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It’s back-to-school time which means it’s also time to make sure your kids have shoes to wear (they’ve probably been living in flip flops and sandals). We’ve compiled a list of stores that offer everything you need when it comes to buying shoes for kids — a wide selection, fair prices, and good customer service.

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Brooks Shoes for Kids
several locations including
10800 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064

Many parents may remember their own childhood days of shopping for their shoes at their neighborhood Brooks Shoes. They have been in business for over thirty years and are well-accustomed to measuring children’s feet and suggesting styles that will best meet your child’s needs. You’ll find brands such as Stride Rite, Nike, Saucony, Converse, and more.

The Children’s Place
several locations including
2174 Glendale Galleria, Glendale, CA 91210

You can do most of your back-to-school shopping at The Children’s Place. Their selection of shoes includes several styles of sneakers (both velcro and lace-ups), dress shoes, and ballet flats. Some items are only available online, while others are available in store and online. Check the website for special offers and discounts.

Payless Shoe Source
several locations including
1831 La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90035

If your kids are in the middle of another growth spurt and you don’t want to spend too much money on shoes they’ll only wear for a short while, check out the selection at your nearest Payless Shoe Source. You’ll find brand names such as Champion, favorite character-themed shoes (such as Cars, Spider-Man, and Disney characters), as well as a variety of styles (including tennis shoes, dress shoes, dance shoes, boots). (Check the website for periodic coupon codes). Payless also offers a discount (with certain restrictions) for AAA members.

Kids Footlocker
several locations including
3650 W. MLKing Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90008

If you’re looking for sturdy, reliable athletic shoes, then head to Kids Footlocker. Kids will be able to try on a variety of styles all in one location while parents can comparison shop to determine the best deal among the brands (including Nike, Adidas, Jordan, PUMA, Vans, Converse, and more). As an added bonus, Kids Footlocker offers its “Fit Guarantee”  — allowing parents to exchange/return items within 45 days of purchase (check the website for restrictions).

TOMS
flagship location
1344 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, CA 90291

You may only know TOMS as the slip-on shoe company that donates a pair of shoes every time a pair of shoes is sold. And while that’s true, you’ll find many more styles available as part of their “Back to School” selection. Styles include lace-ups, velcro, ballet flats, and booties.

Nordstrom
several locations including
189 The Grove Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90036

Parents rave about Nordstrom’s generous return policy. Whether the pair of shoes your child loved in the store has gone un-worn, or the pair of shoes was only worn a couple of times before your child deems “it hurts,” or any other excuse, Nordstrom is known for their customer service and kids shoes are no exception to that. Stores offer a large variety of styles and sizes including dressy shoes, boots, tennis shoes, flats, sandals, lace-ups, and velcro. Popular brands include Vans, Nike, TOMS, Adidas, UGG, and more.

Target
several locations including
1800 W. Empire Ave., Burbank, CA 91504

Target is one of those rare stores where it’s possible to do all your back-to-school shopping in one location. You can purchase your kids’ school clothes (including uniforms), backpacks, school supplies, lunch boxes, the food and snacks for those lunch boxes, and of course, your kids’ shoes. Target offers a range of styles for girls and boys including sneakers, dress shoes, boots, and athletic shoes. And don’t forget to use your Target REDcard to save an extra 5% on each purchase. 

Nike
several locations including
189 The Grove Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90036

If you can narrow it down to just one brand, then a Nike store will provide kids with a great shoe-fitting and shoe-buying experience. A store employee will measure your child’s feet, make recommendations, and then allow your child to test out the shoe. (My son tried out his new pair while performing different exercises in a special part of the store. The Nike staff member timed my son, gave him a special certificate with a written record of my son’s numbers such as the inches he reached on the vertical jump and the number of shuffle touches completed, and a small drawstring backpack and stickers). Once your child has selected his/her shoe, you can feel confident knowing that if for any reason he/she is not pleased with it, you can return it to Nike within thirty days.

MOMSLA IS YOUR SOURCE FOR THINGS TO DO IN LOS ANGELES WITH KIDS.