To think Clarks have lost the plot?

[AudTheDeepMinded]

School shoe shopping today. Was shown school shoe for five-year old (size 10) from newest range. Lovely shoe, but fuck me £56. I don't spend this on my own shoes.
www.clarks.co.uk/c/Encode-Flash-Kid/p/26153466
AIBU to think Clarks have lost touch with the reality of what the majority of parents can afford. I don't mind paying for quality and a pair that will endure but £56 is surely completely ludicrous for a five year old? A pair of DM boots in the same size is only a fiver more.

I always get my DDs shoes in M&S now. They are great quality for just over half the price of Clarks.

[quote Namechange8471]Try the outlet op.
I got dd (age 11 size 3) shoes for £26, my fiend paid over £50 for similar shoes in store.

www.clarksoutlet.co.uk/c/all-girls-styles?q=%3Arelevance%3AshortColour%3Ablack&text=#[/quote]
Just looking at that link, why is it that girls supposedly can't have shoes which actually cover the top of their feet and keep them dry when it rains? It's so bizarre!

The Clark’s shoes on the link are ridiculous. How could anyone keep their feet dry in them let alone run around, climb or play football or other games at break time.

I bought DD some school boots from Clark today, £58! 😭

To be fair they look well made, waterproof, Gore-tex and really comfy. I hope she has a growth spurt before February so we can claim the free pair.

That children’s clothing and shoes are VAT exempt makes those prices even worse!

I agree that Clarks shoes are very over-priced, but as my DD has very narrow feet that other brands' shoes are like boats on, I've been stuck with buying them for years unfortunately.

Your 5 year old has size 10 feet? My 4 year old is a size 13 already

Off topic I know, just shocked at how my petite 4 year old has massive feet.

OP you don't have to go to the outlet. There is an online outlet store.

I stopped buying Clark's shoes for DS a couple of years ago as they started to wear out before he grew out of them. It was a mile each way to primary school and he would go through the soles quite quickly.

Decided that as he was old enough to say if the shoes were too small/big/uncomfortable when he tried them on, then I'd get them from Tesco. Could get three pairs of shoes for the price of one Clark's pair, and each pair would last almost as long as one pair of Clark's.

He's off to secondary school on Friday and is quite sure he needs Nike black trainers as part of his uniform...

Just got 10 year old DD a pair of Docs for school. (Learned in nursery year that a pair of Clark’s shoes lasts about 3 weeks on her). Docs in a size 4 cost £48 with a discount code and I add a cheap insole in September. A pair lasts a whole year that way. She scuffs them but I don’t really mind that when I’m not constantly buying new ones.

I used to work at Clarks fitting kids shoes all year. In my opinion, the shoes are worth the money as they are well built and do last. However, I do agree they are very expensive and there needs to be a competitor so that the market is healthier in that area (anyone care to 'step' up? ).

In case you wanted to look elsewhere but wanted to check fittings correctly, this is exactly what we used to do at Clarks as fitters:

1. Foot in shoe, then adjust straps/laces so that they are secure.
2. Run thumb across toe. If the leather ripples slightly, it's a good fit. If there is no movement, it's probably too tight, and if there is a lot of movement then it's probably too loose.
3. Squeeze around side of foot including outer toes to check that there are no lumps. If you feel a lump, it's probably going to cause friction.
4. Check the heel grip. Hold the heel firmly in one hand and tug downwards at the heel of the shoe. If it slips, it's probably too loose. If it doesn't move or a tiny bit of movement, you're good.
5. Watch your child walk. They should have no slipping at the heel and the foot should be stable and comfortable.

Hope that helps!

My dcs always had Clarks. They always lasted the whole school year. Spending £40 is cheaper than buying three lots of £20 shoes.

I think they're still pretty good, tbh.

I don't think Clarks are worth the price for children tbh. I stopped getting DS1's shoes there once he grew out of their baby and toddler styles as their boys' shoes seemed so enormous and clumpy for a little preschooler. I will buy sandals or canvas shoes there but I go to a local independent shop for their school shoes and winter boots. As PPs have said, brands like Geox, Ricosta, Froddo, Bo-Bell, Bobux etc. are the same price as Clarks but much, much better quality and I then feel it's justifiable.

DS1 wears shoes very hard and is very active and I've found those brands indestructible. He also has wide and 'deep' feet and does need shoes that are fitted properly.

The bloody canvas doodles are now £24!!
£24!!!

That seems a lot! My ds had Clark's shoes and his always cost about £30-36 iirc. And I thought that was expensive!

In my opinion, the shoes are worth the money as they are well built and do last.

The soles would be hanging off DD’s within a month and she was only 3.5!

Clarks are expensive, I've just paid £80 for a pair of school shoes each for my children. Unfortunately we aren't exactly spoilt for choice when it comes to kids shoes in our town, there is just one little independent shoe shop that stocks Clarks and some Skechers for kids! So its either that or supermarket shoes and having bought them before I wouldn't make the mistake again!

When son was 6 14 years ago I was paying £36 for his clarks shoes. So they are not as expensive as they were.

Add to the fact that £56 excludes VAT and you have the real comparison of £67.20 for comparison purposes between the children's and adults departments.

I agree you can pick up old stock at outlet stores or on eBay sometimes (new shoes just cheaper)

@haveagoodyear my nearly ten year old has just gone into size 1 from a 13! Are you breeding a giant?

YANBU. I buy DCs’ school shoes from TU at Sainsbury’s now. They’re leather with lovely designs and have memory foam insoles. They cost around about £20 so I reckon that even if they only last half as long as a pair from Clark’s, I’m quids in. So far (2 years in for 2 DCs) they’ve always been outgrown before they’ve worn out.

I don't mind paying for good quality, but I think Clarke's quality has diminished over the years (as with many high street shops to be fair).
I don't like their boys school styles either; they are either horrid pointy-mans office shoes or clumpy brick like things. Stopped buying school shoes there for DS2.

Clark’s school shoes are not good enough quality to justify the price. M&S are similar ok quality and styling for about 30% cheaper.0