I need to go kid shoe shopping...advise me!
Currently, the only non-flip-flop, non-dressy footwear Zoe owns is her fish boots, so she's in need of some play shoes for the cooler weather that's arrived in our area. And Lisey is in a similar situation.
I've hardly ever had to shop for shoes for my kids because we've so often been the recipients of nearly new hand-me-down shoes and because I've also scored quite a few pairs at fabulous clearance prices. So, I'm having a hard time deciding where to shop.
The two options I'm currently considering are Target (we've gotten some new boy's shoes there for Joshua and the prices seemed good) or Kohl's (I have a 30% off coupon to use there and they do usually have good sales). What do you think? Where would you go to buy two pairs of girl play shoes?
Today's 365 post: Aftermath (yup! more messy house photos!)
Both are good - you could also try Marshall's if you have one near you. There's always Payless too, and Ebay!
Ooh, I forgot about Payless..I have bought a few pairs there in my day.
Ebay makes me nervous because I worry about fit issues...kids clothes I can see, but shoes seem like something you have to try on! But then again, I am the sort of person who won't buy her own clothing online because of fit worries.
Payless is a good option, especially when they have BOGO, (buy one get one at half price). I also shop on Amazon sometimes, but it takes a lot of looking to get a deal that's good enough to make me want to pay for shipping.
I always, always find good shoes at good prices for my kids at Target. I was in a similar situation a few weeks back and ended up with winter boots and tennis shoes for my oldest for $14...total. I'd also recommend payless or famous footwear. Both of them regularly have buy one get one sales, and since you're looking at buying more than 1 pair, that might be good for you 🙂
both of your suggestions sound like good places to check. i would also suggest payless shoes; they have a lot of buy one get one half off sales.
Heh. My kid has not wide, but extra-wide feet. Which limits our choices. I've found "see Kai run" shoes almost always has shoes on clearance and they don't have any of the extra support crap that stride right does (which is detrimental to kids foot development). The see Kai run shoes seem to last/stand up really well, and they are flexible enough that their normal width shoes fit my kid just fine. Pretty stylish, without the cartoon laden commercialized crap/logos all over them. My sons sneakers look like dress shoes (multipurpose shoes - no need to buy dress shoes and sneakers) and mud cleans up off of white leather super-easy. Maybe not as inexpensive as at marshalls, but if you buy them on clearance for $22, they should last to be handed down or resold. Sometimes it's worth it to not go super cheap for something that will last longer and be multifunctional - better value in the long run.
Target definitely. I was at Kohl's yesterday shoe shopping for my daughter. Their prices for sneakers and dress shoes were ridiculously expensive...especially since my daughter's feet are growing at warp speed these days. Even with a 30% off coupon, Target would still be your best bet.
**If you are looking for girls' boots, they did have some semi-decent prices on them.**
This "fall" I had to buy each of my girls new shoes! This was a first as we to usually have hand-me-downs or and when I hit rummage sales I buy shoes of all sizes when I find nice ones.
We went to payless and did the BOGO deal. They were soo happy to finally have light up shoes!!!! I let them pick for the first time too and they had so much fun and I got 2 pairs of shoes for a very reasonalbe price!
I looked at target first and their were conparable prices. I should have tired Kohls but we live 150 miles from the closest shopping centers so it is a whirlwind when we are acutally shopping!
Try salvation army. I got boots for my daughter for $4.99 they were like brand new.
You might also check your local Craigslist. People sometimes purchase next-size shoes on clearance and they end up (for whatever reason) not being used. I have sold brand new childrens boots that way, and everyone was happy with the end result. Just be careful to take safety precautions when dealing with people that you don't know (like meeting in public places). Good luck!
Kohls is expensive. Do you have any kids' resale shops in your area?
Hm. I'd agree that Kohl's can sometimes be expensive (the only way to buy things at Kohl's is to wait until the shoes go on "sale"). But coupled with 30% off, I think you might find a decent deal. I've also scored some fabulous shoes for myself on the clearance rack--children's could be similar.
