When it comes to finding the perfect pair of shoes for your little one, comfort, support and durability are likely at the top of your priority list. Stride Rite is a trusted name in children‘s footwear that has been delivering on those essential qualities for over a century. In this comprehensive Stride Rite shoes review, we‘ll take a closer look at the brand‘s history, best-selling styles, customer feedback, and more to help you determine if their shoes are the right fit for your child‘s growing feet.
The Stride Rite Story: 100+ Years of Expertise
Stride Rite‘s legacy began way back in 1919, when Jacob A. Slosberg and Philip Green founded the Green Shoe Manufacturing Company in Boston, Massachusetts. From those early days, the company was committed to creating high-quality, comfortable shoes specifically designed for children.
In 1966, the company officially changed its name to Stride Rite Corporation, adopting the name of their most popular line of children‘s shoes. Over the decades, Stride Rite continued to innovate, introducing new technologies and materials to provide optimal support and flexibility for developing feet.
Today, Stride Rite is owned by Wolverine World Wide (which also owns popular footwear brands like Keds, Saucony, Merrell and more) and has grown to over 300 retail locations across the United States. Despite changes in ownership, Stride Rite has maintained its dedication to producing top-notch, podiatrist-approved footwear for infants, toddlers and kids.
Stride Rite Shoe Collections: Something for Every Little Foot
One of the great things about Stride Rite is the sheer variety of shoe styles they offer for both boys and girls. From casual sneakers to dressy Mary Janes, you‘ll find options for every occasion and taste. Here‘s a quick overview of some of their main collections:
Soft Motion
Designed for babies and early walkers, the Soft Motion collection features soft, flexible soles and rounded edges to help promote balance and natural movement. Shoes have extra foam cushioning and seamless linings for a super comfortable fit.
SRT
The SRT (Sensory Response Technology) line is made for toddlers who are becoming more confident on their feet. Shoes have specialized sensory pods on the outsoles to provide traction and help kids better feel the ground beneath them.
Made2Play
As the name suggests, the Made2Play collection is all about play-friendly features like washable materials, antimicrobial linings, and durable outsoles. Many styles are machine washable for easy cleaning.
Beyond their own Stride Rite label, the company also produces mini-me versions of popular adult footwear brands like Saucony, Sperry, and Keds. So if you‘re a fan of those brands‘ grown-up styles, you can get your kiddo a cute matching pair from Stride Rite.
Top Stride Rite Shoes for Boys
While Stride Rite has a huge selection for boys, a few styles consistently rise to the top of the best-seller list. Here are some of their most popular picks for little dudes:
Stride Rite Journey Sneaker
These cool multi-color sneakers are playground-ready with scuff-resistant toe caps, flexible outsoles for traction, and breathable mesh uppers. They‘re machine washable for easy cleanup and have a two-strap closure for easy on and off. With fun color combos to choose from, it‘s no surprise these are a hit with boys.
Stride Rite Artie Shoe
A more dressed-up option, the Artie is a classic leather oxford that works for school uniforms or special occasions. It has Stride Rite‘s Sensory Response Technology outsole to promote first steps and a cushiony memory foam footbed.
Stride Rite Taye Sneaker
With the look of a grown-up running shoe, the Taye sneaker has a flexible outsole to move with busy boys. Uppers are made with lightweight mesh and faux leather, and an alternative closure design makes them easier for little hands to take on and off.
Top Stride Rite Shoes for Girls
Stride Rite also has an impressive array of adorable shoes for girls. Check out a few of their most in-demand styles:
Stride Rite Jazzy Sneaker
The aptly-named Jazzy sneaker comes in a range of fun metallics and rainbow hues that little girls will love. Part of the Soft Motion collection, they have deep flex grooves for flexibility, rounded edges for stability, and loads of soft cushioning.
Stride Rite Claire Mary Jane
A timeless silhouette, the Claire features classic Mary Jane styling with a simple hook-and-loop strap and dainty scalloped edging. Premium leather uppers are lined with a soft, odor-resistant material to keep feet cool and itch-free.
