Toddler shoe shopping: five great fall options.

Let's face it. All shoes are cute when they are tiny. And tiny feet grow very quickly.

Which means two things:

1. You'll need to buy shoes pretty frequently since you'll have to keep buying new sizes.
   
   MEANING: Yea! Get to buy lots of shoes!


2. You'll need to buy new shoes pretty frequently since you'll have to keep buying new sizes.
   
   MEANING: Ya probably shouldn't buy too many of any size since they'll grow out of them really fast.

I like to have an assortment, which usually has one or two pairs of good, quality sneakers and then a couple of fun (read: no arch support and not "recommended" by the shoe saleperson at Nordstrom) shoes.

Here are my recommendations for a good fall shoe collection.  All of the shoes are under $40 (except the Stride Rites which are $42).  The first three are already in Justin's collection:

1. Tiny Tom Navy Cord Classics

Tiny Tom Cord Classics

Though Toms don't really have arch support, they are so darn cute, I cannot resist.  You may recall my story about last year's Toms, and this year I'm hoping for some more usage.  The problem on this pair, they don't seem to be in stock anywhere anymore.  However, they also have a pair of the red cords at the Toms website.

2. Stride Rite Shane

Stride Rite Shane

We know Stride Rite makes great shoes for kids. Good quality, has an arch (very important!) and seemingly very comfortable. They are not as "hip" as toms, Adidas, Converse, etc., but you can definitely find some cute Stride Rites.  I like this pair a lot. Fun colors and a really good shoe.

3. Adidas Samba

Adidas Samba

These are the "cool kicks". And aren't soccer shoes so cute?  These are adorable, but I will say that they are a bit tough to put on - they don't have laces or velcro.  Over the summer we had a pair of Gazelles, which were much easier to put on, since they had velcro. Available all over online.

4. Converse Kids Chuck Taylor All Stars

Converse Kids Chuck Taylor All Stars

Love mini Converses. They are maybe the cutest of all little kid's shoes.  And they come in a zillion colors and styles. Not in the "good shoes for your feet" category, but a good "every once in a while" shoe to wear. I've done blue and white in the past and get tons of compliments.

5. Saucony Baby Jazz H&L

Saucony Baby Jazz H&L

Saucony gyms are great shoes. They are cute, easy to put on and high quality.  A bit "hipper" looking than Stride Rites and still good for you. Very light shoes also.  I've bought them with every size Justin has been in and plan to buy another pair soon. I happen to like this blue - goes with a lot.

Am I missing any great shoes? Let me know your recommendations!

ps - Also need to get some winter boots. I've never bought boots for Justin. Any suggestions?

Mini versions of big people items.

Little boy clothes and shoes are so cute. Especially when they are miniature versions of big people items. You know - like these:

Chuck Taylors

Adidas Gazelles

Little Converse gyms and baby Adidas Gazelles. Are they not the cutest?

I just bought both pairs for buddy. 20% off at Piperlime. Love me a discount. I can't seem to buy clothes or shoes full price for buddy. But throw me a coupon, 20% off or more (preferably more of course), and I'm on it.

TOMS are the next item on my purchase list.  They are adorable (and never go on sale). However, One for One. Buy a pair and a child in need will get a pair. That is sure a good cause to me.  I think it's fantastic that TOMS does this.

We'll probably will get the black canvas Tiny TOMS classics:

Tiny TOMS

Buddy had a pair of navy blue corduroy TOMS, but unfortunately we didn't get much wear out of those.  Between leaving them at my brother in law's for a month and the sitter shrinking them in the dryer, he only wore them three times.  We'll be more careful this time.

Thanks for shopping with me!