I also HATE payless shoes. I hate the quality, the fit, and feel. It's not worth shopping there, even to save a buck. The same can be said for Famous Footwear, though at least they carry some namebrand shoes that I like.
It's not the traditional "back-to-school" season right now so most footwear companies have tennis shoes and older styles on sale. If you aren't in DIRE need of them right this moment, look through places in the next few weeks and see.
Once Upon A Child in your area?
Definitely Payless! Kid's consignment shops are a good option as well as thrift shops. Often, kids don't wear out their shoes before they grow out of them; then they end up at the thrift store. Have you put the word out to your friends with older kids that you would be happy to accept nearly-new shoes? I'd much rather give shoes away to someone I know than to a charity or thrift shop.
Payless, definitely. I don't know about kids' sizes but the lady and I get almost all our shoes there. The Airwalk knockoffs of Converse All Stars are 90% the same as the originals at about 1/3 of the price. There's also almost always some sort of coupon out there as well.
Sears and JC Penneys have decent shoe sales section for children and adult and the quality tends to be better.
I agree Marshalls can be a place to find a good deal. I've gotten good quality shoes there before. When my daughter was little I tried to buy her Stride Rite if I cuold even if it was at Marshalls or oddly a sale at Macy's or Nordstroms or just with a coupon at Stride Rite. I can't do that now and barely could then (I've been a single mom since she was a baby so money is always tight) but I will pare back on everything except when it comes t shoes. Oh Sears has a good variety here too. Now she's a month from 13 so she likes Vans and we live in the Bay Area (CA) so she's in flip flops most of the year, which kills me because the reason I always bought good shoes was so that she'd have good foot health so I hope she doesn't ruin her feet. 🙂
I would check Kohls first for clearance deals. We have found Nike t-shoes for $5 before. My second choice would be Target. I was in my Target on Thursday, and they were putting a bunch of girls t-shoes on clearance while I was there. The lady had a big cart full that she was marking down. I'm in Texas though, so our clearance sales may be totally different because of the different weather...
I am not a fan of Payless - the shoes are typically made of plastic and are almost always decorated with cartoon characters. Target is marginally better. Kohl's can be expensive; however, combining a sale with a coupon could score you a good deal. We have had good luck at a chain called Shoe Carnival, which usually has the same type of BOGO deal as Payless. In August we went school-shoe shopping there, and got Niece (age 7) a pair of Nike tennies and Nephew (age 12 and wearing an adult size 10) a pair of suede "skateboarder"-style shoes for a total of $40. Both pairs are holding up well and should last for the bulk of the school year.
6pm.com and Zappos are GREAT sources for shoes online, if you can be comfortable with buying that way. Zappos does not charge for return shipping.
Oops I meant Lands End for quality childrens shoes-sorry EB is very expensive and there are no childrens shoes!!
I vote for Target. I buy a lot of my kids' shoes there. Kohl's' prices on kids' shoes aren't that great, IMHO.
I buy nearly all of my kid's shoes from either Craigslist, kid's consignment stores, and in a pinch Rack Room Shoes. For Craigslist, I always try to have my husband ride with me to meet people and try to meet at a public place like Walmart, etc. Go to Rack Room shoes and sign up to be on their email list. Lately, I've gotten at least 8 coupons emailed to me for buy one get one free. I got my 3 year old son two pairs of Converse Allstars (one that fits and one to grow into) for $19. Many times they also have a 20% off coupon that can also be used with the BOGO.
One more place I find MANY things for my kids is local consignment sales. I try to volunteer for at least one shift so that I can shop first before things get picked over
and I hit the shoes first. You can usually Google Kids Consignment sales for your area and find a bunch. We have about 20 each year in our area. Hope this helps!
I have had good luck with kids shoes from Lands End. When they run their sales (there's one on now) they are usually a good deal.
I have good luck at Target, often even clearanced shoes. Kohl's can be pricey, but with that coupon I would take a look, definitely.
