To think that there is a big gap in the market for a decent kids shoe shop?

[Pyjamaramadrama]

Just that really.

Clarkes are so ugly, their measuring can be inaccurate, their sizing vs age is all out, poor quality, and did I say UGLY shoes.

I really like the styles of some of the Next boys trainers, if they did measuring they'd be spot on. But their trainers don't tend to be leather.

We have a fab independent one near us.

I have, in the past, walked all over Bluewater shopping centre looking for shoes for DD2, being told at each shoe shop or department store that they don't have anything suitable for the shape of her feet (high insteps). When I then went in desperation to the independent shoe shop, they were incredulous that no one else could find shoes to fit, and found her some lovely ones.

We always go there for school shoes now. They sell Clarkes, but also other brands, such as StartRite, Ricosta and Ecco. These can be expensive, although not madly more so than Clarks. They have a loyalty card scheme, too. I usually get £5 or £10 off (on the whole lot) each time I go.

Clarks do 15 styles of black school shoes in my DD's size. Every single pair is the Mary Jane style. What on earth is the point of producing 15 variations of the same shoe?

Startrite do one shoe with a T bar, so we have to have that one every time, because nothing else fits. DD wrecks them within a day or so by climbing walls

This time round we bought DMs in one size larger than her normal shoes. Downside is she can't tie laces, which is a pain at school, but upside is she hasn't wrecked them.

clawdy which shop is that please? I thought Strolling for Shoes sold kids shoes but couldn't see any in the window when I was there recently.

www.wjfrenchandson.co.uk/section/4/1/children/3ef59a0ce745b9f3db2706dd0a70f6f7

We love Clinkards. Choice of Clarks or Startrite perhaps others. Very friendly and professional staff who don't pressurise you to buy new shoes if the old ones still have room.

Highly rate independent shoe shops, DS1 has wide feet so our main stay are ricosta and geox. He's always grown out of the shoes which are still in really good condition. Not cheap at nearly 50 quid a pair but they've been handed down to ds2 who also has wide feet.

Get thee to an independent specialist children's shoe shop.

To be honest it how you find Clark's/Start rite etc does often rather depend on you child's feet. My wee boy has completely standard feet, we've never had any problem getting him shoes that fit anywhere. My DD however, has terribly difficult feet to fit. Clark's and now start rite are out and even in our well stocked indie she has to try 6-8 pairs of shoes before we find ones that fit. The poor child loves shoes but it's never a case of getting to pick the ones she likes - always just trying to find one pair that will fit.

Catsize I have friends who do this. It really irritates me. We have a very good indie shoe shop near us and I keep pleading that it will close down if people use them as a free measuring service then buy the same shoe online. These are not people who need to save the extra two quid.

YANBU at all. I absolutely hate Clarks - drab shoes, incorrect fitting, and surly service. I definitely go with independents every time. Although, having said that, one of the independents near me has gone down the route of Converse, Lelli Kelly's, etc - leaving just one other shop. And this is the SE! Definitely a gap in the market, yes.

DaffodilsandTruffles - I feel your pain. My DS has such wide feet that even in our independent shoe shop they couldn't find anything suitable (and were honest enough to tell us - love) so they ordered a pair in for us which they knew had a very wide fit. Then by the time it came in, his feet had grown by a size! They were very nice about it. Eventually found something suitable but it's never that fun!

Tallulah: take a look at greeper laces...no need for tying ever again

I justworemytrenchcoat I was thinking of Goody 2 Shoes,hope it's still there?

Had a great independent nearby which shut due to lack of trade. Such a shame as they stocked start rite and hush puppies which are great school shoes. Clarks are just as expensive but quality is not the same.

I used to work in Clarks. Many employees, like most shops, are just filling in time before college / uni / careers. I was one of those, but I took a pride in what I did, sadly many did not.

I used to get frustrated when I measured feet and there was nothing in stock to fit so I brought out another size and parents refused to try them. The measure is just a guide - children have an amazing ability to change the shape of their feet and it essentially just gives you a starting point in the stock room. Sometimes they end up in the size they were measured, other times they won't. If the fitter is good, they'll go with what actually fits rather than the measurement.

The style of some of the shoes though is just hideous - there is a massive gap in the market. I have to buy children's shoes as my feet are too narrow for adult brands. I used to by Clarks but have recently switched to Kickers.

If I ever get fed up with teaching ....

stuffofawesome thanks for that. I'd never heard of them.

Living close to Carlisle looking for a french tutor. Would prefer a native speaker. Anyone know one?

well not a Z-O-M-B-I-E tutor I hope