Anyone Know Where to Find Extra Wide Toddler Shoes That Won't Break the Bank?

Hi, Chris --

I remember the tough time my Mom had finding shoes for me when I was little... I used to have to go to a place called a "booterie"?? Fortunately, I haven't had too much trouble with my wide feet in my adulthood! But it's made me very attuned to getting good quality shoes for my daughter, who's 3 1/2.

On the other side of the equation, I am also extremely thrifty!

So, there's only one place that satisfies my need for high-quality apparel and footwear without causing me economic angst: Once Upon a Child.

Almost everything my daughter wears has been previously worn, though I have purchased many new items at Once Upon a Child for her. One of the brands I'm always on the lookout for is Stride Rite, and I have a beautiful collection of shoes for her from Stride Rite, Land's End, Bass, Nike, etc., up through about size 3.

I'd highly encourage you to check out Once Upon and look for upcoming sizes that you can put away until your son is ready for them. The money we've saved by purchasing previously worn apparel... has enabled me to purchase a wardrobe for my daughter that's pretty staggering in its cuteness and utility. I can't bring myself to purchase brand new shoes for her when I can get them at about 1/4 the price in beautiful quality from a previous owner.

Going to Once Upon a Child is my version of being a kid in a candy store! Hope this helps!

H.

Hi Chris,
I can relate-we are a family of wide feet. I remember the Stride Rite store well. I was lucky because Grandma liked to help with those shoes. Now my boy wears size 14, extra extra wide!

Here's an online link for you. Looks like some name brand, lower priced alternatives are available.

http://www.nextag.com/extra-wide-kids-shoes/search-html

Good luck! L.

Hi, my daughter has the same issue.... I bought her wide shoes at Payless and Kohls - she is now 9 and she's doing great. Still has fat wide feet but no problems with them so the cheap shoes must be okay.

I have the same issue with my 22 month old and would love to hear of a new place to go too. I do have one little tip. Watch for Stride Rite's buy one get one half off sales. If you buy ahead and they don't fit when you are ready to start wearing them, they will let you exchange.