I would still hit as many thrift stores as you can, I often find brand new or nearly new shoes for kids there. But if you can't then you have to get new.
Is there a Shoe Carnival in your area? They often run deals on the 2nd pair of shoes. Their clearance section is hit or miss but maybe you'd get lucky 🙂 Their regular prices are lower than other stores, anyway. It wouldn't be dirt cheap, but it might be tolerable.
I think that Target is a really great option! I'm 23 with no children but have really small feet, and since children's shoes are, more often than not, less expensive than women's shoes, I usually buy the former! Target almost ALWAYS has shoes on sale; I just recently bought a pair of boots (dressy, not winter) on sale for $13, and have gotten shoes there for as cheap as $5. I highly recommend it! 🙂
I would recommend Return to Oz consignments.
6pm.com is great!
Here is a payless coupon I found on a blog the other day!
https://updates.payless.com/servlet/website/PersonalizedForm?sLllEVTUTUTUV_wY_.26tHps9hNihgE.26f7be_7.2e.2ey.26zzELtHpssplmlFlNkOpOpgnmoLlmhkLlDJht
(hopefully the link works)
Target shoes are cute, but I've found they don't last too long, and I've found that Payless shoes aren't that reasonably priced, in my opinion... I'm a fan of clearance priced Children's Place shoes or hitting up a good sale at our Stride Rite outlet 🙂
I usually get my kids shoes at Target and I have never had a single problem with the quality. They seem to have the best price, much cheaper than kohls even with a 30% cpn.
I agree that Kohls can be expensive and Payless's quality really isn't worth the price, they're kind of flimsy and won't last long.
Do you have Ross out there? I completely recommend it if you do. Target is a good option as well.
I say Target....all the way. All though, Wal-mart is not so bad for play shoes...
Finally. I'm thinking, "Doesn't anybody else shop at Wal-Mart anymore?" I don't have kids, but I love Wal-Mart shoes for myself. You do have to buy them when you see them--they are usually gone the next time I go--but you can find great deals there, and their quality has improved quite a bit. I have several pairs of flats that were $5-$11 dollars a pair--$11 was the original price--and I have even been able to wash them in my washing machine.
I like Payless when they are doing their BOGO. The Target near me is always horribly understocked and disorganized in the shoe dept.. Marshalls is good. I agree with others that Kohl's shoes always seem pricey. I have also had success at kids consignment stores and Craigslist.
I usually get shoes for my kids from Target. They even have a Stride Rite made brand called Kid Smart. They are pretty durable. I've gotten shoes from Walmart and while they are cheaper they seem to fall apart pretty quick. Not sure of the Payless. I always seem to miss the BOGO sales when we need shoes.
I only have boys, but I often take a glance through the girls' shoes as well and I would agree with you....Target and Kohls. I always find decent shoes there for reasonable prices. The Target shoes are cheaper, but we go to Kohl's for name brand tennis shoes that they wear to school every day and are pretty rough on. Need durability with those wild boys. Best of luck!
did you try dsw? they have free shipping online sometimes
You might look at the crocs on ebay. You can run them through the dishwasher (if they're used), they can be worn with socke, they don't get stinky, and they wear really well. They are usually really good prices.
I always go to Kohl's for shoes but I never find reasonable shoes at reasonable prices in the size I need(clothes are a much better deal). I get shoes at Target - I haven't had a problem with quality. I also get shoes from Lands End either in a Sears Store when they are on sale or from the website(they usually have free shipping). My older daughter is very particular about how her shoes fit and she usually likes the sneaker type shoes from Lands End.
Good Luck!
Kohl's has Sketchers brand sneakers that are pretty comfortable and durable. Wait for a sale and use a %off coupon. Only problem I have with Kohl's is, is that they don't carry many shoes of each particular size. Like if you're trying to get a little girl size 11, they might only have 3 or 4 styles of shoes to choose from. JC Penney and Sears are pretty good. Do you have any outlet malls near you? I try and go when we're at the beach. I wouldn't waste my time at Payless. How about TJ Maxx?
