I need a rugged kids shoe that won't break the bank...

[Lisa loves Pooh]

My kids need a rugged shoe for active outdoor play. Shoes that aren't afraid to get muddy, walk on rocks, that sort of thing.

They've requested a sneaker, but I don't know where to begin due to the purpose for which the shoe will be used. Is there a flexible rugged shoe out there that is more sturdy than a sneaker, but allows for good flexiblity so it doesn't feel like combat boots?

Any recommendations? Any place that has good deals on kid's shoes?

TIA!

 

[vicki_c]

I would check Lands' End. They have lots of those rugged outdoor breathable type shoes, both as shoes and sandals. Their prices are really decent for the quality.

 

[RangerPooh]

Keenes are great for this, but pricey. You might be able to shop around and find them on sale.

 

[thebeesknees]

I was going to say Lands' End, too. I am pretty pleased with their quality, and they hold up well - if they don't, they'll replace them for you.

 

[MichelleinMaine]

LL Bean also has "explorer" shoes that are great (and also guarenteed notto wear out!) Don't know the size you need, but there are some in their sale section.

 

[soonerfan2008]

We love our Keens. I've got the whisper sandals, and we hike, head to the beach, wear around the city or a park. They also make enclosed shoes, but I really prefer the sandals as long as the weather is warm enough.

 

[fakereadhed]

After bringing back a pair of Sketchers that fell apart in 2 weeks, the manager of the shoe dept suggested I exchange them for Nike. She said she only gets raves about how they hold up, but people constantly complain about Sketchers. That pair wore like iron. The only downside is that Sketchers have the cool factor and DS stlll begs for them and is never thrilled with the look of the Nikes.

 

[Calliaz]

My son has 2 pair of shoes and has had the same styles since he was 3. He has a pair of New Balance tennis shoes and a pair of Keen Newport H2s. They are both pricey ($40-50 a pair), but I only usually buy 1 pair of each every year.

 

[Psychodisney]

Check 6pm.com for some great deals on Keen's and other shoe band closeouts. You can get some great prices.

 

[mjkacmom]

Mom of 5, 2 VERY active boys. Not cheap, but GEOX sneakers have always gone the distance - they've always been outgrown before falling apart. They usually get 2 pairs, a GEOX and a generic, and the GEOX looks brand new by the time they're outgrown - the cheapie is falling apart. Ds12 no longer wears them, and no longer "lets" ds8 get them (fashion police), but they were great!

 

[Swimalie]

I will also recommend Land's End. My son has pairs that he's worn on almost daily basis for more than a year and they still look brand new.

 

[Mom of 3 Princesses]

Keenes are great for this, but pricey. You might be able to shop around and find them on sale.

I agree with the KEENs 100%. You can find them on endless, overstock and 6pm. We LOVE them, perfect fit and last FOREVER!!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Found some clearance landsend that would work...now off to go investigate the Keens brand. I have never heard of them.

Thanks for the input!

 

[mousefan1972]

My kids (ages 5 and 7) live in their Keens from April-October. They take a lot of abuse. They are a little expensive, but if you hunt around there can be some good deals.

I've found good prices on altrec.com and zbsports.com.

 

[MistressMerryweather]

Keens 100%. My kids have been wearing them for years. They wear the Newport H2 or Venice H2. I just got my daughter a pair on 6pm.com for 25.50 shipped. Reg. $50.00 w/o shipping! I wasn't able to find any for my son on sale, so I sucked it up and did full price. But...his last pair he went through 2 summers in them before they were too small, and because I got my ds's for 50% off, it leveled out. If they never went on sale, I would still buy them. They are unbeatable.

Be careful, the Sunport look just like the Newport but the top is plastic-like, unless that is something you don't mind. Those are cheaper I believe, too.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Keens 100%. My kids have been wearing them for years. They wear the Newport H2 or Venice H2. I just got my daughter a pair on 6pm.com for 25.50 shipped. Reg. $50.00 w/o shipping! I wasn't able to find any for my son on sale, so I sucked it up and did full price. But...his last pair he went through 2 summers in them before they were too small, and because I got my ds's for 50% off, it leveled out. If they never went on sale, I would still buy them. They are unbeatable.

The newport is a sandal--that holds up well?

She hangs out at a friends house and they do walk across a creek and what not. I'd be concern about stuff getting into the shoe. Do you think that shoe would be okay?

We're still trying to track down the Venice.

 

[MistressMerryweather]

The newport is a sandal--that holds up well?

She hangs out at a friends house and they do walk across a creek and what not. I'd be concern about stuff getting into the shoe. Do you think that shoe would be okay?

We're still trying to track down the Venice.

Yes, a sandal with a covered toe. They really hold up well. We live in West Virginia. My kids spend their summers in the creek, in the mud and in the woods. They wash in the wash machine and look brand new, and ds's he wore for 2 years still look almost new.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Yes, a sandal with a covered toe. They really hold up well. We live in West Virginia. My kids spend their summers in the creek, in the mud and in the woods. The wash in the wash machine and look brand new, and ds's he wore for 2 years still look almost new.

Good to hear!

I will share that information with my 10yo. She's trying to be money savvy for me and is scared of the price. But since her feet grow very slowly, something that will endure a couple of years would be a good choice.

 

[kirstenb1]

I see you're in NOVA, so near the outlets. I know adults have "trail shoes" at Nike and Adidas outlets. I'd take a look and see if they make trail shoes for kids.

 

[Aristocath]

We love Keens. My boys get them every year for summer camp, vacation, going to the pool and just wearing outside. For whatever reason, the Lands End brand did not do as well for my three sons. The fit was never quite right and they all got blisters wearing them at summer camp and had to switch shoes.

Sketchers are the worst shoes we've ever had and I won't by them anymore. Within a week they were falling apart! We also found the Under Armour brand to be poorly made. We have success with Nike shoes and Adidas.