Johannsen's Shoes

Our pediatrician told us our son has flat feet and that we should get him shoes with arch support. We had no idea what that meant, so she clarified, "Take him to Stride Rite to get fitted for shoes."

Well, the shoes aren't cheap, but of course, everyone wants what's best for their kids. They do have big sales, I think twice a year.

The experience of shopping in Stride Rite has been sweetened for us by the wealth of fun and safe toys, mostly Melissa and Doug wood toys (brightly colored with non-toxic paint).

The people at the store do their best to make shoe shopping a positive experience, letting the kids run around the store and play with the toys. My son can spend a long time playing with the wooden pizza, house, train, books, etc.

The great toys on display are also for sale (and they gift wrap them for no extra charge - we took care of shopping for a kid's birthday party and shoe shopping all at once). I got lots of advice on what to buy a 4-year-old (had no idea, since we're not there yet!), which made things really easy.

You can't get that quality toys and service at places like Toys R Us.

I love this store. They take the time to fit each child's foot perfectly to the correct shoe, and they are the only children's shoe store on the peninsula that does that. What's even better is that they have been in operation for nearly 50 years, and are independently operated. That makes it a double bonus when I want to give them my business! Finally, they sell not only Stride Rite for babies, but also for kids, so it's a one-stop shop. for us.
Oh, and the sales ROCK.

Oh how the mighty have fallen. This was the greatest place to get your kids shoes when it was just Johannsen's. Since then it has become a corporate Stride Rite store and service fell greatly. I stopped by yesterday for some new shoes only to discover it was empty and closed. This once great example of old school service died a slow death. Too bad for all the parents on the peninsula with kids. The original Johannsens (***** 5 star rating) will be sorely missed.

This is the best children's shoe store in the world. They will not let you buy shoes unless they fit. My daughter's foot did not have enough padding at the top and they told me not to buy them. They take the time to let my daughter pick out her shoes, and this is a lengthy process as my daughter is a budding Imelda. If your child does not need shoes they will let you know that too.

This is a great shoe stores for kids. The owner is fair and friendly. Get on their mailing list to be notified of sales. Right now they're having a 50% off sale. There are also lots of toys in the store to entertain wiggly toddlers. Their prices sometimes can't beat internet prices, but the service will make it worth it.

Looking through their window, they have a wide selection of toddler shoes, brands like ecco, nike, striderite. Just what we were looking for. Unfortunately, the past two weekends we have arrived to a closed store. No sign, no explanation, no store hours posted. Their answering machine states they open at noon, but be advised that it is a crapshoot. We weren't the only people waiting either. Too bad for johannsen's, we won't attempt a third visit.

With the best brands such as Stride Rite, Converse, Adidas, and a great new brand Tsukihoshi, I bought shoes for my grandson. A warm greeting by Ms. Eleanore, the manager allowed me to sit down and feel very comfortable. She fit my precious little one with knowledge and caring. By the way, the store is newly remodeled. Open now on Sunday's and easy parking, I will be back!

this used to be the BEST place to get shoes, then the owners sold, early 2009, have gone back since the sale. there is only 1 person left that worked there under the old ownership - what a shame, she is the only one that knows how to fit the kids in their shoes, and now, i think she is gone. we won't be going back, and are now looking for a new place for our kids to get shoes. this was the best place, no longer under the new ownership. i think it might be called brooks shoes now as well