Have you been looking for a place to buy your kids’ shoes now that all Stride Rite stores have closed down? Do you feel like there is no place to have your kids’ feet properly measured anymore? Many families used to take their children to be fitted for shoes at Stride Rite, and since they close most of their stores, these families don’t know where they should take their children to be properly fitted for shoes.
My Experience Fitting Children’s Shoes – Over a Decade of Shoe Fitting Experience!
I have been working for a specialized children’s shoe store for the last 10 years now, where we specialize in helping children with “complex” foot shapes as well as foot and leg problems, but we provide regular shoe fittings as well. I am familiar with the best shoe brands and the best shoe styles among those brands.
I have fitted some of the best children’s shoes in the market since we only carry good, supportive shoes that are also available in different widths such as medium, wide, and extra wide —to guarantee that we can fit all types of children’s feet.
Providing your child with the correct pair of shoes takes more than picking one up from a shelf and trying it on. Finding the correct pair of shoes means providing your children with a shoe style that provides the correct amount of support, and it’s available in the correct shoe length and the correct shoe width.
Do You Have a Specialized Children’s Shoe Store In Your Area?
Several parents have contacted me asking where they can buy their kids’ shoes now that all Stride Rite stores have closed down. I always recommend parents take their children to the local children’s shoe store, but most independent shoe stores have been closing down as well.
That is the reason why I created a resource that showcases the best-fitting remaining shoe stores in the country. Go to the link below:
The Best Kids’ Shoe Stores in the United States – Where To Go for Proper Fittings
If after looking at that resource you still can’t seem to find a local kids’ shoe store in your area and you must get your children’s shoes online I will provide you with a set of guidelines on how to make sure you provide your child with the correct type of shoes in the correct shoe size.
How to Retrieve Your Child’s Exact Foot Length and Shape
For the last 5 years, I have been helping parents find the correct pair of shoes for their kids online. But to be able to purchase your kids’ shoes online, you need to know your child’s exact foot size. Start by taking a look at an article I wrote where I describe the simplest, yet most effective way to figure out your kids’ foot size from home:
How to Measure Your Kids’ Foot – 2 Simple Steps to Determine Foot Length and Foot Width
In that article I help parents determine their child’s exact foot size and whether the child has narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet. I also will be able to tell you whether your child has a high instep or not.
I have been contacted by several parents asking me for guidance as they can’t seem to find the correct type of shoes for their children. Take a look at an example below:
“Stride Rite did a great job at properly measuring and finding the best shoes for my children with wide and extra wide feet, but what I didn’t like was that their brand of shoes were each cut a little differently. I couldn’t just order a size up when necessary and always had to take my kids to the store, which was a hassle. If their sizing had been consistent I probably wouldn’t have bought shoes anywhere else”
I want to clarify no shoe brand makes their shoe sizes consistent. It’s important to understand that every single shoe style fits a little differently, even among the same shoe brand. But here is when I come into play, as I have fitted most children’s shoes and I know exactly how each shoe style fits (short, long, narrow, or wide).
If you have been looking where to buy your kids’ shoes now that all Stride Rite stores have closed down, you came to the right place.
What Are Other Parents Saying? – You Are Not Alone!
These are some comments parents had when they found out that all Stride Rite stores were closing:
“I just found out today that my local Stride Rite is closing. Then I found out that all Stride Rite stores are closing. They are going to be online only basically. Does this bother anyone else as much as it bothers me? I like taking my kids in to have their feet measured and pick out shoes. I know a lot of people like ordering shoes online, but the sizing isn’t the same for all shoes and having to send shoes back and wait seems like a bigger pain than going to the store. I’m sorry I’m ranting but I’ve been feeling bummed”.
“They liquidated everything. There is an outlet that’s 45 minutes away but that’s far. My son has wide feet. It’s incredibly hard finding wide shoes. I wish I could boycott the brand, but I don’t have an alternative. I’ve ordered a device to measure to know when to size up”.
