A certain shoe retailer closed their brick and mortar stores last year and went to a solely online model, I’m looking at you, Stride Rite. When I was a new mom, the excitement of baby shoes was huge. I even bought those soft “too cute”ones that never stayed on and were pretty impractical. Then, I waited until my littles were cruising to buy them “real” shoes and there was no question that I’d pop into Stride Rite for a fitting and would walk out with the right shoes that day. Friends, I just sat there for awhile with about five billion shoe boxes in my living room because I bought all of the shoes in the next few sizes for my crew when they closed and now I just don’t even know if they fit right and if they’re really comfortable or if my kids just like them because they have rainbow ponies on them. (Sigh.)
All that to say… I’ve done some research and bring to you my definitive guide of where to buy little kid and baby shoes in Lake County (that really fit).
Toys “R” Us
6050 Gurnee Mills Circle, Gurnee | (847) 855-8697
I spotted baby shoes here the other day, they are all out on shelves and I did not see any associates able to measure.
DSW
413 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Vernon Hills | (847) 549-9050
They actually have kid’s shoes at this location! Pop in to try out anything starting at infant size 0-3 months and up!
Forest Bootery
284 E. Market Square, Lake Forest | (847) 234-0201
525 N. Milwaukee Ave. Libertyville | (847) 362-1201
Bring your kids and take time to shop for yourself because this store is simply beauti-full with shoe options, coats, clothing and accessories. Get a fitting with exquisite staff and see the cutest little shoes to start out or keep up with growing littles.
Journeys Kidz
6170 W. Grand Avenue (Entry C or D), Gurnee | (847) 855-0884
With shoe fittings and plenty of options, you’re sure to find the right fit at Journeys Kidz in all baby and kids’ sizes — and the staff is incredibly kind and understanding with little ones. You can also modify the shoe options here, so if you don’t want the bother of tie shoes, just throw in some stretchy laces for another $3 and have cuter than velcro in five minutes or less. (P.S., I even spied a few Stride Rite in here!)
Rogan’s Shoes
147 N. Seymour Avenue, Mundelein | (847) 566-6077
Famous for their buy one get one 50% off sale, shop for what they need today and grab their next size to save some cash and be ready for those growth spurts! Rogan’s has infant, toddler, kids and adult sizes, a great one-stop shop!
Skechers Outlet
6170 W. Grand Avenue (Entry F), Gurnee | (847) 855-0597
Half pints can find shoes if they’re just starting to cruise or ready for preschool! They offer a small selection of crib shoes with larger selection in toddler sizes five and up.
Tootsies Shoes
200 Applebee Street, Barrington | (847) 277-1381
Selling quality shoes and brands you may not know yet (PLAE) along with our favorite Stride Rite, Toosties has a plethora of shoe options and the best fitting around. From booties to school, they have fashionable and realistic shoe options for you or your little one.
Vans off the Wall
517 Hawthorn Center, Vernon Hills | (847) 549-0883
You don’t have to be a skater or skater mom to shop at Vans. With little kid shoes starting at size four you’ll be stylish and comfortable after a custom fit here! Melissa even spotted some toddler shoes while back-to-school shopping there (see her preschooler’s rocking style from Vans).
Where have you found shoes for little ones in the area? We’d love to hear and add to our list!
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