child shoes

[flea]

Advice, anyone? Yesterday Casper's only pair of basic shoes, which are these Mary Janes from Lands' End (http://www.landsend.com/pp/AllWeatherMaryJaneShoes-58377_146244_1055.html?CM_MERCH=PAGE_52373&sid=4786185692407196030) broke. After 4 months of wear, although granted she wears them almost every day - the only other shoes she has right now are rain boots, sandals, and the new sparkly shoes from Target which are already falling apart.

Since we had a shoe crisis, we ran to Sears and got some Lands' End sneakers on sale for $15, that she likes. (It took a little convincing - I had to make her run fast all around and compare her to Dash, because she really wanted Princess sneakers. Ha-hah! Mom can still outweasel child.) Also, we learned she is now a size 12, yikes.

But we're going to a fancy event in Boston in March, and sneakers aren't going to cut it. They still have the Mary Janes at Lands' End, and I liked them a lot, but to break after 4 months for a $30 shoe is worrisome. Stride Rite has lots of simple Mary Janes and T-strap shoes, but none under $40 a pair; the ones I like best are $48. We were just at Target the other week, and I surveyed the shoe racks and there's nothing that is a) simple and b) quality. Bear in mind that spring is coming and it will be sandal weather, so I'm doubly resistant to buying expensive shoes she may well grow out of before fall, but also hate the idea of spending $15-20 on something cheap that she'll wear a couple of times. (We got the sparkly shoes for that.)

I guess I need to start haunting ebay Stride Rite listings. Anybody got a great source of cheap, well-made, simple kid shoes?

Comments

[loligo.livejournal.com]

I guarantee that if you call Land's End and say that you were disappointed with the performance of the shoes, they will replace them for free. As well they should -- four months is not enough.

[rivka.livejournal.com]

That's just what I was about to say. Land's End has a huge commitment to customer service, and prides themselves on the durability of their products. Call them up.

[cashmerepett.livejournal.com]

http://www.shoes.com/product.asp?p=5034723&variant_id=EC1029094

http://www.shoes.com/product.asp?p=1009543&variant_id=33411

I can't vouch for the quality of Sam & Libby but I've bought Buster Browns for Owen that seemed pretty sturdy and lasted a whole year (with every day use).

I try not to spend more than $25 on a pair of toddler shoes because they're going to outgrow them so fast. We've purchased most of them at Kohls. Do you guys have a Kohls nearby? They're pretty good about sales.

[cashmerepett.livejournal.com]

But I like the idea of calling Lands End--they should replace them, too.

[ste-noni.livejournal.com]

I can't remember if you have Marshall's in NC but I have purchased many cute pairs of shoes for Ellie there and most were *very* cheap (like under $20 and usually brand names...rockport, timberland, stride rite, etc.)