A shoe buying guide for thick-footed children...

The first shoe I started off with my son and the ONLY shoe on the planet that seemed to fit were Robeez Soft-Soled Shoes. I had tried shoes on my son in every store or shoe store I came across. Not one pair would fit...ever, that is until I discovered Robeez. Robeez come in every cute design for a boy (or girl) possible from dogs to baseballs, dragons to pirates. The sizes can be difficult to figure out, but their website www.robeez.com has sizing charts. I always size up a bit for foot growth and socks. My son wore these with or without socks and lived in them. I loved the fact that I could wash then and his feet were protected anywhere and everywhere we went. The elastic around the ankle made it so he could not pull them off (and they would not fall off). These fit any shaped foot of any baby or toddler!

The other brand I preferred for my son were Plateau Soft-Soled Shoes. These also come in every size and design on a soft, leathery background. They are lined with sheep's wool and are super soft. They wash up in the washer and hang dry. I love the fact that they are made in a small village in Tibet (made to order). I have loved these so much, the softness and characteristics of this shoe that I have sent some to my nephew (also in boot form). These are perfect for little boys or girls to wear until they are fully ready for a hard-soled shoe.

My son's first pair of hard-soled shoes that fit and fit comfortably were by Stride Rite. Now that he is a preschooler, he can ONLY use Stride Rite shoes. They have amazing fit for a thick-footed kid. My son has never experienced any pain or discomfort. His first pair were the Spazmodiums, which are black with orange and have green slime on the sides (which is way too cool for little boys). The velcro straps make it easy to to slip them on or off. They are certainly durable and when Stride Rite has their "buy one get one half off sales", they become a good deal.

The last pair of awesome shoes my son loves for his super thick feet are his Stride Rite Huckaloogies. Yes, they are called Huckaloogie, with green slime and glow in the dark gel on the sides. They are durable and have velcro straps. These shoes hold up well and have traction. My son can put them on pretty easily. Stride Rite shoes do look like normal shoes, but I most certainly realize they are not when I try a pair of regular shoes on my son and realize they dig into the top of his foot. Stride Rites are specially made for the thick or even wide-footed child (they offer all their shoes in wide width). This shoe company specialized for kids, has really done their job well!