My almost 5 yr old grandson was fitted for these shoes at a Stride Rite outlet store. They look great and fit the same as his other Stride Rite Slingshot sneakers. His feet measured 12.5 with width between M & W and we bought them in 12.5W, which gives him a little (instead of the larger thumb's width amount) growing room. He got Spider Man sneakers at the same time, so pays less attention to these. Personally, I like the looks of these better and always prefer the double Velcro strap type of closure for better fit. He's only had them a couple of weeks so I don't know yet how they will hold up. But, I've been buying Stride Rite shoes for years and have never had a pair wear out or come apart before outgrown.