Stride Rite Fly Sneaker Sandal
Great for summer days, the Fly Sneaker Sandal has an open design to keep feet breezy, along with lightweight mesh and an ultra-plush memory foam footbed. The adjustable buckle and bungee laces make for easy on-and-off.
In terms of sizing, Stride Rite offers an impressive range of widths – medium, wide, and extra wide – to accommodate different foot shapes. Toddler sizes go up to 10, while grade school sizes continue up to 6 youth for bigger kids.
Stride Rite Reviews: What Customers Have to Say
To get a sense of how Stride Rite shoes perform in the real world, we analyzed hundreds of reviews from the brand‘s website and other online retailers. The overall consensus? Parents are consistently impressed with the quality, comfort and fit of Stride Rite shoes.
Many reviewers commented that Stride Rite is their go-to brand for children‘s footwear, especially for kids who need wide or extra wide sizing. Several parents of children with special needs also noted that Stride Rite shoes work well for AFOs (ankle foot orthoses) and other orthotic devices.
"These are the BEST shoes for my daughter! She has worn Stride Rite since she started walking. The quality is amazing and they always fit her perfectly." – Stephanie L.
"My son has extra wide feet and I always have a hard time finding shoes that fit. Stride Rite‘s extra wide is truly extra wide – they‘re the only shoes he doesn‘t complain about!" – Jen W.
"Worth every penny. They hold up so well, even with my very active 3 year old boy. I love that I can toss them in the washing machine when they get too dirty." – Katie P.
While the vast majority of reviews are positive, a few customers did note that the shoes can run a bit pricey, especially for children who grow quickly. However, many felt that the quality and durability justify the higher price point compared to cheaper brands.
The Bottom Line: Is Stride Rite Worth It?
After thoroughly evaluating Stride Rite‘s history, philosophy, product offerings and customer feedback, we can confidently conclude that yes, Stride Rite shoes are worth the investment for most families.
The brand‘s century-long commitment to making shoes that properly support children‘s developing feet is evident in their thoughtful designs and high-quality, kid-safe materials. Their wide range of sizes and widths also make them an excellent choice for hard-to-fit feet.
While Stride Rite shoes may cost more than some other brands, their focus on quality means they‘re built to last – making them a smart buy in the long run. Plus, with frequent sales on their website and seasonal promotional codes, you can often snag Stride Rite shoes at a discount.
For parents who prioritize their little one‘s foot health and are looking for shoes that will keep up with active kids, Stride Rite is a brand well worth looking into. (And with their impossibly cute mini-me styles – you may want a pair for yourself too!).
Shipping, Returns and More: Stride Rite Policies
If you‘re ready to give Stride Rite a go, here‘s what you need to know:
Shipping is FREE on all orders over $35 from StrideRite.com. Orders typically ship within 1-2 business days.
Stride Rite offers a generous 45-day return and exchange policy for unworn items in their original packaging. You can return shoes by mail or in-store for free.
All shoes come with a 30-day quality guarantee. If you‘re not satisfied, you can return your shoes for a full refund within 30 days of purchase.
Stride Rite has a rewards program called Little Loyals where members earn 1 point for every $1 spent. Points can be redeemed for discounts on future purchases. It‘s free to sign up!
Have questions or need help with an order? Stride Rite‘s customer care team is available by phone (1-800-299-6575) and email Monday-Friday from 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM ET and on Saturday from 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM ET.
You can also find helpful sizing guides, FAQ and more on Stride Rite‘s "Help" section on their website.
Shop Stride Rite‘s Latest Styles
Ready to step up your kiddo‘s shoe game? Check out Stride Rite‘s newest arrivals for boys and girls and take advantage of their latest special offers.
From those precious first steps to the many milestones and adventures to come, Stride Rite will be there to support your child every step of the way. With their quality construction, smart design and perfect fit, Stride Rite shoes are a top choice for parents who want the very best for their little one‘s feet.