Play shoes implies they will see some real action. Shoes I've purchased from Target always end up ripping in some way long before they should have. I've taken to excepting that I'll have to pay a little more and get more time out of them.
The Children's Place started their annual clearance sale this weekend! ANYthing in the entire store that has ever been marked down (like even if it was marked from $30 to $27) is now $4.99. Plus, you can print a coupon from their website for an additional 20% off! My friend and I just bought our daughters (ages 3, 6, 8, and 10) tons and tons of shoes. Strappy shoes, boots (they have black and dark pink), silver z strap shoes, and several more. DEF worth checking out. Can't beat $4.99.
I buy kid's shoes at Target but sometimes regret it because my kids (and it's also happened to me before) complain that they aren't very comfortable (and then they are less likely to wear them). Play shoes might be ok, but dress shoes can be iffy in quality. I like to buy shoes at Penneys or Children's Place. My favorite shoes at CP for everyday wear are the croc-style shoes b/c they easily slip on and off and are a lot less expensive than real crocs. I usually buy the winter version (with "fur") and the summer version and my youngest daughter wears them nearly every single day (she is 3 but has worn them for the past couple of years). So that definitely makes them worth the money (and they aren't that expensive to begin with). I've noticed in the past year, though, that only some of the stores are carrying them, so now I have to order online.
After raising four children, my advice is this: Buy the best shoes you can afford for your children's feet. While it seems that you can shell out a lot of money needlessly for kids shoes when they outgrow them so fast, we all need to keep in mind that our feet need to last us a lifetime and bear the brunt of the total weight of our bodies all day long. Children's feet are still forming and therefore need correct support to avoid foot-related problems further down the road. Good Shoes, like good mattresses, give a huge return on your investment.
I wouldn't recommend Payless.... I've bought several pairs there during a certain era of spending in my life. Many of them got passed on very quickly as it became evident that they were poor quality. Only one pair still remains in my closet only because they look good. I really should get rid of them as they make my feet sweat something shocking!
p.s. While you're looking, you might want to try and find shoes that are acutally made in the Western Hemisphere (good luck with that! lol)
A few hints about how to avoid shipping and return charges when you mail order with Lands End and Children's Place.
Lands End: If you can't find a free shipping offer to do an online order you can place an order at a Sears store, and have it shipped to the store for free. When the shoes arrive at the store you can bring your child try to try them on. If the shoes don't fit you can return them right there at the store. No shipping or return charges that way.
Children's Place: If you go to a Children's Place store and they don't have what is offered online, the clerk will often give you a free shipping coupon. (Never hurts to ask if they don't offer it!) You can place the order online, have it shipped for free with the coupon. At CP you can also return online purchases to the store to avoid return shipping charges.
Not sure you need another shoe comment but here goes. Our shoes don't get worn in the house & often not in our yard.They have usually been kicked off within a half hour of playing in the yard. So our criteria for shopping is: are they comfortable to wear? Their feet are growing so quickly at this point (my eldest is 9) that I am not concerned about them lasting forever. I don't prefer to hand them down because they each break their shoes in so differently that they aren't comfortable to the next child. That being said, I try Payless when they have their BOGO; Walmart for play shoes (the boys sneakers were $5 this summer); Kohls for boots when they do the super Saturday sale; Haven't really found them to like Target though we have tried; & did really well at Once Upon a Child for church shoes this year (those are usually like new at second hand stores).
Yeah I was going to say payless too. They seem to always be having BOGO sales. One just ended I believe but they'll have another one in a week or so probably..or so it seems. Those are my favorites since I have 4 kids BOGO sales are important. I always shy away from ordering online because you can't try them on first in case sizing varies or if they rub or hurt their arches or heels or just aren't comfy. Best wishes!
For little kids - no question - garage sale. Most little girls have so many cute shoes they can't wear them out. $2 or less for a great pair, even name brands It doesn't even take that many stops to find a good pair on a Friday with good weather. I do this for my niece all the time, especially play shoes!
