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Original poster

To think Clarks really are the best school shoes?

121 replies

Boxofbics · 24/07/2022 13:54

Have always used Clarks shoes for school but with all the prices of everything creeping up I am wondering if other school shoes are just as good?

Asda, Sainsbury's, Tesco have decent shoes for less than £20 while Clarks are close to £50.

Thoughts?
Thanks.

OP posts:
Fozzleyplum · 26/07/2022 03:59

When DSs were wearing school shoes, we found that Ricosta, Geox or Start Rite fitted and lasted better than Clarks ( or " Clanks" as DSs called them, owing to the script). Ricosta shoes in particular were indestructible.

CeeceeBloomingdale · 26/07/2022 05:18

My 15yo still chooses clarks shoes. I find them good value as they last until they are outgrown, conform with uniform policy and have decent soles and polish up well. Now they often last two years. I once bought the equivalent in Sainsburys and they lasted just 3 weeks. The Sainsburys ones were £25. The Clarks ones have been between £20 and £32. I buy from a Clarks outlet shop.

Ncfreely · 26/07/2022 05:47

Don’t know what the consensus is but I’ve found Clarkes utter shite. Just had to throw some shoes away after 6 months. Absolute rip off.

EntertainingandFactual · 26/07/2022 05:51

Clark’s school shoes for girls are terrible for the price.
You can find comparable Supermarket/ M&S/ Next shoes at much lower prices.

I always went for brands like kickers and DM for my DD.

bumblebeessarecool · 26/07/2022 06:03

I had a club foot and needed to get good shoes when I was young.My parents couldnt afford Clarks shoes and the orthopedic surgeon recommended M&S sgoes because they were just as good quality and a lot cheaper.

RedHelenB · 26/07/2022 06:03

Boxofbics · 24/07/2022 13:54

Have always used Clarks shoes for school but with all the prices of everything creeping up I am wondering if other school shoes are just as good?

Asda, Sainsbury's, Tesco have decent shoes for less than £20 while Clarks are close to £50.

Thoughts?
Thanks.

They have been for my children. Son's are over a year old and stood up well to the vigour of daily football and walking to and from school in all weathers.

Londonrach1 · 26/07/2022 06:07

My 5 year old Sainsbury's ones lasted all year and we're great. No difference between the supermarket and Clarks. You spend your money as you want too. I don't think Clarks any better

SpeckofDustUponMySoul · 26/07/2022 06:29

I'm starting my DC off with Pablosky shoes when they start school in September.

lot123 · 26/07/2022 06:57

I've found Clarks boys shoes pretty durable but they're expensive. We've had a couple of outlet pairs which looked similar but weren't of the same quality, which they pointed out when I tried to return them as they fell apart.

I've had Asda and M&S school shoes and they've been fine, particularly M&S. My kids are now in adult sizes and the M&S ones are much better than Clarks, although still £60-80. I've also learnt my lesson not to buy leather soled ones as my kids made holes through the soles by the end of the first term.

WonderingWanda · 26/07/2022 06:58

I use Clarks, Strartrite or M&S as they all do wide fit or slim fit too. Top tip for girls patent leather lasts longer.

Original poster
Boxofbics · 26/07/2022 07:13

Loads of suggestions thank you.

OP posts:
ladygindiva · 26/07/2022 07:15

I shop on the Clarks outlet online , and regularly buy our Clarks school shoes cut price at around the £20-30 mark. I do think they are the best.

MintJulia · 26/07/2022 07:17

My ds' school doesn't allow trainer style shoes, only basic, smooth leather lace ups. The only high street shop that keeps them now is Clarks.

They are good quality leather and last well. DS's current pair have lasted 15 months and still polish up like new. He's outgrown them now so I'll clean them up and pass them to the second hand shop.

Fairislefandango · 26/07/2022 07:18

I've almost always bought Clarks for my dc, but have occasionally bought others, including supermarket ones. Tbh I've never seen a pair fsil to last the year, whatever brand they were.

Jammysod · 26/07/2022 07:18

We used to get Clarks, but found the quality didn't quite match the price and they were trashed half way through the year. Last year we got Geox and they lasted the whole year. About £10 more expensive, but worth it.
DS has wide feet, so supermarket shoes don't fit...otherwise I'd give them a go.

Louise0701 · 26/07/2022 07:30

We’ve had all sorts from kickers, Clark’s, M&S, Start rite & Lelli Kelli. Start rite were the best followed by the lelli Kelli which were really durable.
Trainers for PE we use Nike as they have to be all black at my childrens school and they have the most all black options.

Friendship101 · 26/07/2022 07:33

One DC has very wide feet so we always get Clark’s shoes. They last the year unless they are outgrown. Have tried Geox with both DC and they didn’t last a month and I returned both.

miserablecat · 26/07/2022 07:43

Doubleraspberry · 24/07/2022 13:57

My daughter’s Clarks shoes have just about lasted a term. I’ve been quite disappointed. We’ve had M&S ones that have done pretty well.

I converted to M and S for DS school shoes about 5 years sago and have been impressed. They virtually last a full school year.

MissGlitterSparkles · 26/07/2022 07:50

I always get Dds shoes from Clarks. Thry are well made, fit her well and last.

However I’m frustrated this year as they are now going over the top with decorations on their girls shoes. Little gems, seashells, rainbows etc. DDs school only allow plain black shoes - no ‘fancy’ bit. I only had a choice of 2 pairs this years

ldontWanna · 26/07/2022 07:51

M&S are the best we ever had, and I haven't bought anything else for a few years. I only have to replace them because DD outgrew them, and even then they last a while longer for DD's friend too. She normally has the patent ones,which are £30/36.

CakeCrumbs44 · 26/07/2022 07:59

I bought Sainsbury's ones last September but the sole was coming away after half a term (admittedly my DD does do a lot of scrabbling around on the floor!)
Bought Clarks in January and they lasted 2 terms and would have lasted longer except they got too small.
I've ordered some from the Clarks Outlet for £20 this year, hopefully her feet don't grow too fast!

CakeCrumbs44 · 26/07/2022 08:02

Fozzleyplum · 26/07/2022 03:59

When DSs were wearing school shoes, we found that Ricosta, Geox or Start Rite fitted and lasted better than Clarks ( or " Clanks" as DSs called them, owing to the script). Ricosta shoes in particular were indestructible.

I also call them "Clanks" 😂😂

Siameasy · 26/07/2022 08:13

I got DD measured in Clarks then went on Vinted and bought a pair there for £12 which had apparently been worn but you couldn’t tell. She’s outgrown them now otherwise they’d be good for September. You also find pairs on EBay.

Darbs76 · 26/07/2022 08:14

Whenever I didn’t buy Clarks for mine I ended up buying again my Christmas. So yes much better than supermarket or shops like next / m&s

LadyIckenham · 26/07/2022 08:16

Following with interest, as I don't rate
Clarks any more. We've used an independent shop that sells Clarks as well as others for a while, since about 5 years
ago when I was struggling to get shoes for the eldest (she has very narrow feet) and had to try 3 different Clarks branches, all of whom measured her a different size. Which rather defeats the point of using them.

Pondering M&S or someone else this year. My older boy absolutely trashes whatever brand we get and with 4 DC, it's an expensive shop. Girls are probably old enough not to need the measuring now in any event, will probably stick with the small shop for the youngest.

As an aside, I noticed adults' shoes in Clarks have absolutely shot up in price recently too.