Clarks Outlet store for school shoes? Any good?

[MrsPreston11]

Evening all. Sorry for the boring question.

I’ve never gone to the Clarks outlet for school shoes as it’s over an hour away.

But we’re passing to visit family this weekend.

I realise it may be hellish. But is it worth it? Good savings? Are the shoes seconds quality or anything?

Years ago they all seemed to be small sizes for kids. If your passing take a look but you may not get the size and style you want. All the stock is out btw.

We go every summer to ours. We save about a tenner per pair. There's not the same choice though so it depends of you are fussy about having the latest styles.

I love by the one at Cheshire oaks. Last year we went to get DS's shoes. Got there at 10am, they had huts outside to measure so that in store you just picked the shoes and got assistance fitting them. We were out in 20 mins, paid about £20-25 for them and they lasted until he outgrew them at easter.

If you're going to Clarks Village, you'll save money but spend it in all the other outlets instead 😊

Not all of them stock the kids range mind - the one local to my mum's didn't when we tried to go there.

Went to Sarn Park at 4pm on sat and had to queue outside just to get measured and again to get a professional to confirm fit was ok. But they were £10 cheaper and plenty in each size (hanging so you could choose and didn’t have to wait for boxes)

They're fine, end of line stuff rather than seconds in the one near me. Not too hellish of you go early/late in the day but that's the same in the regular clarks store. They measure feet and fit the shoes same as all clarks shops, you'll just find lots of summer stock in there at the moment rather than the autumn range.

We get ours from our nearest outlet. As already said, it's pot luck what styles and sizes will be available but we always manage to get something.

We were at junction 32 at the weekend. They had a gazebo outside for measuring in, then it was pick the shoes you like and take a ticket inside for fitting.

It was quite well organised tbh.

We popped into one at gretna last week....for once they actually had e width...but all the school shoes were ballet type and hurt dds toes when walking to school so we didn't buy any. They were £10 cheaper than usual price and luckily we knew her size as it was a long queue snaking the store waiting for foot measuring.

Got school shoes for dd and ds in the a Clarks outlet at the weekend. It was busy but they had a good system set up. Style wise both kids got what they wanted (and dd 12 has very set ideas!) and they don't really change much year on year anyway so nothing to lose in terms of not having the current season's stock. We saved £28 in total so worth it I think!

We went to the one near us at the weekend and we were in and out in 10 mins - quicker than our usual Clark’s! I’d say it’s worth it if you’re passing anyway.

I've done this the last couple of years However last year I ended up having to get two out of three a new pair after a couple of weeks because they hadn't been fitted properly due to the rush and they were hurting their feet. Be sure they take enough time.

Our out let is far better than normal store. Has narrow sizes, it's much easier and quicker being able too grab shoes yourself and try them and yes, always at least 10 cheaper.

I find if you go in the middle of the summer holidays there is a good range, but that last week before school starts forget it, unless your child has small feet. Definitely worth it though, we save around £10-£15 per pair of school shoes.

I always try to get DDs shoes from Clarks Village in Street when we’re down that neck of the woods visiting the in-laws. £10+ off the regular store price.

But I agree with the PP who said you’ll just end up blowing any savings on all the other outlet stores there!

I went to Gunwharf a couple weeks ago with my SIL and our 5 collective children. It was hot and manic but they still had lots of choice (my boys both tried 3 pairs on) and I paid £25 for my 5 y/o and £28 for my 9 y/o so it's definitely worth it if you're local to one. There is likely to be less choice now given that the kids go back in 2 weeks but hopefully you'll still find something.

It's the only place I buy my DCs school shoes. I also picked up a pair of shoes for my youngest last time we went for £5... Originally £24. Considering she's in that toddler stage where she will wear them for all of five minutes, it's worth going out of our way. Their plimsolls are also cheaper at the outlet too.

I’ve heard they’re great but last time I attempted it there was a 1.5 hour queue for measuring/fitting...

I love Clark's Village and yes I would look if you are passing. I have bought my daughter from there and as above saved about £10 per pair. I managed to get her trainers and show for around £20 this year. .......but as above, you might spend the saving in other shops ....mmm Hotel Chocolate

It’s completely pot luck. I’ve been before and got all 4 but last time they didn’t have a single pair that fitted any of them! If you’re passing it’s worth a try.