Honestly, I've been super satisfied with Kohl's and Rack Room Shoes lately. Kohl's is a solid bet because their Black Friday stuff usually stacks with Kohl's Cash. I love that because when the kids grow another size in three months, which they always do, I've basically got free money waiting to use on the next pair. For performance, I'd suggest these:

• ASICS GT-1000 12 GS: These are amazing for active boys. They have way better support than basic sneakers and the mesh holds up well under pressure.
• Vans Kids Old Skool Canvas: No complaints here for playground duty. They're basically tanks and they never go out of style for girls. Comparison:

Kohl's is better if you're a rewards chaser, but Rack Room usually does a Buy One Get One 50% off deal that's hard to beat when you're buying for two kids at once. TL;DR: Rack Room Shoes for the BOGO deal if you need two pairs today; Kohl's for the rewards to save on the next size up later.

Hey there! I totally get the Black Friday shoe struggle – it's a battlefield out there! Been there, done that, got the 'sold out' t-shirt more times than I care to admit. Since you're planning so far in advance, I'll share what's worked (and what hasn't!) for me over the years.

My biggest recommendation? **Don't just focus on Black Friday *day* itself.** That's amateur hour! The real sweet spot often lies in the week leading up to it. Many retailers, like Kohl's and Famous Footwear, start their sales earlier and earlier each year. I've had great luck scoring kids' Nikes online at Kohl's during their pre-Black Friday events – plus, you can often stack coupons and Kohl's Cash for even bigger savings. Make sure you sign up for their email lists NOW so you're alerted to these early deals. I'd suggest signing up for text alerts too! They don't spam you too badly and you might snag an early access code.

Regarding online vs. in-store: In my experience, online is generally better for selection, *especially* for specific sizes. But be careful of shipping times! Last year, I ordered a pair of Adidas for my son online, thinking I'd beaten the rush, and they didn't arrive until almost Christmas! Pay close attention to the estimated delivery dates. Also, a sneaky tip: some stores offer free in-store pickup for online orders, which can save you on shipping costs and get the shoes in your hands faster.

Finally, and this is HUGE: **know your kids' *current* shoe sizes, but also try to anticipate how much their feet will grow by next November.** It's a gamble, I know, but ordering a half-size up might save you the heartache of finding the perfect shoes only to discover they're already too small by the time the holidays roll around. Good luck with your shoe hunt! Feel free to ask if you have any other questions.

Hey! Yeah, the Black Friday shoe scramble is real! Reply #1 is right, it *is* a battlefield. But let's try to approach this strategically, almost like pre-planning a safe route through enemy territory, haha!

Instead of relying solely on Black Friday itself, have you considered setting up price alerts *now* for the specific shoes and sizes you need? I've tried many deal-tracking websites and apps over the years, and a few consistently perform well. Specifically, check out CamelCamelCamel (yes, really, that's the name!) for Amazon price tracking, and also Google Shopping's price tracking. You tell them what you want and your target price, and they'll email you when it drops. This gives you a head start *before* the Black Friday madness even begins.

Another tactic: sign up for email newsletters from retailers like Kohl's, Famous Footwear, and directly from Nike and Adidas. They often offer exclusive early access or targeted discounts to subscribers, which could get you ahead of the general public. Plus, don't forget to check out smaller, local shoe stores. Sometimes they have surprisingly good deals and less competition than the big chains.

In my experience, online offers a wider selection, but in-store might give you a better shot at clearance items or manager's specials that aren't advertised online. However, be cautious about in-store crowds – plan your route carefully and go early! Maybe even scope out the stores beforehand to see where the kids' shoe section is located. Good luck! Let me know if you have other questions!

Hey! Everyone's jumping on the brand-name frenzy, which is understandable, but let's pump the brakes for a sec and talk safety, especially with kids' shoes. Black Friday pressure can lead to impulse buys, and cheap shoes aren't always made with the best materials or support. I learned this the hard way a few years back!

Instead of just focusing on brands like Nike, Adidas, or style, consider the shoe construction first. Look for good arch support and durable soles, especially for your son's athletic shoes. A podiatrist friend of mine mentioned that improperly fitted or low-quality shoes can actually cause long-term foot problems, which is way more expensive than saving a few bucks on Black Friday!

