School shoes for reception DD

[Aria20]

I've had the joys of Clark's back to school measuring feet for 3 children today. Got the older boys sorted in M&S in the end. But 4.5yo dd is proving hard to get school shoes for... She obviously loves the Mary Jane style shoes - but they gape when she's walking. I have tried so many pairs on her today in various sizes and widths. I've tried Clark's, M&S, next and matalan today. Have previously tried Asda and sainsburys with same issue. Her feet aren't odd shaped or anything, 10f so average width. Why don't any of the shoes fit properly?! Also tried T bar style and they also gaped.

They are not allowed boots or black trainer style. She will not wear boys ones. She has 2 big brothers and is very much a girly girl and knows what she likes.

Anyone else have this problem? Also £48 for a plain pair of Mary Jane style in Clark's! That's more than I spend on my own shoes and these are for a 4yo whose feet will prob have grown by Xmas or she'll have scuffed them up on scooters...

Is there an independent shoe shop near you? In my experience they are really good as stock lots of different brands so there's more scope to find a pair that fit well. Even if your DCs feet measure as a standard size in Clarks, they don't always pick up differences in foot shape (i.e. instep size etc), and I've found small independent places much better.

A very long time ago I fitted kids shoes. She probably has a high instep, I would recommend a fitted lace shoe, or a shoe with a high front and strap that is closer to her ankle.

I will try upload some photos.

What about doc martens and similar - they come higher up, or look for a t-bar style?

Startrite also have girls ones that come further up the foot

I buy school shoes at John Lewis as they have lots of different brands and I've never had to take them back for being the wrong size. I've also heard good things about other shops with multiple brands like Charles Clinkard and Russell and Bromley.

Try Start Rite

My DD also won't were boys shoes but she made a beeline for some with gems and light up soles (which could be turned off), I let her have them after she spent all last winter complaining about cold feet. They were in the girls section but otherwise looked like the boys ones.
Outside school she really likes ankle boots, but our school don't allow them.

I agree with going to JL or R&B where they have a choice of brands to save yourself multiple school shoe shopping trips which, let's face it , are the pits.
My other piece of advice is not to as k the DC whether they like the shoe and to 'train' them to believe that you will choose the shoe that is the best for the situation. Taking into account their likes and dislikes on top of fitting, availability , quality and the inevitable long wait for service at this time of the year was a step too far for me.

I tend to measure at home and buy Bobux or similar (in the sales as far as possible! Aided by not involving DC in these decisions for as long as possible, so I can choose between the sale options rather than argue about full price shoes). I can't speak to Mary Janes or T-bar specifically I'm afraid as I'm still fobbing my DD (same age) off with unisex shoes.

I put my DD in Dr martens ankle boots. Waterproof, easy to put on and provide full coverage of her foot. School say boots are not allowed but tbh no one has even approached me directly and I'd rather she had something decent and that fits her well (and comfortable) on her feet.

My kids all have a high instep and narrow ankles. We have never been able to buy Clarks shoes. Too tight over the top and bagging at the side, heels slipping out... Sometimes the sales assistant still tries to persuade you that the shoe fits when it clearly doesn't.

We have had great success with Startrite and Primigi bar does for girls (almost Mary Jane), Primigi lace ups for girls and Geox lace ups for boys. Primigi shoes are really soft on little feet.

And unless she can tie her own laces I wouldn't be putting her in lace up shoes.

go to an independent shoe shop. Clark's are poor if feet aren't standard size

Actually I just checked and the girls lace ups are Ricosta. Basically my kids have nicer shoes than I do.

If gojng elsewhere. ( especially startrite ) be aware there is aside difference in Clarks sizing so look at the European number rather than Uk ( eg size 24 )

Start rite or ricosta. Don't get lace ups unless she can reliably tie laces.

If she can't do laces yet then you can order silicon laces from Amazon, you'll want the dress shoe versions. You put them through the lace holes but they are stretchy so you can take them off and on easily but they stayed fixed to the foot even when running around. This means you can look at brogues and other lace up shoes too. The only down side is that I'm not sure how small the smallest ones are.

We first started using them for quick changes during dance shows for DDs tap shoes but she preferred them in her school shoes to despite being able to do her laces as it meant she could get changed quicker.

What about these Kickers? They have a Velcro strap so you can tighten as much as you need to.

I have these in the adult version for work and they're so comfortable.

I could also send you a student discount code if you did like them, for an extra 20% off.

www.kickers.co.uk/infant-girls-kariko-t-strap-patent-leather-black/13164187.html

I rate brands like Bobux and Ricosta, but they're not cheap, and you're unlikely to get them at sale price atm. Still, if I'm paying full price I'd rather get something that's good quality for the money, unlike Clarks.

It's ridiculous that Mary Janes are the default style for girls, they're so impractical.

The last 3 pairs my dd has had were Lelli Kelli patent mary jane style. I was pleasantly surprised by how robust they were and looked smart and lasted all year. I agree an independent shop is best. I've come to terms with spending over 50 quid on school shoes now. Trainers and wellies for the weekend cheap from sports direct!

Thanks for all the replies. I will try John Lewis and Russel and Bromley. We don't have any of the others or any independents nearby. She can't tie laces yet so I wouldn't want to annoy the teacher if they needed re doing at school

We tried t bar style and had same issue as Mary Jane style. I suspect it probably is a high instep or something like that.

If you search on eBay for girls school shoes, and filter by size, there are lots of good quality brands, new shoes for good prices. Most are Mary Jane or T-Bar style but there are a few others. Would she like these for example?
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/185236542230

Also found these in plain or patent black leather
www.startriteshoes.com/flair-black-leather-girls-riptape-school-shoes

@NameChange30 she'd prob like lelli kelli ones due to their advertising but say they second ones were for boys!

Well they're clearly marketed as being for girls, and FWIW I think they're quite feminine (plus they have a bow design on the heel), but I have a picky 5yo so I understand.

It sounds as if she's dead set on shoes that are "girly" which apparently means they have to be Mary Jane, T-bar or patent... so perhaps just try other brands to see if you can find a better fit. Start-rite seem to have a lot of options, is there a stockist near you?

No experience of buying girls shoes, but I’d highly recommend Bobux. Sadly the schools shoes aren’t in the sale so I’ve had to pay full price for ours (unlike previously when I’ve bought in the sale and sized up). The size guide is great (I draw around my little ones feet and measure with a ruler) and they’re based on European sizes. They are pricey, but only £10 more expensive than what Clarks had to offer which in my opinion were awful and totally unsuitable for little developing feet.