To thinks Clarks shoe shop can’t last?

[mightyducks]

Just been in for a browse. Need a new pair of work shoes, admittedly I haven’t bought any for a couple of years because of WFH , but bought from them not that long ago, shoes were around £40-£50 . Just picked up a pair, just plain black shoes, smart for work , they were £89! AIBU to think at these prices the vast majority of people just won’t shop there anymore and it will close?

I buy shoes for work from Clarks. I have plantar fasciitis and need comfortable, well structured shoes. I also like Moshulu which are a similar price point. Yes they’re more expensive than some shops but you get what you pay for just like anywhere! I also think they have very good customer service.

We bought school shoes for DS in January and one of the soles is already coming off. Meanwhile his cheap trainers are still going strong.

They are the only place that do really good width fittings that you can actually try on - not order on line and return ten pairs!

@MsVestibule

I've always bought school shoes from Clark's for my children. I bought DS(13) a pair of what looked like solid, good quality school shoes from there in September for £50. The front bit of the sole is now hanging off so I'm going to have to by a replacement pair this afternoon, even though they still fit. He doesn't play football in them, just normal walking about.

If it happens again, I won't be buying from them again - they can't rely on brand loyalty if they produce inferior products.

Can you not glue it back down ?

I've got long narrow feet, can't buy on the high street and have never paid less than £100 for shoes....up to £400 for boots. They last me years but I am so limited choice wise.

Shoes are expensive, I've just bought DS1 a pair of Doc Martens for £150, DS2's last pair of trainers were £70.

My very favourite heels ever were Clark's, they were about £35 in the sale, and were so comfortable. I had them for about ten years. Unfortunately I wrecked them falling down some stairs

Went in to get DC some trainers for school. £51 for plain black trainers.
I mean, I know the quality is better but in Tesco they were £15, similar style etc. I don’t know how anyone justifies that cost!

@JesusInTheCabbageVan

We bought school shoes for DS in January and one of the soles is already coming off. Meanwhile his cheap trainers are still going strong.

Take them back to Clark's & ask for a refund or replacement, especially if you have the receipt. I bought DD a pair of leather ankle boots in Aug for school - all fine until mid-Feb when she somehow managed to make a hole in the top of them. Took her to Clark's & picked out a new pair, had the old pair with me & told the cashier/manager I wanted to return them as they shouldn't have done that after only 6 months; she asked if I had the receipt or a bank statement (I didn't) so she knocked off half the price of the boots off the replacement shoes. If I'd had the receipt I'd have got a full refund.

I have been wearing Clarks Funny Dream shoes for donkeys years as they fit my flat, weird feet really well and lasted ages. They also brought them out in wonderful colours every year. My favourite pair are aubergine purple. Alas, Clarks are no longer doing the funky colours anymore and have no plans to. They're only available in black or navy now. I'm so 😔.

I have always found them to be quite staid and old fashioned. I stopped buying there for my kids when I realised a pair of Kids Dr Martens cost about £5 more and lasted until they grew out of them. Altogether a superior school shoe and also ‘cooler’.

@APurpleSquirrel see, I wanted to do that, but DH is adamant they won't do anything! We don't have the receipt unfortunately. I might take them in next weekend if I get time, can't hurt I suppose.

The last two pairs of school shoes we have had from Clarks have been poor. Discovered treads just before they stopped trading and they are so much better and DS loves them. Think we'll go back to the independent shoe shop we used to go to before the pandemic next time we need school shoes.
I have bought from Clarks in the past for work but generally in the sale but they're generally not my style.

They don’t really have serious competitors in the kids shoe market do they? I’m my town Clarkes is the only place they seem to properly measure and check that shoes are properly fitted.

If there is anywhere else I could go I would love to hear about it!

I’ve never liked the style of their shoes anyway so wouldn’t buy them, even as a kid I didn’t like them. I bought my DS some for secondary school in September and they’re still going strong though so worth the £50 I paid.

@NuffSaidSam

That was my first thought of course, but the way they've come away means it wouldn't work. I promise, I am not one to fritter away money unnecessarily!

Sorry, a no from me, my feet have started to spread ( nearly 60, old age), pavers and hotter ( crap styles tho), now need wider fit.
Good shoes cost sadly, they don’t look good these days

I still love Clarks.

I like comfy shoes that support my feet, and don't leave my legs aching after I've been on my feet all day. They're also better quality than any cheaper ones I've bought. So they last for ages, and importantly they stay comfortable for ages.

@Jammybadger

They don’t really have serious competitors in the kids shoe market do they? I’m my town Clarkes is the only place they seem to properly measure and check that shoes are properly fitted.

If there is anywhere else I could go I would love to hear about it!

That's a good point. When I was a kid it was Clarks, Kay's or Startrite. So presumably my mum took me to the independent shoe shop that closed a few years ago in my home town.

There WAS choice but there will be less as the indie shops give way to the biggies, I guess.

I buy from here for my teen boys school shoes - they are in mens sizes but evidently quite heavy on the wear. The high street shoes or fashion shoes were not lasting even half a term but Clarkes last us significantly longer.

I buy school shoes in M&S the ones I got in september may look a bit manky with the leather peeling off but the soles still aint got a hole in them and they where under £30, and they are the only shoes he wears all the time, he only has 2 pairs the school shoes and the p.e shoes he doesnt like wearing the p.e ones, he doesnt like trainers.

everywhere else I have bought school shoes from I find get holes in the solewithin 3 to 6 months, kickers were the worst £60 those damn things cost for 3 months of use.

I can go to Sports Direct and buy trainers for my children, Nike at £25 a pair. Who on earth are spending £50 on ugly Clarkes trainers for their kids?

Some of the shoes look nice but I can never find a pair to fit - I've got narrow feet. I mostly buy European shoes which tend to be narrower.

I buy boots from Clarke’s but tend to get from their outlet website. I’ve got a pair of dog walking boots that are on their 4th year and still in good condition. I think they’ll last me another 2 winters at least. I wear them everyday from about September to March walking through woods and parks in mud/rain so I’m really happy with how they’ve lasted.

I’ve got a pair of everyday Clark’s boots, I bought off eBay for £35 brand new. I always get compliments on them when I wear them. Had them 2 winters now and they look good as new still.

So although they are expensive, I think they’ve worth it in the long run with how well they last. I’ve had cheaper boots that have needed replacing before I’ve worn them for one full winter.

I’ve got some lovely leather wedge sandals from Clarks. So comfy and have lasted for 5 years. Think I might have to replace them this summer and I’ll be looking at Clarks before anywhere else!

@bellamountain Honestly I’d pay more to not give Mike Ashley my money. I appreciate that is not an option for everyone but that man is abhorrent.