Decent School Shoes

einalem

My daughter starts reception in September

I would like a decent pair of school shoes (with a strap or buckle across as she will only be 4)

I am thinking if I spend more hopefully they should last longer?

Also I want them to be comfy as she will spend a lot of time in them

I was thinking a pair of kickers, someone told me to get lelli kellys(I am not keen on these!)?

Splashy

I usually get Clarks which seem ok for my 6yr old, however within a few days the fronts are always scuffed - I don't think there is a way round this, boys shoes have toe protectors but not the girls She has generally outgrown shoes before they fall apart, though she has stuck at her current size and is in her 2nd pair, but she wears them all the time and they lasted for about 6mths before the sole split

I only buy clarks or start rite so can't comment on other shoes

Hope the school start goes ok, my little boy is off too

Haffiana

As Splashy says, if you want shoes that actually fit and won't be potentially damaging young soft feet, choose Clarks or Startrite.

YORKSHIRELASS

I bought my son a pair of Kickers and I was very disappointed in them. The quality is not what it used to be and personally I would steer clear.

My kids are 11 and 13 and have worn Clarks shoes for school since they were tiny. The initial investment is worth every penny. My youngest got a whole school year out of one pair of Clarks last year, strangely enough his feet didnt grow for ages then jumped two sizes in a short space of time!

When you go to the shop take your time to make sure you are happy with the fit and style. It can be really busy in there and you can feel a bit rushed. The fitters are all trained but some of them are very young and in my experience dont always see the practicalities of kids shoes in the same way that a parent does!

davenport151

I agree with Splashy & Haffiana. I would always prefer shoes that were fitted (Clarks/startrite) when my son was younger. Yes they cost more but I think growing feet are worth it. Clothes can always be cheap or 2nd hand but shoes are the one thing worth getting right.

building_with_lego

I got lucky this year and bought my two a pair of Hush Puppies each (in TK Maxx ). They've lasted far better than Clark's ever have for DD, and even DS who is extremely hard on his shoes has only just needed another pair. DD's should last to the end of the year. I'll stick to HPs now I think.
Most shoes in the smaller sizes will have Velcro fastenings, as small children struggle with buckles and laces.

I should add that I use lots of polish and car trim restorer every month or so and that helps them last. The trim restorer is like an enormous bottle of scuff coat dye, but polishes up lovely. £5ish in Halfords type places.

Sphynx

I too found a pair of Geox shoes in TK Maxx for my 6 year old. They have been fantastic and not scuffed at all. They had sparkly bits which she loved and they have been really comfortable. If I could afford them full price I would spend the extra.

bovysbabe

i bought cheap shoes - my little one likes to play doggies....crawling around on the floor and we went through shoes every 6 weeks - nothing would save them, so spent less than £10 a pair. Luckily now she has stopped that and her last pair are still perfect - but still less than a tenner from wynsors!

einalem

thanks for the replies, I might have a look in tk maxx otherwise its clarks I think

sm00chie

try marks & spencers, they have scuff resistant shoes and i must've paid about £14 pounds a pair for my 6 year daughter in sept, they still going strong with no scuffs at all! highly recommended

sjprmc01

I have 3 girls. Ages 7,6 and 5. I buy the 7yo. Kickers (I always manage to get them cheap either kickers site themselves amazon/javari or tk Maxx) and they are usually fit to go through all 3 girls and still give away at the end of it!

If kickers aren't a good fit then I'd go by the clarks! They have a sale on ATM and also clarks outlets.

With 3 girls shoes can be expensive, I've been picking up random shoes in the sales the past few months for £3 -£5.50 at the most a pair on the presumption that if they ain't ok for one they will be for one of the others!