Clarks shoes - questionable feet measuring

[HighlandWorrier]

I had time on my hands this morning so for an experiment took dd (3) to a large Clarks store and she measured at a 8F. I then popped into a smaller branch within a Mothercare and lady there asked me what size she currently wears, I said a 7. DD has now gone down half a size but got wider all within the space of half an hour, measuring 7 and a half G Who to believe or are they in essence the same size?

We had a similar experience and the different shoe measurements were starting to annoy me. We stopped going after one of the staff got shitty with my 18 month old because he didn't straighten his foot for them to put the shoe on (he had no idea what they were talking about). In the end we found a family run shoe shop that sell bobux and haven't looked back. Much better shoes too , the quality is fantastic.

Can you go elsewhere for another opinion? It's important to get the right sizing, particularly at this age.

The measure is not absolute. It is a starting point to fit from.

I think the machines they use can vary a lot in their calibration. Try and find a shop that uses the old fashioned tape and measuring grid. Clarks are distinctly variable across branches.

I stopped using Clark’s when they brought in the iPad measures. They were way out for both my two compared to the two reputable independent shops who use the old fashioned foot gauge.

I also go to an old fashioned shop who sell clarks shoes rather than going to clarks.. the ipad operated by a disinterested teenager is no where near as accurate

I thought Clarks measured half a size different from everywhere else?

Last time I took my DC to be measured at Clarks they showed on the iPad as being half a size and a full size smaller than the shoes they were currently wearing (and in dds case the toe was at the end of). They were both in Clarks shoes. Assistant was a bit arsey about their measuring being correct. It was them who'd measured them previously again on an iPad. I take my kids anywhere else now.

Had the same experience with Clarks years ago. My DS wore them out the shop. They looked far too tight across the top to me upon reflection even though he wasn't complaining as he was too young and I went straight to an independent place to check who confirmed they were too small. Took them straight back to Clarks and got my money back.

7.5g and 8f are essentially very close in size though. In much the same way as bras if you need to go up a length size you can come down a width size. It’s not a perfect science and should only ever be taken as a guide.

I have had to be very stern and tough about shoes in Clarks. They kept insisting that son's feet were smaller and I had to really be assertive. They don't listen at all.

We go to Clinkards now.

I go to an independent shop 150 miles away where my mum lives. Not an I pad in site.

Clark's are terrible quality anyway.

Clark’s are rubbish.

Independent shoe shop all the way. Dd’s school shoes (bought for September) started to rub. Took her to independent we bought them from and they took them up to their workshop and sorted out a rough patch on the inside (no need for proof of purchase). Previously in June they stretched out a pair to get them to last to the end of the school year. Guarantee Clark’s would have told me to buy new.

*started to rub after 6 months of wear

I have a measuring gauge at home, less than a tenner from startrite years ago. As long as you use is properly it’s a real time and money saver. Clark's Machine would regularly measure my boys’ feet 1.5 to 2 sizes to small. One time I just walked out after the measurement showed the size he’d grown out of two pairs of shoes ago. - rubbish IMO.

And to add, I now measure at home and buy Hush Puppies or Kickers online, better quality by far.