“I started buying my kids’ shoes on Amazon. They have some Stride Rite shoes and most have free returns. I just ordered a couple from there, but the wide widths just aren’t consistent. My son has a regular width pair from stride rite that fits him better than the wide width ones. Why does shopping for kids’ shoes have to be so tough?”.
Stride Rite Stores Are Closed! – Where Can You Buy Your Kids’ Shoes Now?
In my opinion, Stride Rite stores didn’t do a good job fitting children’s shoes as they hired sales associates that weren’t properly trained on how to measure children’s feet.
I have helped hundreds of children who came to the shoe store complaining about foot and leg pain. This was mostly due to them not wearing either the correct shoe style or the correct shoe size, and most of these children were wearing shoes fitted by Stride Rite.
Always make sure that your children are wearing the correct type of shoes in the correct shoe size, or you will end up creating several foot issues on their feet such as blisters, calluses, and corns.
Investing in a supportive, good-quality pair of shoes is going to end up saving you a lot of time and money in the future.
Always check if there is a local, family-owned children’s shoe store in your area where you can get your kids properly fitted for shoes. Places such as Nordstrom’s, Payless, or Kohls are not places I would recommend you take your children to be fitted for shoes.
Now that you know how to provide your child with the correct shoe size, let’s take a look at what are some of the best shoes for kids.
When I review a particular shoe style is because I have fitted it before since that is the only way for me to tell how supportive and well-made the shoes are, as well as how they fit. The shoes that I recommend below are all lightweight, flexible, breathable, and yet supportive to be worn for everyday activities.
The Best Shoes for Kids ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The shoes below are capable of fitting kids with medium (M), wide (W), or extra wide (XW) feet (choose the width accordingly). Disclosure: Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases.
Toddler Shoe Sizes (0 to 10)
- Available in medium, wide and extra wide widths
- Oversized opening for easy on and off
- Lightweight injection-molded EVA foam midsole provides lightweight cushioning
- Hook and loop closure
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide and extra wide widths
- Oversized opening for easy on and off
- Lightweight injection-molded EVA foam midsole provides lightweight cushioning
- Hook and loop closure
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Velcro closure
- Leather and mesh upper
- Non-marking traction pods to help improve stability
- APMA approved
- Toe cap for extra durability
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Velcro closure
- Leather and mesh upper for durability and breathability
- APMA Certified
- Traction pods on the outsole for serious grip
- EVA midsole for lightweight feel
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- Heel stabilizer provides lateral stability
- Removable insoles
- The insoles are Infused with natural Green Tea extract (no chemicals)
- Machine washable
- Order this shoe the same size as your toddler’s current foot size (shoe fits long)
- Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Hook-and-loop closure
- Removable insoles
- Lightweight and flexible
- Extra wide toe box allows natural splaying of toes for better balance, comfort, and foot health
- Long heel counter provides stability
- Machine washable
- Order this shoe the same size as your toddler’s current foot size (shoe fits long)
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Hook and loop closure system for easy on and off
- Synthetic and engineered mesh upper
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Hook and loop closure system for easy on and off
- Synthetic and engineered mesh upper
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Ortholite memory foam footbeds
- Opens super wide which makes in and out easy
- Recycled material linings to help reduce odor
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Toe cap reinforcement and bumptoe protection against stumbles
- Opens super wide which makes in and out easy
- Step-stabilizing design with comfy Ortholite memory foam footbeds
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Canvas upper
- Toe cap is durable for early steps
- Double velcro straps
- Oversized opening for easy on and off
- APMA approved
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- Breathable textile lining and cushioned insole
- Double velcro straps for easy on and off adjustability
- Padded tongue and collar for added comfort
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Hook and loop closure system for easy on and off
- Synthetic and engineered mesh upper
- Stitched-on toe cap for extra durability
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Hook and loop closure system for easy on and off
- Synthetic and engineered mesh upper
- Stitched-on toe cap for extra durability
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Velcro closure
- ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Mesh upper for durability and comfort
- Extra deep
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Velcro closure
- ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Mesh upper for durability and comfort
- Extra deep
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Velcro closure
- Generous toe box and instep to accommodate and support your toddler walker’s needs
- Rubber outsole pods designed to stand up to daily wear and tear
- Extra deep
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Leather and mesh upper for durability and breathability
