Sandals for playground

In previous summers, I made the girls wear sneakers to the playground even though it was summer. I didn't like how Crocs fall off so easily, dirt can get in sandals, etc. Well, now they are very independent about what they want to wear, and heck it is summer, they should be able to wear sandals. I was looking for some good, sturdy sandals that won't allow dirt and mulch in too much, and toe protection. Keens seem to fit the bill, but I don't think I can do $50 for a pair of sandals. Are there any comparable brands? Have you seen any knock-offs in the stores?

 

I have seen some on Amazon by Buster Brown. Also Lands End at Sears has some cute ones for about $20 (they are curerntly on sale) - they start at size 11

 

Shoot, we need 9-9.5! But thanks, I'll check Amazon!

 

We got a flyer from Famous Footwear this morning that showed something called the Skechers Corporal for kids. They look just like Keens, at least in the picture. But I couldn't tell from a quick web search whether they come in little kid sizes or only big kid.

 

we got Buster Brown type sneaker-sandal's that are vented on the sides, have a closed toe and have the bungee cord closure...got them at Famous Footwear....

oh and they run a bit big...Ian's normally in close to an 8 but we had to get him a 7 and Abby a 6

 

I really like Skechers Krixies, although they seem to always be sold out on the Skechers website. They're Croc-type material, but more enclosed, and have a velcro strap.

Nadia almost exclusively wears her Skechers Cali shoes in the "honey" style -- they're Crocs knock-offs, but they fit more closely. I wear the same ones, and love them!

 

I'll check out Famous Footwear, we have one at the mall. I may end up getting the Buster Browns from Amazon if I don't see anything in person. Thank you for all the suggestions! I am tempted to just get the Keens and resell them when they are done, I see them going for $20-30 used on ebay. Sheesh!

Edit - Shoot! We don't have a FF, it's another store like that. But, I was just looking at FF's website, and they have the Buster Brown sandals for $19.99, Amazon has them for $26.99. Was hoping to have them try them on but I might chance it and order online.

 

I love the Keens! If you do bite the bullet and pay the $50, you can definitely resell them (I think). I just got my girls Keens because I have a pair for me and they're so comfy. So far they've worked great for walks and the park. I got lucky and the store here that sells Keens does 20% off the second pair, so we got a small discount.

 

Kelly, we have the Buster Brown ones (boys version here) and they are great quality. I have used this brand exclusively for their tennis shoes for the last 18m and love the sturdy/flexible shoes the offer and their line of simply-stated basics (I HATE branded merchandise).

I get them at Famous Footwear, but I know Amazon (and likely others) carry them. I like Famous Footwear b/c they are always having buy one, get one 50% off sales and if they don't have something in store (my boys feet are pretty small and finding two is a near impossible task) they will ship it to you directly for free if you purchase it in store. If it doesn't fit, you can return it back to the store. Here's a coupon for an extra 20% off good thru 5.30.09 (online purchases use code 0509794). That would make these shoes $16 each.

ETA: I have two pairs of Keens myself and have to agree with pp that they are great quality and basically indestructable. For me, it still wasn't worth paying that much for 6 months worth of use for the kids when the Buster Brown brand offers all the features and sturdiness of the Keens at half the price.

ETA2: :blush: can you tell I never read through a whole thread before responding?!

 

Thanks! I ordered the Buster Browns from Famous Footwear with the 20% off code. Yay! Thinking I might get some Keens for myself sometime, I need some good walking sandals.

 

Siri, thanks so much for that 20% off code. Turns out we have a Famous Footwear not too far away -- I'm never in that part of town, but definitely not a bad drive if I have to return something.

I ended up getting the Buster Browns for both K&K -- they're in 6.5 and 7.5 now, so I got 7 and 8, and I think they should be in them by the time they start school in August -- I think these will work, since the only requirement is closed-toe shoes (and no Crocs).

Got a pair of Clarks sandals for myself (the only brand I can buy online, since I know it will always work), and got a pair of glittery Skechers Calis for Nadia in the next size up.

All for $89 shipped -- what a great deal. Just ordering the same pair of Clarks on Zappos would have been $70 alone. So thanks again!

 

Glad it worked out for you gals.

Becca, that's some great shopping! Be sure to check back often...they have buy 1, get one 50% off so often 9at least 4x year). When you pair those sales with a coupon code it is a steal. Enjoy your good-deal high.

 

QUOTE(Snittens @ May 23 2009, 11:04 AM) [snapback]1325694[/snapback]
Thanks! I ordered the Buster Browns from Famous Footwear with the 20% off code. Yay! Thinking I might get some Keens for myself sometime, I need some good walking sandals.



Kelly, a tip for Keens: buy the kids ones. I have a pair of women's size 7 that I paid $75ish for, and a pair of boy's size 5 that I paid $50ish for. Exact same fit, much better deal.

 

I was going to say that Lands End is having a sale today (ends today/Monday) 30% off - more off overstocks, but you girls have this handled!!

 

THANKS for letting me know! I send this info. to my twins' group as we all have toddlers and always meet at the park. It is crazy with dirt, mulch, rock, even wood sliver and a MUST have toe protection.

RJ

 

does anyone know if those buster browns can be worn for water play? not going in the pool water play, but running through sprinklers, for example? i would love to get some for my kids to wear to camp this summer, but they need to be able to get them wet . . .

 

QUOTE(ruthjulia @ May 27 2009, 12:56 PM) [snapback]1330254[/snapback]
does anyone know if those buster browns can be worn for water play? not going in the pool water play, but running through sprinklers, for example? i would love to get some for my kids to wear to camp this summer, but they need to be able to get them wet . . .



Yes...we wore ours at the ocean and the splash park.

 

That was a good question as we have a water sprinker at one of the outlet mall area. I'll be taking my kids with me after their short catnap so I can get them to try on. They are holding both shoes for me. Yay!

RJ

 

I got my kids each a pair of keens at REI recently - two pair for under $60 total. Not too shabby.

 

argh! i am so bummed - i just tried to get the buster browns and they don't have boys ones in cameron's size so i got them both timberland sandals instead. very cute, but not closed toe, which is what i was looking for in the first place. ugh. but the timberlands were so cute i couldn't resist
i even checked a couple other sites and no one seemed to have the boys ones in anything larger than a size 8.