Toddler Shoes - Expensive ?

niish150887 on 01/08/2025 - 14:57

My son destroys his shoes every 2 - 3 months - As all the stuff for children and toddlers the shoes are so expensive.

We do want to provide something which is comfortable for him as he goes to childcare 5 days a week and wears them almost 8 hours a day.

Very difficult to find shoes for brands like sketchers/adidas/puma/nike at a decent price or on sale and most of them are over $50.

So, where does everyone buy shoes for their toddlers and do you consider the price to be reasonable?

First time parent - Single child so you can imagine all the overthinking lol

Toys & Kids Footwear

Comments

  • Jimothy Wongingtons on 01/08/2025 - 14:59
    +1

    We’ve been through everything from bobux (I think I paid close to $90 a pair when they were around 3 c to Kmart (averaging $10-20 a pair) personally still feel Kmart is the sweet spot as long as you ensure size right (not too large not too small) as they grow super fast and also my two put their shoes through hell (sand dirt mud dog poo etc)

    My SIL however is of the opinion I have ruined both their feet by cheaping out on shoes…

    • niish150887 on 01/08/2025 - 15:04

      Bobux is expensive !

      • Jimothy Wongingtons on 01/08/2025 - 15:11
        -1

        Podiatrist approved tho

        They’re both currently wearing nikes from rebel iirc was $70 ea on sale, and for school they wear the asics prescribed by school which were closer to $80

        • V2L on 03/08/2025 - 08:38
          +3

          are podiatrist approved shoes the same as dentist approved toothbrush?

          • Lachy2437 on 03/08/2025 - 11:26
            +1

            @V2L: Podiatrist recommendations for kids shoes is just a wide toe box and flexible sole. More about making sure that kids shoes are doing the bit they're supposed to do rather than only caring about looks.

    • AustriaBargain on 01/08/2025 - 15:25
      +14

      TBH I always imagined Jimothy's kids just wore KFC Twister wrappers around their feet.

    • mapax on 01/08/2025 - 15:36
      +5

      My SIL however is of the opinion I have ruined both their feet by cheaping out on shoes…

      I’m of the opinion your SIL bends the knee to marketing.

  • Stealtho on 01/08/2025 - 15:04
    +3

    I'd agree with the SIL

  • Protractor on 01/08/2025 - 15:06
    -1

    Is your (golden child) son Grant Denyer?

    • niish150887 on 01/08/2025 - 15:07

      Poor joke if by any chance you are a parent

      • Protractor on 01/08/2025 - 15:09
        -2

        I can't afford expensive jokes. Cost of living crisis.

        OK, I'm curious, do your fellow parents all judge your boy on what brand of shoe they wear?
        Also, kids are expensive.That never changes.

        • niish150887 on 01/08/2025 - 15:41
          -1

          Its not about the shoe brand its about the comfort - I tried shoes from target once and my child had a painful blister. Agree could be once off but never bothered to try again

          • Protractor on 01/08/2025 - 16:17
            +1

            @niish150887: Go to a dedicated shoe store who specialises in them. Listen to the crucial points, when trying stuff out, and if the price is too high, use the information gleaned to track down the shoes that tick most of the boxes you just learned.Don't cheap out on socks.

      • joka on 01/08/2025 - 16:25
        +1

        Or Grant Denyer

  • 87percent on 01/08/2025 - 15:10

    Second hand kids shoes.

    • tenpercent on 01/08/2025 - 15:51

      What about for the other hand and the feet?

      • 87percent on 01/08/2025 - 19:00

        Just find a one legged kid

  • mskeggs on 01/08/2025 - 15:21
    +3

    Cheapest you can get, they grow out fast.

    • jv on 01/08/2025 - 19:08

      Cheapest you can get

      👞

  • Starlight8 on 01/08/2025 - 15:33
    +2

    Shoe and socks - i'd say $50 or under would be a bargain.

    I'd recommend buying good quality shoes. We did buy 2 pairs of kmart when we were toliet training as we had to wash it etc. I agree with your SIL.

  • Some Human on 01/08/2025 - 15:39
    +1

    Ebay? Op shop?

  • DingoBilly on 01/08/2025 - 15:41
    -1

    Definitely not branded… just a waste of money for kids of that age. They're expensive and they wear out as you mention or are lost.

    Second-hand from Facebook marketplace/Gumtree is best, otherwise just Kmart/Target/Big W.

    Don't over think it and definitely don't spend on brands.

  • joka on 01/08/2025 - 15:52
    +1

    Why are you buying brand name shoes for a toddler??! You do realise they only weigh 10kg - 15kg and don't need anything fancy for support that heavier adults need right?

    If you feel like you 'must' buy branded shoes then yeh, that would be on you. Otherwise go to kmart.

  • tenpercent on 01/08/2025 - 16:10
    -2

    My son destroys his shoes every 2 - 3 months

    What brands is he destroying? Are the shoes structurally failing (seams coming apart, getting holes, foam wearing out, etc) or is it mostly cosmetic (scuffs, stains, etc)?

