Cat And Jack Sneakers

Figuring Out If These Cute and Comfy Kids’ Shoes Are Right For Your Family

As a parent, finding the perfect sneakers for your kids can be a challenge. You want shoes that are cute, comfortable, supportive and durable enough to withstand nonstop activity. When I first heard about Cat & Jack sneakers from Target, I was intrigued by the trendy styles, budget-friendly prices and focus on quality.

My daughter Emma just started kindergarten this year, so I knew she would need sneakers she could run and play in all day long. Her little feet are still growing rapidly too, so I can’t invest in anything too expensive only to have her outgrow them in a few months. After reading glowing reviews from other parents, I decided to purchase Emma her first pair of Cat & Jack sneakers. Now after testing them out for a full school year, I want to share my complete buying guide so you can see if these affordable kids’ sneakers are right for your family too!

Sizing – Do They Run Small, Big or True to Size?

The first thing I looked into was the sizing and fit. Cat & Jack offer a wide range of sizes for boys and girls, from toddler 10 up to kids’ size 7. My daughter normally wears a girls’ size 11 or 12 shoe, and the size 12 Cat & Jack sneakers seemed to fit her perfectly. The rounded toe area gives her toes plenty of room for comfortable all-day wear.

Some reviews did mention the shoes running small, so I’d recommend trying them on in the store if possible. But overall they seem to run true to size as long as you get the proper length and width. Emma has average width feet, but they also make wider options that allow for orthotic inserts if needed. Keep in mind that the material will stretch slightly as they break-in too.

Where To Buy for the Best Selection and Prices

While you can find a limited selection of Cat & Jack shoes on Target.com, I found the best way to shop is in Target stores. The kids’ shoe section has the full range of styles, colors and sizes to choose from. Plus you can have your kids try them on for fit and feel before buying.

Occasionally you can find Cat & Jack sneakers on sale either online or in-store. They offer seasonal sales around back-to-school season, holidays and the new year. I will stock up on my daughter’s next size when I see a discount since kids require new shoes so frequently! Signing up for Target’s email list and app can help you snag promotions too.

The Perfect Fit for Growing Feet

Since Cat & Jack are designed specifically with kids in mind, their sneakers provide comfortable support for growing feet. The flexible soles and lightweight cushioning allow for plenty of movement. At the same time, features like heel counters and padded collars prevent sliding and rubbing that could lead to blisters.

After a few weeks of wear, the canvas material loosened up to conform perfectly to my daughter’s feet. Now the shoes fit like a glove while still supporting her arches and ankles through active recess play. She never complains about foot pain or fatigue like she did with some other bargain brands.

Easy to Clean and Care For

Like most parents, I know light-colored shoes won’t stay spotless for long with messy kids! Luckily, Cat & Jack sneakers are easy to wash in the machine. I just remove the laces and throw them in with other clothes using cold water and detergent. After air drying overnight, they look fresh and new again.

Some styles may be prone to scuffing, but I’ve found the canvas material to be pretty durable overall. Using a magic eraser gets out any surface stains or marks. To extend the life even further, apply a waterproofing spray treatment before first wear. This helps repel dirt and moisture so they look cleaner, longer.

Trendy Styles Kids Will Love

Another reason I love Cat & Jack shoes is the huge variety of cute and trendy styles that kids adore. While they offer classic colors like black and white, you can also find glitter, sequins, prints and bold patterns. Emma’s favorite pair has a cosmic galaxy print with silver sequined stars.

There are low-top sneakers perfect for summer and high-top options that provide more ankle support. Velcro straps make it easy for younger kids to put on themselves while tassels, bows and pom poms add playful flair. No matter your child’s personal style, there’s a fun design they can get excited to wear every day.

Budget-Friendly Prices Under $30

As a mom trying to stick to a budget, I really appreciate that most Cat & Jack sneakers cost less than $30. Their everyday retail prices are very affordable compared to bigger name brands. Even cheaper than discount brands that sacrifice comfort and durability.

During sales events you can score pairs for as low as $15-20. Stocking up allows me to get multiple pairs so Emma always has options when one gets dirty. The reasonable prices also mean it’s not devastating if they happen to get lost or worn out quickly. Definitely a smart investment for rapidly growing kids’ feet.

