Finding the right shoes for your kids can be a challenge. They need shoes that are comfortable, supportive, and durable enough to withstand their active lifestyles. Luckily, Austin boasts a fantastic selection of shoe stores catering specifically to children's footwear needs. This guide highlights 17 top shoe stores in Austin, offering diverse styles, sizes, and price points to help you find the perfect pair for your little ones. Whether you're looking for everyday sneakers, dress shoes, or athletic footwear, this list has you covered.
Finding the Right Fit: Factors to Consider Before You Shop
Before diving into our list of Austin's best kids' shoe stores, let's consider some key factors influencing your shoe shopping experience:
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Age and Activity Level: Toddlers need different shoes than school-aged children or teens. Consider your child's activity level – are they constantly running and playing, or are they more sedentary? This will influence the type of shoe you need (e.g., athletic shoes vs. casual shoes).
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Foot Shape and Width: Every child's foot is unique. Some have narrow feet, some have wide feet, and some have high arches or flat feet. Make sure to get your child's feet measured professionally to determine the right size and width. Many stores on this list offer this service.
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Budget: Children's shoes can range in price from affordable to quite expensive. Set a budget beforehand to avoid overspending.
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Style Preferences: While functionality is key, it's also important to consider your child's preferences. Involving them in the shoe-selection process can make the experience more enjoyable and increase the likelihood that they'll wear the shoes happily.
Top 17 Shoe Stores for Kids in Austin: A Detailed Look
This list categorizes stores by type to help you navigate your search.
Department Stores with Wide Selections:
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Nordstrom: Nordstrom offers a large selection of kids' shoes from various brands, including designer and everyday options. They usually have knowledgeable staff to assist with sizing and fitting.
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Dillards: Similar to Nordstrom, Dillards carries a comprehensive range of kids' shoes at various price points, often with sales and promotions.
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Macy's: Macy's provides a broad selection of children's footwear, making it a one-stop shop for many families. They frequently have sales and clearance items.
Specialty Shoe Stores:
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Stride Rite: Stride Rite is a well-known brand specializing in children's shoes designed for comfort and support. They have stores in many areas and often have excellent sales.
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The Children's Place: The Children's Place offers affordable and trendy children's shoes. They regularly have promotions and sales events.
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Shoe Carnival: Shoe Carnival provides a vast selection of kids' shoes at affordable prices. They often have frequent sales events and clearance items.
Boutique and Independent Stores:
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[Local Boutique Name 1]: (Insert name of a local Austin children's boutique) – Many independent boutiques in Austin focus on unique styles and higher-quality materials. Check your local area for these hidden gems.
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[Local Boutique Name 2]: (Insert name of a local Austin children's boutique) – These stores often offer personalized service and expert advice on finding the perfect fit.
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[Local Boutique Name 3]: (Insert name of a local Austin children's boutique) – Research local options in your neighborhood for unique styles and potentially better fitting services.
Athletic and Outdoor Focused:
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Dick's Sporting Goods: Dick's offers a wide variety of athletic shoes for kids, from running shoes to basketball shoes.
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Academy Sports + Outdoors: Academy is another excellent option for athletic and outdoor-focused footwear.
Online Retailers with Local Pickup Options:
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Zappos: Zappos provides a vast selection and often offers free shipping and returns, making it convenient for comparing options. Check for local pickup options.
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Amazon: Amazon offers an enormous selection of kids' shoes from various brands. Utilize their filter options to refine your search. Check for local pickup options where available.
Stores with Specific Focuses:
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[Store specializing in dance shoes]: (Insert name if applicable) – If you need dance shoes, search for specialized stores in Austin.
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[Store specializing in orthopedic shoes]: (Insert name if applicable) – For children with specific foot conditions, finding a store with an orthopedic focus is important.
Discount Retailers:
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Ross Dress for Less: Ross often has great deals on children's shoes from various brands. It requires more searching but can yield significant savings.
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Marshalls: Similar to Ross, Marshalls carries a rotating stock of discounted children's shoes.
Tips for a Smooth Shopping Experience
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Go in the afternoon: Children's feet can swell throughout the day, so shopping later in the day will give you a more accurate measurement.
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Bring socks: Have your child wear the type of socks they will typically wear with the shoes.
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Let your child try on different shoes: Allow your child to walk around in the shoes to ensure they are comfortable.
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Check for proper fit: Make sure the shoes are not too tight or too loose. There should be about a thumb's width of space between the end of the longest toe and the end of the shoe.
By using this comprehensive guide and considering the factors mentioned, you'll be well-equipped to navigate Austin's kids' shoe stores and find the perfect pair for your child's needs. Remember, a proper fit is crucial for comfort, healthy foot development, and preventing potential foot problems down the line. Happy shopping!
