Where else can you buy decent shoes for newly walking toddlers part from Clarks or startrite?

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I only ask as these are expensive and obviously I will pay if needs be as I want good footwear for her but wonder if im missing a trick somewhere? I tried sales but couldn't find any in her size by the time I was paid

I was going to suggest independent shoe shops, however these are usually more expensive.

Have you checked online for both Clarks and Start Rite? They often have a clearance section?

I only used to get DD one pair of shoes per size when she was little, so I could cope with the £30/40 because I knew she was wearing them every day. Now she is in school shoes, she has properly fitted school shoes then I buy a second cheapy supermarket pair for racing aroubd the park at the weekend.

Ive heard M&S do well fitting shoes, but Im not sure whether these are cheaper than Clarks etc.

Livi and Luca are great. Ring the number on their website and the lovely Natalie will help you.

Just to offer a different perspective DS1 briefly saw a physiotherapist as he was slow to walk (fine now). She suggested getting him some boots that supported his ankle, and I said, 'right we'll go to Clarkes then', and to my surprise she was quite dismissive about the whole Clarkes/shoe fitting thing. She said as long as the shoes fit, they won't cause any damage. With lightweight shoes she suggested holding the sole of the shoe against babies foot and checking that there is a small amount of space all around the foot, and with sturdier shoes suggested trying to take the insole out if possible, to do the same with.
So DS1 has never had Clarkes shoes and seems to have survived! So far most of his shoes have been from SportsDirect, who do some walking type shoes and trainers which are great for kids, comfortable, look cool and last ages. Can't seem to find them on their website but they always have them in-store.
The other suggestion is to go and get measured and then buy off ebay, as there are normally lots that are not well worn because of how fast kids grow.

You don't only have to buy Clarks or Startrites OP. I have lived in a few countries in my life, and in all the countries I have lived in, it is only the UK that his this obsession with Clarks and Startrite shoes. I do realize, that the dc in UK have to cover their feet to keep them warm, unlike African dc who run around most of the year not wearing any, but paying 40 odd pounds for a first pair of shoes is quite amazing to me.

Fwiw, I did have dc in UK. Neither of them wore any shoes before they were walking properly. Dd had a problem with her foot (happened during birth, so nothing to do with shoes ) and we had to see a podiatrist. I discussed the Clarks/Startrite phenomenon with him, and he was totally in agreement with me, that expensive shoes like these are not a necessity, but more than parents are made to feel that they should be buying them by how they are marketed.

As long as they are sturdy enough to support the foot, there is sufficient space for the foot, have a good closing mechanism (ie laces, buckle etc) and allow the foot can breathe, then they will be fine.

My dc wore shoes from M&S, Debenhams and the like.

And yes, I did get frowned upon at the school gate, as it wasn't the "norm" to not have dc not wearing school shoes from the exclusive brands. And, if they lasted 6 months it was a lot, not due to the fact that they were worn out, they were still perfect most of the time, but that they were grown out of.

Now is a great time to buy. Lots of shops have 50% off.

TK Maxx often have cheap Clarks, Start Rite and cute european brands half price too.

Ecco have really cool shoes but are £££

Live anywhere near Somerset? There is a huge outlet village called Clark's Village. They're bound to do them cheaper. Also a good sale on at Clark's atm. But I'm reassured to have my suspicions confirmed. My ds is ready for his first pair and I suspected £32 was a bit of a con. If I find none in the sale I'll head to M&S. Thanks mumsnet!