Gaston Shoes vs Dubu Exclusive Shoes: Which to Buy First?

By Donsje Amsterdam Online Store | High-End Baby and ... | Published: 2026-10-13

Category: Vergleiche

Two Donsje favorites, two different jobs: Gaston is the everyday leather shoe for countryside walks, while Dubu Exclusive adds adjustable velcro and a playful skunk character for toddlers on the move.

Quick answer

Buy the Gaston Shoes first if you want a simple, charming leather shoe for a baby who is mostly carried or cruising and you like the lower price. Buy the Dubu Exclusive Shoes first if your child is a confident toddler who needs adjustable velcro straps and a lightweight, supportive shoe for daily outdoor adventures. The Gaston is the gentler everyday pick; the Dubu Exclusive is the more adjustable, adventure-ready pick.

What actually differs between Gaston and Dubu Exclusive

The clearest difference is the closure. The Gaston is described by Donsje as a charming design offering comfort and support, with no velcro mentioned in the catalog facts. The Dubu Exclusive uses adjustable velcro straps, which makes it easier to open wide and tighten on a wriggling foot. If you have ever wrestled a toddler into a shoe before daycare, that single detail often decides which pair gets worn daily.

The second difference is positioning. The Gaston is listed under Baby Footwear, while the Dubu Exclusive is listed under Toddler Footwear. That matters less as a hard rule and more as a signal about the stage of walking your child is likely in. The Dubu Exclusive catalog facts also mention a flexible outsole with a slightly elevated heel for stability, which supports the idea of a shoe built for active first steps and outdoor adventures.

Price and value: what you pay for each

At catalog prices, the Gaston Shoes are USD 59.25 compared with a comparison price of USD 79.00, and the Dubu Exclusive Shoes are USD 77.39 compared with a comparison price of USD 109.00. The Gaston is the lower-cost entry point, which makes it a reasonable first Donsje shoe if you are still learning your child's size or you want a pair for occasional outings.

The Dubu Exclusive costs more, and the extra spend goes toward the adjustable velcro closure, the lightweight supportive build, and the signature skunk character detail. If your toddler wears shoes every day, that price difference spreads across many wears. If the shoes are for a baby who is mostly in a stroller, the Gaston's simpler design is usually the smarter first purchase.

How to choose without overbuying

Start with the stage, not the color. If your child is not yet pulling to stand and walking, a baby shoe like the Gaston covers the need. If your child is walking, running, and refusing to sit still for shoe changes, the Dubu Exclusive's adjustable velcro straps will save you time every morning.

Also think about how many pairs you realistically need. One well-fitting everyday pair is more useful than two pairs in the wrong size. Because Donsje shoes are sized and both models offer color and size options, measure your child's foot first, then choose the model that matches your daily routine.

Trade-offs to weigh before you buy

Closure and daily speed: Gaston has no velcro mentioned in the catalog facts, so it relies on a simpler slip-on or lace-free look. Dubu Exclusive uses adjustable velcro straps that open wide and tighten quickly. Choose Dubu Exclusive if getting shoes on fast matters more than a clean, simple silhouette.
Stage of walking: Gaston is listed under Baby Footwear, while Dubu Exclusive is listed under Toddler Footwear and described as a companion for outdoor adventures and first steps. Match the shoe to the stage: Gaston for pre-walking and early cruising, Dubu Exclusive for confident toddler movement.
Price versus wear frequency: Gaston is USD 59.25 (comparison price USD 79.00) and Dubu Exclusive is USD 77.39 (comparison price USD 109.00). The Dubu Exclusive costs more but adds adjustable velcro and a character detail. If the shoes will be worn daily, the Dubu Exclusive's extra features may justify the higher price. For occasional wear, Gaston is the lower-risk first buy.

Product facts at a glance

Gaston Shoes | Green Bay Leather: Gaston Shoes in Green Bay Leather are described as a charming design offering comfort and support, perfect to match with any outfit. A simple, outfit-friendly leather shoe for babies who are carried, cruising, or taking early steps, with no velcro closure mentioned in the catalog facts.
Dubu Exclusive Shoes | Skunk | Navy Nubuck: Dubu Exclusive Shoes in Navy Nubuck have adjustable velcro straps, a charming skunk detail, and a lightweight supportive build with a flexible outsole and slightly elevated heel. The adjustable closure and stability features suit toddlers who are walking and need a shoe that goes on quickly and stays secure outdoors.

Which should you buy first?

Best for

Babies who are mostly carried or cruising and need a charming, supportive leather shoe
Parents who want a lower-priced first Donsje shoe and prefer a simple design
Outfits where a clean, match-anything shoe is the priority

Not for

Toddlers who need adjustable velcro for quick changes and a secure fit
Children who are walking and running daily and need a lightweight, adventure-ready shoe
Parents who specifically want a playful character detail on the shoe