How I Discovered This Amazing Brand and Why I’ll Never Buy Another Shoe Again!
As a parent of three energetic kids, I’m constantly on the hunt for stylish, durable and affordable shoes. After years of buying cheap shoes that would fall apart within weeks, I finally discovered Cat & Jack – Target’s exclusive kids shoe brand. These shoes have been an absolute game changer for our family!
In this blog, I’ll share my journey to finding the perfect Cat & Jack shoes, including:
- The latest styles that capture my kids’ imaginations
- How I buy them online and in Target stores
- Testing for fit, comfort and durability
- The price range and value we get
- How they hold up for school and play
- Materials, width sizing and machine washability
- Special features like waterproofing and arch support
- Their sustainability and eco-friendly practices
- Reviews from other parents
- Promotions and discounts
- Returns and warranty policies
After reading, you’ll learn why I call them “magic shoes” and always choose Cat & Jack first for my kids’ footwear needs!
We Were Stuck in a Cycle of Replacing Cheap Shoes
Ever since my first son was born, I struggled with finding durable shoes that were affordable and looked nice. I’d buy $20-30 shoes from big box stores or online retailers. Without fail, they would fall apart within a few months of regular wear.
The synthetic materials would rip, the soles would separate, and they never held up through the playground use and abuse of my rambunctious kiddos. I was constantly replacing worn out shoes, and felt like I was throwing money down the drain.
By the time my daughter came along, I was desperate to break this cycle. There had to be reasonably priced shoes that didn’t destroy my budget and actually lasted more than a few months!
The Stress of Shoe Shopping with Kids in Tow
Of course, shopping for new shoes usually meant a trip to busy shoe stores with all the kids in tow. I’d have to wrangle them while they tried to escape to play with display toys. My husband and I would exchange frustrated glances as our kids whined and started meltdowns in the aisle.
After getting three different pairs of tiny feet measured, the sticker shock would set in. $50, $60 even $70 for one pair?! Maybe they’d last longer, but that wasn’t in our budget. I’d reluctantly grab a cheaper pair, knowing they’d soon have holes and need replacing. There had to be a better way!
Discovery: Cat & Jack Brand Shoes at Target
One day, while browsing the shoe department at Target, I noticed a brand I hadn’t seen before – Cat & Jack. The shoes looked stylish, came in lots of fun colors/prints and had a much lower price tag than specialty shoes.
I read some glowing reviews from other parents who raved about the durability and fit. I decided to take the plunge and bought my son a pair of Cat & Jack sneakers for $22. I figured even if they lasted a little longer than our old shoes, it was worth trying for $20-30 less than name brands.
Putting Them to the Test: Playground, Home, School
My son was thrilled with his “dinosaur shoes” as he called them. The soft canvas and flexible rubber soles seemed really comfy. The true test would be how they held up to his energetic nature. He wore them to the playground, preschool, everywhere!
After a couple months my son had outgrown them, but I was amazed. The shoes still looked and functioned great, with barely any signs of wear. The rubber edges, seams and sole tread were 100% intact.
My daughter was getting her first walking shoes around this time so I bought her a pair as well. Watching her learn to run and climb, those shoes took a beating! But they supported her little feet and stayed together perfectly.
Ditching the Yearly Shoe Cycle: Cat & Jack for the Win!
I was sold! No more buying cheap shoes every 6 months. Cat & Jack shoes could withstand everything my kids put them through. Although they did outgrow them at times, the shoes lasted until they no longer fit. Whenever one kid sized up, their old Cat & Jack shoes got passed to a younger sibling and still had miles left.
These became my go-to for play, school, church and athletic shoes. For less than $30 a pair, they were supportive, comfortable and held up to kid life. The yearly shoe shopping cycle was broken! I could actually budget for proper fitting shoes as they grew.
Checking All the Boxes: Materials, Fit, Function
I’ve now bought Cat & Jack shoes for my kids for several years. Every pair consistently checks all my boxes for quality materials, fit and function. Here’s what I love:
- Materials: Mostly canvas, rubber and synthetic blends. Stretchy, flexible and durable enough for kids.