Variety of Colors for Matching Outfits

My daughter loves to coordinate her shoes with her outfit, and Cat & Jack offer tons of fun colors to choose from. Of course, you can’t go wrong with classic black, white or gray sneakers that go with everything. I also appreciate that many styles come in both girl and boy color combos.

Some of Emma’s favorite unique shades include rose gold, blush pink, mint green, baby blue and metallic purple. There are different variations too, like two-toned patterns or color-blocked designs. With so many options, my daughter could wear a new color every day of the week!

Great for Active Kids – Designed for Play

Durability is essential when it comes to kids’ sneakers, since they put them through so much wear and tear. After testing them out all year, I can safely say Cat & Jack shoes can withstand active kids. The thick rubber soles provide great traction for running and climbing at recess. The flexible material moves naturally for kicking, jumping and everything in between.

Despite Emma’s nonstop movement, the shoes show barely any signs of damage. No major scuffing, sole separation or damage to the upper material. The construction feels very solid. I also love that many styles have built-in reflective details to help keep kids visible when playing outside.

Fashionable Styling for School and Play

One thing that drew me to Cat & Jack was the effortlessly cool styling that would appeal to my fashionable daughter. They have a very modern, trendy look that fits right in with current sneaker trends. Just edgy enough to give attitude while remaining age-appropriate.

Emma loves being able to wear her sequined holographic sneakers to school since they are still practical for running around. Then on weekends, she pairs them with jeans, leggings or dresses for cute casual style. For kids who want to stand out, these fun kicks double as bold fashion statements.

Ideal for Casual Everyday Use, Not Running

After inspecting the soles and structure, it’s clear Cat & Jack sneakers are designed more for casual everyday play versus high-performance sports. Features like the flexible sole and memory foam provide all-day comfort for recess or weekend playtime. However, serious runners may want something more rigid and responsive.

I would also hesitate to have Emma wear them for hardcore sports like soccer where toes need protection. They are perfect for general running around, cycling, playground time and P.E. class. Just don’t expect them to perform like dedicated athletic shoes for hardcore athletes. But for basic activity, they check all the boxes.

No Break-In Period – Comfy Right Away

Heading back to school means breaking in a whole new wardrobe of shoes, which is the worst! Especially when new sneakers rub painfully until they form to your feet. I was relieved to discover Cat & Jack shoes require virtually no break-in period. Right out of the box, the soft canvas felt like it molded perfectly to my daughter’s feet.

The flexible soles move naturally with each step instead of stiffly rubbing at the heels or toes. Even the rigidity of new shoelaces seemed less abrasive. Emma said her Nikes always bite into her feet initially while these felt like slippers from day one. No more Band-Aids on the back of her ankles or limping around the house!

True to Size With Room to Grow

One of the most important factors in kids’ shoes is allowing room for growth. Ill-fitting shoes that are painful to wear can cause permanent foot damage. I’m happy to report the true-to-size Cat & Jack sneakers have a roomier fit that accounts for swelling feet.

There is about a half-thumb width of space in front of my daughter’s toes to accommodate growth for several months. The rounded style also prevents pinching and rubbing on the sides. By purchasing the proper size upfront, parents can maximize the wearability before needing to size up.

Available Styles for the Whole Family

Cat & Jack began as an exclusive kids’ line for Target. But recently they expanded into creating shoes for the entire family. Now in addition to the wide range of kids’ options, you can shop toddler, women’s and men’s sizes too.

My son loves that he can get matching sneakers to his little sister in big kid sizes. Target also carries school uniforms featuring Cat & Jack shoes meaning the whole squad can outfit their feet affordably. It’s handy being able to purchase the entire family’s footwear in one convenient location.

Long-Lasting Durability

Plenty of cheaper kids’ shoes fall apart quickly once playtime testing begins. I specifically checked out reviews looking for notes on durability and longevity before purchasing. After six months of near-daily wear, my daughter’s Cat & Jack sneakers still look and feel brand new.