    First time parent - Single child

    Are you intending to have more children? If yes, then you could aim to get neutral colours and spend a little more for quality (not that there is a perfect correlation between price and quality). Of course gumtree/marketplace finds are probably still better value. Friends and family who have slightly older children can be a good source. If you're not considering more children, think about what resale value you could get for shoes once he grows out of them (assuming they're not destroyed).

    Also consider ACL protections. A pair of toddler shoes probably shouldn't be destroyed in just 2 months with normal toddler usage. I would argue they don't meet 'acceptable quality'. It's not like you've bought some fancy designer flats yourself but decided to use them to run around the bush (that would just be misuse), toddler shoe manufacturers know that toddlers run around and jump and fall over and climb, etc and so shoes they sell in the Australian market should be of acceptable quality for that use.

    • Protractor on 01/08/2025 - 16:20

      A pair of toddler shoes probably shouldn't be destroyed in just 2 months with normal toddler usage.

      Maybe we discovered who's doing all the hyper running around at the CC centre?
      Or maybe they have a treadmill?

      • tenpercent on 01/08/2025 - 16:33

        Toddler treadmills? Now that's an idea you can market to all the eastern suburbs yummy mummies. "Your spoiled little brats can run on the treadmill while you have a sesh of barre."

        • Protractor on 01/08/2025 - 17:40
          -1

          Hook it up to a generator, plumb it into the grid, hard-wire it into a data centre.
          Rent it out to tech giants and crypto grafters/grifters. Buy more treadmills with the proceeds.Rinse & repeat.
          Maybe some Nike sponsorship ads on the data centre walls?

  • Brightland on 01/08/2025 - 17:43
    +1

    I wait for the Cashback at Adidas or the Iconic and keep Adidas, Nike, Asics and New Balance shoes that I like in my Wishlist ready to see if a Cashback and sale align. Both my kids have done well with the NB 373s and you can pick them up for under $50 on sale, less with Cashback. Shoes and Sox often have them on sale too. My son has just finished Kindy and they lasted him the whole year, although he did have a few pairs we rotated through, so I guess if you take that into account they easily lasts 6 months - and that includes chucking them in the washing machine numerous times because my kids loves mud and sand pits.

    To save $$ if I see a good price I also buy a few pairs in the next sizes up. I usually have 2-3 pairs ahead that I've found on sale.

    Both kids also currently have the $25 Paw Patrol shoes from Big W. They've also held up well given the price, both kids are active, outdoor, playground loving kids and I think I'll need to order some more soon as they've almost worn out - pretty sure I bought them before Christmas! Also for reference I've got a 5yo boy and 2yo girl, and the 5yo is tough on clothes and shoes!

  • jv on 01/08/2025 - 19:04
    +1

    My son destroys his shoes every 2 - 3 months

    Get him to pay for them himself. Then he'll think twice before doing it again…

  • boomramada on 01/08/2025 - 19:28
    +1

    Very difficult to find shoes for brands like sketchers/adidas/puma/nike at a decent price or on sale and most of them are over $50.

    Easy to find them on DFO, I used to buy few of them in advance, ie size K2, K4, K10 on discount. None branded stuff are crap.

    Plus Adidas goes on sale ever other month.

    • nepalesesquirrel on 03/08/2025 - 11:13

      We do/did exactly this, always bought shoes in advance on special, particularly asics, our young kids now go to school and they have to wear sports sneakers and this is what most kids wear.

  • bargaino on 01/08/2025 - 19:55
    +2

    When my kids were little, the advice was that toddlers should not wear shoes, especially not indoors!
    It interferes with their neural development.

    We just got them some sort of slip-ons for hot footpaths.
    https://www.google.com/search?q=should+toddlers+wear+shoes

  • miwahni on 02/08/2025 - 00:47
    +3

    When my grandkids were preschoolers I'd buy them a pair of Clarks sandals each year, and those things were pretty-well indestructible. Not too pricey if bought on sale - have a look at Brandhouse Direct for their current sales.

  • EKC on 02/08/2025 - 08:16

    They're pretty ugly, but my favourite practical toddler shoes are the Ciao Beach Sandals from Shoes & Socks/Myer. They can easily be scrubbed with some Sard soap and thrown in the washing machine (40 degrees, in with their clothes in a wash bag) once a week and come out looking practically brand new. We stick socks underneath them in winter. They are nice and wide in the toe box and are very flexible through the sole, perfect for toddlers learning to run and climb and you don't have to be precious about them at all.

    • blandis on 02/08/2025 - 08:54

      Second this! Although, even washing every week, my daughters ones stunk. We just had her wear socks.

      We also use bobux which i either buy on sale (in future sizes, think they were around $30) or from marketplace. They do get ruined but are still structurally sound (my daughter loves to run and climb). I have bought neutral for our son to use as well.

