To think Clarks are outrageously sexist?

[BakingEating]

So my dd is nearly one and just starting to walk. I decided to have a quick look online at shoes so that I'd have a good idea of prices and styles before I go shopping.

I'm now seething with rage at the ridiculously sexist way Clarks are categorising their shoes. Shoes for baby girls are either pink or purple, or they're covered in hearts or flowers. A plain green pair of canvas shoes are "for boys". A yellow pair with giraffes on are "for boys". Why?

www.clarks.co.uk/c/babies-walking

I know most baby and children's clothes shops do this to some extent, but Clarks is the worst I've encountered so far. You'd normally expect some overlap between what they market at girls and boys.

Normally I just buy what's nice and get on with life. With Clarks though it's too bad to ignore.

AIBU?

Methe if it helps, I got my daughter a super warm, three-in-one waterproof Peter Storm coat from Millets. It was £17 reduced from £35 in the sale (couldn't afford £35 with three kids). My dd wanted it in purple but they also have blue/grey. Have just checked and they have a half price half term sale. Going to have browse now!

Yeah, Clarks are particularly bad. It gets worse as they get older. My daughter likes brightly coloured, attractive shoes (as do I). I want her to wear shoes that are comfortable, supportive, which stay on her feet, keep them warm and dry and which she can run around and play in (as does she).

At Clarks she can either run around lots with warm, dry feet - if we shop in the boys section, and so long as she's happy to wear shades of sludge, because apparently no boy has ever liked bright colours.

If, however, she wants bright colours and attractive patterns, then she best be prepared to wear flimsy shoes in a non-waterproof material which don't cover the whole foot and won't stay on if she tries anything more active than a sedate stroll.

I discovered the other day that Schuh don't sell boys and girls shoes, just "kids shoes", in a wide variety of practical but attractive styles, so I'll be taking my business there from now on.

people who say it does not matter and just buy whatever shoes you like - have you actually tried that, for a child older than about 3? Kids are very receptive to advertising and will from early age take notice what's 'appropriate' for girls and what is for boys. If your particular child does not care, their classmates will happily point it out for them.

And why shouldn't it be possible to have what shoe they want in what colour they want and have it fit for purpose???

Wait til you get to the stage where they put plastic tat dolls or cars in the heel. I refused these after the one time we bought them and the shoe collapsed in on itself after a few weeks.