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Original poster

..to ask about school shoes already?

40 replies

notafruit · 19/07/2023 17:24

My DS is in trainers for the last few days of school. The £30 shoes I bought a few weeks ago have fallen to bits. They replaced the £50 Clarkes shoes that lasted 6 months before falling apart.
School is incredibly strict regarding shoes, and nothing that even resembles a trainer style is allowed. (I've had to argue to get him to be able to wear trainers for the last 3 days of school. They wanted me to buy him another pair of shoes)
So, for September I need good quality, long lasting boys shoes.
They must be black and lace up.

I am poor. I really don't want to go over about £50
Nothing that even bares a very slightly distant relationship to a sports shoe is permitted, nor is velcro.
Can anyone point me in the direction of something suitable?

Clarkes is out, I've not had any luck with the last few pairs. He's size 4, and in going into year 8 at high school.

OP posts:
itsmylife7 · 19/07/2023 22:43

Clarks shoe shops are partly owned by China now !

MrsPositivity1 · 19/07/2023 23:11

notafruit · 19/07/2023 17:24

My DS is in trainers for the last few days of school. The £30 shoes I bought a few weeks ago have fallen to bits. They replaced the £50 Clarkes shoes that lasted 6 months before falling apart.
School is incredibly strict regarding shoes, and nothing that even resembles a trainer style is allowed. (I've had to argue to get him to be able to wear trainers for the last 3 days of school. They wanted me to buy him another pair of shoes)
So, for September I need good quality, long lasting boys shoes.
They must be black and lace up.

I am poor. I really don't want to go over about £50
Nothing that even bares a very slightly distant relationship to a sports shoe is permitted, nor is velcro.
Can anyone point me in the direction of something suitable?

Clarkes is out, I've not had any luck with the last few pairs. He's size 4, and in going into year 8 at high school.

Kickers or Dr Martens?

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 19/07/2023 23:18

Just don't get Clark's.
Neither good enough quality for the price, or cheap enough for the quality.

GlitteryUnicornSparkles · 19/07/2023 23:48

We frequently use sports direct, they often have sales on.

littlefireseverywhere · 19/07/2023 23:58

Dr marten, find size in shop then buy new from ebay

Original poster
notafruit · 20/07/2023 07:47

MrsPositivity1 · 19/07/2023 23:11

Kickers or Dr Martens?

Show quote history

I've seen a few not so good reports about Kickers too. Like Clarks, they seem to have gone downhill. DM's are a bit beyond my budget. I'll keep checking the sale page though.

OP posts:
MrsPositivity1 · 20/07/2023 08:02

notafruit · 19/07/2023 17:24

My DS is in trainers for the last few days of school. The £30 shoes I bought a few weeks ago have fallen to bits. They replaced the £50 Clarkes shoes that lasted 6 months before falling apart.
School is incredibly strict regarding shoes, and nothing that even resembles a trainer style is allowed. (I've had to argue to get him to be able to wear trainers for the last 3 days of school. They wanted me to buy him another pair of shoes)
So, for September I need good quality, long lasting boys shoes.
They must be black and lace up.

I am poor. I really don't want to go over about £50
Nothing that even bares a very slightly distant relationship to a sports shoe is permitted, nor is velcro.
Can anyone point me in the direction of something suitable?

Clarkes is out, I've not had any luck with the last few pairs. He's size 4, and in going into year 8 at high school.

What shoe size is your DS?

Original poster
notafruit · 20/07/2023 08:45

MrsPositivity1 · 20/07/2023 08:02

What shoe size is your DS?

Show quote history

Size 4. Quite small feet for his age.

OP posts:
Peccary · 20/07/2023 08:53

I think I'll try M&S for September. My dad likes to buy DD's shoes but insists on Clarks. The last pair are wrecked and she only got them in the Easter holiday, she's give them a hard time but I'd expect more robustness for £50!

Regholdsworthswaterbed · 20/07/2023 08:54

I find Next very good and cheaper than clarks

MrsPositivity1 · 20/07/2023 09:23

notafruit · 19/07/2023 17:24

My DS is in trainers for the last few days of school. The £30 shoes I bought a few weeks ago have fallen to bits. They replaced the £50 Clarkes shoes that lasted 6 months before falling apart.
School is incredibly strict regarding shoes, and nothing that even resembles a trainer style is allowed. (I've had to argue to get him to be able to wear trainers for the last 3 days of school. They wanted me to buy him another pair of shoes)
So, for September I need good quality, long lasting boys shoes.
They must be black and lace up.

I am poor. I really don't want to go over about £50
Nothing that even bares a very slightly distant relationship to a sports shoe is permitted, nor is velcro.
Can anyone point me in the direction of something suitable?

Clarkes is out, I've not had any luck with the last few pairs. He's size 4, and in going into year 8 at high school.

Here is a size 4 on eBay.

..to ask about school shoes already?
MujeresLibres · 20/07/2023 09:35

Just a reminder that there is a Clarks Outlet online shop which is cheaper if you're happy to try them again.

Original poster
notafruit · 20/07/2023 18:23

We've got 2 Clarks outlets nearby, but I don't think I'll be using them again.
Treads look pretty decent. I shall have to consult my handy chart of shoes with big green ticks and big red crosses to make sure I don't get anything on the forbidden list. 🙄

OP posts:
thebestsellingshow · 20/07/2023 18:27

We've found Next the most hardwearing!

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