If you are in a hurry, I'd say Target & Old Navy have the best little girl shoes for the best prices & often on sale. Good luck!
Lately, we have found some really good deals at Nordstrom's Rack (where they send the off-season stuff that has not sold).
I've actually had quite a bit of luck with play shoes at Goodwill. A few times I scored brandnew shoes for three dollars. I am picky about what I buy there. It's gotta be something I can throw in the wash. Currently however, Emma is wearing a gently used hand me down pair from her brother. She thinks this is great, but that's Emma.
I gotta say, ever since I've started reading the frugal blogs, I'm having a hard time paying retail and full price for things. If I were going to buy new, I'd go for quality.
I tend to shop all around for kids shoes. One pair my son is wearing came from the clearance rack at Wal-Mart. His other pair came from Marshall's - and the most expensive pair was only $13.00.
I would just look around in general if your somewhere that sells kids shoes. Not all kids shoes are created equal, and you just need to buy what works for your kids and your wallet. I really don't like to spend lots of money on things that get grown out of quickly, so I'm always poking around in the clearance or sale section. And I normally end up with two pairs a size bigger than what he is wearing - so there is room to grow and to allow for shoe mishaps 🙂
I have to agree with the comment from Connie. Buy the best shoes you can afford for your kiddos. I know it's hard to fork over a bunch of money for something that they might wear for a year - or even just a season - but after working in physical therapy for 8 years, I've seen how important it is for them to have good support on their little feet. I am lucky enough to have a stride rite outlet within a sort of convenient distance, and am really pleased with how well made their shoes are. I have spent up to $25 on toddler shoes. (Okay actually my husband spent that because he thought they were so cute he HAD to get them for our oldest, but I don't blame him!) Besides stride rite I like REI for everyday shoes, brands like Merrill and Keen that are really lightweight and flexible. REI has "garage sale" a few times a year and I've had good luck there and in their clearance.
Dress shoes, on the other hand, are not worn that much so don't matter...as much. But since they don't get worn as much I've had great luck at Goodwill and Savers for practically new high end dress shoes for less than $5. And then they get passed down! I get almost all my kids clothes at thrift stores, hence how I can justify spending more on their shoes.
Just a little side note - PLEASE don't let your kids wear Crocs or the knockoffs for long periods of time (the zoo, the park, anywhere with lots of walking.) They are just too wide and their feet slip around so much. Before my first was born the pediatric therapist I was working with made me promise I would avoid Crocs...although they are fine for adult feet.
Thanks for the blog! I really enjoy it, and my husband appreciates the homemade bread 🙂
We have an outlet mall in our county, and I buy Converse shoes there for the little one. She has leg braces, and needs the Converse style shoe because it opens almost to the toe. After we buy them, I have to get out the seam ripper and rip that sewing on the curved part of the last that holds the laces, and then rip the insoles out--I feel awful doing this, but that's what's required to fit the braces in.
The prices are good. It would cost me $50 or more dollars for shoes that fit over braces. Last time I scored a pair of leather Converse shoes for her for $19.99--the orthotist (brace maker) told me that he's seen those shoes sell for over $90.
I'm not a huge outlet fan in general, but certain things are a bargain: shoes, bras, panties, and hose (Hanes store)--not stuff I want to buy off Craigslist or at Goodwill ;o)
I have the a group called of children called. The Helping Hands Kids Group. This group , helps out several area groups of children, We help out raising money for Big Brothers, & Big Sisters , also Secret Santa, The Salvation Army, Creative Options , Thompson center. To name a few place that our kids group has helped out . We are wanting to see if you will help us out with some shoes for children this school year coming up. We supplied 36 children with all their school needs this school year ending. There is more of a need for support. your help would be greatly appreciated . I can show you all papers that prove we are a legal group. Thank You. Debbie Barclay Advisor Phone 740 /432 /4631 address 435 Columbia Ct , Cambridge , Ohio 43725 E-Mail debra_barclay@yahoo.com