Girls Shoes

Little girls will be drawn to the pretty things; not the most practical or the most comfortable. Be prepared to say, “No!” Sandals with sequins and a wooden heel are not what you're looking for. However, you might compromise by buying a colorful pair of wedges for "special occasions."

Forget Fashion

Trends are for grown-ups. What you want for your little girl is a combination of support and a great fit. She may argue otherwise, but stand your ground. Children's feet are susceptible to all types of problems that stem from ill-fitting shoes.

You want plenty of wiggle room for the toes and comfort right off the bat. The "breaking them in" idea is irrelevant in girls shoes. If the shoes don't fit well, don't buy them. Do you want your little girl to have bunions and hammertoes as a result of cute shoes she'll grow out of in months?

However, you don't have to swear off all the trendy shoes. Buy low wedges instead of high heels. Make sure the toes have plenty of room to move around. Check the shoes for padding. Finally, limit the wear of these shoes to just part of the day and switch out with tennis shoes or comfortable flats.

It's All about the Fit

Have both of her feet measured before you start looking around in the store. You'll be buying shoes to fit the larger foot. You also want room for growth to get the most wear for your dollar.

It's best to shop for girls shoes--or any shoes, for that matter--later in the day because that's when feet are biggest. Have your daughter try on both shoes in each pair, then walk around to see if they pinch anywhere. Bring a pair of her normal socks so she can see how they fit with what she'll wear them with.

Balancing Cost with Time of Wear

If at all possible, watch the sales going on at the shoe stores. You want to spend as little as possible without compromising fit, support, or comfort. Since kids grow so fast, the "pay more so they'll last a lifetime" idea is irrelevant.

Now is the time to be diligent about coupon-clipping. You also want to start paying attention to shoe advertisements in the newspaper and on company websites. All those "10% off" days will add up.

Online Shopping--Can You Do It?

As for online shopping, it's not the best idea. If you have to do it, try to read reviews ahead of time on Zappos Shoes, UniqueHomeStore.Com or Overstock.com. Check the return policy for all the stores you shop at. You may be best served by purchasing a fairly large amount of girls shoes and then returning the ones that don’t fit.