To think Clarks lady was not bothered about fit and just wanted to sell some shoes?

[Tokyotwist]

I took 2 yr old dd into Clarks today for a new pair of trainers. She got measured as a 7F and I told the lady that she needed a pair wider than the old ones, because they are too narrow and she ends up with red marks all over her feet.

I picked a pair that looked very wide in front but unfortunately they didn't have them in her size. So instead the lady tries to sell me 4 pairs exactly like the ones I've just complained about.

According to her the style of the shoe doesn't matter, as she measures an F and the shoe was an F. They should fit. I again pointed out that the old ones were an F and didn't fit, but she wouldn't give it up and said no these would be fine as she has just measured dd and dd is definately an F .

AIBU to think she was talking a load of rubbish and the style does matter. And to be a bit irritated at the rather hard selling tactics?

And, can anyone recommend somewhere that does wide fit style trainers? Preferably not Clarks.

Lol maybe I should ask if they need a rep to spread the word...

adding website to favortives NOW!
Thank you!

Clarks seem to think that if you don't buy your child's shoes from there you are a neglectful parent worthy of being reported to Social Services. After several rubbish experiences with Clarks I now go to an independent shop. You get a better choice of shoes, and you don't have to be served by surly teenagers that make out they know more about your child's feet than you do!

Tip re getting measured without buying. When they tell you the size, say 6F, say to them that her "other" shoes at home are a 6f and isn't that lucky you don't need to buy today. :)

Thanks for all the advice. We're going to try again today. I'm don't think I've ever noticed an independent shop in our town, but no doubt there is one. Will go have a look.

About to check out the websites too. I'm eager to get her measured somewhere else anyway as I am very suspicious of the F measurement. She used to be a G and the F hurts her feet. So my instinct tells me she should be a G and not an F.

Mumbar that is dreadful but sadly doesn't surprise me. How can they be sure of meeting the customer's needs if they are serving as fast as they can?

"a person logging how fast people are served and how many are served etc"

Agreed, that is silly... but in my case, I'm happy for it to be fast. I just want the measurement, then out! I buy my own shoes in clarks but only in the sales so I don't feel badly asking them to measure DS feet while I'm there.

It is totally shocking how much they charge for children's shoes. The prices there for DS' shoes far exceeded what I'd pay for even adult shoes. And he'll only be in them a few months.

Managed to get a pair today.
I didn't mention that we'd had them measured yesterday, just said exactly what I said to yesterday's lady. And Guess what she measured up as a G and the whole experience was a lot nicer.

We got DD's school shoes at a local independent shop and after Clarks it was a revelation. Despite the queue they spent time measuring, checking, double checking not just width and length but also depth. Finally after trying on a dozen pairs they gave her a choice of 2 which were right. We were't being offered the most expensive ones either and all in all it was a lovely experience and we felt under no pressure. there was a long queue but they announced that they wouldn't close until everyone had been dealt with properly.

dd 2 (10) wanted specifically to go to a Clarks to get her shoes I was unsure why but agreed to go her feet were measured and the woman wanted to do it again I felt uncomfortable with the measure ment and querried it the shoes were clearly uncomfortable on dd2's feet we left without buying any and I took her up the road to Russell and Bromley. DD along the way confessed that what she really wanted was "bootleg"shoes and I was able to reassure her that they would have this at R&B turns out we ended up with the EXACT same shoe but 1 1/2 sizes and 2 width sizes DIFFERENT to what Clarks has (now I know many says Clark meassures differently but not 1 1/2 size and 2 width sizes) I am done for good with Clarks I will not go there we will stick to socalled more expensive shops where I know my children has been fitted in shoes that actually fits their feet.

The shoe itself in R&B cost £1 less than it would have done in Clarks btw.