Sandals for DS - Recommendations?

[not_telling]

I'd like to get a pair of sandals for DS, who will be 2 yrs. at the end of July. I can't get over how pricey these little kid shoes are!! I really like the Jumping Jacks sandals I've seen, but they run about $45-55. Columbia has some nice looking ones that are a bit cheaper...maybe closer to $30? I want to get him decent sandals with a flexible sole and with a "closed toe" to avoid toe scrapes as he tears up the pavement this spring and summer. I am thinking about how we're only gonna get about 5 months of wear out of these sandals, assuming no big growth spurt, so I'm wary of spending a lot. But, I'm also thinking about how, with the weather being warm soon, he will be using these shoes a lot.

Anyone have experience with Columbia or Jumping Jacks toddler sandals? Other brands you like?

(p.s. I'm leaning away from See Kai Run only because I'm not digging the available colors/styles in their sandals).

[organicpapayamama]

I love the shoes at target like these:

http://www.target.com/Toddler-Boys-C...20Sandals&qid=

http://www.target.com/Toddler-Cherok...20Sandals&qid=

[allisonrose]

Subbing because I'm on the look out for some affordable, flexible soled sandals as well. Although I'm hoping for the $20 range.

[allisonrose]

I think I've seen people remark on that Jumping Beans have flexible soles. These look promising, if so: sandals. Wish I see these in person....

[New_Natural_Mom]

DS looks like he might be following his dad's footsteps (no pun intended) and developing some whacked out feet (overlapping toes, etc.) We have to get the top shoes just to allow for good foot development. We usually get little soles (my fav) or Umi, etc. I just watch for sales online and get them when I can - they end up being $35 delivered. Prices are crazzy, but you just have to keep an eye out.

[*bejeweled*]

Keen sandals are really nice. They're so rugged and waterproof. My DD wore one pair the whole summer.

http://www.rei.com/product/749312?pr...:referralID=NA

[floiejo2]

Are the Keen sandels soles pretty stiff like they look? Or are they more flexible? I like the look of them and that they're so rugged, but they look kind of clunky and dd2 has a hard time with clunky shoes.

[*bejeweled*]

Hmmm, yes I guess they might be kinda clunky. They're medium flexible

Originally Posted by floiejo2

Are the Keen sandels soles pretty stiff like they look? Or are they more flexible? I like the look of them and that they're so rugged, but they look kind of clunky and dd2 has a hard time with clunky shoes.

[columbusmomma]

Teva's for sure
I've had mine for over 10 years and they are still going strong! I got DD a pair last year when she was almost 2 and they held up all summer. They can get wet, easy to put on, cute, etc. I got DS, age 7 a pair too. His held up and would do just fine again this summer but his feet have grown too. You should be able to find a pair for less then 30 bucks for sure! I will be buying both kids another pair again this summer.

[jgracefrank]

I second (or third) the vote for Keen's!

[Friday13th]

I really like our Riley Roos, http://www.rileyroos.com/cgi/rileyroos/shop_boys.html
They have a few different sandal options and the soles are sturdy, flexible leather with grippy rubber at the balls of the feet and the heels. They're really cute although I find they run a little big (DS wears an 18-24 in Robeez and a 12-18 in Riley Roos)

[not_telling]

Originally Posted by Friday13th

I really like our Riley Roos, http://www.rileyroos.com/cgi/rileyroos/shop_boys.html
They have a few different sandal options and the soles are sturdy, flexible leather with grippy rubber at the balls of the feet and the heels. They're really cute although I find they run a little big (DS wears an 18-24 in Robeez and a 12-18 in Riley Roos)

Ohhhh!!! These are super cute! And not terribly pricey either. Thanks!

ETA: Question, though....I am noticing that the soles have rubber in places, but not all over. While they say great for walking in woods, backyard, beach, I'm wondering if it's a problem that parts of the bottom are that soft leather. What about walking in mud or on wet sidewalks?

[tbone_kneegrabber]

We like Keens and Tevas. They are stiffer, but ds has never had problems with them. You can also often find them on ebay for much cheaper than new.

[Friday13th]

Originally Posted by not_telling

ETA: Question, though....I am noticing that the soles have rubber in places, but not all over. While they say great for walking in woods, backyard, beach, I'm wondering if it's a problem that parts of the bottom are that soft leather. What about walking in mud or on wet sidewalks?

We have the Chessie and the Dakota and either would be fine for a wet sidewalk. The Chessie seems overall a bit sturdier and would probably be better for mud. DS started walking in the winter and we used Umi's for outside which have a very similiar sole and they held up really well.

ETA, my DS is two now and he has a pair of the Chessie sandals for this summer and I'm probably going to get a pair of Robeez Tredz too just because they're adorable and I love them, they're super flexible.

[mommy2maya]

Originally Posted by New_Natural_Mom

DS looks like he might be following his dad's footsteps (no pun intended) and developing some whacked out feet (overlapping toes, etc.) We have to get the top shoes just to allow for good foot development. We usually get little soles (my fav) or Umi, etc. I just watch for sales online and get them when I can - they end up being $35 delivered. Prices are crazzy, but you just have to keep an eye out.

expensive doesn't always mean better. It is quite possible to buy inexpensive shoes that are good, expecially if you buy where you can get different widths.
There is certainly a choice.

[mommy2maya]

Originally Posted by not_telling

Ohhhh!!! These are super cute! And not terribly pricey either. Thanks!

ETA: Question, though....I am noticing that the soles have rubber in places, but not all over. While they say great for walking in woods, backyard, beach, I'm wondering if it's a problem that parts of the bottom are that soft leather. What about walking in mud or on wet sidewalks?

yeah, those are definitely baby shoes, designed for prewalkers and new walkers, and don't stand up to the rigorous wear and tear of a full speed ahead older toddler.

[allisonrose]

I have three pairs of Rileyroos. I really do like the construction of them. They are super flexible and they have cushioned insole to protect their little feet. Oh, and the rubber actually is the size of sole of the foot - the leather is more for appearance, I think. I don't know how waterproof they are - I don't get a ton of rain in my area.

However, I have heard and experienced mixed results on their durability. I have two pairs which use elastic and each of those shoes have had issues with the elastic: one shoe is now unwearable but the rest are okay. One shoe also had a seam start to give out. The company does have a 90 day protection against defects but since I bought mine ahead of when we needed them (got a good deal on mamabargains.com), I don't think my son even started wearing them till way after 90 days of purchase. I also have a pair of their Sportie style and they are in great shape.

I do think their sandals are adorable but worry about their durability....

[not_telling]

Well, I went ahead and ordered these Columbia sandals from Zappos:
http://www.zappos.com/product/7597444/color/220228

I figure if we'll try them on and stuff when they arrive and if they don't seem good for DS, I'll just return them.

[gagin37]

Originally Posted by organicpapayamama

I love the shoes at target like these:

http://www.target.com/Toddler-Boys-C...20Sandals&qid=

http://www.target.com/Toddler-Cherok...20Sandals&qid=

We got that first pair for ds recently, so far I like them a lot, medium flexibility but sturdy enough for stomping through mud in the back yard. Can't beat the price either.

[marispel]

You might want to check out consignment stores. We have a store that specializes in just kids consignment. I found a pair of Timberlan leather sandles for $6.00. They look brand new!!!