The Best Place to Buy Kids’ Shoes – Avoid Stride Rite, Nordstrom, Payless…
Have you ever taken your kids to be fitted for shoes at big retailers such as Nordstrom, Stride Rite, or Payless and ended up with the wrong shoe size? Most families who take their children to be fitted for shoes at those stores end up with their children wearing the wrong shoe size.
I am trying to raise awareness among parents since most children that are fitted for shoes at these big retailers end up wearing the wrong shoe size. The salespeople who work there are not properly trained to fit shoes. Most of the shoe brands that they carry are not even available in different widths such as medium (M), wide (W), or extra wide (XW).
Be Careful About Fitting Your Child in the Wrong Shoe Size
Wearing the wrong shoe size or the wrong shoe style can lead to several foot issues such as blisters, calluses, or corns, as well as foot and leg pain.
Keeping your kids’ feet and legs healthy is really important, and by investing in the correct type of shoes you will end up saving a lot of time and money in the future. The next time you need to buy shoes for your kids, do it in a place that you trust!
I can’t tell you the number of children that come to the store wearing the wrong pair of shoes or the wrong shoe size. It is hard for me to believe that someone would fit a child —who often can’t speak up when they are in discomfort— in a pair of shoes that don’t fit, just to make a sale.
The level of irresponsibility from these shoe stores is so unbelievable that I felt obligated to reach out to parents and let them know that they need to stop taking their kids to be fitted for shoes at these retail stores!
The Best Place to Buy Kids’ Shoes
I always recommend that parents take their kids to be fitted for shoes at their local children’s shoe store. However, several parents have contacted me asking me where they can get their kids’ shoes online since they don’t have a shoe store in their area that they trust.
Start by taking a look at a resource I created where I showcase the best-fitting children’s shoe stores by state.
If you still can’t seem to find a shoe store in your area then proceed to take a look at an article I wrote where I describe the simplest, yet most effective way to figure out your child’s foot size from home. 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.
Avoid Shopping for Shoes at Big Retailers – Here’s Why!
Most children who were fitting for shoes at big retailers came to the store wearing shoes that were either too big, too small, too narrow, or too wide. Not surprisingly, they were never the right size!
Let me tell you about a particular situation that was extremely upsetting to me:
I was assisting a mother and her 18-month-old child who was wearing arch support —a piece of rubber that is fitted inside the shoe— that they purchased from Stride Rite. The mother explained to me that the physical therapist recommended extra arch support to be fitted inside the shoes so that the child could walk better, but after fitting the arch support in the shoes, the child simply refused to walk.
Once I proceeded to take the kids’ shoes off to measure her feet and evaluate her feet, I found out that the arch support that they put inside the shoes was way too big. The mother was so upset when she saw the size of the arch support. An arch support is supposed to fit below the arch of the foot, not below the entire foot.
This is just one of many examples. We experienced several issues from children who came wearing shoes from Stride Rite —it’s not a surprise to me that most of their shoe stores have closed down.
Children’s feet are constantly developing, and we fit them in the correct pair of shoes to keep their feet, legs, and back healthy. As I mentioned to you before, making sure that your child is wearing the correct shoe size will save you a lot of money in the future since you will keep his feet, legs, and back healthy.
Has Your Child Developed Any of the Foot Issues Mentioned Below?
Not wearing the correct shoe size can lead to foot, leg, and back problems such as:
- Foot Pain.
- Lower back pain.
- Knee pain.
- Ankle pain.
- Calluses.
- Blisters.
- Corns.
- Ingrown Toenails.
If your kids have developed any of these foot issues, start by checking the shoes that they are wearing.
Something so simple as providing your child with the correct type of shoes will prevent all of these foot and leg issues and makes sure that your child’s feet develop properly.
I believe that the customers who come to the children’s shoe store where I work appreciate seeing the familiar faces of the staff. Receiving help from someone they already trust gives them peace of mind. You will end up saving a lot of money in the long run if you are taking care of your kids’ feet properly from a young age.
If you don’t have a local kids’ shoe store and you must purchase your kids’ shoes online, I put together a selection of the best-fitting children’s shoes that I have fitted before. Disclosure: Some links in this post may be affiliate links and we may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) when you click our links and make purchases.
The Best Kids’ Shoes
All of these shoes are available in medium (M), wide (W), and extra wide (XW) widths and they provide great support and durability.
