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!)
Debbie Barclay
Wednesday 28th of May 2014
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
Janknitz
Wednesday 20th of October 2010
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)
Beth
Tuesday 19th of October 2010
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 :)
Michaela
Tuesday 19th of October 2010
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 :)
laurie
Monday 18th of October 2010
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.