Toddler Shoes

Anyone know much about toddler shoes? Z is in need of some (aren't they always?) and I'm not sure what's "best" or if it matters. I've heard / read the whole range of "recommendations" - everything from a toddler "needing" a properly fit, special structured shoe to the tune of $100 odd per pair, to just needing something for basic foot protection, a la $10 jobbies at The Warehouse.

I figure I'd find the whole range of opinions / tastes here - so bring it on! Other than the obvious price factor, does anyone know pro's / con's? Or tips for toddler shoe buying?

Proper kids shoes in NZ are ridiculously priced!

Over here they have a couple of really good chain stores with trained staff where you get your kids feet measured up for size and width, and they fit them properly. To get that kind of service in NZ you need to go to a specialist childrens shoe store and, like you said, pay $100+ for a pair of kids shoes that they grow out of in a couple of months!

Before we came here and I bought shoes in NZ for Charlotte I did my best with what was on offer.
I got a few really good pairs in Farmers and Hannahs- I would make sure the sole was flexible but supportive (If you grab it at the heel and toe it should bend about at the point where the ball of the foot sits).
When they try on the shoe make sure that there are no parts which are too tight- check the sides and along the top ridge of the foot especially. They shouldn't 'dig in' at all anywhere.
They shouldn't be too big (no more than a thumb width of growth at the toes) and make sure you get a new pair as soon as they are too small. Just have a quick check each time you put their shoes on to make sure they aren't too tight anywhere.
Properly fitted shoes shouldn't give them blisters. Neither of my girls have ever got blisters from shoes they have had properly fitted.

When they're small, try and have them in bare feet as much as possible- especially when they are around home.

I took the gremlins to Future Feet in Ponsonby with the intention of buying them Iwalks but ended up getting them some Keds which were a similar price ($60) but sturdier as the lady there said the Iwalks don't have enough support once they're walking well. Maybe I was conned, but they've lasted well and having them properly fitted means they had enough room to grow in them without them being too big to start with.

They also have a pair of All Stars each which I got on sale at The Warehouse for $17 a pair. cheap considering Maya's All Stars cost me $65...

Are they easy enough to get on/off in a hurry if you need to?
Does it matter to you whether she can put them on and off or not?
They should be supportive but flexible on the sole, enough to bend slightly with their foot as they walk.
I buy at the Warehouse or similar - although last time I shopped for Hannah, none of them fit properly so we went to No1 Shoe Warehouse. K-Mart have good specials at times, too.