I realize this thread is old, but in case this can help someone later, i've bought MANY pair of shoes from Stride Rite Outlet in Phoenix/Tempe (there's also one in N. Phoenix) and through the regular (read high) price stores in the malls). Of course, the quality is the same, because they are the exact shoe. The outlets are supposed to be a year later, but I've often seen them have the shoes that the retail stores still are stocking at full price. I save anywhere from 20-40% at the outlet. Customer service isn't quite the same, but only because the staff is not of the higher caliber and there are more customers at one time. Stride Rites have never worn out before my kids grew out of them. I can always sell or donate them. I've had one strap break and they exchanged it. I often have my child outgrow them before my children even wear them, or have hardly have worn them. As long as they aren't scuffed and are pretty clean, they'll take them back and exchange for a larger size. Downside is that many of their coupons aren't good for the outlet, but the lower price more than makes up for it. I get most of my socks from there. The fit of both shoes and socks is just better. I've tried Targer, Walmart and even Skechers and different shoes at Journeyz. I'll stick with Stride Rites . (And no, I don't work for them. I have a 4 yr old girl who wishes she was a boy, so we sneak the flowers and butterflies in, and a 9 year old boy).