OK, I pay under $50 for DS's shoes (Clarks); he has had one pair so far. I get his feet measured every 2 months and he hasn't needed new shoes yet; I bought his over 6 months ago.

I would say DON'T buy off e-bay for the same reason you don't buy a car-seat off e-bay; they say it's new and not used but do you know what's really happened to it?

Babies need shoes... tbh, never. No-one needs shoes. DS still goes barefoot a lot, as do I, even outside. But generally when they're walking and ready to walk outside then shoes are not a bad idea, but barefoot outside is better IMO.

Shoe freak here though, I had surgery on my feet due to bad shoes and I'm SOOOO picky about DS and his feet you would not believe it. Or maybe you would reading this LOL.