That Zero VAT children shoes need to catch up with the size of kids feet

[Hopeforever]

Hooping that venting my frustration on here will save me venting in front of my DD as we struggle to find shoes that fit her, are age appropriate and VAT free

She is 10, the height of a 13 year old, 4 out of the 12 girls in her class are the same height as her.

But it's the shoes that really get me, she is size 6 1/2. Not suprising when mine are size 8 and I was that size by the time I was 13 over 30 years ago. So it's not a new thing even!

Yesterday I tried to find her some basic trainers. Most sports shops stopped at size 5. Clarks had just one style for her to chose, thankfully they fit.

Returning home I've looked at Clarks girls shoes web site and the only options on there for her are basic black school shoes (thankfully they go beyond her size) and one pair of trainers. Nothing else.

AIBU to think that as childrens feet sizes have grown over the last few decades, that the VAT rules should keep up?

On a positive note, the ladies in Clarks were lovely, an elderly lady was trying in kids trainers and they were so lovely to her, really thoughtful and caring.

steppemum think you are right

I don't see why children's clothes that look like children's clothes shouldn't stay zero VAT rated and small adult clothes that look like adult clothes are not. Anyone who wants to let their child look grown up beyond their years can pay the VAT. Anyone who wants to buy zero VAT rated school shoes are welcome to.

Yanbu.

All my over 12's end up in adult size footwear and clothing its a bugger finding them in age appropriate styles,I think its a total con that kids sizes tend to be aimed at the smallest kids in any age range.

Oh and my feet are a size 5 but I would never wear shoes designed for children in a child's style.

I am an adult and I don't wish to dress like a child.

Scholes, that can happen now - if the shop can show the/shoes are predominantly targeted at children then they can get a VAT exemption, it's up to the retailer to make the case for a certain range though.

Syd, at least sanitary products are only at 5% VAT rate these days.

My hunter wellies look no different to ladies ones, only they were £30 rather than £70! But its not hard to legislate for school shoes etc.

5mad.

I'm actually really disappointed that the end gf your first sentence didnt say "only they have little frog eyes on the toe"

Lol my ds3 has ones with eyes and sharks teeth! Very funky but I opted for plain, maybe next time I should get funky ones

The children's Hunters do have glow in the dark safety bits on them that aren't on the adult version! It's quite a subtle distinction though.

slim and nubile young women.

One of those moments when I'm glad I didn't have a mouthful of anything.

Oh yes there is that bit, I hadn't noticed it on the adult ones, but quite frankly for the money I saved I don't care!

No and at least you'll be safe and seen!

My eldest ds aged 13 wears a size 10 shoe, 11 rugby boot and my 10 year old ds wears a size 8.5...costs me a bloody fortune!!

Wow my feet are abnormally tiny looking at this thread, i'm 4 1/2!

I dont think they should waive the VAT for all 'kids' sizes, but certainly for all school shoes and glittery trainers etc, things that an adult isn't likely to want!

remote i am a size 4 :)

5madthings phew, I'm not alone then!

Slightly different but still same gripe, what's with the VAT on school uniforms bigger than age 12-13 (or about that)? When DD was at school, as soon as she needed a bigger blazer from the special schoolwear shop age 14, it had tax applied? Wtf? What adult would possibly want a logoed regulation school blazer? That is obviously made for a child as it was worn by 11-16 year olds only...

That is something that needs sorting out.

I am a size 4.5-5 and I buy kids shoes often. In fact I rarely buy adult shoes.

I was surprised in M&S the other day to see the boys shoes went up to size 8. Dh is only an 9, and he's not small.

Yes vat on uniform is shite i have the same with ds1 who is 13 and its a school blazer with the soddin school badge on it!

I'm a 4 too!

I guess that's why I see the issue with overlap.

Well, I'm a size 4, hate heels, and most of my shoes are ballet pump styles, so I do well in the children's section!

Scholes34, I'm not sure how your idea would work. Do you mean you would put VAT on "unsuitable" clothes that make children look old beyond their years, or just keep VAT relief for clothes that an adult wouldn't want to wear? There are plenty of things like plain denim jeans; a black T shirt; a plain purple jumper etc that would not be obviously childish but might be staples of a girl's wardrobe. A small adult might buy them, too.

I can quite understand why you would want a leopard print mini skirt for an 11 year old classified as adult, but if you would only exempt obviously childish clothes, poorer kids are going to be kitted out entirely in glittery stuff and things with pictures of kittens on!

DS aged 13 is a 9. I'm slightly more accepting that he's reaching the end of kids shoes.

It's obvious that having the cut off at 5.5 is not working. There must be a better solution so that adults don't get cheaper shoes than a ten year old

But school shoes for ages 10-14 aren't really the old mary Janes with a buckle and a 0.5in heel - they are more like sturdy ballerina pumps with a cross foot strap.

X post with daughteroflilith

If the argument is that kids grow so fast they need new shoes regularly - then why do you buy such expensive shoes as clarks? Just buying something cheaper then the VAT won't be as relevant?