- Hook-and-loop strap closure with elastic lace panel
- Anti-stink lining helps reduce odors
- Machine washable for quick and easy clean
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Velcro closure
- Leather and mesh upper
- Mesh collar and tongue are padded with foam for a great fit and added comfort
- Extra deep
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Velcro closure
- Leather and mesh upper
- Mesh collar and tongue are padded with foam for a great fit and added comfort
- Extra deep
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
Little and Big Kid Shoe Sizes (10.5 to 7)
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Hook and loop closure system for easy on and off
- Synthetic and engineered mesh upper
- Stitched-on toe cap for extra durability
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Hook and loop closure system for easy on and off
- Synthetic and engineered mesh upper
- Stitched-on toe cap for extra durability
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Dual hook-and-loop straps allow for a secure fit and custom adjustability
- Removable, contoured, leather-lined footbed for breathability and comfort
- Lightweight and flexible
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- Removable insoles
- The insoles are Infused with natural Green Tea extract (no chemicals)
- Machine washable
- Order this shoe the same size as your child’s current foot size (shoe fits long)
- Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- Heel stabilizer provides stability
- Removable insoles
- The insoles are Infused with natural Green Tea extract (no chemicals)
- Machine washable
- Order this shoe the same size as your child’s current foot size (shoe fits long)
- Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- Removable insoles
- The insoles are Infused with natural Green Tea extract (no chemicals)
- Machine washable
- Order this shoe the same size as your child’s current foot size (shoe fits long)
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Hook and loop closure system for easy on and off
- Mesh collar and tongue are padded with foam for a comfortable fit
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- Strong rubber outsole and cushioned midsoles
- Leather and mesh upper
- Mesh collar and tongue are padded with foam for a comfortable fit
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Hook and loop closure system for easy on and off
- Synthetic and engineered mesh upper
- Durable rubber outsole designed to withstand wear-and-tear
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Lace-up closure
- ENCAP midsole cushioning provides good arch and heel support
- Leather and suede upper
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Lace-up closure
- Strong rubber outsole and cushioned midsoles
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- EVA midsole provides increased shock attenuation, responsive cushioning and lasting durability
- Cushioned footbed
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- EVA midsole provides increased shock attenuation, responsive cushioning and lasting durability
- Padded tongue and collar
- Cushioned footbed
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Lace-up closure
- Dual-layer midsole construction featuring top-bed foam cushioning and underfoot Fresh Foam X
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lightweight EVA midsole
- Leather and mesh upper for durability & breathability
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and heel increases comfort
- Firm heel counter
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and padded heel increases comfort
- Firm heel counter
- Supportive heel for active kids
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Lace-up closure
- FuelCell foam delivers a propulsive feel to help drive you forward
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Lace-up closure
- Dual-layer midsole construction featuring top-bed foam cushioning and underfoot Fresh Foam X
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Lace-up closure
- ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Leather/mesh upper
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Lace-up closure
- ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Leather/mesh upper
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- NDurance rubber outsole technology provides superior durability in high-wear areas to help get more out of the shoes
- Lace-Up closure
- Non-marking outsole
- Order this shoe a whole larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Lace-up closure
- ENCAP midsole cushioning provides good arch and heel support
- Leather and suede upper
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Lace-up closure
- ENCAP midsole cushioning provides good arch and heel support
- Leather and suede upper
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and heel increases comfort
- Firm heel counter
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- Lace-up closure
- Mesh upper is lightweight and breathable
- Lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and padded heel increases comfort
- Firm heel counter
- Supportive heel for active kids
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
Are Any Other Shoe Choices Available?
If you can’t seem to find a specific shoe style for your child’s feet please contact me directly: fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com
Have you been looking for a new place to shop for your children’s shoes? If you know of a good, independent shoe store in your area please share it below in the comments section so other parents can benefit from your knowledge and experiences.
6
Leave a Reply