- Fit: Available in toddler through big kid sizes. Run true to size. Wide width options.
- School shoes: Cute patterns plus Velcro or slip ons they can manage themselves.
- Athletic shoes: Lightweight with traction. Good for indoor/outdoor play and sports.
- Waterproof: Some styles are waterproof which is great for outdoor play and rain.
- Machine washable: Can toss most pairs right in the washer to get them clean.
- Price: Ranges from $18-$35 per pair which is much less than name brands with similar quality.
- Styles: New seasonal shoes with fun characters/colors that appeal to their interests.
Durable from Playground to Classroom
After trying out many pairs, I’m confident Cat & Jack shoes will keep up with my kids in all settings.
On the playground, the rubber toe caps prevent scuffs as they climb and run. The soles and seams stay in one piece even when they trip or skid on rough surfaces.
In school, the flexible materials allow free movement while sitting cross-legged or walking between classes. The patterns and colors help them show their personality.
At home, I can just toss them in the washer after muddy hikes or spills – no staining or damage. They come out good as new!
No matter what my kids throw at them, Cat & Jack shoes power through while staying comfortable.
Shopping Online and In-Store for Convenience
One of my favorite things is the convenience of shopping Cat & Jack shoes both online and in Target stores.
When I’m already getting essentials at Target, I’ll do a quick lap to check out new styles and let the kids pick out shoes themselves. It makes the experience fun rather than a chore.
Other times I’ll order pairs online so I have more selection without wrestling three kids through the store. Many sizes/styles are available for free 2-day shipping to my home. Returns are easy at any Target if I need to exchange sizing.
Between online selection and Target’s widespread locations, finding Cat & Jack shoes is easier than ever. No need to take time off work or drag everyone on a weekend trip to shoe specialty stores. Target runs are part of our routine, making shoe errands fast and accessible.
Affordable Prices: More Value for Our Budget
As a parent on a budget, Cat & Jack shoes give me way more value at their affordable price point. At around $20-$35 per pair, they fall well under kids brand name shoes at $40-$70 a pop.
I get the same durable construction, versatile styling and hidden support features without the high cost. My kids are hard on shoes, so cheaper pairs were false economy that had to be replaced every few months.
With Cat & Jack I invest in quality right up front. With their longevity, I get better cost per wear than any other brand. Plus it saves me time and hassle finding/breaking in new shoes all the time.
Ultimately Cat & Jack shoes save me money in the long run while keeping my kids’ feet happy. That’s value I can feel good about.
Designed for Growing Feet: Hidden Support Features
What I’ve learned is Cat & Jack shoes aren’t just cute stylish shoes…they’re designed specifically with kids’ growing feet in mind!
Inside each pair are hidden features pediatricians recommend to support kids’ developing feet.
Flexible Soles
The rubber soles easily bend and flex with kids’ movements. This promotes natural foot strengthening compared to stiff, heavy soles.
Arch Support
Soft insoles have built in arches to cradle and stabilize kids’ feet during all-day wear. Proper support prevents injury down the road.
Breathability
Canvas and mesh materials allow airflow so little feet don’t get too hot and sweaty. This keeps them comfortable all day long.
Secure Fit
Adjustable Velcro straps or laces across the midfoot secure the shoe in smaller sizes. They ensure a safe, snug fit for unsteady toddlers.
I love that stylish Cat & Jack shoes aren’t just cute but also engineered for how kids grow. It shows this brand was truly made for children, not just sized-down adult shoes.
Standout Cat & Jack Styles to Inspire Your Kid
One reason my kids love Cat & Jack shoes is the fun styles that appeal to their imaginations. With new arrivals each season, there are always fresh designs and color schemes to choose from.
Some of our most worn styles include:
- Neon athletic shoes: Wild combos like pink/lime give them motivated flair.
- Glitter sneakers: Every little girl’s dream sparkly shoe.
- Camo print boots: Rough and ready to stomp through mud puddles.
- Blue light-up soles: They make night walks magical (and easier to keep track of feet!)
- Frozen characters: Anna and Elsa fans will obsess over these (aka my daughter.)
- Minecraft: Blocky pixelated patterns for the video game enthusiasts.
