Toddler shoes...

[summerinthecity22]

...looking for advice and recommendations for toddler shoes.

My DD is now walking and I'm wondering what shoes to buy...do you get yours measured? Measure yourself?
Are Clark's the best? Any to avoid?
I did get some shoes just from Marks and Spencer's flat plimsoles. Not sure they are the right size I kind of put up against her feet...

Any advice much appreciated

We got our boys measured at Clark's but I reckon they told us half a size under as they barely lasted. Didn't find them particularly good quality either, if you have other options nearby I would try them before Clark's but definitely get her feet measured properly so her shoes are comfortable for her.

We had to get first shoes during lockdown. We ordered a measurer from Clarks (Startright do them too) and attempted to take his size/width then got some Clarks shoes on eBay. They were 99p plus £3 postage and very new. We will return to eBay when he needs new shoes as they're so expensive given how little wear they get out of them. My friend who worked in a shoe shop during uni did a check over what's app and said they looked ok, and he loves wearing them (after refusing to walk in them for a week when we first got them) so hopefully they're fine.

I’ve always found Clark’s to be good; or start rite. I normally get a decent pair from either of those then any additional shoes from next.
I was told to be cautious of buying shoes second hand as shoes adjust and shape to how children walk so second hand ones have done that to other children’s feet.
I’ve got a Clark’s measuring gauge but I still think it’s important to take them in to get their feet properly measured and different shoes fit differently dependent on style.

We just got her measured at Clark's and bought some there on sale for £10 , which I thought was pretty good value for leather shoes. I'm really pleased with them.

A lot of sites have printable foot measures now, start rite are good and did have a sale on (not sure if it's finished now). I wouldn't buy second hand as they mould to the child's feet, but similarly I wouldn't spend loads on a pair as they tend to grow out of them quickly. I just buy minimal amounts in each size, so currently just sandals and wellies, then in the next size will get actual shoes as the weather starts to turn. Supermarkets also do first step, firm soled shoes and they seem decent quality.

Despite working for Clark's as a teenager I didn't rate the service at Clark's recently and the canvas shoes we went for rubbed. I keep returning to an independent shop for my sons shoes as I'm happier that they fit properly. During lockdown I drew around his foot and measured the length and sent this plus a foot photo to the shop and mail ordered some which fit perfectly. The independent shop shoes are dearer but I only buy one pair at a time and he wears them constantly.x