to return dd clarks shoes?

[Icantstopeatinglol]

I bought my dd clarks shoes for the start of the new school year in September. However, the last few weeks the part in the heel where the toy was is collapsing in on itself. I'm going to have to buy her some new shoes but would I be unreasonable to expect these £30+ shoes to last longer than 3/4 months? I've no idea where the receipt is but as they're faulty would I be ok to return them?

[TheExuberant1]

I stopped using Clarks because the shoes just fell apart. The boys shoes are babyish for over 7 year olds and the girls shoes are not substantial enough. However, I have bought leather shoes from various other places and most have also fallen apart within 4 months of daily wear. The only consolation is the fact they are slightly cheaper than Clarks.

[differentnameforthis]

I'd be delighted to get 3-4 months out of Clark's kids shoes. This is due to a design fault tho, so is hardly fair wear and tear!

[Gileswithachainsaw]

gid these companies are laughing of people really expect so little from expensive products.

a kid can't help growing out of shoes. however I bought dd 1 two sets of shoes that lasted walking several miles a week for months and months and still be on a fit enough state to pass down to dd2 who incedentkynalso also wore them.fir months on a daily basis and who is very heavy going on shoes.

absolutely would I expect more than 12-16 weeks out if a show when sone of that was half term/end of term.anyway.

really they have only been worn fir 3 Months.

shocking standards

[landrover]

Same happened to me. I sent them boxed up to the clarkes head office with a nice letter and they sent me a credit note for new pair! They didnt seem to mind about lack of receipt. In my opinion if the shoes are still wearable then the doll bit shouldn't drop.

[CalleighDoodle]

Ive never had an issue returning clarks shoes and getring an exchange. I got my dd soft leather leli kellies last sept as hernoatent split last year. Polished every few days and they are atill in beautiful condution. Excuse typos. Typing outside in thensnow

[BikeRunSki]

I'd be delighted to get 3-4 months out of Clark's kids shoes.

[StuffYouAllInTheCrust]

I had the same email but luckily still had the receipt. I've been back this morning and they gave me 50% off a new (and different!) pair so I was happy with that. I did have to argue with the manager that it wasn't because she was 'heavy footed' as she tried to say but because the toy compartment clearly wasn't as supportive as it should be. She said they've never had any complaints except when they were first produced 10 years ago... Anyway, I'm happy she now has new shoes with no toy in them! ican't If they measure your daughter's feet they'll be able to tell you haven't had them years at least! Worth I try, let us know how you get on.

[cece]

I usually have to replace school shoes about February time but have a go OP - the worse they can say is no.

[SavoyCabbage]

You could have had them for ages though.

[Icantstopeatinglol]

I've had an email back saying how I can return them to the shop with the receipt and they'll take appropriate action etc. However as its been five months I've no idea where the receipt is! I've emailed back stating this and also as they're clarks shoes they should take responsibility at the poor quality. See what they say.

[SalemSaberhagen]

I might be making this up, but I'm sure I remember reading somewhere that shoes are expected to last 6 months plus. Anything that leaves them unwearable before 6 months means they 'are not fit for purpose' and so can thus be returned, even without a receipt.

[differentnameforthis]

I'd take them back...the thing is, they aren't collapsing due to normal wear & tear. They are collapsing because they aren't reinforced enough to handle having a hollow heel that can stand the test of normal everyday usage.

[Solo]

Will be interesting to know their response.

[ijustwannadance]

If you look at the reviews for them on their website, they say the same thing. Got DD's feet measured a few weeks ago and told woman which 2 styles I would be ok with. She came out with those. I told her politely to please not take them out of the box as I didn't want my 4 year old getting upset as of course she would want the toy in heel pair.

[Icantstopeatinglol]

Email sent. I'll see what they say. Thanks all.

[Icantstopeatinglol]

Yea I'll do the same, thanks solo and stuff. I'll let you know how I get on.

[StuffYouAllInTheCrust]

Good plan Solo I've emailed them this morning with a couple of photos where they've collapsed and also the shoe itself so they can see the condition they're in. We shall see what happens!

[Solo]

If Stuff is going to photo and send an email to Clarks head office, why don't you do the same OP at about the same time? Maybe they'll reason that there is a problem? I only ever had to replace Ds's Clarks shoes when he grew and then I passed them on to other people. They lasted between 6 and 12 months depending on his growth.

I don't buy gimmicky shoes for Dd, but always buy at Peres and up until 15 months ago bought Start Rite or Clarks from them; they always lasted well. I then bought Angry Angels brogues (DM type sole) which in hindsight, were not right for Dd as they have left her with a slight bunion (she is slightly broad footed), but the upper is still like new after 10 months wear. Dd slakes her feet so the soles are not in brilliant condition now. The replacements are Kickers. Seem good so far since buying and wearing from September. Strict instructions not to slake though!!

[escapetothecountry16]

sothathappened i have just had a flashback into my deprived childhood. I never had the magic steps shoes either. Does anyone remember the advert in which Ninah Cherry's dd was the "actor" in modelling a pinl pair of trainer type shoes? I would have killed for those [DM sadface]

[StuffYouAllInTheCrust]

I don't think it has anything to do with 'brass neck'

If the shoes were worn out and knackered through normal wear and tear then absolutely, bin them and get them replaced. But I don't expect a shoe to collapse internally, particularly when the same brand of shoe - minus the toy compartment - have always lasted us until the next growth spurt. Clearly the gimmicky shoes with a toy in the heel are not as high quality so I've learnt my lesson there. The shoes are still in great condition so I wouldn't need to replace them but for the problem inside. I think it's more than fair to complain.

[CakeNinja]

Oh my friend was talking to me about the same situation last weekend. Although not the toy shoes, the brogue ones.
I was shocked that she would have the cheek to walk in and ask for her money back! 5 months of wearing shoes will result in wear and tear. I wear different shoes most days so the destruction is spread out, but much more noticeable when just one pair is being used.
She went and they let her swap them, but I think she's got a brass neck (not hush about the shoes though, she is generally quite pushy!).
Anyway, I think they will probably offer you a gesture to get rid of you, but I wouldn't do it myself.
And I haven't bought proper clarks/startrite shoes this year for the dds because the styles were naff and not liked by any of us. They've got Next ones, and another pair from M&S and they alternate between them.
My feet are fine and my mum wouldn't have had the money to go to clarks when we were kids.

[MazzleDazzle]

My mum used to work for Clarks.

Yes, they might think you have a brass neck, but they should smile sweetly and offer you another pair of shoes!