For your daughter, make sure the 'stylish' shoes are also safe for playground tumbles. Things like secure closures (Velcro or laces that stay tied) and non-slip soles are key. I'd honestly rather spend a bit more on a pair that's both cute *and* well-made. Maybe check out some of the smaller, local shoe stores too; they often have knowledgeable staff who can help you find properly fitting shoes. Happy shoe hunting (safely!)!

Hey! Jumping in here – Black Friday shoe madness IS a thing, and it's easy to get swept up in it. But before you dive headfirst into brand-name chaos, let's talk budget and value, because those kids' feet are gonna keep growing!

I totally get the desire for Nikes and Adidas, but honestly, for everyday wear and tear, especially at those ages, you might want to consider looking beyond the big names. Seriously. My son was *convinced* he needed Jordans in 3rd grade. I caved. They lasted, maybe, two months before looking like they'd been through a war zone.

Here's my take: Black Friday is a GREAT time to stock up on basics. Stores like Target, Kohl's, and even Old Navy often have AMAZING deals on their store-brand athletic shoes. I've found Cat & Jack (Target's brand) to be surprisingly durable for my daughter. We're talking under $20 a pair sometimes on Black Friday! For your son, check out the Champion brand at Target – they're usually heavily discounted and hold up pretty well for gym class and after-school activities. Focus on quantity over the absolute top-of-the-line quality, especially for the little one.

My strategy is to hit those stores *first*, snag the basics in the right sizes, and *then* check online for deals on the bigger brands. That way, you're guaranteed to have something, even if you miss out on the specific Nike style you were hoping for. Plus, you'll probably save a ton of money! Don't forget to factor in potential shipping costs when comparing online vs. in-store. Sometimes those 'deals' aren't so great after shipping. Good luck out there! Happy to share specific brands if you have additional questions!

Hey! Black Friday shoe shopping, huh? Instead of ONLY focusing on specific retailers, have you considered checking out sites like StockX or GOAT *during* Black Friday?

I've had mixed luck with traditional stores, but these platforms sometimes offer deals on new or lightly used shoes, especially if you're after specific models like those Nikes your son wants. Prices can fluctuate, so keep a close eye! I've snagged some amazing deals there, but *unfortunately* had issues with shipping times once. Still, worth a look!

Hey! Black Friday shoe deals, let's dive deep! Instead of just looking at individual stores, let's think BRAND STRATEGY! I've noticed some brands consistently have better overall discounts than others. For your son, keep a close eye on Under Armour! Their Black Friday deals are consistently AMAZING, often deeper discounts than Nike or Adidas, especially on older models. Plus, their durability is fantastic for active kids. For your daughter, Stride Rite often has incredible doorbuster deals on classic styles! I've seen deals as low as $15 for playground-ready shoes. Don't sleep on them!

My pro tip? Sign up for brand-specific email lists NOW! You often get early access and exclusive coupons. Last year I snagged UA shoes for my nephew at 60% off before Black Friday even STARTED! Seriously, brand focus is the way to go! Let me know if you want to brainstorm brands further!

Hey! Black Friday shoe hunting, eh? Everyone's giving solid advice on snagging those deals, but I'm gonna swing a bit different and talk about what happens *after* you score those shoes. Think long-term!

My biggest regret from past Black Fridays wasn't missing a deal, but buying shoes that fell apart too quickly. You mentioned athletic shoes for your son. I splurged on a supposedly top-of-the-line pair of Nikes one year, thinking they'd last forever. They looked amazing, but the soles started separating after only a few months of regular soccer practice. Super frustrating!

So, this time around, beyond the deals, REALLY dig into reviews. Check for durability issues, especially if your son is hard on his shoes like mine was. Look beyond the initial 'wow' factor. Also, consider the outsole material. A harder rubber compound might not be as comfy initially, but it'll probably hold up better on the playground. And don't forget about the stitching! Double stitching in high-stress areas is a HUGE plus.

I learned the hard way that a cheap price doesn't always equal a good deal if you're replacing shoes every few months anyway. I'd suggest setting a price *range* rather than just focusing on the lowest number, and then prioritize shoes with good user reviews about their lifespan. Might even be worth paying a bit extra for a brand known for quality, even if the discount isn't as steep. You could save money in the long run.

Good luck with the hunt! Let us know what you find!