NOT to want bright pink or red patent shoes for DD (2) ?

[fatsatsuma]

She has narrow, slightly tricky shaped feet. I would like her to have a decent, well-fitted pair of leather shoes for the winter.

I go to our local Clarks shop, and to our local Startrite stockist, and ALL they have in a size that fits DD properly are bright pink or red, most of them patent. I just find those colours impractical - they invariably clash with clothes/socks, and to clean them you have to buy special polish.

There are a few brown/purple shoes, but none in a size that fits. They don't seem to stock navy blue shoes in her size at all.

AIBU to despair? Or am I just too fussy?

[jadziadax]

YANBU
I buy 'boys' shoes for my DD (14months), as they're usually more practical, and better colours.

[fatsatsuma]

Hmm. Boys shoes, that's an idea. Am off to a shoe shop in another town this afternoon so will have a look.

[DastardlyandSmugly]

Try Geox.

[misdee]

ask clarks if they have a catalogue to look at. i refused the purple boots in store, and they have ordered in some brown for dd4. its a funny time of year as still got summer stock in, which isnt practical.

[TotorosOcarina]

you may like these?

or these?

these here

splash of pink but not much

listed as boys but unisex IMO

[TotorosOcarina]

PS, Laredoute shoes are very goo quality :) if you use the code 8257 you get 25% off full price items

x

[fatsatsuma]

Do Geox do girls shoes? DS has had them in the past and they are really practical and well-made, but I've only ever seen them in a trainer style, and ideally I'd like a traditional style shoe IYKWIM.

Clarks are tricky cos they only do very few shoes in an E width. They did have a nice brown pair but they were too wide.

[TotorosOcarina]

sorry, just spotted these - very nice in grey!

[ElenorRigby]

DD has been wearing her Primigi bright red patent shoes for months, they still look fantastic without treating them with special polish. Maybe you you could look at other brands than Clarks and Startrites that wear better.

As for brightly coloured shoes per se, my sister made the point that when girls are school age, they will have to wear dull boring black for years. I've taken that comment to heart. DD has a few pairs of brightly coloured shoes and a huge brightly coloured wardrobe to match. :o

[Aitch]

red shoes are practically a neutral these days, i would buy them in a heartbeat. not pink, though.

[jeee]

I let my pre-schoolers have pink shoes because they won't be able to wear shoes of their choice again until they leave school. That does depend on your DD preferring the pink variety.

[fatsatsuma]

Thanks Toto - I like some of those, but I would like to have them properly fitted because of her awkward width and foot shape - I wouldn't be confident buying shoes online I don't think.

[TotorosOcarina]

not sure how you would feel about them, but I have these for DD they are navy and excellent, they are strong and warm and the sole it thick and tough but very flexible, which I think is important for toddlers as its hard to walk in ridgid soles.

Just a thought :)

[TabithaTwitchet]

YANBU. I would try and independent retailer if you can, then you are not limited to just Clarks and Startrite. We got DD a pair of Ecco shoes last year and they were great, really practical and a lovely colour.

[ProfessorLaytonIsMyLoveSlave]

I'd get the red/pink Startrite shoes fitted to get a good idea of her Startrite size, then order that size in a different colour from Startrite online.

Well, actually I'd probably just buy the red shoes.

[Fayrazzled]

My daughter has some red leather shoes that are fab. I love little girls in red shoes- so cheery.

[greentriangle]

I have bought my 2yo DD some black school shoes because I don't like the pink crap on offer. She has a D/E fitting and the E in the school shoe fitted her fine in clarks.

[fatsatsuma]

In an ideal world DD would have several different coloured pairs of shoes - and I personally would love a red pair for myself too

BUT I can only afford one pair, and I am struggling with the idea of red shoes underneath pink trousers, or the other way round. Brown/navy/purple are just a lot more flexible. You see, I am probably just too fussy and should, as you all wisely say, let her enjoy bright pink shoes while she can. TBH she's not that bothered at the moment

[TotorosOcarina]

I love red shoes too,

just got DD these here and a matching red duffle coat :)

[SlightlyJaded]

agree with ElenorRigby. My DD is 5 and now confined to navy blue startrite's for the next few years (she has very narrow feet and has had the Start Rite 'Clare' for the past two years.
nicest shoes in the world ever I am happy as larry as they fit her narrow feet well and are classic, gorgeous, hard wearing and comfy. HOWEVER up until then I let her have bright shoes as I knew it wouldn't last. Defo go for red over pink though (and I kind of like the clashy thing - DD wore more pink than you would ever want to see and pink tights and red shoes look fab.)

[ProfessorLaytonIsMyLoveSlave]

I agree -- small children can carry off red/pink clashes.

[Aitch]

LOVE red/pink clashing, the dds have quite a few stripey tops in that style.

[ElenorRigby]

fatsatsuma, I try to buy DD's shoes in sales and her clothes are mostly from charity shops.


Totoros, Red patent shoes and a red duffle coat, oooo lovely :o

[ElenorRigby]

DD is just 3, its fun letting her choose her own stuff. I love all the clashing of colours!

As for pink paranoia, my DSD was the pinkest girl EVER. She swore she would love pink and wear pink forever. At 7 1/2, she prefers wearing black sniff :(

[fatsatsuma]

OK, I've heard you all and will try to overcome my boring scruples. Actually, pale(ish) pink and red I agree is great - but bright pink/fushchia and red - really?

ElenorRigby, I'm with you all the way re clothes from charity shops etc - DD is mainly in big sister's hand-me-downs anyway - but I've never managed to get children's shoes in sales. They all have these ridiculously narrow feet (DH's fault, of course) and it's hard enough to find them non-sale shoes.