I bought these shoes for 2 reasons: 1- I like to have my daughter wear shoes with support 2 - they aren't tacky sneakers like what you find in Walmart. I have already washed them  twice and they are in good condition.  The faux laces Velcro makes geting shoes on a snap and I never have to  worry About loose laces but they don't look like ugly Velcro shoes.  Will be buying again when she grows out of these