clarke's shoe shops

[swallowthree]

Bought my son shoes three weeks ago, measured at 13.5. Took him back for trainers today, measured him at 1.5. Some similar fitting blunder nearly every time we go. Isn't the point of Clarke's getting shoes that fit. Always come out feeling narky but haven't found an acceptable alternative. Anyone else ?

Ricosta are amazing, my ds has the goretex ones and they have been in the sea (on his feet), been wee'd in and been washed and they still look fantastic.

He also likes the fleecy lining as it makes them really cosy and comfy.

I was a bit at how much they cost though I suppose you get what you pay for.

Does anyone else think that a lot of the styles are also horrible these days? For toddler boys they don't seem to have anything that isn't really a trainer in disguise. They used to do sweet little, rounded toe t bar shoes with pictures of teddies, clowns, cars etc on in their first few sizes but have nothing like that now.

I have to say that I've found Clarks shoes and staff fine. However, last year I bought DD a pair of shoes for the winter but she spent all winter in a pair of Next Upsy Daisy boots (mothers of toddler girls will know what I mean!) and the shoes were worn about twice. This winter I didn't bother with the shoes and again she lived in Next boots and wellies. I've just bought a pair of shoes in Clarks but I really think that apart from Doodles, which I and dd really like, I don't think I'll bother with them any more.

I've always used Clarks till the DC's were about 7-8 and needed playing out shoes, schools shoes, sandshoes and wellies etc. Then I go to Asda or Sports Direct.
With DS (ASD) he was really particular over his shoes and he would have meltdowns when we went to get him shoes. One of the staff members was great and would let us nip in front and get seen quickly so he could stay calm. we did for a few years just use Asda shoes but he wears through them so quick so we have gone back to Clarks again, it cost a bit more but they are better made.
I don't see the point in paying £9 for sanshoes when asda sell them for £4

I also left Clarkes and went with an Independant shoe shop. Got fed up with bad measuring and being told "I fitting...umm that's wide...I don't know if we have anything in an I" then expected to be grateful for the one shoe they could find (often not suitable design or colour) or buy a different size because they had nowt.
I now go about very 6 months and spend about 10 - 15% more than Clarkes but know that they'll be the right fit; they'll last; there'll be choice AND she won't sell me any if his feet haven't grown.

Luckily this often coincides with sales too so get a bit knocked off. Also a big fan of Ricosta. Anyone with small boys who love mud will appreciate how well they clean up.