1. Nike

When it comes to buying shoes for our hyperactive, toe-walking son, quality exceeds quantity each and every time. We like to keep him in sneakers when we can because they better support the zoomies 🙂 Some things I look for when buying him sneakers:

• Proper heel support (think wedged soles rather than flat soles)
• Laceless, slip-on design
• Stretchy, durable material
• Reinforced toe with thick, supportive sole
• Cushioned insole with arch support — thick insoles but not memory foam

We’ve almost exclusively shopped at Nike for our kiddo’s sneakers. We’ve found them to be the best combination of our criteria and budget. It also helps that Nike is available at most shoe stores, so I can almost always find him something at a mall or department store. And frankly, Nike’s online store has one of the better kids selections I’ve seen.

I’ve even had luck finding him some solid Nikes at thrift stores — if you decide to check Goodwill or similar, just be sure to replace the insoles 🙂 And if you ever have a family member bless you with some pre-loved shoes, don’t hesitate to accept!

Why we love them

Nike almost always meets all of the criteria we have for our son’s sneakers. Their pricing is a bit on the high side in some instances, but their quality more than makes up for it. Beyond that, their website is easy to navigate and coupon codes are abundant. Nike is an easy to find brand as they’re available almost everywhere name-brand shoes are sold.

But beyond all of that — Nike’s sneakers are some of the best shoes we’ve encountered in terms of the feel. They’re super lightweight– like, virtually weightless. Our son tends to sweat a good bit (and I mean, who wouldn’t after literally running everywhere lol) but his Nikes never smell. So that tells me that they breathe very well and do a great job of managing moisture. And that’s amazing for a sneaker. Well, shoes period — but especially sneakers.

My husband is also a toe walker… but he also stands on the outsides of his feet. So his sneakers tend to wear more quickly and unevenly, especially when he was jogging regularly. Nike came through for him too. Of all the sneakers he’s had, his Nikes have held up the best, dried the quickest, and felt the best when he was running.

Downsides

The only downside that I can really name is that they tend to run a bit narrow. So if you have flat feet, like I do, then Nikes can be more on the uncomfy side if you don’t get a wide size. And because they hold up so well to intense use, the sides don’t wear down like normal shoes do. So no, you won’t get used to them. And no, they won’t get better with time. Just order the right size the first time. Don’t learn the hard way like me.

2. Cat & Jack (Target)

Ah, the infamous in-house Target brand. I know it sounds a bit cliché, especially in these days of everyone swearing by Target for any and every single thing, but hear me out — Cat & Jack actually is that brand. I love buying their stuff.

Why we love them

The Cat & Jack line of clothes come in a variety of fabrics, but we mostly have purchased their cotton and jersey shirts. They are hands down my son’s favorite shirts to wear, and I don’t blame him! They’re super comfy and fit true to his size (which is pretty hard because he’s skinnier than the average kid, seeing as he’s literally running EVERYWHERE. ALL. DAY.). Their jeans all have adjustable waistbands and have reinforced knees (another win… if you know, you know). Their shoes are all very good quality. I cannot stress enough that their cotton blends are super soft and wash very well. And yes, that also goes for their school uniforms.

And… a little birdie told me that you can exchange Target’s kids clothes as long as you have the receipt. Period. Even when they’ve worn them and have outgrown them. I’ve never tried it, but I’ve seen several people say that it works.

Downsides

Their selection isn’t terrible, but it’s much more likely for our kiddos to be “accidental twinsies” with another kiddo when they’re wearing a Cat & Jack ‘fit versus other brands. And they can be a bit pricey at times… especially their shoes. Basic shirts and bottoms aren’t usually bad, especially when compared to Amazon and many other department stores. Our kids outgrow stuff so quickly and can be a bit rough on clothes, so I don’t really like to spend a ton of money on clothing when possible. Plus, they’re limited in their character selection compared to our other favorite kids brand, Garanimals.

3. Garanimals (Walmart)

Yep, Walmart. And I’ll stand on this opinion, 10 toes deep. Wally World has really stepped up their game! Especially when it comes to their kids clothes and shoes. Seriously. I’m impressed. And the best part is that they’re still affordable. I’ve never paid more than $6 for a quality piece of basic kids clothing from Walmart. This includes dresses, shorts, jeans, leggings, shirts, you name it. Garanimals doesn’t sell shoes (from what I’ve noticed) but Walmart also has a fairly decent kids shoe selection. They’re good quality. Not always the cutest or most trendy, but will definitely get the job done. Sizing is consistent across products, which is so nice.

My favorite part about Garanimals clothing (and Walmart’s kids selection in general) is that they have soooo many licensed character options to choose from. Bluey, Mickey Mouse, Paw Patrol, Peppa Pig, Minecraft, and so many others. Whatever mood my kids are in (or whoever they’re choosing to worship for the week), I know I can run to Walmart and likely find a tee they’ll love.

