First shoes

[moita]

I apologise if this is a stupid question but I'm a first time mum!

Nearly one year old DS is a steady walker inside and it won't be long until he's walking (a bit) outside.

Is Clarks the best place to get shoes? Will they measure his feet? I've seen Mothercare etc do shoes but I'm assuming he needs feet measured?

It comes down to personal preference really. My DD's first shoes were Clarks. Lovely soft leather.

I've never had a problem with them but Clarks are like marmite on mumsnet.

My DS has always had Clark’s shoes but if you don’t like what they have you can always get feet measured there and then buy elsewhere / online.

Clark’s were lovely when we bought our sons first shoes. Different brands have different fits so I wouldn’t suggest getting him measured there and going elsewhere.

Is there a Charles Clinkard near you? They carry many brands and measure well without pushing you onto any particular brand. What fits best gets recommended.

I'd only ever get clarks shoes for my child

We have always got shoes from independent shops. My children have ridiculously small feet (DS is 2.5 and only just in a 4!) and Clarks didn't stock their sizes. I also found Clarks girls shoes are a little flimsy and not v practical. DD is a show wrecker so needs something sturdy! Google local independent shops. If you're West Yorkshire based I could recommend a few! I've gotten quite friendly with the woman who owns ours, and she quite often gives me discounts too!

Ah we are in the east Midlands Whoami but thank you. Didn't think of independant shoe shops...time for a google.

I’d go to an idependent shoe shop who will measure, and stock a selection of brands. John Lewis do. Clark’s shoes last about 2 minutes and their fitting leaves a lot to be desired.

When my DS started walking (he was a late walker so I was very excited!) I dutifully went along to Clarks and got his feet measured, they took a little photo, the whole thing, all very exciting. I paid through the nose for a pair of shoes with absolutely zero growing room that he had grown out of within weeks. After that I just bought him converse. Similar price and much more stylish and apparently kind on their feet as well.

For DD I did get her Clarks again because I felt like I should, but I just measured her feet myself and bought a pair online. No 'My First Shoes' photo for my poor second born!

I've gone for Startrite (ordered online) and DS loves them! He cried trying on Clarks but he had just woken up so won't judge based on that!

You need to get the shoe fitted - either at Clarks or somewhere else but just getting them measured is not enough for small, soft boned feet.

I've found bobux the best place for first shoes

Check out the Happy Little Soles website and the barefoot shoes approach. There are loads of lovely shoes on there that are all chosen because they provide the shape of shoe that soft bones need to develop properly.

Really helpful. Thanks all. Glad there are more options out there.

We’ve always used an independent children’s shoe shop, as they stock a range of makes, which all fit differently. DS1 has very wide get and when I did try Clarke’s, they simply suggested buying shoes two sizes bigger as their widths increase with length. Independent always manages to find a make that comes up wide, so shoes are appropriate length and width. I’ve also found the range better, as Clarke’s can be a bit sandy, but if you like them, that’s fine. I think, though, it all comes down to your children’s feet and the fit of particular shoes.

The independent shoe shops can have better deals on Clarks than the website itself. I got some from an independent for 12 quid for ds. I wouldn't have paid any more than that. I can't see what all the fuss is about but they are very cute and have a nice box so you can keep them if you want to get sentimental about it.

I'd get them measured properly first and then shop around. Some of dd's first shoes were from Ecco. In an odd colour and in the sale but they were great and much better than Clarks.

But mine went barefoot as much as possible and now I buy their shoes anywhere.