Fitting shoes for your special needs child

Updated August 27, 2014

Back to school time!  Recently I’ve been asked where to buy shoes for a special needs child, and how to have shoes fit for orthotics.

My answer was simple – Nordstrom.

I’ve always been a Nordy’s girl, so it was the natural go-to for my kids shoes.  Several years ago when my daughter had foot  orthotics – those moldable plastic ones that wrap around her foot and ankle and cost way more than they should – I took her to Nordstrom to see what shoes would work.  I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I found the Nordstrom Kid’s Shoes salesperson at ease and expert with this situation that was so new to me.  The salesperson brought out several pairs of shoes, removed insoles, loosened laces and found the ones that fit best – and they were cute!

Often times people don’t know how to help a kid with special needs, but over the course of the last 15 years, I have had consistently positive experiences at different Nordstrom stores with different Nordstrom salespeople.  Add great selection, competitive prices and unbeatable return policy and I’m a Nordy lifer.

I contacted Nordstrom to find out about their training and verify my experience to make sure the policies I had experienced were typical.

Here’s the 411 on Nordstrom Kid’s Shoes for special needs kids:

Do you need an appointment?

An appointment isn’t necessary.  Simply ask for a salesperson when you arrive, and someone can help find something that works for you and your child from there.

What if you’re not happy with the shoes after you get them home?

On a few occasions we’ve gotten home only to find that because of the way my daughter points her toes sometimes that her shoes come off when she’s in certain equipment. Nordstrom has always returned those shoes and helped me find a pair that worked better.   Nordstrom doesn’t actually have a formal return policy. They look at each situation on a case-by-case basis with the ultimate objective of taking care of customers. If a customer purchases shoes or something else from Nordstrom that doesn’t meet their needs or expectations, they’ll work hard to find a solution for them.  Consider them more of a partner than a salesperson.

What kind of training do Nordstrom shoe salespeople have?

As far as training, the salespeople Nordstrom Kids’ Shoes go through a certification program that includes things like how to fit both walkers and non walkers, the structure of the foot, growth and development, and how to gain an understanding of a customer and their footwear needs. They want to keep all of their customers’ individual needs in mind to make sure your child is getting measured and fitted appropriately and has a good experience.

What is your child’s feet are different sizes.

If your child’s feet are a half to one size different, Nordstrom will give you one of each size at no additional charge.  Now that’s service.

Don’t miss the Anniversary Sale!

The mid-July sale on all the best things for Fall is our back-to-school tradition.  If you are a Nordy’s card holder you can avoid the crowds and make an appointment for pre-sale fittings and prices.

Hope this helps!  I am not associated with Nordstrom in anyway, and am not getting any payment for my article, just passing along what works for me.  Happy shoe shopping!