      On rainy days we use crocs (also bought either on sale or on marketplace, although first pair were hand me downs that had already been used by two kids and still held up really well). We always use the heel strap if that makes sense.

      Out of all the shoes my daughter tends to always favour the bobux.

      On the other hand i have friends who are perfectly happy with kmart shoes so i guess it comes to personal preference.

      For me i just buy minimum shoes (at the moment a pair of crocs and leather bobux sneakers) and buy what i believe is quality over quantity. My daughter is 2.5 years old and in daycare 4 days a week. She will wear these until she grows out of them.

      • EKC on 02/08/2025 - 09:25
        -1

        We are the same re: quality over quantity. My 2.5 year old daughter has her Ciao shoes, and a pair of leather Bobux sneakers (bought on sale) for when we know she won't be getting dirty/dressier occasions. She also has a pair of Crocs I got on sale that are for walking into/out of gymnastics/swimming etc. because I have a pair for the same reason and she loves matching. I can absolutely tell that she doesn't walk as naturally in them though.

        She has been in the same size shoe for at least 6 months though, so I feel like the price paid for the quality of shoes is pretty reasonable.

  • Lastchancetosee on 02/08/2025 - 09:23
    +3

    Some good suggestions from others, especially Clarks.

    Unless your child has a particular foot problem (one of mine did and special shoes for the first few years were exorbitant), just buy leather shoes and sandals at the best price you can get.

    The podiatrist told us NEVER to buy second-hand shoes or hand-me-downs unless unworn, as they have usually taken on the shape of the previous child's foot and heels get worn down unevenly.

    • sam-1966 on 02/08/2025 - 17:51
      +1

      The podiatrist told us NEVER to buy second-hand shoes or hand-me-downs unless unworn, as they have usually taken on the shape of the previous child's foot and heels get worn down unevenly.<

      ABSOLUTELY THIS ADVICE!!! Any issues the child before had will be passed on to yours via the wear pattern of the previous kid.

      Clarks are brilliant for toddlers and should be fitted professionally.

      I worked for Mathers many years ago and we were trained in fitting children's shoes - you could see problems in kids' feet who had been wearing incorrectly fitted shoes. Bob Mathers was particularly fussy with shoes that were stocked and there were quite a few very trendy/popular shoes that he would not allow as they were bad for feet.

  • djsweet on 02/08/2025 - 17:29
    +1

    Kids shoes are expensive and no one wants to ruin their kids feet and ankles and back etc. so they sell at that price. Bobux and Clarks are good for the real little ones at 80-100. ASICS are the sweet spot for 4+ at around $60. They’re pretty bullet proof and last well.

  • hdog on 02/08/2025 - 23:09
    +1

    I’ve been through them all with 3 littles and the simplest option is a seasonal trip to Shoes & Sox for a properly fitted sandal or boot.. they will be able to fit them for you, so they’re fine for now and a little room to grow for the season to come. Personally we like Bobux and Ciao.
    They regularly have 25% off and their loyalty program is great. If you have a grandparent happy to buy nice boots for a birthday present, even better.

    Aside from quality sandals or boots for the season, add any pair of runners on sale and you’re sorted.

    Less is more. Comfort rules.

  • slugsandsnails on 03/08/2025 - 04:04

    Keen sandals last forever. The shoes are great too.

  • Oofy Doofy on 03/08/2025 - 10:09

    I only ever pay $1 or $2 at most, but they're usually $0. Lots of decent second hand item places around with an exchange credit setup.

    • tenpercent on 03/08/2025 - 10:11

      Lots of decent second hand item places around with an exchange credit setup.

      eg?

      • Oofy Doofy on 03/08/2025 - 10:13
        -2

        DYOR into your postcode and beyond.

        • tenpercent on 03/08/2025 - 10:13
          -1

          Any suggested keywords to use?

  • Ooops on 03/08/2025 - 12:06
    +1

    Kmart

  • koplik8 on 05/08/2025 - 17:25

    I buy Clarks shoes. Their leather running shoe shoes are excellent. My little one goes through other brands too quick. Williams the shoe shop online often has buy one get one half price. Last time I got shoes for $21.50 a pair. Myers often has sales too & sometimes have huge cashbacks. Don't skimp out on cheap shoes. What I do is on black Friday sales I usually but the next two sizes up in running shoes, sandals and school shoes and then put them in the cupboard. My little one goes up a shoe size every six months. Last year I needed a size 10 and 11. i didn't realise that a size 11 is a youth size. I reckon the Nike Legacys are great wear too and come out of the washing machine really well. Rebel sport, a couple times a year do buy one get one 1/2 price. I got 11s and 12s. There is a big price jump in the youth sizes.

    These are the runners I sear by. The sole is double sticked. The sole is almost worn out and they still havent fallen apart
    https://www.myer.com.au/p/clarks-dulcie-sneakers-in-white

    https://www.williamsshoes.com.au/?srsltid=AfmBOoplQwKTbMG2mE…

    https://www.myer.com.au/b/Clarks?facets=sv--category--728617…

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