Toddler shoes...are good shoes all expensive?

[LoveKnowsNoBounds]

I paid $70 for a pair of shoes ( I think my mouth fell open at the cash register) for my DS (his first paid of proper shoes) from shoes and sox. They are clarks shoes and the lady told me they should last 3 months.

Is this normal? Any recommendations of where to get good shoes from?

[Olive]

i buy clarks, they generally last 6 months here! though DD feet seem to grow slow!!

[Salsa]

I have in NZ brought shoes that seemed very good for DS, and were not expensive but a good brand like clarkes is reliable. DS got his first pair only now for school and he loves how they feel.
When he was smaller and not lasting in them as long I was buying cheaper ones, but you have to really look at the shoe carefully. Stick your hand in and feel what the toe area feels like, push down on the insole and feel for comfort, suport and any bumps and lumps etc that could be uncomfortable. Feel what the tongue (if it has one) feels like, is it scratchy or too thin or too thick? etc. Bend the shoe and see how flexible the shoe and sole is, how heavy is it? What material is it made of - can his feet breath, is the shoe washable etc?
Think about what makes a good shoe work for you and think about what makes a shoe uncomfy for you. Then consider what it things a kids feet need, ie; room for toes, arch support, etc.
There are shoes out there that dont cost as much as the 'quality' brands, but you really need to inspect each shoe well, and sorry I cant tell you any brands here, as the ones I found to be good were in NZ.
Hope thats of some help anyway.

[Hannahbanana]

I get my kids shoes from kmart and big W and target.
I try not to spend more than $15 on a pair of shoes cos they just arent in them long enough. The kids seem to have no trouble walking/playing/running in them.
$70 my mouth fell open too!!!
Kmart stock grosby shoes which are a decient brand I think, and they are around the $25mark.

[Olive]

shoes are one thing i wont compromise on! yep her boots where $80 but she wears them everyday, they are the only winter shoes she has! i figured if i bought a few cheap ones it almost adds up to what i spend anyway. do what you feel is right for your child!

[Hannahbanana]

lol.
Just reading your post AJP, and I just realised I probably do spend $50 - $80 on shoes for DD and DS for the current season.
I have a bit of a kids shoe fettish I spose you could call it. I cant resist a cute pair of shoes. So my kids generally have 3 or 4 pairs of cheapies.
So in all honesty I would be spending about that anyway. Comes as a bit of a shock to realise it.