Downsides

There aren’t very many. The biggest thing I can think of is that their clothes are so popular in my neck of the woods, it can sometimes be difficult to find my babies’ sizes for things. So if it’s something that they reeeeeeally want and just can’t live without, I may have to go to another Walmart to get it. Target edges them out in that department — if I can’t find their size at Target, I can run to a kiosk or an associate, look it up, and I can either see which Targets have the item I’m looking for and grab it myself, or I can have it shipped to the store for pick up at a later date.

Walmart may offer that service in-store, but the hardest part is always finding an associate to help you out. But their Walmart.com app can help you see what inventory is available at other stores. In my experience, however, the numbers aren’t always accurate.

4. 32 Below

I just found out about these guys a couple months ago… and in the weirdest way. Story time!

Okay, so my husband works in a corporate environment that requires him to be seated a good part of the day, but he also has to be on his feet walking around a considerable amount of time too. He’s always been very particular about his pants — the fabrics have to be just right. The cut can’t be super loose, but he doesn’t want a skinny fit either. And while he’s not super tall, he’s all leg. So finding pants in the necessary length for him is difficult, especially when on a budget. And many budget pants would end up shrinking some, leaving him with a snugger fit than he’s comfortable with and high-waters. A struggle, truly.

We were talking about this recurring issue one night a couple of months ago, and I said with the straightest face, “You need golf pants!” My statement seemed a bit weird at first, but then I got to explaining and it all made sense.

Golf pants have to breathe, be comfortable for all-day wear, and be durable if professional golfers are wearing them for tournaments and stuff. Plus, I’ve never seen a golfer wearing pants that looked wrinkled or rough, yet they blow in the breeze. So I figured that meant that they were lightweight too. Perfect for my husband.

So we got to Googling “golf pants” and 32 Cool was the first website that popped up. And there they were! The very thing I was explaining! And they were only $15, so we bought 3 pairs. They’ve been a game changer. My husband absolutely loves them.

I’ve also tried some other products from 32 Cool including a small crossbody bag and some sandals, both of which I got from Costco. And I love them both! And at the prices I paid, you really can’t get much better. I encourage y’all to check them out. Especially if you’re particular about fabrics like we are.

They’re still new to me but to have already gone triple platinum in our household, I think I can confidently say that 32 Cool is that girl. Period.

Downsides

I can’t think of any! I believe they’re primarily doing online sales so if I had to nitpick, I’d say that it’s a bit of a negative that we can’t try on items before purchasing them. But, I mean, free and easy returns + speedy shipping, so I feel like them being primarily online really isn’t even an issue. Just plan accordingly.

5. Amazon Essentials

So this one is a bit obvious because it’s Amazon. Being an in-house brand means that Amazon Essentials comes with the obvious benefits of the Amazon platform — fast shipping, great customer service, easy returns. All that jazz. But that’s not why they’re on the list.

They made this list for one reason only — the quality. I’ve gotten a few pieces from Amazon Essentials and I’m always astounded by the fabrics! So soft… like a cloud. And I think it’s important to note that I’ve gotten pieces straight from Amazon and while thrifting. Let me tell you — you wouldn’t even know that I got the thrifted pieces second-hand because the pieces held up so well! I’ve also gotten some Amazon Essentials shoes and they’re equally as well-made. They’re actually my faves to date… even over some name brands!

Their prices are comparable to most department stores. And if you have Amazon Prime, you have the added benefit of free shipping. And some of the Amazon Essentials pieces are eligible for Try Before You Buy, great for trying out new styles or determining your proper size. Speaking of sizing…

Downsides

The sizing can be a bit wonky at times. I’ve gotten larger sizes in some styles and smaller in other styles. Not as consistent for adults. The kids sizing is slightly more stable, but still wonky. Especially their pants. But finding pants for my kids in general is difficult because they’re both on the smaller side. Buuuut… hassle-free returns. So it’s really not that much of a downside. Again, just plan accordingly. Take advantage of the Try Before You Buy program when it’s available.

Honorable Mentions

• Adidas: affordable athletic and athleisure options, comfy sneakers; decent availability.
• The Children’s Place: great deals and even greater selection; adjustable pants for kids. Great uniform options for kids. Free shipping to home, discounted shipping to store.
• Crocs: easy to put on, even easier to clean. Lots of styles to choose from. Versatile wear. Will shrink in heat!

What are your favorite sensory-friendly clothing brands? Any brands you think we should try out?

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About the Author

Alexandra is the founder of the ‘Tism Things platform and owner of online business The Shop by ‘Tism Things. A proud stay-at-home wife and mama to two amazing, smart, and empowered littles, Alexandra frequently spends her time learning about autism and ADHD, its effects on families and caregivers, and ways to support individuals with either or both conditions. Driven by her son and husband’s autism and ADHD diagnoses, Alexandra prides herself on employing creative methods to adapt her household into one that welcomes people of all neurological types, aiming to foster a sense of inclusivity, understanding and acceptance among anyone’s path she crosses.

When she’s not in a ’tism rabbit hole on the internet or playing with her babies, she’s likely out shopping, cooking something yummy, helping out her grandparents, or out in the garden trying to keep her plants alive in this Georgia heat. Honestly, probably that last one.

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