Stride Rite Closing all Stores – Find Out Where to Buy Your Kids’ Shoes!

With Stride Rite closing all stores—or nearly all, as only a few locations remain—many parents are left wondering where to turn for properly fitted shoes for their kids. Stride Rite was a go-to destination for generations, offering expert fittings and quality shoes that supported healthy foot development. Now, families are scrambling to find trusted alternatives. The good news? There are still reliable ways to get your child fitted for shoes correctly. As a passionate and experienced children’s shoe fitter, I’m here to guide you through your next best options—especially during the vital “golden years of treatment opportunity” when proper footwear matters most.

Alternatives to Stride Rite

While Stride Rite stores are closing, their shoes remain available online. You can still find Stride Rite shoes for kids on their website and other online retailers. However, for those seeking hands-on assistance, it’s crucial to find specialized children’s shoe stores in your area.

Finding Local Shoe Stores

Access my list of local shoe stores by state to find a professional shoe fitter near you. These stores often have trained staff who can provide personalized shoe recommendations tailored to your child’s foot shape.

If you’ve checked that resource and still can’t find a local kids’ shoe store near you, don’t worry—you’re not out of options. If buying your children’s shoes online is the only route, I’ll walk you through clear, easy-to-follow guidelines to help ensure you choose the correct shoe style and size for your child’s unique feet.

How to Retrieve Your Child’s Exact Foot Length and Shape

I developed the most effective way to determine your child’s exact foot size from your home and will personally assist you with a custom fitting tailored to your child’s individual needs. This easy-to-follow method allows parents to accurately determine:

• Correct length, width (narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide), and instep height
• Identify possible foot conditions such as flat feet or misaligned heels

Step One: Measure Your Child’s Foot Length for Shoe Size

Ensure your child is standing straight and measure both feet, as one may be larger than the other. Measure up to the tip of your child’s longest toe, which may not be the big toe—it could be the second or even the third toe. Record the measurements or email the image to prevent any confusion.

You can follow the instructions in this video for better visualization purposes.

Step Two: Video or Images to Determine Foot Width

Create a brief video to assess if your child has narrow, medium, wide, or extra-wide feet, along with high insteps. I will also be able to determine if your child has a foot condition such as flat feet. Below you can find a sample of how the video should look like:

If you’d prefer not to record a video, you can take three photos of your child’s feet as shown below. However, please note that the video will provide a more accurate assessment of your child’s exact foot shape.

➡️ Recap – What to Include in Your Email

• Your child’s foot length measurements (or an image of their foot length measurements)
• Sample video (or three images of your child’s feet)
• The country you live, in case you need specific shoe recommendations

Feel free to include in your email any additional information I should know about your child’s feet:

customerservice@fittingchildrenshoes.com

You will then receive a response within 24 hours with your child’s exact foot length, shape, and specific shoe recommendations as needed.

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Reach Out for Specific Recommendations

When in doubt, don’t hesitate to reach out for specific shoe recommendations. As a passionate shoe fitter, I’m here to help you navigate the myriad of options. Whether you’re searching for toddler shoes or shoes for older kids, understanding your child’s unique foot shape is paramount. Properly fitted shoes can prevent issues like flat feet or toe walking.