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Really struggling to find school shoes to fit my daughter!

16 replies

chuffinalong · 21/01/2016 09:43

Hi, my daughter is nearly 11 but is very tall and just grown out of her size 7 G Start-rite shoes. I looked on the Start-rite website before going to the shop and all they have in a 7.5 or 8 are brogues, which she thinks are boyish and also too stiff. She has very soft skin which marks and blisters very easily. Or dolly style patent toe ones that she's had before but rubbed, so she always had to use plasters and an extra pair of socks. I kept thinking they'd ware in but they didn't..
I've also looked on the Clarks website and they only do either stiff looking brogues or slip on shoes. My daughter has problems with her co-ordination and would probably end up breaking her neck in slip on shoes.
We bought her some Vans about 2 weeks ago as we thought they'd be soft and comfy for school but already she's saying that her little toes are rubbing and she has a blister! Sad She's had Vans before so I thought the width would be fine. She does have very wide feet and kind of square toes. Her feet kind of look like a bigger version of toddlers feet.
Anyway, she needs new shoes today preferably and I'm really not sure where to go. I want someone to fit them for her so that I can take them back if they're not right...
Thanks Smile

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chuffinalong · 21/01/2016 10:11

bump

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LeotardoDaVinci · 21/01/2016 10:16

adult shoes!

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JellyTotCat · 21/01/2016 10:17

Is there a good local independent shoe shop near you? I've never been to one as Clarks suit my dds, but I'd think they'd have a range of different brands and could hopefully fit something suitable.

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AppleAndBlackberry · 21/01/2016 10:17

Have you got a Brantano near by? M&S also do nice school shoes but they don't fit them.

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JellyTotCat · 21/01/2016 10:18

Or yes, adult shoes is a good suggestion.

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May09Bump · 21/01/2016 10:20

Geox make really supportive shoes and they have been brilliant for my DS (also wide feet). They have a sale on atm.

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ItsAllGoingToBeFine · 21/01/2016 10:21

Have a look at Happy Little Soles (online) the woman who runs it is very knowledgeable and will be able to help you out. Pretty much all of their shoes are fairly soft. www.happylittlesoles.co.uk/school-shoes

Vivobarefoot shoes will fit very wide feet, with lots of adjustment (depending on style)

Barefoot style shoes may also help with your daughters coordination as would improve her propripception.

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MigGril · 21/01/2016 10:21

Problem with adult shoes is you are very limited with who does 1/2 sizes if she's needs a half size. Annoyingly I find clarks one of the best but then they aren't as good at wear as they used to be for the cost. Next do though, although not sure what choice you would have on style.

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ItsAllGoingToBeFine · 21/01/2016 10:24

Oops, sorry - just saw the size - I still recommended Vivobarefoot though if you can find a smart style in the adult section.

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ItsAllGoingToBeFine · 21/01/2016 10:25

If the shoes are adjustable enough (ie laces/straps) you shouldnt need to worry about 1/2 sizes.

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MigGril · 21/01/2016 10:27

Oh yes forgot about barefoot style shoes my daughter had a pair of running trainers. They have a bigger toe box then normal shoes so maybe really helpful for her.

They have helped my daughter develop a better running stride. Ours are Merrell but I don't know if they do shoes as well.

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Bunbaker · 21/01/2016 10:29

Would insoles help? Do you have a Charles Clinkard or Brantanos near you? Their choice is excellent.

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MigGril · 21/01/2016 10:30

Trust me as an adult that 1/2 size can make all the difference to shoes that rub and shoes that are comfortable. And why do they think only children really need them it's so hard to find shoes that really fit.

Do you have an independent so who can measure her feet correctly as well.

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chuffinalong · 21/01/2016 10:31

That's brilliant, thank you! Smile I'll look up all of these suggestions.

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dodobookends · 21/01/2016 10:33

If she has delicate skin on her feet, try dabbing them with surgical spirit as this hardens the skin up (not on open blisters though - ouch!). It's what dancers do.

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balletgirlmum · 21/01/2016 10:35

Dd is 14 & has wide squareish feet (2.5 G) with a high instep. She wears start rite brogues- they are really fashionable at the moment & very supportive.

She also has vans but they do blister if you wear them too much & they offer little support (but more than converse)

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