How important are Clarks shoes?

[MsBaggins]

I have a toddler dd who has been in Clarks shoes since she could walk, the same as my older dc who still has Clark's school shoes.

To be honest I'm sick of paying extortionate amounts for ugly shoes when I could get some trainers that look nicer, are much cheaper and are still pretty sturdy.

I know Clark's are meant to be supportive for growing feet which is why I've always bought them for my dc but how important are they really?

I just get measured at Clark’s and sometimes buy if there’s something in the sale or look for new or lightly used on Vinted.

DD has very narrow feet so Clarks never fit her - I always take my two to a local independent shoe shop where they get measured and can try on shoes from a range of brands to find the ones that fit the best, adding insoles (for free!) if needed. They always have a sale on so can normally get something that’s discounted, except when it’s school shoes time.

They sell trainers as well from various sports brands but again they do need to be fitted as the styles don’t all fit the same. It’s not as bad with adults or older kids (I imagine) as they can tell you if shoes are uncomfortable, but it’s so hard to know with the little ones so I like the peace of mind of an expert opinion.

I grew up elsewhere and truly can’t get my head around this country’s obsession with Clarks. I always buy good quality leather flats but the brand varies based on what fits/looks best. Who cares what brand they are?

I just bought a foot measuring gauge for at home.
I buy bobux, geox or super fit mainly. All I buy online in sales. So often last years model or colour but that’s no problem.

Would you consider buying from Vinted? I normally buy Clarks / Startright / Ricosta on Vinted for less than £10 a pair. I recently had to purchase some school shoes last minute from Shoe Zone for £16 and the quality is like night and day vs the second hand Clarks shoes which were £60 new.