I also have 3 boys, 9,5 and 18 months. I only buy Stride Rite. The sneakers last 6 months and are wonderful. Usually the inside wears out before the outside. If you have a Stride Rite outlet, the prices are sometimes incredible. My oldest is a size 5 1/2 and is between the kids and mens sneakers so I had to get him Adidas this time, so sad:(. We will see how they hold up. Stride Rite also has Wide.:)