Toddler Shoe Sizes (0 to 10)
- Shoe style RaveRun by New Balance
- 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
- Shoe style RaveRun by New Balance
- 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
- Shoe style Original Jazz Lite 2.0 by Saucony
- Available in medium and 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
- Shoe style Ride 10 Jr by Saucony
- 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
- Shoe style 2510 by Tsukihoshi
- Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Velcro 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)
- Shoe style 2510 by Tsukihoshi
- 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)
- New Balance shoe style Fresh Foam 650
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- 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
- Shoe style 574 by New Balance
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- Oversized opening for easy on and off
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Shoe style Fresh Foam by New Balance
- 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
- Shoe style Sr Thompson by Stride Rite
- Available in medium and wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- 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
- Shoe style SRT Winslow by Stride Rite
- Available in medium and wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- 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
- Shoe style Fresh 574 by New Balance
- Available in medium, wide and extra wide widths
- Oversized opening for easy on and off
- No-sew overlays
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- See Kai Run shoe style Robyne
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- 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
- See Kai Run shoe style Robyne
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra 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
- Shoe style 574 New-b V1 by New Balance
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- Generous toe box and instep to accommodate and support a first-walker’s needs
- Mesh and suede upper for durability and comfort
- Extra deep
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Shoe style 574 New-b V1 by New Balance
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- Generous toe box and instep to accommodate and support a first-walker’s needs
- Mesh and suede upper for durability and comfort
- Extra deep
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
Little and Big Kid Sizes (10.5 to 7)
- Shoe style RaveRun by New Balance
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Velcro closure
- 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
- Shoe style Nitrel v5 by New Balance
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Velcro closure
- 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
- Shoe style Russell by See Kai Run
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Double velcro straps
- 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
- Shoe style Robyn by See Kai Run
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Double velcro straps
- 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
- Shoe style Velocity by Tsukihoshi
- 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)
- Shoe style 3584 Rainbow by Tsukihoshi
- 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)
- Shoe style Fresh Foam 650 Bungee by New Balance
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- 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
- Shoe style Fresh Foam Arishi v4 by New Balance
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- 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
- Shoe style Arishi v4 by New Balance
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- 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
- The New Balance shoe style RaveRun is available for little and big kids
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Available in laces
- No-sew overlays for a sleek fit and feel
- Mesh collar and tongue are padded with foam for a great fit and added comfort
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- The New Balance shoe style RaveRun is available for little and big kids
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Available in laces
- Leather and mesh upper
- No-sew overlays for a sleek fit and feel
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Axon by Saucony
- 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
- Shoe style Axon by Saucony
- 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
- New Balance shoe style Fresh Foam 880v12
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- 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
- Shoe style 480 V1 by New Balance
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Lightweight EVA midsole
- Leather and mesh upper for durability & breathability
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style 327 by New Balance
- Available in medium and wide widths
- 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
- New Balance shoe style FuelCell Propel v5
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- 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
- Shoe style 574 by New Balance
- Available in medium and wide widths
- 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
- New Balance shoe style Fresh Foam Arishi v4
- Fits children with medium, wide, or 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
These are the best-fitting shoes for kids that I have fitted before in terms of support, quality, durability.
I have helped hundreds of children who have had foot, knee, leg, and lower back pain by fitting them into the right pair of shoes. After wearing the correct shoes for a period of 3 to 5 months, their pain was significantly reduced and in some cases, it fully disappeared.
Don’t forget to provide your child with the correct pair of socks. Did you know that getting the correct sock size is just as important as getting the correct shoe size?
A sock that is too small will cramp your kids’ toes and won’t allow their toes to move freely. However, socks that are too big will bunch up and feel uncomfortable.
Looking for Other Shoe Recommendations? – Get a Personalized Suggestion
Do not hesitate to contact me directly at my e-mail if you have any further questions or if you need a different pair of shoes for your child. My e-mail address is:
Do you buy your kids’ shoes online? Which online retailer do you usually use? Please share your thoughts and experiences below so we can all benefit from them!
Mi nombre es Enrique Valderrama mi hija Maite Valderrama necesita unos zapatos de talla especial para mi nieto Aitor de 6 años de edad nosotros vivimos en Dover NewJersey pero podemos ir a cualquier sitio que nos recomiende +1 ( 973) 951-7234 WhatsApp gracias por su publicación ayuda muchísimo y da una esperanza para El Niño un millón de gracias señor Valenzuela
Hola Enrique,
Le recomiendo que me contacte con un email: [email protected]
El primer paso que recomiendo es seguir las instrucciones en este articulo: How to Measure Your Kids’ Foot – 2 Simple Steps to Determine Foot Length and Foot Width
Hi there. I am in the DFW area in Texas. Does anyone know of a store in this area? I am not finding any non-chain stores. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Hello Liz,
I don’t know about any local family shoe store in your area, but hopefully someone from your area will respond to your comment. It has happened in other posts I wrote that people ask about local shoe stores in their area and other people will get back at them!
Do you know of any children shoes store in the Houston area? We use to have one In Beaumont, but it closed
Hello Amy,
Take a look at this map I created where I describe the best fitting children’s shoe stores by state: The Best Kids’ Shoe Stores in the United States – Where to go for Proper Fittings
Hello Juan,
Thank you for this article. It is very informative. Many of these issues is my concern as well.
I have taken my daughter to Stride Rite (when they were open) to have her fitted. The staff gave me ambiguous information that left me more confused.
Now I have learned from you that what we really need is to seek out a local children’s shoe store. I don’t know of any in my area. Where are you located?
