Anyone have any suggestions on brands or stores that would have good walking shoes? My son is now cruising so I guess it's time to start looking.
Pediped's are awesome when they're first walking - hard soled shoes can trip them up at first - and the pedipeds are soft and flexible while adding a little cushion and protection. I have bought them either online or at Nordstrom.
Our kids wore Robeez as infants and toddlers & Stride Rite since then. Nordstrom Rack typically has Stride Rite shoes in stock, though you have to really hunt for sizes.
I agree with Erin on Stride Rite shoes, and Robeez. I didn't try any of the other brands she suggested. In the house we used the Robeez, but not outside since they have soft soles. We have only bought our Stride Rite shoes at the Allen Outlets because they can be expensive at a regular Stride Rite store. The staff at the Allen Outlets have also been very helpful in making sure we get the right size of shoes for our son. I also was able to by his Robeez shoes there. Good luck.
I like the Robeez knock-offs at Target. I've never bought real Robeez so I can't really compare. But, they are soft-soled shoes.
Our Pedi always said not to put hard soled shoes on them until they were going outside. I bought Robez (sp?) or the generic brand at Target and they were wonderful. The Target ones were much less expensive and still really cute. They are soft leather with a soft leather sole which lets their little feet move easily. Highly recommend.
Barefoot or socks with little rubber dots are best, but if you can't do that, shoes like Robeez are good. Even Target has their own brand. Avoid any hard sole or stiff shoes (basically anything other than Robeez or socks) while they're just learning. I know our moms but us in hard soled boots, but really they don't need those.
Stride Rite makes great shoes. They can be expensive, but I see them on sale online a lot and there is also a store in the Allen Outlets where we got some for a great price. Other great brands with soft soles are See Kai Run, Robeez, Bobux and Pediped, to name a few.
When you are in the house, its best for your son to be barefoot (or in socks). But, Pediped makes a very flexible, doctor-recommended brand of shoes for when you are outside. Check out www.pediped.com
