The Question:

Christine from South Orange, NJ - Age 30 / Girl - 13 months

“

With shoes, they have to withstand lots of playing at day care, I really want them to be cute, and especially comfy for my daughter’s little feet.

”

Erica from Philadelphia, PA - Age 30 / Girl - 2 years / Boy - 9 months

“

Comfort! Good price, soft and flexible, the best part is that my kids love their shoes too.

”

Chris from Brooklyn, NY - Age 49 / Girls - 3 years & 1.5 years

“

In shoes, I am looking for quality in terms of workmanship. Detailing and soft good quality leather. Again, something with an unusual design and look, not the mundane styles readily available in brand-name department stores.

”

Shauna from Churchbridge, Saskatchewan - Age 29 / Girl - 17 months

“

Comfort, and cuteness! I want my child to keep her shoes on. If she is not comfortable, shoes come right off.

”

Denise from Pleasanton, CA - Age 32 / Boys - 8 years, 6 years & 1 year

“

I look for an eco-friendly shoe. I also look for something that is in tune with the development of a child’s foot. I also look for a good price.

”

Jovie from Lancaster, CA - Age 33 / Girl - 15 months

“

I want the shoes to be comfortable. They need to have a slip resistant sole.

”

Lucy from Brooklyn, NY - Age 38 / Boy - 10 months

“

The price is the most important. I would say the quality of the shoes is important. The fit. The shoes need to be wide enough to accommodate wide feet.

”

Natasha from Breckenridge, CO - Age 34 / Boy - 6 years / Girl - 2 years

“

I want the shoes to be comfortable. I don’t want anything that will rub and cause blisters. They need to be soft so they bend easily. I want them to be made from natural leather

”

Heidi from Vallejo, CA - Age 37 / Girls - 3.5 years & 1 year

“

I want shoes that are durable. I don’t want to have to buy multiple pairs for play and dress up. The shoes need to be cute. Every little girl wants to be cute. Lastly, they need to be affordable, too.

”

Heather from Farmington, CT - Age 36 / Boy - 2.5 years / Girl - 8 months

“

I just bought my first purchase of a brand I had not tried before, after purchasing two other name brands. I found this new brand from a Google search. I was looking for a shoe similar to the other brands, but realized as my son gets older (2.5 years) some of the shoe styles were starting to look less uniqu. In this particular case, I wanted a summer sandal and the brands I had been buying looked too mainstream so I decided to search for another choice, and found i!.

”

Brandi from Colorado Springs, CO - Age 36 / Boy - 6 years / Girl - 3 years

“

Comfort is the most important thing I consider while buying my children’s shoes. The last thing you need is a pair of shoes that is bothersome to a child’s foot. It only makes them cranky

”

Sherrie from Truro, Nova Scotia - Age 35 / Boys - 12 years, 10 years & 10 months

“

I want Good Quality!!! You get what you pay for.

”

Patricia from Monroe, LA - Age 45 / Boys - 6 years & 4 years / Girl - 19 months

“

Style is the most important thing I look for when buying shoes. The second thing is the quality. Shoes should hold up for the entire time they fit a child.

”

Karen from Angleton, TX - Age 47 / Girls - 11 years & 9 years / Boy - 7 years

“

When I purchase shoes, I want a good fit. Not all brands fit all feet. I want them to be developmentally correct for the stage my child is in.

”

Margaret from Great Falls, MT - Age 46 / Boy - 6 years / Girl - 4 years

“

I want value for the price. Kids only wear shoes for a short while, so I am not interested in high cost shoes. One of the biggest wastes of money is way expensive kids shoes and clothes!

”

Angela from McLean, VA - Age 43 / Girl - 6 years

“

Shoe should be comfortable and reasonably fashionable. Aside from patent leather dress ups, of which she only needs one pair that fits at a time, she wears either brand-name sneakers or boots. The brands have a reputation for quality, durability and comfort at a moderate price premium.

”

Patty from Nashua, NH - Age 42 / Girl - 2 years / Boys - newborn twins

“

I look for reputation with the brand. I make sure they are sturdy and not cheaply made. I want them to be lightweight and flexible

”

Maureen from Dublin, OH - Age 43 / Girl - 2 years

“

I am looking for excellent support for my daughter’s growing feet.

”

Danielle from Lowell, MA - Age 39 / Girl - 18 months

“

I want rubber soles that are flexible. I want a wide toe area. I want them to help make my daughter be more stable when walking.

”

Michelle from Fargo, ND - Age 38 / Girl - 18 months

“

I look at the weight of the shoes. Since my child is at the age where she is starting to walk,I focus on lightweight shoes as she needs to wear them all day at daycare. She must wear shoes so she doesn’t slip on the hardwood floors at home. I want them to be easy to put on and take off. (Velcro)

”

Stephanie from Culpeper, VA - Age 37 / Boy - 6 years / Girl - 2 years

“

I look for comfort factors, especially width so the shoe is kind to little growing feet. Durability is also something I look for.

”

Ande from Dallas, TX - Age 26 / Girl - 4 year / Boy - 6 month

“

One of the major factors in purchasing a pair of shoes for my children is durability. Lets face it, kids are hard on shoes and I can’t stand to see scuffed toes!

”

Emily from Surrey, British Columbia - Age 29 / Girl - 2 years

“

The first thing I look for is a good price. Since children grow so fast, I don’t want to buy expensive shoes every few months. I want them to be stylish and look cute with my daughters outfits. I want them to have a comfortable fit.

”

Joanna from Boston, MA - Age 40 / Girl - 2 years

“

I want comfort and muted colors. Again I don’t like the hot pink color with rhinestones and many, many flowers in them! I had a very hard time to find a nice, cheerful navy color shoes for my daughter.

”

Heather from Sacramento, CA - Age 35 / Boys - 6 years & 18 months

“

Comfort and fit. I am a nut about this. I now go with some of the name-brand pre-walker and toddler shoes when my son needs foot covering, or barefoot. I also purchase shoes online.

”

Katie from Big Pine, CA - Age 29 / Boys - 3 years & 8 months

“

I want good quality and reasonably prices. I also want something protective for their little feet.

”

The Wrap-up

Our survey indicates that the moms are very discerning when it comes to shoe purchases. Price doesn’t reign supreme, it takes a real blend to win them over: durability, value, fit, style and comfort!

1. Style - 18 moms (69%)
2. Quality/Durability - 16 moms (62%)
3. Price/Value - 11 moms (42%)
4. Comfort - 11 moms (42%)
5. Natural Materials/Organic - 5 moms (19%)
6. Made in USA - 3 moms (12%)
7. Brand Reputation - 1 moms (4%)
8. Easy to put on - 1 moms (4%)

The Giggle Guide™ is pleased to report that the moms mentioned our shoe sponsors by name, including Pediped and Pedoodles! We think they’re a good fit too! Other brands the moms mentioned favorably included See Kai Run, Robeez and Bobux.

Next month, The Giggle Guide™ moms are asked, “What are the key features you look for when purchasing children’s toys? ”