No holes, tears, sole separation or broken stitches to report. The canvas material shows some light scuffing that’s easily cleaned. But no signs of it fraying or ripping prematurely. The rubber soles also show minimal tread wear even after sprinting on rough pavement. Impressive lasting quality given the affordable prices.

Easy Returns and Exchanges

Trying shoes on at home is the best way to assess proper fit and comfort. That’s why I appreciate Target’s generous return policy that allows returns and exchanges on unworn shoes within 90 days of purchase. This gives plenty of time for kids to try them out.

If the sizing, width or style doesn’t work out, bring them back to any Target store for a hassle-free refund. Exchanging for a different size or color is easy too. Just be sure to keep the original receipt and shoes in new condition. This takes the stress out of the buying process.

Positive Reviews From Fellow Parents

Before hitting purchase, I scanned through reviews from fellow parents who bought Cat & Jack sneakers for their own kids. I was impressed by the consistently positive feedback with an average 4+ star rating. Parents love the stylish design, comfort and durability at such a reasonable cost.

Many reviewers mentioned their kids being tough critics when it comes to shoes. So the fact that most wear their Cat & Jack sneakers without complaint and can’t wait to wear them again speaks volumes. Plus parents love stocking up on coordinating colors and patterns without breaking the budget.

Durable Construction Means Longer Wear

Like most parents, I dread shoe shopping because it means yet another expensive of nonstop growing feet! That’s why I was thrilled to discover the sturdy construction of Cat & Jack sneakers allows for longer wear. After the first few weeks of breaking in, the snug fit supports feet through several seasons.

My daughter got over six months of daily use out of her last pair before needing to size up. No other brand has come close to lasting that long. Even when she technically outgrew them width-wise, the flexible canvas material prevented pinching or discomfort. Full value for our shoe dollars!

Easy to Coordinate Bold Colors and Prints

If you have a kid who loves bold colors and fun prints, you can’t go wrong with the huge selection of vibrant Cat & Jack sneaker options. Emma has so much fun matching her shoes to complement her outfits. The bright colors and patterns are easy to coordinate with basically anything in her closet.

Some days she likes to let her shoes stand out as the focal point of her look by pairing them with neutrals. Other times, she mixes complementary or matching colors for a more put-together style. With so many choices, kids can get creative and express their individual flair.

Machine Washable for Spotless Shoes

My kids can turn brand new sneakers grubby and stained within a day of wear. I used to either live with dirty shoes or pay for frequent pricey cleanings. That’s why I love that Cat & Jack shoes can be tossed right in the washing machine to reset to a like-new look.

The canvas material and rubber soles hold up extremely well to frequent washing. I just remove the laces then throw them in on cold with our regular laundry loads. Not only does this remove stains and odor, but it helps extend the lifespan so they can be worn longer. Total game changer!

Budget Materials Keep Prices Low

To keep costs down, Cat & Jack sneakers are made using cheaper canvas materials versus leather or mesh. This is great for keeping prices family-friendly, but the tradeoff is some durability compromises. After awhile, I did notice some loosening of stitches and fuzzing of fabrics.

Shoes left damp will retain odors more easily in the canvas as well. But these are small sacrifices for the fraction-of-the-cost pricing. Just stay on top of cleaning and inspecting wear to maximize lifespan. For basic everyday kids’ shoes, the materials do the job just fine.

Final Verdict: A Must-Buy Budget Shoe!

After evaluating all the pros and cons, Cat & Jack remain my go-to brand for affordable kids’ footwear. Their sneakers check off all my must-haves: cute, comfy, supportive, durable, easy to clean and budget-friendly. I wish I had discovered them sooner for all the money I could have saved over the years!

If you also dread the endless cycle of buying pricey shoes that are quickly outgrown, Cat & Jack deliver major value for money. Even their heaviest use still yields several seasons of wear for under $30. No break-in misery either – just adorable, ready-to-go comfort straight out of the box.

In my opinion, Target’s exclusive brand is far superior to discount brands that sacrifice quality and comfort. And a fraction of the cost of big name brands. If you have an active child, Cat & Jack’s durable construction and stylish looks simply can’t be beat. I will continue relying on them to keep my kid’s growing feet happy, healthy and affordably outfitted!