Hellobee Boards

I feel your pain! I started looking around for shoes about a month ago when the soft soled Robeez just caused him to slip around while standing.

I found some Robeez Mini-Shoes, they have a sole with grip, so that's what we are using for now. I bought two pairs from StrideRite.com, one pair in size 4, one in size 5. I got the same pair, they aren't the most adorable things on the planet, but for the amount of time he wears them, they were worth the $20 sale price.

I've seen See Kai Run on Zulilly, that site often has deals on kids shoes.

Babies don't generally need shoes until they are really walking so you can save and not buy them until that point. It is better for them to cruise in barefeet. So I waited until my LO was walking at 13 months to put her in shoes. I like Stride Rites and there are outlets. They only need maybe 2 pairs at a time if you buy shoes in colors that can match a lot of their clothes. I also don't want to go too cheap if it sacrifices on quality. Having good support is important for their feet, posture, and alignment!

Another option is some socks with grip. Our floors are tile, and while I let DS go barefoot for the summer, it is too cold for him to go barefoot...we have a few area rugs, but the majority of our living space floors are just too cold to go with no socks or shoes.

I do agree though, to stay away from heavy/bulky shoes. A babies foot has a natural bend to it, and it shouldn't be forced straight in rigid soled shoes.

baby everything is so expensive! especially since the kids don't get as much wear because they grow up so fast!

oh man you know i spent a fortune on shoes. i would try to buy them used because you can find gently used shoes in great condition since everyone's kids outgrow shoes quickly.

until charlie started walking, we had him in these sock-shoes from target that were cheap. charlie was a size 4 when he started walking and he wore them for quite some time. enough time that it was worth it for the three pairs of sneakers he had. so i bought several summer shoes, and he promptly outgrew them in a month. and for the 3 months after that, his feet grew a size every month. so i definitely learned my lesson not to buy more than one pair of shoes in the 16-22 month stage!

i definitely wouldn't spend money on expensive shoes until they're walking. but i know they're hard to resist! what's cuter than baby shoes?!

I refuse to pay more than $10 for toddler shoes.

Find your local children's resale shop! Once Upon a Child is a national chain. I also check out the Salvation Army and Goodwill.

I routinely get barely worn Stride Rite shoes for $2-$8.

@Red: I am too chicken to try laundering the non-sneaker leather shoes either.

I would consider buying almost any item of clothing used, except shoes and underwear/diapers. I wouldn't do it for myself so I also wouldn't do it for my child. To each his own.

I second the once upon a child store (if you have one near you). They have really nice shoes for very cheap.