- Unicorns: Pretty much guaranteed to entice toddler girls.
No matter your kid’s current obsession, Cat & Jack likely has a shoe to match their interests. While keeping them protected, I love how fun shoes build confidence as they develop independence.
Easy Cleaning and Long-Lasting Materials
Life with kids means messy shoes – mud, food spills, scuffs, all kinds of wear and tear. Many Cat & Jack shoes clean up great in the washing machine, over and over.
Canvas fabrics wash without fading or getting waterlogged. Synthetic leather and rubber materials wipe down easily with a wet cloth. I can freshen them up without hours of scrubbing.
The soles stay firmly attached even when soaked. Stitched seams keep shapes intact wash after wash. These shoes truly stand up to the laundry test.
For kids prone to messiness (aka all of them), easy cleaning is a must for long-lasting shoes. Effortless washing makes Cat & Jack shoes even more valuable when the spills and stains happen.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Production
As I learn more about sustainable fashion and shopping mindfully, I’m happy to discover Cat & Jack’s commitments in this area.
Their shoes use recycled polyester, plastics and rubber to reduce waste. Many materials are also recyclable at the end of their lifespan. The production process aims for minimal environmental impact through energy and water conservation.
They also source responsibly, avoiding dangerous chemicals that could harm workers or pollute communities where factories operate.
I feel good knowing these affordable, quality shoes aren’t overburdening people or planet. Cat & Jack is thinking beyond just profit to how their business affects those involved each step of the way. This thoughtful ethic makes me a customer for life.
Glowing Reviews From Other Parents
Beyond my own experience, glowing customer reviews back up Cat & Jack’s shoe claims. Other parents rave about many of the same benefits I’ve found.
The shoes win praise for being…
- “Durable through rough play”
- “Easy to clean and looking new”
- “True to size with adjustable fits”
- “Cool patterns my kids love”
- “Supportive for growing feet”
- “Affordable and worth every penny”
After trying out these shoes, many parents swear off other expensive brands. The quality rivals top names at a fraction of the price. Customers report coming back for multiple pairs each season as their kids outgrow the last.
Based on overwhelming positive reviews, I’m not alone in my loyalty to Cat & Jack shoes. They have clearly won over parents everywhere with their combination of value, style and quality construction.
Deals and Promotions: Save Even More
While already priced lower than big name brands, I watch for Cat & Jack shoe deals to save a bit more.
Target routinely offers promotions like:
- Buy one get one 50% off shoes – I’ll get a pair for each kid
- $10 gift card with $40 kids shoe purchase – saves me $10 off next pair
- 15% off seasonal clearance – great prices on out-of-season styles
- Free $5 Target gift card with kids shoe purchase over $25 – gets me a small bonus
By stacking deals with the already reasonable prices, I maximize my savings. I always check weekly ads and promos before Cat & Jack shoe shopping.
Hassle-Free Returns and Warranty
Of course improperly sizing shoes for growing kids is a risk. I’m relieved Cat & Jack offers a hassle-free return policy.
If the size is off, I can exchange at any Target store for a better fit. This allows me to purchase shoes confidently without worrying I’ll be stuck with the wrong size.
There’s also a 1 year manufacturing warranty. Any defects in materials or construction will be refunded or replaced. Fortunately I haven’t had to use the warranty yet since the shoes last so well. But it’s nice having that extra assurance of quality.
Between easy returns and the warranty, Cat & Jack takes the stress out of the buying process. I know I have options if my normally rambunctious kiddos end up being gentle on their shoes for once.
Ready to Ditch the Shoe Drama? Try Cat & Jack!
If you’re tired of paying too much for shoes that disappoint too soon, say goodbye to the cycle of endless rebuying and replacing! Cat & Jack kids shoes are the solution families rely on.
After years of personally putting them to the test, I enthusiastically recommend Cat & Jack as the shoe brand that finally gets it right. Classic styles made just for kids’ growing feet – plus the perfect combo of price, durability and quality.
The next time your children need new shoes, skip the specialty shoe stores. Cat & Jack at Target has all the support, comfort and fun they need at family-friendly prices. I’m confident they’ll become your go-to shoe as well!
