has a puffy foot and has to wear an extra-wide width, which they carry. Good luck!!

I have always bought my daughter a pair of Stride Rite shoes. They are great support and they do measure her foot. They are rather expensive but well worth it. My mom bought them for me when I was little and now I am buying them for my baby. Good luck in your decision and in finding what is just right for your little one.

K., You've already gotten great advice, but I just wanted to add my two-cents worth. I completely agree that Stride Rite is the way to go. I don't know about the knock offs, but if it was me, I'd spend the extra on the real things. I was born with a problem with my left foot and my parents had to order special shoes for me. When my daughter was born over 33 years ago (!) I decided I wouldn't buy anything but Stride Rite for her until she was very adept at walking. At the time I was newly divorced and couldn't afford much, but I knew how important a good fitting shoe with the proper sole, etc could be to a growing child. When I took her to her pediatrician not long after she started walking, he commented on how well made her little shoes were and how straight and sturdy her legs and feet were. I urge you to check them out. If I ever have grandchildren (sigh), I'll definitely take them to Stride Rite when it's time! God bless and best wishes to you and yours! S.

My daughter's (11months) feet are top-fat too. wal-mart has mock stride rite shoes that she LOVES. They are WAY cheaper and look similar and fit similarly. They are in the baby section, not with the regular shoes.

K.-

Two suggestions that I agreed with from previous posters. Stride Rite carried widths up to XX wide. My son has VERY wide feet and we had the same problem as you. There is now a Stride Rite Outlet store in the Grapevine Mills Mall and they have very reasonably priced shoes. Also, the women that suggested the Crocs. I would go for the real ones though because they fit well and last forever!

Stride Rite worked best for my kids at that age.

I have taken my daughter to the Stride Rite store in Lewisville. They measure her foot everytime we go. The staff has always been very friendly and helpful. They have alot of brands of shoes as well as there own stride rite brand.

I agree with Striderite. Wanted to mention though that Marshall's often carries both Striderite and robeez for a lot cheaper in the shoe department.