Thanks,
Naomi
Hello Naomi,
The children’s shoe store that I work for is located in Potomac, Maryland. It’s sad to see so many fitting shoe stores going out of business. I hope you can find a place that you can trust taking your kids to have their feet measured.
This website it great! I have 2 toddlers and my eldest has wide feet so it has been difficult to shop for him online. You have provided some great resources and now that summer is coming I will be reading up on flip-flops. Do you have any recommendations regarding children flip-flops for wide feet?
Hello Mercedes,
I actually created a post where I describe the best flip flops for kids’ and the styles that will fit a child with a wide foot. You can find that post here: Flip Flops For Kids – The Best Styles For Your Kids’ Feet!
Let me know if you have any other questions!
Thank you, I will check it out!
Hi Juan,
I am so glad that I read this informative article on the importance of proper fit for childrens’ shoes! I was unaware of the many problems that could arise from incorrect sizing. I love that your solution to shop local. It is so important to promote local and small businesses. Now I know that by doing so I am also giving my son the best care. I also really appreciate that you took the time to share the best pricing options. This article has been very informative. I feel more confident in purchasing my son’s next pair of shoes now. Thank you!
Katie,
I am glad that you found the post informative! I always recommend parents to take their kids’ to their local children’s shoe store to have their feet properly measured and their shoes properly fitted. Don’t hesitate to contact me any time you have a specific question!
Hey Juan
I don’t have a local shoe store so we are going about 100km to our capital city. But up to now – I must admit I didn’t pay such an attention to the fitting of shoe. We usually went to some big sports shoe shop and the only thing that the sales person asked our kid – do you feel the shoes fit you? But as understood from your website – shoe fitting is much more than this.
Besides that, I recently watched some boradcast on children shoes and there was mentioned that kids don’t feel if the shoe is too small when they try it on. So this is definitely not the right method of fitting the shoes. Do you know where I can find extra wide shoes for my child? I can’t seem to find them at our local stores or online.
Arta,
It’s awesome how you travel that far to make sure your kid’ shoes fit! However, if you are travelling that far to take your kids’ to be fitted at sports shoe shops where they don’t really know how to measure or fit kids’ shoes, you are wasting your time! Feel free to drop me a message anytime you are not 100% sure your kids’ shoes fit.
Here you can find the best shoes for a child that has an extra wide foot: Children Extra Wide Shoes – Prevent Blisters, Calluses, And Corns!
Hello Juan Pablo
Thanks for your tips on the best places to buy kids shoes.Buying kids shoes can be a real hassle, what with crowded shops, kids saying yes it`s a good fit with every pair they try, always wanting the ones you feel are not good.
Many kids do not know their size, or just excited about new shiny shoes and settle for the wrong size which leads to foot and toes paid, but having then fitted properly can take care of this.
Parents just have to know where/which shops will do proper fitting so as to get it right. Which is the best online store to get shoes for kids? Quality and affordable ones!
Hello Roamy,
I always recommend to parents to take their kids’ to be properly fitted for shoes at their local kids’ shoe store. If you don’t have a local kids’ shoe store, here you can learn about the best place to buy your kids’ shoes online: Kids Shoes On Amazon-Is Amazon The Best Place To Buy Your Kid’s Shoes?
Hello Juan,
I just viewed your article on children’s shoes and realized the importance that shoes have in keeping our kids’ feet healthy. I always used to buy the least expensive ones.
How are the shoes on your website for long wear for active boys? My kids are destroying their shoes before they outgrown them and it’s starting to get really frustrating. Do you have a selection of good lasting shoes? Where can I get them online? I don’t have any kids’shoe stores I trust in my area… HELP
Several parents have contacted me asking about durable shoes for their kids’. Your child should always outgrow his or her shoes before anything happens to them! I actually wrote a post about the most durable shoe brand for kids’ where I describe the most durable shoes. You can find that post here: The Best Shoe Brands For Kids- The 5 Most Durable And Affordable Brands
I also wrote a post about where to find the best kids’ shoes online here: Kids Shoes On Amazon-Is Amazon The Best Place To Buy Your Kid’s Shoes?
You have some really great information here for parents! It is so important for kids to have shoes that fit properly. I knew they could get blisters and foot pain but I didn’t realize all the other problems ill fitting shoes could cause. Children’s feet are still growing and they do need shoes that are properly fitted. Too many kids are given second hand shoes passed down from older siblings and this too can be very bad for their feet.
I told my daughter to stop taking her kids’ to shoe stores in the mall because they always end up having blisters from their shoes! I agree that parents must stop taking their kids’to be fitted for shoes there!
Hello Margaret,
The issue is that most local family owned kids’ shoe store are disappearing. It is hard to compete against big retailers and the Internet. We are lucky to be one of the most popular children’s shoe store in the country that specializes with children that have foot issues.
Please feel free to message me anytime you have specific questions about your grandkids shoes!