To consider exchanging gift I’d requested?

[reetgood]

Toddler son is entering growth spurt and is out of his shoes again. He has ridiculous fat feet, so it’s mostly Clark’s or Startrite where we’ve found the extra wide fit. We are a bit short of cash this month.

We asked grandparent if they’d be up for getting him some shoes (they’ve offered before to help with clothes). They’ve managed to locate the right size and width... but in really rigid, hard shoes.

Am I being a bit precious to consider returning them? I’m trying to keep him in flexible soles. But grandparent went to the effort of going to the shop and getting them - I didn’t specify flexible soles as I assumed all Clarks shoes would be suitable. I worry grandparent would be upset to see id changed them, and I feel ridiculous telling the real reason (they won’t get it!)

I would just say they seemed to be rubbing and he refused to wear them. I totally agree re: flexible soles. Had you considered a barefoot brand like bobux or pediped? They have a wide toe box so good for wide feet! Have a look on www.happylittlesoles.co.uk

Do the soft soles maybe only up to a certain size, is it possible that he's passed those sizes and now only has option of a rigid sole???

@moreismore that’s a good idea. This is probably least controversial AIBU everrrr ;) I like the look of those shoes but godammit, I spend more on his shoes than I do on mine! His foot is both wide but also fat. When he was little they were like little trotters ..

@HeyYouWhatToDo god, maybe. He’s only 19 months and I think it’s an s7 we’re after...

Lol at trotters!! They are spendy... but I generally only have them in one pair at a time and they wear brilliantly. Also you can pass barefoot shoes down to siblings/sell on eBay as they don’t mould to feet like other shoes. My feet are already ruined so I may as well spend money on DC

Presumably your son was with them when they bought them?

You'll have to just say they rub on his feet or something and that you the new ones fit better?

We get the kids feet measured at a shop like john lewis/clarkes, then i order from Clarkes Outlet online to save money. Sometimes they do free delivery when you spend over £50.

Anyway, not BU. They aren't suitable or as expected , you're just changing fpr something else. Kids shoes are important to get right for their feet. Saying that, in the 80s, my parents would buy my clothes and shoes 2 sizes bigger and just tell me to grow into then.

Canvas shoes will be better than those rigid soles.