Are all shoes for young girls mary jane style?

[kwaker5]

I always ask if they have something more 'closed' but all I get is wierd looks and boys shoes brought out. Even a pair in red would be a step in the right direction.

So, she is in boys shoes for now but she's not quite 2 yet (I just think they look more practical and comfortable, especially in winter).

My dd, now nearly 4, has spent most of her life so far in 'boys' shoes. So much more practical for running around in, especially in nursery.
It's unbelievable how stereotyped children's shoes are.

Another vote for trainers.
Yr4 DD has boots for school, so do most of her peers.

I've also struggled to find shoes that are closed and not pink or white. Why should girls be stuck in impractical shoes all summer? At least I can get boots in winter.

There is an independent shoe shop here in Nottingham with some European brands that give more choice than Clarks. www.thelittleshoe-company.co.uk/

We've had Primigi and garvalin in the past and they are nice.

Try school shoe shopping in Australia. A choice of 2 pairs (in total) and they cost

(I suggest sitting down)

for Clarks bog standard school shoes

$120.

Which is about 80 quid. sob.

Vivobarefoot have lovely soft ones but£££ , but they do have big half price sales

If you can find an independent shoe shop, ricosta shoes are fab (there's a list of stockists on their website). Not that much more expensive than clarks, and they are refreshingly non-pink and also virtually indestructible.

Have a look at Pediped shoes - lots of Mary Janes but some cute little sneaker-type styles as well.