We use Stride-Rite (new and used) and have never had a problem with them. I don't think they are a necessity. If you have wide feet, it does limit where you can buy your shoes, as not all shoe stores carry wide sizes for kids.
FYI, New Balance also carries kids shoes and in wide sizes. My child has a wide foot, so I'm always on the look out for other places than Stride Rite that have wide shoes. New Balance has plain tennis shoes for kids, nothing fancy with lights or firetrucks, etc......
I usually get our Stride Rites on sale or at a consignment store. If you subscribe to Stride Rites emails they will tell you when the sales come up.
There's suppose to be a Stride Rite outlet somewhere, however I don't think it is around in this area. I could be wrong. My family (in-laws) told me about that and they are in the Houston area.