Clarks shoes

kimmi_b

Quick show of hands: who buys shoes for the children based on the branding or based on the fit of the shoe?

I've spent a small fortune on Clarks shoes for my DS in the past, believing they were the best, she has also had several pairs from Next or TU at Sainsburys which I've always made sure are a comfortable fit as best I can (not too tight on the sides, plenty of room for the toes up top). There doesn't seem to be much difference in how long the shoes are lasting - DS is 3 and gets through a pair in 3 months with all her racing around and this growing malarky which she is so keen on!.

I've had my Mother giving me earache saying I should get her a 'decent pair of shoes' and that she is dragging her off to Clarks next week to get a quality pair. I'm feeling a bit :mad: about this because I can't see the problem with her having a cheaper pair of shoes on her feet as long as they fit ok and don't hurt her feet. It's not like she is going on a daily hike after all....she wears them to the car, down to my Mums and then they come off till it's time to go to the shops or play outside!!

What does everyone else think?

(BTW I pointed out to Mum that I used to have to wear cheap shoes when younger as it was all we could afford, she went quiet then!).

redstararnie76

Hi,
I've had a long chat recently with a guy who repairs shoes! I was talking to him after I was disgusted that a pair of shoes that I bought for myself from Clarks, literally fell apart after about 10 months of wear. I've always thought that Clarks were good quality, but he reckons that he's seen a lot of poor quality Clarks shoes recently and puts it down to the fact that Clarks apparently now outsource their manufacturing abroad..... so your 'cheaper' shoes may not necessarily be worse quality!

kimmi_b

Thanks! Don't know what it is about Nanny trying to make me feel like a bad mum sometimes!!

balletshoes

My DDs first pair of proper shoes were Clarks, and even now at age 9, she does get fitted at Clarks for shoes at least once a school year. However, as far as fit and endurance of the shoes are concerned, I personally don't think Clarks last any longer than say Next, and as my DD has quite narrow feet, Next shoes fit her very well generally.

redstararnie76

Kimmi - I know how you feel. My daughter is nearly 5 and she grows incredibly fast - if I bought nothing but Clarks shoes for her, I would be broke!

Courgette

I've always bought fairly cheap for DS on account of him growing so fast and also destroying everything he comes into contact with but when he started high school last Sept I knew he'd be doing lots more walking so shelled out on a pair of Clarks. They were about £40 and they've lasted the full school year so I've been pretty pleased with them really. It's been slightly freaky that he's not grown out of them either, I think he's concentrating his efforts on height at the moment (he's taller than me now :eek:).

I wouldn't worry too much, although if Granny wanted to buy I wouldn't stop her

*Louise*

Personally I go to Brantanos - they have the Clarks foot measuring machine there but I can get shoes a little cheaper.

I do use clarks on occasion (when there is plenty of spare money - ha!) but with three to buy for it just isn't possible, by the time you buy shoes, trainers and sandals it costs a fortune :eek:

Clarks don't have the reputation they used to -I don't think they are any better than other rivals and I wouldn't say their shoes last any longer.

OP - I think you are doing your best to make sure your childrens shoes fit well, and that's the best thing. I think your mum is handling the situation the wrong way though - if she is so keen to buy 'decent' shoes then it would be good of her to offer in a nicer way.

Bitsy_Beans

I use Clarks but my DS has wide feet and I didn't feel that some of the off the peg ones were giving him enough room. I have to say his last two pairs of shoes from Clarks are lasting really well from daily punishment of a nearly 5 year old and I think they were bought at the start of this year.

Edited to add:

If you know what size shoe your child has in Clarks then try http://www.shoesforkids.co.uk/ they sell Clarks shoes slightly cheaper although you are limited to them actually having some in the size and width that you need. Worth a look at any rate.

lauren_1

I do for the first few years, until they are about 6 or 7 but then only for their school shoes, all the other times they like to wear canvas 'fake vans'

I think as babies and toddlers its important to have good fitting shoes as their bones are softer and feet grow quicker but after about 6 years i get them form regular shops, i only buy their cruisers and outdoor shoes from clarkes, sandals and canvas shoes i find are a good fit from george

kingfisherblue

My middle child had to wear special boots from the hospital for the first few years of his life, but my daughter and my younger son always had Clarks. That was until I spoke to my son's specialist (podiatrist?). He told me that it isn't worth buying Clarks unless a child has especially narrow or wide feet. The inportant thing is to make sure that the fit is good and that the growing room is approximately the length of your thumb nail.

None of my children have had Clarks shoes since. Just as well, really, as my younger son has large feet that grow quickly. At ten, he wears an adult size nine:eek: and is still growing! I'll be buying his school shoes in the last couple of days before he returns, otherwise they might be too small!

milliebear00001

I think Clarks have gone downhill in terms of wear, and their fitting is hit and miss. Having said that, I do think having a good fit is important for growing feet. My older child has Startrite (v expensive, but excellent) fitted at a small, independent specialist shop near me who refuse to sell shoes that aren't exactly right for the child. I only buy her school shoes there though, as these are the shoes she spends most time in. I occasionally buy cheaper shoes/trainers for out of school. I also buy Clarks Doodles in summer as I find these wear well and fit well.

My little boy, who is three, wears only fitted shoes as his feet are still very tiny and he doesn't have a proper arch yet. Usually from Clarks (I have a reliable fitter at my local store) or Startrite if I have the money!