to expect better from Clarks, pics included?

[Conkerharvester]

I took my daughter to get shoes from a Clarks factory outlet store. Had her feet measured but the fitter said the children's shoes she tried didn't fit. She got her an adult pair of shoes, fitted them and said they were good so we bought them.

3 weeks into the new term and noticed that the rubber on the sole of the shoes had worn away and the wooden heels were being worn down. I took them back with receipt in hand. The shop assistant and manager said that this was 'normal wear and tear' (after THREE weeks!) and they couldn't do anything. Apparently adults shoes aren't subject to the same rigorous testing as kids. They refused to replace them so I contacted head office who said:
"From looking the photo's we can't see any fault in either the materials or the construction, and believe the condition reflects the type and amount of wear received. Therefore, stand by the stores decision. Children's shoes are designed to deal with the rough wear and tear school shoes receive. It is therefore our opinion that an adults shoe worn for school would not give the same wear. "

She's 12 - she doesn't do rough play in them!

So mumsnetters, aibu to expect that they shouldn't have recommended adult shoes if they aren't suitable for normal school wear? And aibu to expect even adult shoes to stand up to being worn for 15 days without needing re-heeling?

Not much I can do about it now but I'm really cross that I spent £32 on them!

Pity the Daily Fail doesn't pick up this thread . . .

That's quite weird wear for three weeks, even if the shoes are crap quality. DD had a pair that went that way when she developed a fun game of effectively doing tricep dips on a school bench while scraping her shoes along the Tarmac. She was younger than 12, but she's 12 now and I wouldn't put it past her - especially if she'd decided she didn't like the shoes after all.

I stopped buying Clark's shoes for the DC several years ago. They are not cheap or good quality. They're expensive rubbish, and don't get me started on the shoddy, inconsistent fitting and hideous, gendered designs.

We have a large outlet near us and a smaller local Clarks - took DS a few years ago to the outlet and got his feet measured but they didn't have the shoes he wanted (those crappy ones with a toy inside) so took him to the local (more expensive as not outlet) store.

Said we didn't need his feet measured again as they had just been done but she insisted, glad she did, the outlet had measured wrong in length and width! Haven't been back since.
DS is 11 now and haven't felt the mums guilt of not using Clarks for a good few years, the quality really was poor the last few pairs we bought there and prices made my eyes water

I have 2 boys, and always buy Ricosta shoes. They take a hell of a lot of abuse, and always last the school year.

It's hoe your child walks nothing to do with how the shoes are made. Buy heel tips so they don't wear down so fast

My DS always has Clark's and they last excellently. Outgrown not worn out. DD is the destroyer of shoes and she has ruined Clark's, Startrite and M&S. I think girls shoes aren't as robust but I also think some kids are bloody hard on their shoes.

My dc have always had Clark's shoes and by and large they've been fine. We've had 2 problems over the years

1. As dd's feet grew a bit one of the straps turned out to be shorter than the other and the short one was too short. They replaced them after 3 months.
2. Again dd. She had a pair that stretched oddly and as a result were running the side of her toe. They replaced with a different style after 6 weeks.

Neither time have they been difficult or unhelpful. I'm happy based on my experiences.

Badtaste Bought my latest pair last December as as they ended up as my pregnancy boots they had real hard constant wear and have only just started to go so that's the usual wear for me

Did you pay by credit card? I'd be half tempted to kick up a stink with them. Sale of Goods act and all that. They were sold to you as shoes for school so that's what they should be fit for. I cannot believe their attitude on it.

Just been told this is "normal wear and tear" AFTER 2 MONTHS

They offered me a €10 discount on a new pair

Hah

As if I will EVER buy from them again

I'm surprised, I wear a lot of clarks shoes. I've a pair of heeled brougues that I wear EVERYDAY, to work and I do a lot of walking in them. After 2 years there not a bit of wear on the sole or heel- they still look brand new. This I can also say for all the others.

I do agree though the children's as rubbish, my sons wouldn't last 6weeks, he wears kickers now which I get on offer from sport direct for about £15. They seem to last the longest

My dd's went like that after only 2 weeks but they changed them for a new pair with no arguments, I'm really shocked at their attitude on this!

Clarks shoes are crap. Plus they don't get past the super strict shoe rules in my kids school

Buckle my shoe shoes are even worse. Dd's are held together with shoe polish and a miracle

Startrites last much better but the rubber soles on them wear down far too quick for my liking. They also do completely plain girls and boys styles which keeps the school happy.

Gah. I hate sodding school shoe shopping.

Interesting.
I think I bought dd (11) the same shoes. The only children's shoes they had in her size (that she would wear) had those really flimsy soles so looked too girly. The heel is worn but not as badly but the leather at the side had split. I will be taking them back tomorrow.

I'm not sure you can blame Clarks and their shoes. Your daughter is wearing the heels down on the outside edge, she may well have a foot issue and have overpronation. You may be better seeking professional advice.

Are they Fuzzy Dreams? They are renowned for the soles and heels wearing down quickly. Look at any of the online reviews.

OP - did you get your money back in the end?

Just took pair ds school shoes back and got them exchanged as the strap snapped two wks ago

Every time I've gone to clarks they measure my daughter one size then bring out 10 boxes of shoes in every size other than what's been measured. They then say every style is different so it doesn't matter. Don't bother with clarks now, her £13 tesco school shoes are in a lot better condition than her friends clark shoes!