Wantagh Bootery - What do you think about this?

OK - after returning two pairs of Stride Rite shoes I bought for Thomas for $17.33 from Amazon because he outgrew them before he could wear them...

I went to Wantagh Bootery. I signed in at the front desk and within a minutes, before I could even look at what they had on display, the salesman called my name and asked what I was looking for. I tell him sneaker type shoes but in brown or blue - nothing light. He measures Thomas and says he will bring me out some sneakers. He comes back with one brown pair and one blue pair. I really liked them both. He tries them on Thomas. I ask what size he is because he never told me and he said between a 4 1/2 and 5 depending on shoe. I said what about wide width, he is usually wide width. Again, he said depends on the shoe. He then showed me how the brown shoe is a 4 1/2 Wide and the blue shoe is a 5 Medium. He showed me and had me feel wear his toes were in each shoe and I was totally happy and impressed that he knew just by knowing how the shoe ran, what size to bring out for him. I've always been very unhappy with the salespeople in the Stride Rite stores in the malls. Every sales person gives a different measurement and I don't feel they know they shoes. Anyway, I was so happy with the shoes (exactly what I wanted) and so happy with the way the man fit Thomas that I bought both pairs and used my $5 coupon I got in the mail. I was thrilled with my purchases.

Today, after looking on the Stride Rite website and calling, I found out that both styles are discontinued.

Do you think that the guy just sold me old stock, in the sizes he had and told me a song and dance about the size depending on the shoe?

I was so happy with the shoes and so happy with the salesman. Now, I'm second guessing myself and the store...

Any opinions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for reading.

Message edited 9/3/2008 2:15:12 PM.

Re: Wantagh Bootery - What do you think about this?

I don't think you should be upset - it's not like he sold you "red and purple" when you asked for "blue and brown" -- I think that they probably are changing their styles all the time - the salespeople don't care if it's discontinued or not - he brought you want you wanted!

KWIM?

Re: Wantagh Bootery - What do you think about this?

Hey Christine!!

I go there too and they have always been so nice to Maddie and I. I really like the place and the staff. They DO however have a limited selection. I don't think he sold them to you just because they were discontinued. Well I hope not!! It just might have been the only thing they had left in his size.

Re: Wantagh Bootery - What do you think about this?

Andrew is a different size and style depending on the shoe. That is why I can't but them over the internet anymore. I always get the wrong size.

Re: Wantagh Bootery - What do you think about this?

Re: Wantagh Bootery - What do you think about this?

Being that you were happy with the given situation I wouldnt second guess yourself. I agree if it wasnt what you wanted then it would be a different ball game.

Re: Wantagh Bootery - What do you think about this?

I wouldn't second guess it either. We've been there now for 2 seasons of new shoes and I feel like they are very knowledgable. It is possible that they are last seasons shoes, at which case I wouldn't be upset. They change the style EVER so slightly each season. I've gotten Em the same black dress shoes like 3 times, with just subtle changes.

They are still a quality shoe and you know that they are a proper fit which is most important IMO!

Re: Wantagh Bootery - What do you think about this?

I wouldn't be upset its discontinued it sounds like he brought you a shoe with a proper fit kwim?

Just curious though I have never been here but get coupons all the time...how are the prices here?

Re: Wantagh Bootery - What do you think about this?

I go here too. The salesman we had really knew his stuff. I felt like he wasn't just some guy selling me shoes.

DD was also measured a XW size.
I originally measured her using Stride Rites measuring guide, but it was so wrong. Its too hard to buy DD shoes online and then having to return them if they don't fit her. I want her to be fitted properly KWIM.

DD got her first pair of walker/sneakers as well as sandals for the summer. We will be going back there soon for fall shoes.

Re: Wantagh Bootery - What do you think about this?

Re: Wantagh Bootery - What do you think about this?

I love shopping there too for me. Their prices are reasonable and I love the yellow card. I don't know if they have children's shoes but you might also want to try Lang shoes on 110 in Amityville. I've heard good things about them.

Re: Wantagh Bootery - What do you think about this?

I actually think that he sold you what he had in stock, not what the current shoe is.

I've taken Christopher to a shoe store as well, and I think they are trying to get more of the fit, then just trying to move merchandise for the next style to come in, KWIM?

Sounds like a good experience, don't doubt it

Re: Wantagh Bootery - What do you think about this?

I used to trust my childrens feet with wantagh bootery. But this summer they sold me shoes for my 1 yr old dd. I did not put them on her feet for about 2 weeks because She likes to be barefoot and cried when I tried to put them on. Finally we decide she should start wearing shoes for out. We tried on twwo different days with three pairs of socks and could not possibly get them on her feet. Wantagh Bootery remeasured her, said her feet grew (so much that in two weeks they couldn't possibly be put on her feet) and very nicely replaced her shoe with the right size. Great.

But then I asked them to measure my son for school shoes. He tells me he is a size 13. I was shocked because last time he was a size 13.5....hmm...in five months my sons feet shrunk a half size. No wonder his shoes kept falling off of him!!!!!!!!!! Needless to say I was annoyed and they were embarrassed. HE said, maybe it was a different shoe type. Well last time we bought two different brand shoes and they made me feel aweful that my ds was wearing shoes two sizes too small.

NOw, I do not know where I will shop for shoes for my kids. I always thought they were reliable.

Re: Wantagh Bootery - What do you think about this?

Thanks so much everyone for your replies!! I feel a lot better now, I just really hope I didn't get taken!!