How much do you spend on toddler shoes? I always want to spend the least amount possible when it comes to clothes for Jax – he grows out of them so fast! But, is it a good idea to go cheap when it comes to shoes?
I am just starting to build a fall wardrobe for Jax (obviously nothing from last year when he was 6 – 10 months old fits him now) and got lucky with some good shoes from the thrift store for only $2.50 a pair. When looking at new shoes in the stores, there are certainly cheaper options for $15 – $20, but for little feet still getting used to walking and running, are they a good idea? You want them to be built in a way that will support their feet in the healthiest way possible. But I don’t want to spent $46 dollars!
I was in Nordstroms with Jax (we park there at the mall because they have the best bathroom with a nursing room) and paused to check out the sale rack of shoes. I saw these green sneakers a size up from where he is now and couldn’t put them down. I took Jax out of the carrier and let him run around in them. They stay on but with tons of room and actually fit his thick feet. And: So. Stinking. Cute. And $20 off! I always check online on my phone before buying things, and everyone had them for $45 or $46.
What ultimately made it impossible for me to put them back on the shelf was the fact that Jax’s Halloween costume will be head-to-toe green. And I plan to make the top half a hoodie he can wear as a coat past Halloween. I’m so in love with them! It makes the fact that his hand-me-down orange sneakers are getting too small a little easier to bear.
So, while it felt painful to buy shoes for $26, I do realize they are a great deal, really good for his feet, and perfect for both his costume and wearing every day. But I’m cheap and don’t like to spend that much on *my* shoes. When I do splurge, I end up with good shoes that last a long time. I need to find that balance between quality and value.
What do you think, dear internet? How much are you willing to spend on your little ones’ shoes? Any favorite pairs?
