To feel let down by Clarks shoes

[WendyWolf]

Why are kids shoes so expensive?? And why is the quality not like it used to be? Or am I imagining it? I have just been through 2 pairs of the same Clarks shoes that have exactly the same fault with the tongue working out and flapping about causing hassle for my toddler (and anyone within 10 feet) . Has anyone else had this problem? I changed them once - waited ages for a replacement and then the next pair have exactly the same fault. How can they provide shoes that are so expensive that cannot even be worn? I thought they were supposed to be so experienced at providing good quality childrens shoes. Sorry. And breathe. There are just so many more important things in life than continually going back and forth to the shoe shop with all kids in tow, only to spend a fortune and leave with another faulty pair of shoes

Can you buy another style I'd shoe?

OF shoe..

I've always been happy with the Start-rite ones I've had for my DS.

Sometimes a particular style one year is a bit duff and it sounds like this is what has happened in your case.

Will they give you a refund?

Yes, I'll have to now. Another trip to town. Just disappointed by Clarks - Thought I was buying shoes designed specially for little feet. A friend of mine has just told me her son's very first little 'cruisers' or whatever they are called were from Clarks - and gave him blisters!! I can't believe that!!

I have given up on Clarks shoes now - my 4 are admittedly hard on their belongings but I really found that they didn't last the distance. Mine are now 15, 9, 9 and 7 - for the 3 younger I go and get kickers/adidas all black trainers/similar, from Sports direct and they do the job for cheaper

The thing that drives me nuts about Clarks is that the shoes scuff so easily and quickly. I buy the kids shoes from Mothercare now.

You're not obliged to buy expensive shoes.

Thinking you have to is just proof that marketing works. People think they're failing their kids by not spending stupid money on shoes. It's so silly.

Do you know any teenagers or adults who have deformed feet because their parents didn't buy them Clark's shoes?

No.

Just buy shoes from a cheaper shop.

I don't like their styles or the fact they seem to issue your child a size at random but I think their quality is good.
We play outside a lot so they go in the washing machine and tumbler and although they look well worn, I've never had a pair wear out. And I think £30 - £40 is good for shoes. I know they contain less materials than adult shoes but the majority of the costs are very comparable.

I've given up on clarks shoes now, they just don't last. For school shoes we go with Geox now, which have lasted a full school year. My toddler has startrite ones. Do you have an independent shoe shop where you can try a few different brands?

My mum said that when I was young (a LONG time ago ) Clarks shoes were the best - always leather inside and out, nowadays that doesn't seem the case - mostly synthetic inside. I have actually had long lasting Start-rites for my other son icon maybe I should try them again - they are just so expensive and we are pretty skint at the mo. Perhaps I should check out Sportsdirect Queen Anyone else got any suggestions? How are Next shoes ? They seem cheaper. Thanks everyone.

Sorry whata just read yours - I will look in Mothercare too.

After years of buying Clarks shoes for my dds I have found in the past few years that don't last as long, as get scuffed a hell of a lot easier. This year I bought them both Startrite shoes which were a bit more expensive (cost an extra £20 for 2 pairs). But so far they seem brilliant I haven't even had to polish them yet since they started wearing them at the beginning of September. Whereas I had to polish their shoes every night when they wore Clarks as they were so badly scuffed.

We had issues with the fitting in Clarks, and DD had Startrite shoes which caused blisters on the first day she wore them, so we tried Hush puppies which were fantastic.
The one time we couldn't get her size we tried Sainsburys and found them to be very good. They fitted her really well and lasted her till her feet grew. We now buy all school shoes from there.

YANBU they just don't last anymore from Clarks, I've given up on them.
Hush puppies and geox are the same price as Clarks and last ages.

try toughees. I get them from amazon.

Best kids shoes ever. They last and they dont scuff and theyre cheaper than clarks

www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_0_8?url=search-alias%3Dshoes&field-keywords=toughees&sprefix=toughees%2Caps%2C226

thanks fairgame I feel so much better knowing other people have had problems with them too.

Thanks Bran never even heard of those!!

Clark's shoes are ugly and scuff in minutes.

Startrite shoes have endured my hurricane children (known to drag shoes for miles while riding trikes).

I also like Little Blue Lamb for the baby

In reception class I had to take FIVE pairs back over the year - the metal part that the Velcro strap passes through had torn away in each pair. I found Startrite MUCH better but typically, DD's feet grew in the May half term so bought a pair of Clarks for the last six weeks of school as Clarks is much easier to get to than John Lewis for Startrite. They lasted four weeks before the sole became loose.
Had to get DD1 Lelli Kelly's before September as the Startrite in her size were not available but DD2 has Startrite.
I will not be buying Clarks ever again.

shit charitybag that is no good. and SO expensive

poppy Just googled Little Blue Lamb - they are GORGEOUS!!!

When my son was younger I found some shoes by a Canadian company called Jack & Lily in TK. They were the nicest shoes. Not quite sturdy enough for him now. www.jackandlily.com/

I think clarks shoes are really ugly mostly. Their doodles are nice for the summer but the rest of their children's selection is dire. Startrite are good for school shoes.

Otherwise hush puppies, dr martens or converse are what my dc wear now.

Oh and Camper- their shoes are really nice for children. That's what my ds has for school this year.