Is your baby ready to walk?
I used to buy my child only Robeez, but discovered it was just too expensive to maintain it. For instance, the leather (pre-walk) footware range between $27-$35 a pair, and the harder soles (for children who are really walking) cost between $40-$50 (I think I bought mind for $45/pair).
Honestly, I want the best for my child, but $50 for shoes – really? I don’t even own a gym shoes that cost that much.
Don’t get me wrong – I think Robeez shoes are awesome. It fits comfortably on their feet, putting them on is a breeze, and they cannot take them off in the car; but I thought there has to be an alternatives online or in stores.
I think unless your child or an infant has some sort of feet problem/balancing problem and/or it’s recommended by your pediatrician, it’s just waste of money. I really believe, most of the times, we buy these expensive things to make ourselves feel better more than anything else – because that’s what I did.
So, as a savvy shopper I did research online to find substitutes. I bought similar, soft soles, ones at Target, in the baby/infant section, and you can also buy them online for about $12/pair. Also I came across couple of websites offering similar products for around $20/pair: Shooshoousa and overstock.
There are other websites out there offering similar infant products, but they still cost over $25/pair and you have to pay for shipping and handling charge – some offer free shipping if you buy two or more. Sorry, I have issues with paying for shipping fees; so, I usually combine shop at once so I can receive free shipping.
Back to the product … I do not personally know the quality of these two website’s product, but I can give you a personal comparison between Robeez vs. the ones I bought at Target. Let’s say there are NO comparisons – Robeez are superior in nature.
Robeez have the “tailored look” to it when the child/infant puts it on (it just looks more expensive than the Target brand), the leather holds shape much better after some wear and tear, the elastics (tucked behind the ankles) does not roll-up, and the leather is SO soft. However, when you have to replace it, at least one pair every month or so, Target’s price point is much easier to swallow.
There are instructions to care them, but after you wash it the leather hardens up, it gets all slimy, and it loses its shape – it just isn’t pretty. It’s easier on you to replace it rather than “revive” it.
If you are looking for the harder soles check out Kohls stores. I have heard lots of great things about them, and the prices are not too bad either.
My shopping advise to you is to do research – most of the times you can find substitutes, and don’t ever pay retail prices (unless if you want to).
